Falling rock rerouted the Root Glacier trail, and helicopters are coming

The trail to Root Glacier, one of the most visited destinations in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, has been rerouted since July around an unstable hill the park warned could injure or bury hikers under falling rock. The ground beneath it remains closed.

The reroute begins 1.8 miles along the Erie Mine Trail and leaves it ten yards past the Amazon Creek footbridge, turning left and downhill onto talus. It runs about 2.5 miles one way. The park strongly recommends traction devices, and recommends putting them on before stepping onto the ice, because of how steep the grade is there. Acting Superintendent Joshua Scott said the reroute restores access to the glacier while keeping visitors away from the hazard.

Separately, the park said Monday that helicopter flights between McCarthy and the Erie Mine Bunkhouse will bring periods of increased aircraft noise to the Kennicott Valley in mid-September, with dates depending on weather. The flights carry personnel, equipment and materials to the historic site, where crews will move fallen rock from around the structure. Some materials will be cached there for possible further stabilization next season.

The Department of the Interior hired Ridgeline Aviation of Cordova for the flying, at $40,499 for on-call helicopter service, under a contract running from Aug. 28 through February 2027.

The bunkhouse sits on a steep slope above the glacier and can be reached only by air or on foot. The park is asking visitors to stay clear of active work areas, follow posted signs and closures, and stay out of abandoned mine openings and closed historic structures. Pilots flying in the area should watch for helicopter traffic.