Mount Blackburn
Mountain Major Wrangell Range peak with extensive glaciation
A remote Alaskan massif in the Wrangell Mountains, Mount Blackburn challenges experienced climbers with long glacier approaches and technical routes; visits require serious wilderness logistics.
Mount Blackburn is the highest peak of the Wrangell Mountains in southcentral Alaska, rising to about 16,390 feet (4,996 meters). It is a large, heavily glaciated mountain within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.
Climbers and mountaineers are drawn by its extensive glacier systems and remote alpine environment rather than by established tourist facilities. Approaches typically involve glacier travel and crevasse navigation, and the mountain contributes significant iceflow to the region’s glacial network.
The peak formed as part of Alaska’s complex volcanic and tectonic history and today is one of the major topographic and glaciological features of the Wrangell range. It lies within the boundaries of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in eastern Alaska.
- Glaciation: Extensive glaciers and icefields flow from the summit and flanks, feeding large valley glaciers that are among the largest in the Wrangell Mountains.
How to Get to Mount Blackburn #
Mount Blackburn lies deep in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and is normally reached via McCarthy/Kennecott. Access is by small bush plane into McCarthy or by driving the unpaved McCarthy Road from Chitina (the McCarthy Road is approximately 60 miles / ~96 km of gravel driving). From McCarthy you must proceed on foot, glacier travel, and mountaineering routes - approach and summit attempts require technical alpine logistics and are not served by public transit.
Tips for Visiting Mount Blackburn #
- Mount Blackburn is a remote, heavily glaciated peak in Wrangell-St. Elias-tackling it requires sustained glacier travel experience, crevasse-rescue skills and careful logistical planning rather than a simple day hike.
- Plan climbs in late spring to early summer (May-June) for more stable snow bridges and longer daylight, and coordinate aircraft support and drop zones with pilots experienced in the Wrangell area; weather windows are limited.
- Contact Wrangell-St. Elias National Park rangers before you go to confirm route conditions, registration requirements and recent objective hazards-local ranger information is essential for a safe ascent.
Best Time to Visit Mount Blackburn #
Best visited in June-August when weather and access are most favorable for climbing and glacier travel.
Weather & Climate near Mount Blackburn #
Mount Blackburn's climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with freezing summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from -26°C to -5°C. Moderate rainfall (849 mm/year).
January
January is freezing with highs of -16°C and lows of -24°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and breezy conditions.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -14°C and lows of -20°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and breezy conditions.
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March
March is the coldest month with highs of -24°C and lows of -26°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and breezy conditions.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -22°C and lows of -24°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and breezy conditions.
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May
May is freezing with highs of -16°C and lows of -17°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and breezy conditions.
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June
June is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -13°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm) and breezy conditions.
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July
July is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (127 mm) and breezy conditions.
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August
August is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -11°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and breezy conditions.
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September
September is freezing with highs of -11°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and breezy conditions.
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October
October is freezing with highs of -14°C and lows of -22°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and breezy conditions.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -16°C and lows of -25°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -15°C and lows of -22°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and breezy conditions.
