Many fly in destinations in Wrangell-St. Elias provide opportunities for day hiking from the comfort of a fixed camp or exploring the country hiking in a loop and returning to the same airstrip. Because of the limited amount of developed trails and routes in this wilderness park, base camping is an excellent way to enjoy the backcountry.
The overview chart below lists some of the main features of different areas with links to details about the hiking trips, including rates.
If you would like to have a knowledgeable guide along, Trek Alaska and St. Elias Alpine Guides offer guided base camping and day hiking trips in these areas.
**Please be aware that base campers will have a much larger impact on an area than continually moving hikers. Please know and follow the NPS guidelines for minimum impact hiking and camping.
All prices are round trip from McCarthy and based on a two person minimum.
| Base Camps | ||
| Base Camp | Cost | Attractions |
| Wolverine Mountain | $320 | Alpine hiking, views, Dall sheep |
| Tebay Lakes | $440 | Day hiking, fishing |
| Steamboat Hills | $300 | Emerald lakes, rolling terrain, Dall sheep |
| Skolai Pass | $390 | Lakes, scramble peaks, views |
| Nizina Glacier | $300 | glacier access, moderate hiking |
| Nikolai Pass | $210 | Ridge hikes, 360° panorama |
| Mt. Wrangell Plateau | $440 | Glaciers, dramatic cliffs |
| Mile High Cliffs | $210 | Dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, day hikes |
| McColl Ridge | $650 | Ridge hikes, great views, wildlife |
| Kuskulana Pass | $710 | High camp, scramble peaks |
| Iceberg Lake | $420 | lake, glaciers, high ridges |
| Horsfeld | $590 | Many day trip, scramble options |
| Hidden Creek Lake | $300 | Lake, glaciers |
| The Fosse | $210 | Glaciers, scramble opportunities |
| Fan Glacier | $420 | Glaciers, Small lakes,moderate hikes |
| Doubtful Creek | $300 | Variety of hiking, expansive views, rock pools |
| Allie's Valley | $660 | Hanging glaciers, easy travel |
| Chimney Mountain | $600 | Views, Dall sheep, mt. goats |
| Camps with Public Use Cabins | ||
| Base Camp | Cost | Attractions |
| Chisana | $400 | Historic town, day or loop hiking, public use cabin |
| Huberts Landing | $420 | Public use cabin, expansive views, easy/moderate hikes |
| Nugget Creek | $350 | public use cabin, expansive views, alpine hiking |
| Peavine Bar | $205 | Public use cabin |
| Glacier Creek | $210 | Public use cabin, river, bears, Twaharpie Glacier |
| Bremner Mine | $420 | Gold mining relics, lakes, high ridges |