Root Glacier Trail

Overview

This is the park’s most accessible glacier experience: a scenic out-and-back from historic Kennecott Mill Town to the toe of Root Glacier, with the option to step onto the ice. Expect roughly 4.0 miles round trip to the glacier access point, or about 5–6 miles total if you add time exploring on the ice. Plan on 2–4 hours for the trail itself, and longer if you wander the glacier.

What You’ll See

You’ll stroll past the evocative red mill buildings of Kennecott before the trail heads into forest and lateral moraine. Views open to Root Glacier with big-mountain backdrops, including Mount Blackburn and the thundering Stairway Icefall—one of the largest icefalls in the world. On the glacier, the surface is a living maze of blue pools, meltwater waterfalls, crevasses, canyons of ice, and moulins. It’s dynamic, loud, and unforgettable.

Route & Conditions

From Kennecott, follow the well-marked path north, crossing Bonanza Creek and a footbridge over Jumbo Creek. A signed spur leads to the glacier access. The final quarter-mile drops steeply through loose moraine and can include slick, exposed ice—take it slow. A seasonal crossing of Amazon Creek can be higher after rain or during melt. There’s an outhouse near the Root Glacier access; food lockers are also available nearby.

Difficulty & Safety

Overall, the hike is moderate, but the last descent/ascent to the ice is steep and rocky and has deteriorated in recent years. If you plan to step onto the glacier, traction (crampons or microspikes) is strongly recommended—you won’t get far safely without it. Avoid the glacier’s edge where rotting ice and swift, cold water are hazardous. Bears are present along the route; give wildlife space and follow bear-safe travel practices.

Guided vs. Self-Guided

Plenty of hikers explore with their own traction, but guided glacier hikes are popular for good reason: they provide crampons, route-finding, and glaciology know-how, and they’ll safely lead you to the best features. Typical guided outings cover 5–6 miles on uneven terrain.

Best Time to Hike

This outing shines in summer, roughly late May through early September, when access and on-ice travel are most common. The glacier reflects a lot of light—bring sunglasses and sunscreen, dress in layers, and carry rain gear and light gloves to protect your hands on jagged ice.

Pro Tips

• If you want more scenery, continue past the main access for a closer look at the Stairway Icefall.
• Trekking poles help on the approach, but stash them before stepping onto the ice.
• Combine the hike with a tour of Kennecott Mill Town for a full day of history + geology.