I was determined to trek rugged Wrangell-St. Elias in the summer of 2007. But which hike to chose?
The National Park website has a number of recommendations for hikes in Wrangell-St. Elias. (PDF files are linked from that page)
I was tempted by the Sanford-Dadina Plateau “Volcanic Traverse†— but did not have the 4-8 days needed. Ron Cosby hiked it in July finding it demanding:
“… the hardest part was fighting through the thickest alder I’ve ever seen on the initial part of the climb up to the plateau. It took us 10 hours (including breaks) to go 4.1 miles as the crow flies according to the GPS.”
Eventually we decided instead on a simple day hike volcano scramble, a very popular route off the Nabesna road.
The trail is 2.5 miles to a beautiful high pass. …
Highlights: Roadside access, wildlife, spectacular scenery, alpine plants, volcanic geology.
Access: The Skookum Volcano Trail leaves the Nabesna Road at mile 36.8. From the beginning elevation of 3,000’, it rises to an elevation of 5,800’. This trail leads through an extinct, deeply eroded volcanic system and provides an opportunity to examine picturesque volcanic geology.
NPS
The highlight was close-up views of Dall sheep who seem quite accustomed to human visitors.
We did the standard Skookum scramble, in and out. But there is an off-trail loop option which puts you walking a road for 1.4 miles. (Not recommended.)
Better for overnight hikers is Skookum Volcano to Rambler Mine, 10-14mi, 2-3 days, depending on route taken. Transport needed between trailheads.
besthike.com 