Root Glacier Trail

Level: Easy/Intermediate

If there is one hike you should do when visiting Kennecott this is it. The Root Glacier Trail is a well-maintained approximately 2.5 mile trail from Kennecott to the access point of the Root Glacier. It follows a very gentle grade up toward the glacier so it remains relatively flat until the final half mile down the steep moraine to the white ice of the Root.

This trail is worth hiking for the beautiful views of the mountains, glaciers and wildflowers. If you’re really lucky you might even see a bear. Yes, both black and grizzly bears frequent the Kennicott Valley so be aware and practice proper bear safety.

The Root Glacier Trail also continues an additional 2 miles past the sign for the turnoff down to the glacier. It eventually stops under the base of the cliffs where the Erie Mine Bunkhouse is located (see below).

NOTE: The mines and artifacts are protected for their historical significance. DO NOT take any artifacts or pieces of copper that you may find at the mine sites, in the town of Kennecott or anywhere else inside the national park. It is illegal to take these items. Remember, enjoy this beautiful historical place but take only photos and memories back with you.

Bonanza Mine

Level: Difficult

The hiking route to the Bonanza Mine starts on the Root Glacier Trail in Kennecott. The trail climbs a very steep grade for 4.5 miles and 4000 feet of elevation gain. The trail is well groomed and easy to follow.

At around the 1/4-mile mark the trail splits at a well-marked sign and leads up the mountainside to the Bonanza and Jumbo mines (a fully stocked outhouse is at this junction). After a little more than one mile up this steep climb the trail splits again. A sign marks the route to the Jumbo mine on a secondary, smaller trail (to the left or north of the main trail). Continue on this main trail up to the Bonanza mine.

At the halfway point the trail finally emerges above treeline. The views of the valley from this point alone are worth the effort. This is a very steep and difficult hike so many people elect to stop here. But after continuing on this steep trail for an additional 2 miles and 2000 feet you will finally arrive at the Bonanza Mine site.

Although the mine shaft itself has been sealed shut with iron bars by the National Park Service, many historical remnants of the copper mining operation are scattered around the area. Much of the structure of the tram station still remains standing. Old hob-nailed boots and various other items are lying among the debris. Walking among the the abandoned mine site really transports you back into an important time in Alaskan history. Who were these guys? What was it like to work and live here? What was this thing used for? You’ll likely leave with more questions than answers. But one thing is for sure. Hiking up to the Bonanza Mine is a unique and special experience and that makes the effort of getting there totally worth the arduous climb.

Jumbo Mine

Level: Difficult

Hiking to the Jumbo Mine follows a 5 mile trail over 4000 feet of elevation gain. It is slightly more difficult than the Bonanza Hike, mostly because the trail is less obvious and more difficult to find on the final half mile of the route.

The hike starts in Kennecott and initially shares the same trail as the Bonanza route. A little more than a mile up this steep climb, the trail splits north (left) from the main trail and is marked with a sign. At around the halfway point the trail leads to the old tram junction building. From here it is a short walk out of the thick forest to the open vista above treeline. Views of the valley here are stunning and the wildflowers are plentiful. Many people choose to stop here due to the steepness of the climb.

Continuing on to the Jumbo Mine becomes increasingly difficult particularly over the final mile. The trail can be difficult to follow due to damage from avalanches and mud slides in the Winter and Spring. And the route winds through steep, loose scree. My advice is to just pick the most obvious line and trust that “it goes”. The mine site isn’t visible until the very end of the “trail” so just trust that it’s there and push on.

Remnants of the old, collapsed bunkhouse remain with various historical artifacts to investigate. The mine shaft is located near the bunkhouse but is sealed shut with iron bars. The most impressive and worthwhile part of this hike, in my opinion, is seeing Castle Rock up close. Standing under the big rock tower on the north side of the site is impressive. It’s both beautiful and chilling, especially if the clouds roll in (which they often do!). A hike to Jumbo will definitely test your mettle but it’s certainly worth the effort.

Erie Mine

Level: Expert

Skills: technical rock climbing and wilderness navigation

Are you looking for one of the most challenging, beautiful and unique “hikes” of your life? If so then you needn’t look any further. Getting up to the Erie Mine and Bunkhouse will test your skills and nerve. But the payoff if worth the effort.

Perched on a small outcropping over a rocky cliff 2000 ft above the Root Glacier below, the historic Erie Mine Bunkhouse provided sleeping quarters for the miners at the Erie Mine. This was one of 5 mines that produced copper (and some silver) for the Kennecott copper mining town during the early twentieth century. There are still many historic artifacts, bedframes, machinery, etc. leftover in the old weather-beaten structure, providing a glimpse into the miners living conditions so long ago. And the views of the mountains, glacier and Kennicott Valley are stunning from this high vantage point.

NOTE: This climb is for experts only!!! DO NOT attempt this climb without a guide unless you have extensive experience in remote Alaska wilderness travel, glacier navigation and rock climbing. I also highly recommend having wilderness first responder training. You are on your own out here and need to be fully competent and self-sufficient. Seriously, this climb is no joke and people have died or been seriously injured on this route. So the safest and surest option for getting there is to hire a guide.

CAUTION: DO NOT attempt this climb if the peak is not visible due to thick cloud cover and/or steady rain. Rock fall down the route gully is extensive, increases with rainy weather and cannot be seen while hiking in a cloud. Falling rocks are very dangerous and can cause severe injury or death.

Donoho Peak (6,696 ft)

Level: Expert

Skills: wilderness navigation, glacier travel and rock climbing

Climbing to the summit of Donoho Peak is challenging testpiece for many locals and guides in the park. Although it can be completed in a single, very long day, most people choose to camp at or near the base of the mountain in Donoho Basin and tackle the mountain first thing in the morning.

The climb mostly consists of a very long, steep gully full of scree and loose rock. But the crux comes at the saddle between the true summit (west) and the false summit (east). From here you must scramble over steep, exposed 4th class terrain to the top. This final section can be quite unnerving so many people choose to stop at or below the saddle. The views from the summit are nothing short of spectacular. On a clear day you will be greeted with a stunning 360 degree view of the Kennicott Valley and you may even be able to see many of the other big peaks in the park such as Mt. St. Elias and Mt. Logan to the south in the St. Elias Range.

From Kennecott, follow the Root Glacier Trail to the Root Glacier. Cross the ice to Donoho Basin on the west side of the glacier. A trail in the basin leads the start of the climb at the prominent gully on the south face of Donoho Peak. Finding the trail can be tricky and people often report not being able to locate it despite having detailed directions or ‘beta’ from locals. DO NOT attempt to bushwhack to the base of the climb if you are unable to find the trail. The trail cuts through approximately 2 miles of the thickest, most heinous brush that Alaska can throw at you. Trust me, you won’t make it without the trail.

Wagon Road

Level: Easy

The historic Wagon Road follows alongside the vehicle road from McCarthy to Kennecott. During the copper mining days the main road that we use for vehicle access today used to be the railway. So any vehicle travel between Kennecott and McCarthy was restricted to the adjacent “Wagon Road”.

The Wagon Road starts down the hill from the main road in Kennecott. It can be accessed by walking down the drive from the Shuttle drop-off point in front of the St. Elias Alpine Guides office. From here simply walk south down the dirt road until it narrows into a dirt path through the forested area next to the Kennicott Glacier. It continues almost the entire way to McCarthy where it dumps out onto the main road about 1/4 mile north of town. If you’re starting from McCarthy, look for a small opening in the trees on the glacier side of the main road.

Many private homes lie along this road so please do not trespass on their property. The road is also used by locals for ATV travel so use caution and be courteous in allowing them to pass.

The Wagon Road offers a pleasant hike along a gentle grade for approximately 4 miles between McCarthy and Kennecott. At around 1 mile south of Kennecott lies an old, historic cemetery from the copper mining days. It is fascinating to walk around and read the tombstones.

Many people use the Wagon Road to go for a run or for a relaxing walk while avoiding the dusty, busy traffic along the main road. It offers shade during the warm (sometimes hot) July days. But it can be quite buggy during peak mosquito season (late June thru July) so consider bringing a bug headnet or bugspray. Perhaps the best part of hiking the Wagon Road is that you have a better chance of seeing wildlife. It’s quiet on this road compared to the busy main road so I’ve seen many black bears, moose, foxes and lynx.

Fireweed Mountain (6,956 ft)

Level: Intermediate/Difficult

Fireweed Mountain is located on the west side of the Kennicott valley along the McCarthy road about a mile from the footbridge. The trailhead is located in a small lot on the north side of the road. An old sign marks the location as the former NPS visitor center.

Fireweed Mountain offers, in my opinion, one of the best day hikes in the valley. A very steep, but well marked trail takes you to the first false summit. From here you will have stunning views of the valley and beyond. On a clear day you can even see the big peaks in the neighboring University Range and the distant mountains in the St. Elias Range.

Follow the small trail through the beautiful forest for approximately 1/4 mile to an unremarkable offshoot trail that branches west off from the main trail. It is difficult to find unless you are looking for it but is well-marked by colored flagging on trees. The remainder of this narrow offshoot trail is marked carefully with flagging until it finally breaches treeline higher up the mountain. Then the trail is very easy and obvious to follow.

This trail starts very mellow but then suddenly shoots straight up the mountain. If you are used to the typical switchbacks that mitigate the steepness of mountain trails in places like Colorado, California or Utah you will be quickly introduced to the Alaskan style of trail building. No switchbacks and straight up is the most direct route to the top but it is also soul crushingly steep at times!

The benefit of the direct “switchbackless-ness” of the trail means you can reach the false summit relatively quickly. You will be out of breath from the steep climb but it generally only takes a couple of hours at most to top out. And the views are so stunning that it’s definitely worth it. Not to mention you can get a great hike in only half a day and still have time for other activities.