| Mount Saint Elias Mountain/Rock |
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Geography
| Mount Saint Elias   | 
| Page Type: Mountain/Rock Location: Alaska, United States/Canada, North America Lat/Lon: 60.29330°N / 140.929°W County: Yakutat Activities: Mountaineering Season: Spring, Summer Elevation: 18008 ft / 5489 m | Page By: grhigh Created/Edited: Feb 15, 2006 / Feb 19, 2006 Object ID: 172273 Hits: 9742 Loading... Page Score: 6.12% - 31 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
Overview
Photo by Valentin Sommer of the Northwest face of St. Elias |
America's second highest peak at 18,008 feet, this mountain explodes right from the shores of the Gulf of Alaska and rises for over three vertical miles. Mt. St. Elias is the most remote, and least explored high peak in North America. The first ascent of the mountain was made July 31, 1897 by His Royal Highness, Prince Luigi Amedeo de Savoia, Duke of the Abruzzi and his party. When seen from the south, Mount Saint Elias is a truly spectacular mountain. From sea level at Icy Bay to the summit of St. Elias, it is a distance of less than 20 miles... some of the greatest vertical relief in the world. It also produces the largest single icefield in Alaska, called the Malaspina. Ice spreads from the mountain over 1,500 square miles on its seaward base, and eventually spills into the Gulf of Alaska. St. Elias lies in one of the fastest-rising land areas in the world, growing at about 4cm per year, about as fast as your fingernails grow. On average, three earthquakes a day rock the earth here. In 1899 one earthquake raised the ground over 10m in less than two minutes.
 Getting ThereThe mountain is normally accessed only by air charter. Your choices are either ski-equipped aircraft or helicopter which are available at Haines Junction, Silver City , and Burwash Landing in the Yukon, and at Yakutat and Chitina River in Alaska. The occasional party makes its way in from the Alaska Highway or McCarthy Road, both over 150km away. The Gulf of Alaska is closer at the furthest reaches of Ice Bay, but is still at least 25km away. Take a look at the photo below to get an idea of the remoteness of this mountain.
 Red TapeLocated within the boudaries of Wrangell St. Elias Park and Preserve the area is blessedly free of any permit requirements. If intending to do a route that lies within Canada you must contact Kluane Park, but it is only $5 per day up to a maximum of $50. As well there is a $30 Aircraft landing fee that is charged over the charter fee.
CampingThere are no federal camping facilities in the park. Several private lodges and bed and breakfast establishments are located along the McCarthy and Nabesna roads, in McCarthy and Kennicott, and in the highway communities. The Bureau of Land Management and the state of Alaska run campgrounds along the Richardson Highway, Tok Cutoff and Edgerton Highway. You may camp anywhere in the park, but be aware that there is considerable private land, particularly along the Nabesna and McCarthy road corridors. Park Headquarters and Visitor Center is located in Copper Center near Glenallen on the Richardson Hw.
 Mountain ConditionsAlthough a major mountain landmark, Mount St. Elias is not a popular mountain to climb due to frequent storms and almost impossible climbing weather conditions. Most climbing parties take 2-3 weeks to reach t he summit. External LinksBivouac - Mount Saint Elias
Peakware - Mount Saint Elias
Wikipedia - Mount Saint Elias
Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve (National Park Service)
St. Elias Alpine Guides
www.wrangell.st.elias.national-park.com
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