Alaska is a land of vast wilderness and breathtaking landscapes, where glaciers carve through mountains and history echoes through every valley. Among its many natural wonders, Root Glacier stands out not only for its stunning beauty but also for its remarkable accessibility. Tucked away in the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, you can view this magnificent natural wonder, Kennicott Glacier, just steps from the parking lot near the historic Kennicott Mill townsite. Whether a seasoned adventurer or a casual explorer, this journey offers a unique blend of nature, history, and awe-inspiring views that make it a must-visit destination in Alaska.

Alaska is home to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Kennicott Glacier, located in the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, is one of the most accessible and historically rich glaciers you can visit.

With views just steps from the parking lot near the historic Kennicott Mill townsite, this glacier offers an unforgettable experience for those who venture into this remote part of Alaska.

Getting to Kennicott Glacier requires a bit of planning as you can’t simply drive up to the parking lot.

To reach the views in Kennicott, most visitors either fly into the small town of McCarthy, which is accessible by small aircraft, or drive the 60-mile McCarthy Road, a gravel road that can be challenging but rewarding. From McCarthy, you’ll cross a footbridge and either walk, bike, or take a shuttle 4 miles to the Kennicott townsite, where the parking lot is located.

The town of Kennicott, sometimes spelled Kennecott, is a fascinating place to explore.

It’s a former mining town that thrived in the early 20th century as one of the world’s richest copper mines. Today, many of the town’s historic red buildings still stand, preserved as part of a National Historic Landmark. The townsite offers basic amenities, including a lodge, a restaurant, and guided tours that provide insight into the area’s rich history and the industrial past that shaped this part of Alaska.

From the parking lot near the Kennicott Mill buildings, there are views of Kennicott Glacier all along as you walk through town.

The town offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, glacial landscapes, and historic buildings. Along the way, you’ll be immersed in the beauty of Alaska’s wilderness, with the opportunity to see wildlife and the ever-changing landscape that has been shaped by the glacier over centuries.

As you approach the glacier, the scenery becomes even more dramatic. Many don’t realize that the glacier is almost “hidden” beneath the mounds of dirt that rise up behind the iconic red buildings of Kennicott.

Kennicott Glacier is part of a vast icefield that includes the nearby Root Glacier, which flows into it from the east. The glacier’s massive expanse of ice and rock offers a glimpse into nature's power, and the landscape around it is dotted with moraines, glacial lakes, and icefalls. Adventurous visitors can even explore some ice caves along the glacier’s edge, even though these arched cautiously due to instability.

If you want to hike to the glacier, you can get close on the West Kennecott Glacier Trail.

It’s 2.4 miles out and back and relatively easy. The hike is suitable for most hikers, as it’s not overly strenuous, but there can be a ton of mosquitoes! If you’re in Kennicott and want to get close to a glacier without heading down to McCarthy to take the West Kennecott Glacier Trail, the Root Glacier Trail leads to Root Glacier. You can also try glacier climbing with the help of the Kennicott Wilderness Guides.

Visiting Kennicott Glacier is best done during the summer months, from late May to early September, when the weather is more mild, and the road to McCarthy is easier to travel.

With its combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and accessibility, Kennicott Glacier is a must-see destination for anyone interested in exploring Alaska’s vast and varied wilderness. The fact that you can view it just steps from the parking lot makes it one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska!

Have you ever seen the natural wonder of Kennicott Glacier? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below! Need some gear to get out on the glacier? We love the options at REI. And if you want to spend the night, the Kennicott Glacier Lodge is the place to stay!