The Glaciers of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park: Experience The Magnificence Of Nature 

Aug 9, 2024

Last Updated on: Jun 12, 2025

Travel Guides

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? 

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.  

In an article published by NASA Earth Observatory on 27th October 2023, we can find, 

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 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 

Wrangell-St. Elias

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 
Sea Mammals and Other Marine Creatures Whales Sea Lions Porpoises Harbor Seals Sea Otters 
Plants (936 Vascular Plant Species) 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.

Also read

Share on Social Media

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!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

title-img Related

READ MORE Vacationing Without Travel Insurance

Vacationing Without Travel Insurance? Here’s What Might Happen If You Need It!

BY  Barsha Nov 8, 2023

Picture this: You've been planning your dream vacation for months, and the excitement is palpable. You've booked your flights, reserved a luxurious beachfront villa, and even made restaurant reservations at that five-star restaurant you've been drooling over. But there's one crucial detail that many travelers often overlook – travel insurance. While it might seem like an unnecessary expense, the absence of vacation travel insurance can have dire consequences. In this blog post, we'll explore the potential risks of traveling without proper coverage. Check out how it could even impact your life insurance. Medical Emergencies Abroad One of the most critical aspects of vacation travel insurance is medical coverage. Imagine falling ill or getting injured while abroad, requiring medical attention. Without travel insurance, you could be left with exorbitant medical bills, putting your financial stability at risk. Medical expenses abroad can be astronomical, especially if you need hospitalization or emergency medical evacuation. Having travel insurance ensures that you're protected against these unforeseen medical expenses. Moreover, it gives you peace of mind while you're enjoying your vacation. Trip Cancellations And Interruptions Life is unpredictable, and even the best-laid vacation plans can go awry. Illness, family emergencies, or unexpected work commitments can force you to cancel or cut short your trip. Without vacation travel insurance, you might lose a significant portion of your non-refundable trip expenses. Thereby leaving you with an empty wallet and no vacation memories to cherish. Travel insurance typically covers trip cancellations and interruptions due to valid reasons, allowing you to recoup your financial losses and plan for a future trip. Lost Or Delayed Baggage Baggage mishaps are more common than you might think. Airlines misplace luggage, and delays can leave you without your belongings for days. Imagine arriving at your tropical destination with no swimsuit, sunscreen, or even your essential medications. Travel insurance often includes coverage for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage, providing compensation for the inconvenience and ensuring you can enjoy your vacation without unnecessary stress. Travel Insurance And Life Insurance Interplay While you might not immediately associate vacation travel insurance with life insurance, the two have interconnections in some ways. Your life insurance policy might have some influence if you engage in high-risk activities during your vacation without proper coverage.  Some travel insurance policies offer optional coverage for extreme sports or adventurous activities, which can protect you and prevent any negative impact on your life insurance coverage. Engaging in risky activities without insurance not only jeopardizes your physical well-being but can also lead to complications when it comes to your life insurance claims. Emergency Medical Evacuation In the unfortunate event of a severe medical emergency, while you're traveling, you may require emergency medical evacuation to receive proper care. This can involve airlifting you to a specialized medical facility, often in another country. The cost of such evacuations can be astronomical, ranging from tens of thousands to over a hundred thousand dollars. Without travel insurance, you'd be responsible for covering these expenses, potentially draining your savings or even putting you in debt. This financial burden can have a cascading effect on your life insurance. Since your ability to maintain your premiums may be compromised. Legal Assistance Travel insurance can also provide legal assistance in case you encounter legal troubles while abroad. Whether it's a simple traffic violation, a passport issue, or a more serious legal matter, having access to legal support can be invaluable. Without travel insurance, you'd have to navigate these legal challenges on your own, potentially leading to costly fines, delays, or even imprisonment. These legal issues can disrupt your life and have financial implications that could affect your ability to maintain your life insurance coverage. Peace Of Mind And Financial Protection In addition to the specific scenarios mentioned above, vacation travel insurance offers peace of mind throughout your trip. Knowing that you’re safe against unforeseen circumstances allows you to relax and fully enjoy your vacation. It’s a small price to pay for the assurance that you won’t experience financial turmoil if something goes wrong. Summing It Up In conclusion, vacationing without travel insurance is a risky proposition that can have far-reaching consequences. From medical emergencies to trip cancellations, lost baggage, and legal troubles, the absence of coverage can turn your dream vacation into a financial nightmare. Moreover, it's essential to recognize the potential impact on your life insurance. Ensure not to engage in risky activities without adequate protection. To safeguard your financial well-being and enjoy your travels worry-free, it's wise to invest in comprehensive vacation travel insurance. Before your next trip, take the time to research and choose a policy that suits your needs and the nature of your vacation. Remember, travel insurance is not just an expense! It's a safety net that ensures you return home with cherished memories and your financial stability intact. Don't leave home without it! Read Also: How To Fund The Cost Of Travelling How To Apply For A Passport Online In This Pandemic, And Which Countries Allow You To Travel Now?

READ MORE

6 Reasons Why You Need Travel Insurance

BY  Abdul Aziz Aug 24, 2023

Traveling could be among the most rewarding experiences one can have, whether it's for leisure or business. The idea of discovering a new destination and wandering its streets is really exciting. However, before you embark on a fresh journey, have you ever thought of what might go wrong during your travel arrangements? Imagine arriving at your destination only to discover that your luggage is nowhere to be found. Consider the scenario where your flight unexpectedly gets canceled. The solution to these uncertainties is travel insurance. What Is A Travel Insurance?  Suppose you missed your early flight to America or forgot your bags in China- who is going to take responsibility?  Have you ever thought about the priceless money you will lose without a stable backup? Here is when the need for travel insurance kicks in.  Travel insurance refers to an insurance type that covers financial losses related to traveling. But it doesn’t end there. Insurance for traveling can also be helpful while getting protection for international or domestic travel. Other factors that might also affect travel are also covered under this, like injury, illness, accidents, etc.  Many travelers either forget to opt for travel insurance or purposely avoid purchasing it. In both these cases, you will have to bear the consequences. Regardless of whether you are traveling abroad or within your own country, travel insurance is an essential safeguard that offers multiple advantages. Why Do You Need This Insurance Right Away: 6 Key Reasons?  Imagine going on a fun tour with your friends or your loved one, and something unfortunate happens. Nobody would ever want that, right? This is why here are the top 6 reasons why travel insurance is important when you embark on any journey. Financial Security When Traveling Abroad Imagine a situation where you visit a foreign country for the first time and find your wallet or bags stolen. What could you do in this situation? This is where your travel insurance proves its worth. In cases of unexpected emergencies, such as thefts, your travel insurance company becomes your support system, providing the necessary financial assistance to address the situation. If you're uncertain about which service provider to choose from the many available, you can easily compare prices with Utility Saving Expert and find the cheapest and most appropriate cover for your travel needs. It Covers Medical Emergencies Every Travel Insurance policy includes coverage for medical treatment expenses up to a specified limit. These policies are inclusive and do not differentiate between various types of medical emergencies. Whether it's medical treatment or accident-related expenses, the insurance company will reimburse costs up to the predetermined limit. Moreover, insurance providers maintain a roster of network hospitals where you can receive the necessary treatment. If You Lose Luggage And Personal Belongings In case your luggage is lost or significantly delayed, whether due to your negligence or the airport authority, travel insurance offers you peace of mind. The policy will provide coverage for purchasing essential items temporarily while your baggage is located. While your personal belongings may be irreplaceable, your travel experience will remain unaffected thanks to this coverage. If the Trip Get Cancelled Travel insurance additionally safeguards you in cases where you might need to cancel your trip for valid reasons, such as illness, injuries, national emergencies, or natural disasters. With travel insurance, you can be reassured that you won't lose the entire sum you invested in the trip if it happens to get canceled. When You Miss A Connecting Flight When you encounter the unfortunate situation of missing a connecting flight, perhaps due to a delay in your first flight, travel insurance comes to your rescue. This coverage enables you to seek reimbursement for the expenses incurred as a result of the missed connecting flight. The policy would allow you to file a claim for the expenses you've had to incur due to missing the connecting flight. This reimbursement can cover various aspects, including the cost of rebooking your missed flight, arranging new transportation, and even adjusting your accommodations if necessary. Fraudulent Charges Imagine yourself losing your credit/debit card during a trip, and suddenly, you start getting texts that someone is using your credit or debit card. Scary, right? You are not only losing your money, but you are losing in an unfamiliar place where assistance might be hard to come by. However, with the safety net of travel insurance, you would not have to face this problem. Your insurance coverage will reimburse you for any monetary losses incurred due to stolen payment cards, even covering transactions up to 12 hours preceding your initial report of the incident. What Is Meant By Comprehensive Travel Insurance?  Another very popular type of insurance is comprehensive travel insurance which consists of various other coverage. They are generally grouped under a single plan. Very commonly, comprehensive insurance for travel consists of a 24-hour helpline for healthcare when some emergency arrives. Alternatively, you might be able to buy every coverage type separately.  Interruption Coverage & Trip Cancellation This particular insurance helps in reimbursing a traveler for all or some prepaid travel expenses. Under it come trip cancellations, travel delays, cancellations, and trip interruptions.  Baggage Loss and Damage Coverage A frequent travel problem is your personal belongings getting either lost, damaged, or stolen. It immediately sabotages your whole mood because you have to look for replacements. However, various travel insurance policies pay only for belongings after exhausting other claims.  Rental Insurance Thirdly, vacation rental insurance coverage includes accidental damage costs from a vacation rental property. Some of these plans might also provide trip interruption and cancellation that help in reimbursing travel costs, particularly when you cannot access your vacation rental.  Conclusion Whether you're preparing for a vacation within your own country or embarking on an international journey, it's crucial to consider obtaining travel insurance. This prudent step will help guarantee a vacation that is not only secure and trouble-free but also offers you peace of mind throughout your travels. Read Also: How To Fund The Cost Of Travelling How To Apply For A Passport Online In This Pandemic, And Which Countries Allow You To Travel Now?

READ MORE Thailand

Treat Yourself To A Wellness Retreat In Thailand

BY  Shahnawaz Feb 1, 2024

While going about our busy modern lives we have a tendency to push ourselves too hard, and then push ourselves some more! We feel we have to in order to keep up with the breakneck pace modern society runs at, as well as to meet all the financial demands it forces on us. It really can get to be too much, and we should remember to take a break once in a while before we suffer a breakdown! But how? Let’s learn more about Thailand’s wellness retreat and how you can satisfy your hunger for traveling. Relaxation Practices To Enjoy In Thailand One of the best possible things we can do for our physical and mental well-being is to go get away from it all, and I mean far away! How far?  Our top recommendation for the ultimate in self-healing and relaxation is for you to experience a wellness retreat in Thailand where you can rejoice and recuperate in peace and serenity while being pampered by the charming staff who know just what you need!  To entice you further, let’s take a look at some of the delights that await you on your personal journey to tranquillity! There is a wellness retreat for any need, so you can pick and choose what suits you the most! Yoga Practise–  Yoga is one of the most popular activities on offer at a wellness retreat, and there are many good reasons why!  This ancient Eastern tradition is quite at home in Thailand, where it is one of the most well-regarded methods for attaining a perfect balance of physical health and mental stability.  Yoga is very popular among world travellers because of a great many healthy effects associated with its practice- here are just a few to consider: Pain Relief – Yoga’s gentle stretching and healing poses are an excellent way to relieve the chronic pain in the back and neck we so often suffer from.  Physique Improvements –  The slow movements and deep breaths that yoga teaches us help to increase the flow of blood and warm up tight muscles, improving our flexibility while simultaneously giving us more stamina and building our strength. Healthy Heart – Practicing yoga has significant beneficial effects on the heart by reducing stress levels and decreasing inflammation. Yoga is a very efficacious tool in the prevention of heart disease. Increased Energy – Yoga gives us a refreshing feeling of increased physical and mental energy, as well as boosting our mood, helping us fight the ravages of stress and depression. Spa Treatments – No wellness retreat would be complete without enjoying the amazing relaxation and sense of well-being that spa treatments can provide! Here are just a couple of the many health-promoting pleasures that await you: Herbal Body Wrap – This soothing experience begins with the body being gently wrapped in towels, followed by a layer of herbal oil-infused linen sheets, topped off by a warm blanket.  As you rest in this heavenly healing wrap, your body will reap the benefits of these medical herbs, so you will emerge feeling refreshed with your energy replenished. Aromatherapy Massage – Of course, traditional Thai massage is rightfully famed as one of the world’s best and most effective examples of this ancient healing art, so take that and add the healing element of essential oils drawn from aromatic herbs to create a truly outstanding spa treatment!  The lovely scents of chamomile, lavender, mint, lemon balm, sage, lemongrass, basil, and more all work alone or together in combination to relax your body and soothe you through your sense of smell.  Tell your therapist what you wish to achieve, and they will provide you with the scent that fits you the best! Weight Management Program –  What better way to manage your weight than to do it while enjoying the peace and privacy that a wellness retreat provides? Here are some of the tried and true methods the weight management experts at your wellness retreat will treat you to: Healthy Menu –  Everybody hates to go on a diet, but you will hardly know you are on one thanks to the delicious, health-conscious menu of traditional Thai food that awaits you! You will feel fulfilled as you enjoy the great taste of these wonderful dishes, which will help you decrease that unwanted extra weight naturally! Physical Fitness Fun –  Why should exercise be drudgery? You will be able to engage in a variety of fun physical fitness techniques like beach volleyball, hiking, and swimming! Feeling great and getting fit has never been this fun! Reasons To Delve Into A Wellness Retreat In Thailand Now that we know the different ways to dive into Thailand’s wellness retreats, check out some reasons to do so. From physical to mental well-being, these relaxing spaces often immerse you in a different space.  Tranquil Beauty of Thailand Is there any question about the natural backdrop of Thailand? It is simply mesmerizing. Who doesn’t love to wake up to the pleasing sound of waves crashing to the coasts?  The best part about spending your resources on wellness retreats is that they give you a great sense of the tropical climate. You can exercise outdoor yoga that will strengthen your bond with the outside world.  Conventional Yoga Experiences Thailand offers you a surreal yoga experience that you get nowhere else. Due to its age-old tradition, the nation has been attracting people from all over the world.  With the help of experienced yoga teachers, you can learn multiple asanas that calm both the human body and mind. Skilled instructors help you learn different breathing exercises and meditation.  Holistic Wellness Retreats also offer comprehensive health experiences that nurture your spirit, mind, and body. Different activities like yoga and meditation will attract you to the country.  Daily meditation sessions, Thai massages, healthy meals, and Ayurvedic treatments promote renewal and self-care. So, if you want comprehensive care of your body, you shouldn’t miss this out! The Bottom Line The Global Wellness Institute lists Thailand as one of the best destinations for wellness retreats.  Thailand’s mild climate and easy-going people make it the perfect destination for anyone who needs to really get away from it all and treat themselves to some healthy me-time!  Don’t wait any longer; pack your bags and come visit us here in Thailand today; we guarantee you won’t just feel better; you will feel fantastic! Read Also: 5 Reasons To Consider Solo Travel A Traveler’s Guide To Lutsen The Best Tips To Travel Around The World