Bonanza Mine Trail

The trail typically starts from the historic Kennecott Mill Town area. Parking is available there, though specific details on designated parking areas for the trailhead should be confirmed locally upon arrival, as access within the national park can have specific regulations. From Kennecott, the trail begins its ascent towards the mine.

The trail is considered difficult to strenuous due to its significant elevation gain of nearly 4,000 feet. The first half to two-thirds follows an old gravel or 4WD mining road, which is a steady uphill climb through the forest. Once above the treeline, the terrain becomes rocky, uneven, and can include muddy scree, loose rock, and even year-round snow patches. The final 1.2 miles are particularly steep and narrow.

The trail offers a blend of historical sites and spectacular natural scenery. You'll pass the Kennecott Mill Town at the start. As you ascend, especially above the treeline, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the Kennicott and Root Glaciers, the entire Kennicott glacier valley, and the Chugach Mountains, including Mount Blackburn. Key historical points include the Bonanza Mine Cableway Relic and the Bonanza Mine site and artifacts itself, with abandoned structures and relics.

The best time to jog the Bonanza Mine Trail is generally during the summer months, from late June through early September, when snowmelt is minimal and the weather is most favorable. However, be prepared for potential snow patches even in summer, especially at higher elevations. Mid-September can offer vibrant fall foliage.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve does not charge an entrance fee. However, it's always wise to check the official National Park Service website (nps.gov) for any updated regulations or specific permits that might be required for certain activities or extended backcountry stays within the park.

Information regarding dog-friendliness for this specific trail within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is not explicitly provided. National Parks often have specific regulations regarding pets, usually requiring them to be on a leash and restricting them from certain trails or buildings. It's best to check the official Wrangell-St. Elias National Park website or contact a ranger station directly for current pet policies before bringing your dog.

While jogging, you might encounter wildlife such as moose, as evidenced by prevalent scat. Black bears are also known to frequent the area, particularly in the thick brush below the treeline. It's advisable to make noise while moving through these sections to avoid surprising any animals.

Given the trail's difficulty and varied terrain, you should bring sturdy jogging shoes with good ankle support and grip, layers of clothing suitable for changing weather conditions, rain gear, plenty of water, snacks, and bear spray. Mosquito repellent is also recommended for the forested sections below the treeline during summer.

The trail leads to the well-preserved ruins of the Bonanza Mine, which was one of the richest copper deposits ever discovered in the early 1900s. Along the route and at the mine site, you can see abandoned mining structures, a dilapidated tramway, rusted cables, and other relics, offering a tangible link to Alaska's rich mining history and the challenging lives of the miners.

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several paths. You will be jogging along parts of the Bonanza Mine Road, Bonanza/Jumbo Mine Road, and Mill Building Road. It also intersects with the Root Glacier, Jumbo Mine, and Bonanza Mine Trails Junction, and briefly touches sections of the Root Glacier Trail.

While the Bonanza Mine Trail offers a unique and challenging experience, its initial forested section can be a relentless uphill slog with limited views. For a less strenuous option that still provides stunning glacier views and historical context, consider exploring the trails around the Kennecott Mill Town or the lower sections of the Root Glacier Trail, which offer easier grades and immediate scenic rewards.