Wrangell-St. Elias, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an icy wonderland. It is a place where active volcanoes and the largest glaciers, like Malaspina, coexist, making it “A Song of Ice and Fire.”
It also has some of the greatest mountain ranges in the world and mighty rivers. Further, unique geological features and weather conditions have made the national park a land of biodiversity and wilderness with a lot of mammals, birds, fish, and plants.
Let me take you on a tour of the Wrangell-St. Elias glaciers and everything the national park has to offer.
What Are The Notable Glaciers In Wrangell-St. Elias?
Nabesna Glacier, Malaspina Glacier, and Hubbard Glacier are the most notable ones in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
Along with these glaciers, you can also see glacier features like glacier caves, Jökulhlaups, and ice falls. Let’s briefly discuss the major glaciers and glacier features.
Malaspina Glacier
Did you know that Malaspina Glacier is the “largest Piedmont glacier in the world?” Designated as a National Natural Landscape in 1968, it spans across 1,075,409 acres.
Further, its glacial mechanisms and fluctuations have made it a favorite of explorers. The glacier is also a favorite of space travelers as it looks vibrant from space.
“The dark blueish-purple lines on the ice are moraines—areas where soil, rock, and other debris have been scraped up by the glacier and deposited along its edges. The zigzag pattern of the debris is caused by changes in the ice’s velocity. Glaciers in this area of Alaska periodically “surge” or lurch forward for one to several years. As a result of this irregular flow, the moraines can fold, compress, and shear to form the characteristic textures seen on Malaspina.”
Hubbard Glacier
Hubbard, “the sleeping giant,” is the largest when it comes to the tidewater glaciers in North America (75 miles long). The glacier gets its name from Gardiner Hubbard, National Geographic Society’s first president.
Also called the “Galloping Glacier,” it comes with tranquil blue ice. You can explore Hubbard Glacier through a cruise trip.
Visiting the Hubbard Glacier becomes more exciting as you meet the sea otters, whales, sea lions, and bears along the route.
Nabesna Glacier
With a length of 53 miles, Nabesna Glacier is the “longest interior valley glacier” in the world. However, there are concerns regarding the loss of ice mass in the glacier. A 2007 report says,
“Nabesna, the largest glacier in this region (˜1056 km2), lost mass four times faster during 2000–07 than during 1957–2000. Although accelerated, the mass change over this region is slower than in other glacierized regions of Alaska, particularly those with tidewater glaciers.”
Glacier Features In Wrangell-St. Elias
You will come across many fascinating glacier caves in Wrangell-St. Elias, especially near the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark.
Further, ice falls, or the fountains of the glacier, move very fast, and it’s fascinating to see how they form seracs or blocks.
Also, there are Jökulhlaups, or flooded glacier outbursts, adding to the various glacier features of the national park.
Amazing Glaciers of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Facts
Mount St. Elias, the largest peak of the national park, is the second-highest in the world.
Mount Wrangell, the only active volcano here, is one of the largest active volcanoes in North America.
It has Nabesna Glacier, Malaspina Glacier, and Hubbard Glacier, three of the largest in the world.
It is a part of the “world’s largest international protected wilderness.”
Mid-May to mid-September is the best time to visit this park.
Wrangell-St. Elias: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Home to countless glaciers and many high mountains, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park enjoys the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Kluane, Glacier Bay, and Tatshenshini-Alsek.
Also, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is a part of the “largest non-polar icefield in the world.” You will find Dall’s sheep, grizzly bears, caribou, and many other animals roaming in this part of the world.
Further, certain geographical and biological factors and “protection and management requirements” make this national park a place of outstanding universal value. Let’s discuss them in detail.
Rich In Biodiversity
The scenic beauty and geological diversity in the park are outstanding. It has sea mammals and other aquatic animals. Further, you can see many land mammals, birds, and different types of trees in this park.
The table below mentions some of the most popular birds, trees, and animals you can see here.
Land Mammals
Brown Bears Polar Bears Black Bears Mountain Goats Dall Sheep Bison Coyotes Wolverine Porcupine
Sedge Family Grass Family Sunflower Family Trees Willows Various Introduced Species
Birds
Bald Eagles Canada Geese Trumpeter Swans Wilson’s Warblers American Robins
Home to boreal forest, Wrangell-St. Elias has one of the largest ecosystems in the world. Diverse geological features and unique weather conditions support this sprawling ecosystem or biodiversity.
Comes With Topographical Diversity
This national park is one of the most diverse in its topographical features. It has glaciers, rivers, river canyons, volcanoes, snow-capped mountains and whatnot!
Geomorphological features like hanging valleys, moraines, craters, and calderas also make this national park unique.
A Hub Of Active Tectonic, Volcanic, Glacial, And Fluvial Natural Processes
Like the entire Alaska, Wrangell-St. Elias is also in an area where tectonic, volcanic, glacial, and fluvial natural processes are common.
So, it has active and inactive volcanoes, the largest glaciers, and some prominent fluvial landforms. It has the mighty Copper River, Rivers of Life, and braided rivers formed of glacier water.
Final Words
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park has the highest glacier coverage among all national parks in America. It also has the active Mount Wrangell volcano, rivers, and wetlands, making it a place of geological interest.
Exploring the glacier caves and the ice falls here is a one-of-a-kind experience, and it’s wonderful to see how the richest biodiversity with mammals, birds, aquatic animals, and trees thrives here.
So, come and experience the brilliance of nature as you explore the largest glaciers of the world’s largest glaciers, such as Malaspina and Hubbard.
Or have you already been to this land of volcanoes and glaciers? Don’t forget to share your experience of the glaciers of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park tours.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park FAQs
How Many Glaciers Are In Wrangell-St. Elias National Park?
Like the entire Alaska, Wrangell-St. Elias is filled with glaciers. According to the latest count of the National Park Service (NPS), the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park has 3,121 glaciers. Further, these glaciers cover a whopping “6,757 square miles of land.”
So, Wrangell-St. Elias has glaciers that cover 60% of all the glacier coverage in American National Parks. Glacier Bay in Alaska is the distant second to Wrangell-St. Elias. The glacier coverage at Glacier Bay is just 1/5th of Wrangell-St. Elias.
In addition, Malaspina, Hubbard, and the Bering glaciers, located along the park’s southern margin, are three of the largest glaciers in the world.
Having said that, glacier coverage in Alaska is shrinking, and Wrangell-St. Elias is not an exception. From 1985 to 2020, it has already experienced a 5% reduction in its glacier coverage.
How many People Visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Each Year?
The National Park Service has a record of visitors to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park since 1982. Since then, this park has been enjoying thousands of footfalls every year.
2023 was one of the topmost years in terms of number of people visiting Wrangell-St. Elias. It had 78,305 visitors in 2023.
In 2020 (the Covid-19 era), the park had 16,655 visitors. From 2021, the number of visitors has increased consistently. (Source)
What Is Unique About Wrangell-St. Elias National Park?
With the largest glaciers and volcanoes in the world, Wrangell-St. Elias is unique because of its geographical features. It is also one of the most prominent hubs of biodiversity. Thanks to its extensive glacier and volcanic coverage and rich wildlife, it has earned the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Among glaciers, Hubbard (one of the largest in the world and the largest tidewater glacier in North America) and Malaspina Glacier demand a special mention.
The Mount Wrangell volcano in this park is still active, and some other volcanoes here are Mount Drum, Capital Mountain, Skookum Creek Volcano, etc.
Further, it has an endangered sea mammal, Steller Sea Lion, and other marine animals. Bears, mountain goats, and sheep are common land mammals roaming here.
Also, you will find birds like the American robins, Wilson’s warblers, and dark-eyed junco in this national park.
What Is The Highest Peak In Wrangell-St. Elias?
Mount St. Elias is the highest peak in Wrangell-St. Elias. With a height of 18,008 feet, it is also the second-highest peak in North America.
Having said that, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park celebrates the presence of four major mountain ranges in the world. It has the eastern part of the Alaskan Range, St. Elias, Chugach, and Wrangell.
Why Is Wrangell-St. Elias Protected?
Wrangell-St. Elias is protected to “preserve and protect ecological integrity and heritage resources of a vast ecosystem in south-central Alaska, while providing for public use in a wilderness setting.”
So, it is protected to preserve the local geology and diversity of the landscape with glaciers, volcanoes, and wetlands. It is also a measure to preserve wildlife and its inhabitants.
Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!
With over 150 hotels in Bournemouth, it can be difficult to know which hotel is best suited to your needs. The city has everything from 5-star resorts overlooking the ocean to quaint bed and breakfasts located minutes from the sandy beaches that made Bournemouth famous.
This guide on how to find the best hotel in Bournemouth will help you choose where to stay based on your price range, amenities, and location preferences.
5 Factors To Consider When Choosing A Hotel In Bournemouth:
When it comes to planning a trip, deciding where to stay is an important decision. When searching for hotels there are many factors that must be considered before booking a room.
Here you will find 5 things to think about when choosing your hotel. The most important factor when choosing a hotel location is convenience. Before even looking at price or star rating you should know exactly where you plan on visiting and what attractions you want to see.
While it may seem obvious if you plan on being out of your hotel for most of your trip finding a location that has nearby public transportation and various sightseeing spots can save time and money. Depending on how much money you have planned on spending on your vacation, the price can play an important role in choosing where to stay.
1. Is it near other attractions?
Although it can be fun to stay at a hotel that’s right on your destination’s main street, consider whether it might be more convenient to book a hotel that isn’t quite as close. For example, if you want to visit both a local beach and an amusement park (assuming they’re fairly close together), choosing a hotel in Bournemouth close to each might mean you end up wasting time commuting between them.
On the other hand, if you prefer having one spot where all of your accommodations are conveniently located—and happen to enjoy spending lots of time lounging by your room during trips—chances are there will be several good options for you nearby. All in all, distance from major attractions is something worth thinking about when booking a hotel.
2. What are amenities of choice?
Though it may seem like a no-brainer, when you’re on vacation you probably want to know that your hotel offers at least some of these amenities. The more, obviously, the better.
When deciding which hotel to stay at next time you’re away from home, make sure to check out their amenities before booking a room: Indoor swimming pool, Sauna, Fitness center, Free WiFi, Spacious rooms, and suites.
3. Can I request special treatment?
When traveling, you might be able to get a free upgrade by calling ahead and asking for a room with a view, a quiet room, or whatever else your heart desires. But what if you’re not traveling?
As we mentioned earlier, don’t accept no as an answer when asking for something. Instead of telling yourself no because it’s too much work or too hard to deal with someone who might say no, push yourself to take on that challenge and ask anyway. Chances are high that you will get some kind of response, even if it isn't exactly what you were hoping for.
4. Is it located near restaurants?
You’ll never get enough sleep if you’re in a hotel that has only room service. Is there a good restaurant within walking distance? And, even if there is one, will it deliver to your room? If not, where can you find nearby food delivery services? Can they come right to your door or do you have to trek down to reception?
5. How much am I paying per night?
One of your biggest expenditures when booking a hotel room is going to be its nightly rate. This is why it’s important to choose wisely. When you find a hotel with rooms available at a lower nightly price than average, check its reviews—they’ll help you get an idea of what other guests think about their stay and will let you know if that low price is worth it or not.
Hotels with good ratings can be almost half as expensive as ones with bad ones, on average, but one-starred hotels should give you pause before booking. Choosing a four-star hotel can save your company up to $800 per night versus choosing one rated three stars or less, according to TripAdvisor data.
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So, lucky you – you’re off! Whether you’re doing like an increasing number of people and opting for a good old British beach holiday, or giving global warming a helping hand by jetting off abroad, you need to make sure your case is full of the things that will make your break a belter.
5 Important Things To Buy For Beach Holiday In 2023:
Here are five to get you started.
1. Towel
A towel isn't just to get dry with. It’s a beach statement. It says who you are and what you’re doing on that stretch of sand.
Are you an all-swimming all-surfing beach athlete, only stopping to dab yourself with your Finisterre before grabbing a frisbee, doing some cartwheels, and making everyone else feel tired? Or are you a beach goddess, who regards the shoreline as a place where people come to worship you as you drape yourself over a length of Lacoste luxury? Or do you just like a nice fluffy number?
Your choice of the towel will shout volumes about you, so take time to make sure it’s speaking your language.
2. Wrap
The perfect complement to a beach-beating towel is a game-over wrap. Mark the end of the beach day in style by standing up and swirling something stylish around your shoulders. Pick the right wrap and you’ll be counting the minutes until you can make that truly dramatic exit.
But you don’t have to wait until then. Wraps are useful as a cover for the bits of you that might be going a little pinker than you wanted, or any other bits for that matter.
3. Ebook reader
So, you’re there. The sun’s come through with its end of the deal. The sea’s doing its thing. The sand’s playing a blinder. What’s missing? The perfect book, that’s what. And of course, you don’t want to be lugging half a library with you, so you simply must pick something great from the range of ebook readers available.
They’re light, they contain shelf loads of books, and can go for weeks without a charge. What’s more, you can pick up amazing books for only 99p each. Some classic texts are even free. You can also make notes on books as you go (ideal for those times when you think you could have phrased things a little better than Tolstoy managed).
4. Ebook reader cushion
Why should you be the one with all the comfort? Give your ebook reader a nice cushion to rest against. It’s their holiday too.
5. Torch
One of the things that often surprises holidaymakers is how quickly it gets dark the closer you are to the equator. One minute, sunshine. The next, it’s like somebody switched the light off. Be prepared for those super-quick sunsets with a handy torch.
Also useful when you’ve got your sunglasses on and you want to find something at the bottom of your beach bag. Well, yes, of course, you could just take those sunglasses off. But you didn’t spend all that dosh on a pair of Celine Cat Eyes just to be seen out of them, did you?
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Happy Holidays
What you buy in the next few months can determine how good a holiday you have. Make sure you get the bits you need to make your holiday the best ever.
R
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Are you one of those who loves taking stunning photographs of monuments worldwide? The Golden Hand Bridge is one of the striking monuments that can give you the perfect backdrop for your picture or a wallpaper-worthy photo.
The Golden Hand Bridge in Vietnam is an attraction in a themed park that was recently added to the list of beautiful places worldwide. The bridge's construction started in July 2017 and was completed in April 2018.
A stunning and unique architectural wonder, Golden Hand Bridge deserves all the attention and popularity it is getting! It is beautifully located in the Ba Na Hills Amusement Park in one of the major cities, Da Nang, in Vietnam. The attraction has become viral due to social media platforms!
In this article, I am writing about how walking on the Golden Hand Bridge in Vietnam feels! It is like walking on sunshine as the environment adds up to the beauty of the bridge!
Walking On Sunshine: Exploring The Magic Of Vietnam's Golden Hand Bridge!
The amusement park in which the Hand Bridge has been built is a Disney-style theme park known as Ba Na Hills. Hand bridge is another common name for the Golden Bridge! You can see it all over social media as people visit the place and create beautiful pictures.
If you want to visit the Golden Bridge Vietnam, you can take a guided tour of the Ba Na Hills from Hoi An or Da Nang! Along with the bridge, other things are included in the guide, such as Fantasy Park, the French Village, and the Cable car ride.
The whole trip will take at least 3 hours to cover! If you are taking a car ride from the city, it will take some time. You will have to pay 750000 dong to visit the bridge, which might seem more expensive for some, especially if the weather is overcast!
You still have to visit the bridge because it is one of a kind!
Costs Of Tickets To Visit Golden Bridge Da Nang!
You do not have to pay any money to visit the bridge. However, the Ba Na Hills Resorts owns the Golden Bridge Da Nang Bridge. The bridge is included in the Sun World Ba Na Hills tourism complex, so the rate of visiting the resort is included in the ticket price for the cable car.
You have to reach the resort by car while reaching the hilltop of Ba Na Hills by cable car. The ticket price for adults for a round-trip is $38.30! You can visit the bridge in two seasons, extending from April to September and October to December.
For children whose height is between 1m and 1.4m, the round-trip tickets cost around $31.01! Children below that height can visit where their parents do not need to buy any tickets. There are also offers with a lunch buffet and combo cable car tickets priced around USD $46.38.
About Golden Bridge Da Nang!
One of the most photographed spots located within Ba Na Hills, Golden Bridge Da Nang is a 500-foot-long bridge with railings shining in golden color. The bridge has been constructed with such a design that it is cradled between two colossal hands.
The hands are so big that they seem to be up in the clouds. Further, during rainy days, the clouds are covering the hands. The bridge is 12.8m wide with eight arches. The concept of the bridge was about walking across the hands of the God of mountains on the clouds.
The Hand Bridge in Vietnam acts as a connector between the cable car station, which is located at the hilltop, and the Paradise Gardens. Further, the bridge gives you a perfect view of the Annamitr Mountains and the East Sea.
I suggest you arrive early in the morning if you want an excellent picture of the attraction or get a photo of yourself on the bridge. When visiting the bridge, you can also cover fantasy parks, the French village, and a cable car ride, making it a complete circle!
How To Reach The Golden Bridge In Vietnam?
To reach the Golden Hands Bridge Vietnam from Da Nang City, you must go to Sun World Ba Na Hills first. You can go from Thien Thai Flower Garden or Marseille station to the Golden Hand Bridge. There are different transportation routes which you can take!
Car Rental In Da Nang
You can rent a car in Da Nang to travel to the bridge, especially with people ranging from 4 to 45 people. The rental vehicle is both cost-saving and flexible. The round trip ranges from somewhere $17.02 to $93.62.
Taxi
If you are looking for something reasonable, book a taxi if you are in a group of 4 to 7 people. The price of a round-trip taxi visit starts from $21.28 to $25.53.
Bus To Ba Na
If your budget is cheap, take a bus from Da Nang, which will take you to Ba Na in just 75 minutes. The bus is specifically for tourists, and the round-trip costs $6.38 per head. However, the timing could be more relaxed as tourists are picked up between 7:30 and 8:30 from Da Nang.
While returning, tourists are picked up from Ba Na between 14:30 and 15:30 to return once the Bridge tour is done. For tourists, it can be restrictive at times!
Transfer Car From Danang To Ba Na
The transfer car starts from 72 Nguyen Chi Thanh and takes tourists to Ba Na Hills, with the round-trip ticket costing around $2.98 per head. This transportation is convenient for visitors planning to visit Ba Na in the morning, but there will be issues for evening visitors!
Again, with the pocket-friendly rate, the car is restricted concerning the timing of the transfer car, which only functions between 8:30 in the morning and 18:00!
Motorbike Rental
If you are young and know how to ride a motorbike or your partner knows, go for the motorbike rental! It is one of the best choices for tourists because it creates opportunities for you to enjoy nature and its beauty.
This transportation choice lets you stay the most active concerning your travel plans. The motorbike rental price ranges from $4.26 to $6.38 per head.
What Is The Best Time To Visit The Golden Bridge Da Nang?
What is the perfect time to visit Golden Hand Bridge in Vietnam? The opening hours of the bridge start at 8:00 AM, while it closes at 18:30. Considering it is one of the recent and popular attractions on social media, there is a huge crowd.
You must know the crowded time while visiting the bridge is between 9 AM and 17:00. So, if you plan to visit the bridge to avoid the rush or the crowd, you must visit either before 9 AM or after 17:00 PM.
You can experience four seasons, namely summer, winter, spring, and autumn when you go to the bridge. The cool atmosphere you enjoy up on the bridge is amazing, along with the beautiful scenery.
When taking pictures of the attraction, you have to include one of the hands in your photo! It looks majestic! Along with that, you can also opt for panoramic photos. Either simulate the hand or stand inside it to show the magnificent perspective of it.
Places To Visit While On the Golden Hand Tour!
Based on my understanding of other people's experience of the place, you can visit the place either in the morning or afternoon. If you are hoping for foggy pictures or with the sun rising high on the clouds, go in the morning!
Sometimes, you can also catch birds flying, which is a beautiful visual! However, if you are looking for more light, glowing sun in your pictures, you can go in the afternoon. The sunset is just perfect in the afternoon, with a romantic vibe.
If you are visiting with your partner, it is the perfect time to go, especially when the photographs will be to die for! Apart from the Golden Hand Bridge, remember that there are other places to visit, such as an amusement park called the Fantasy Park.
How can you remember the restaurants and cafes that are of different styles? You have to try the delicious food and beverages there. Further, you gotta visit the Ling Ung Pagoda and the flower gardens.
Weather Must Be Taken Into Consideration!
Image Source : images.rove.me/
The Golden Hand Bridge has been constructed to be up in the clouds. It is, therefore, important to consider the weather when visiting the Golden Hand Bridge.
According to a review on Tripadvisor by udontnomee3e, an overcast day is a bad day to visit the bridge! If the weather is rainy, cold, and cloudy, there is a high chance that you will not be able to enjoy the attraction or take good pictures.
The issue, however, with it is that you cannot know what the weather will be when you go up from below because the weather is completely different! During bad weather, the visibility becomes terrible, and the steps become slippery.
It isn't obvious because when you are on the ground, you will not realize the weather status on the bridge. At the top, it might be completely different!
Highlight Of The Golden Hand Bridge!
Image Source: d13jio720g7qcs.cloudfront.net
The bridge has hosted a fashion show called "A Walk on a Cloud" fashion by the Fashion Voyage. It is a groundbreaking achievement, especially with the spectacular natural view and a harmonious blend of architecture.
The bridge has inspired many designers from the fashion industry to create something that represents out-of-the-world structure. Many couples have done their wedding photo shoots, especially if the location has been accessible.
Even though it looks artificial, the bridge is quite interesting in becoming a worldwide photography sensation. It is nothing close to Disneyland, but the amusement park in which it has been made has created quite a stir and an awareness!
Accommodation At Ba Na Hills!
If you are planning to stay at Ba Na Hills, consider the tour of the Golden Hand Bridge, which can be completed in less than one day! There are other features and attractions that you have to complete, and then you have to book your accommodations there.
Some of the best hotels or resorts that you can book while on a trip to the Golden Hand Bridge are as follows:
Monarque Hotel - This hotel is a beautiful stay with all the amenities made available! The hotel is mostly for accommodation as the outside is so beautiful and filled with activities and attractions for you to visit. The distance of the hotel is 27.7 km from the Golden Bridge.
If you are on a romantic trip, this hotel is definitely for you, as it is perfect for a romantic getaway! As partners, you can enjoy yourselves in the pool apart from the beautiful scenery outside.
Muong Thanh Luxury Song Han Hotel - This hotel is 24.6 km from the bridge and is one of the best regarding family stays.
The hotel has all the services and amenities, especially with amazing staff services. Traveling as a family, this hotel will ensure all your and your family's requirements are met.
Ba Na Hills Mountain Resort - The distance between the resort and the Golden Bridge is 25 km with an altitude of 1487 m! It is one of the favorites based on the guests' ratings and reviews. Apart from having exotic theme parks, the resort offers many recreational activities!
Start Packing…
Have you started packing yet? Now that we have discussed all about Golden Hand Bridge, Vietnam, you have to visit once in a lifetime. Attractions like these worldwide urge us to see them and create memories of a lifetime.
As humans, we are supposed to enjoy the beautiful scenic views worldwide. Even artificial ideas, along with the beauty of nature, confirm our growth and survival. Golden Hand Bridge is worth visiting, along with facilitating accommodations and other attractions.
Comment below to tell me why you want to visit Golden Hand Bridge, or have you already checked it off the bucket list?
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