Jumbo Mine Trail National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve

Access: Start form the Kennecott Mill town, on the Root Glacier 

Trail. After about a 1/2 mile, the Jumbo Mine Trail splits to the right. 

Trail is signed.

Distance: Approximately 5 miles one-way, 10 miles round-trip.

Time: 6-8 hours round-trip

Maps: Trails Illustrated map of Wrangell-St. Elias, USGS McCarthy 

1:63,360 (B6)

Difficulty: Strenuous. Trail is steep. 3,400 feet elevation gain from the Kennecott Mill Town. Route follows 

a trail until the last 1⁄2 mile, where the trail fades out on a rocky slope with remnants of the old mine road 

leading to the mine site. 

Highlights: Spectacular mountain scenery and historical artifacts.

Route: From the Kennecott Visitor Center, walk through the Kennecott Mill Town towards the Root 

Glacier. About a half mile beyond the visitor center the road will split. The trail to the Root Glacier will 

continue straight. To get to the Jumbo Mine turn right and hike up the hill. At the top of the first switchback, turn left following the road up the hill. If you find yourself at the top of the mill building you have 

missed the turn. The road is steep. Approximately one mile up there is a directional sign to the Bonanza 

and Jumbo mines; go left off of the main trail to continue to the Jumbo transfer station and mine. The trail 

crosses Bonanza Creek approximately 1⁄2 mile after the split. The creek flow varies depending on the season. 

During early summer it is highest and crossing may result in wet feet. 

Approximately 1⁄4 mile past Bonanza Creek there is a steep trail to the left. The old Jumbo transfer station 

is visible up this trail. To explore the transfer station either take this trail, or continue past this point to 

another easier access trail, also on the left. From the transfer station, enjoy the beautiful views of the 

Kennicott Valley and Chugach range to the south. From here the trail continues up to the Jumbo Mine. 

The trail narrows and crosses over some rocky and sandy areas as it ascends toward the scree slope leading 

to the mine site. Continue on the trail and cross the headwaters of Jumbo creek, which can be dry later 

in the summer. At this point the trail becomes less visible. Head toward the nearest tram cable tower. 

Near the tower, head up and around it to the right continuing up, staying on the lighter limestone rock 

slope. Generally head where the tram cables terminate, staying on the limestone rock as it ascends into the 

bowl, which is where the mine is located. Explore the mine site, where many relics of the Jumbo Mine’s 

buildings, tools and artifacts can be seen. 

Hazards: The buildings at the Jumbo Mine have not been stabilized and historic artifacts are scattered 

over the landscape. Please explore the site with care and do not enter the buildings. Mining and explosives 

experts have combed the historic mine structures in an effort to remove any abandoned explosives. 

However, if you find any abandoned explosives DO NOT TOUCH them. Please report them to a park 

ranger as soon as possible. Take standard precautions for hiking in bear country. 

Notes: ATV access to this area is limited to private property owners along the route and their guests in the 

process of accessing their property. If you are traveling with an ATV please leave it at the Kennicott River 

and visit the mines on foot. 

Revised 3/2015 EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICATM
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICATM

The historic site at the Jumbo Mine begs for exploration as one might imagine miners living and working 

high on the ridge line. Please explore the area with care being mindful of the hazards that exist and taking 

care to leave things as you find them so that others may explore the Jumbo Mine in the future. 

Please remember: 

The Jumbo Mine and the other historic sites at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve are part of 

our nation’s historic heritage. The buildings and the artifacts are protected by the National Park Service. 

The removal of artifacts from the site and the destruction of historic buildings are prohibited. Please allow 

others to explore them in the future. 

Bonanza Mine Trail

Shaded areas indicate private property. 

Please stay on the trail through these areas. Kennecott 

Mill Town

Jumbo Mine Trail

5.0 miles one-way

Root Glacier Trail