Kennecott Mines & Kennicott Glacier | Anchorage

The Kennecott Mines and Kennicott Glacier are historic mining structures and a glacial feature located in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska.

Visual Characteristics

The Kennecott Mines complex consists of multiple wooden structures, primarily the concentrator mill, a five-story building constructed from timber. The buildings exhibit weathered wood surfaces, showing signs of age and exposure to the elements. The Kennicott Glacier is a large river of ice, approximately 45 miles (72 km) long and up to 4 miles (6.4 km) wide, characterized by crevasses and moraines. The surrounding landscape features steep, glaciated mountain slopes.

Location & Access Logistics

Kennecott is located approximately 200 miles (322 km) east of Anchorage. Access is primarily via the McCarthy Road, a 60-mile (97 km) gravel road originating from Chitina. The road terminates at the Kennicott River, where visitors park and then walk or take a shuttle across a footbridge to the Kennecott townsite. There is no direct road access to Kennecott itself. The nearest major airport is in Anchorage (ANC), with smaller airstrips available in McCarthy.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Kennecott Mines were established in 1900 following the discovery of rich copper ore. The primary mining operations, managed by the Kennecott Copper Corporation, ran from 1911 to 1938. The Kennicott Glacier is a product of glacial erosion and accumulation, a remnant of the Pleistocene ice ages, and is actively retreating.

Key Highlights & Activities

Guided tours of the historic Kennecott Mine buildings are available. Visitors can explore the former mine site and learn about its operational history. Hiking trails are present in the vicinity, including trails leading to the Root Glacier. Photography of the mine structures and the glacier is a common activity.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the Kennecott townsite. Limited food services and lodging are located in the nearby McCarthy townsite. Cell phone signal is generally unreliable within the historic site and surrounding park areas.

Best Time to Visit

The primary visitor season for Kennecott is from late May to early September, coinciding with the opening of the McCarthy Road and the availability of guided tours. Mid-day offers direct sunlight on the mine structures, while early morning and late afternoon provide softer light for photography. The glacier is accessible throughout the summer months.

Facts & Legends

The Kennecott Mine was one of the richest copper mines in the world, producing over $200 million worth of copper in its 27 years of operation. The ore was so concentrated that it was often referred to as "high-grade."

Nearby Landmarks

• McCarthy Townsite (0.5km West)
• Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Visitor Center (Chitina) (90km West)
• Mount Blackburn (15km Northeast)
• Root Glacier (2km East)