Wrangell-St. Elias: A New Way to Reach Root Glacier

If you're planning a hike out to Root Glacier, one of the highlights of a visit in our Wrangell-St. Elias park guide, there's something you'll want to work into your itinerary right now. The old path that led to the foot of the glacier is no longer safe to use.

It comes down to the terrain. The ground has turned unstable along that stretch, which makes the crossing dangerous. So the park has closed this access, and the old route shouldn't be used anymore, even by experienced hikers who already knew it.

The good news is that the glacier is still reachable. The park has opened an alternate route. It skirts the problem area by running past Amazon Creek. In practice, you still get to Root Glacier, just by a different path, one meant to avoid the weakened ground.

This kind of change is common in a park this vast and wild, where the mountains and ice keep reshaping the landscape. A route that's considered safe one season may need a second look the next. That's why we'd tell you never to rely on a map or a printed guide from a few years back.

Before you head out, get in the habit of checking the current state of the route. Two sources are authoritative on site. The first is the visitor center, where rangers know the day's conditions and can walk you through exactly where the new route begins. The second is the park's official news release page, updated as things change.

As for gear, keep in mind that a glacier approach is still a serious outing, even in good weather. Solid footwear, a comfortable time cushion, and doing your homework ahead of time are still the basics. Going by way of Amazon Creek changes the length and profile of the hike, so plan your day around the guidance you get at the visitor center, not the way things used to be. If you're unsure about the weather or your own fitness, it's better to push the hike to another day than to force your way through.