Mount Bona
Mountain Major Alaskan glacier-covered peak in Wrangell–St. Elias
Glaciated stratovolcano in Alaska’s Wrangell Mountains, Mount Bona ranks among North America’s highest volcanoes. Experienced mountaineers attempt long glacier routes; the surrounding Wrangell-St. Elias National Park attracts expedition-style climbs and aerial sightseeing.
Mount Bona is a large, ice-clad stratovolcano in the Wrangell Mountains of eastern Alaska. It is one of the higher volcanic summits in Alaska and is heavily glaciated, contributing to several major valley glaciers.
The mountain is principally of interest to experienced mountaineers because approaches cross extensive glaciers and crevassed terrain. There are no developed trails to the summit and climbs are remote, typically launched from long approach routes.
Mount Bona formed as part of the Wrangell volcanic province and is predominantly covered by ice fields that feed outlet glaciers such as the Klutlan Glacier. Its glaciated character has shaped local hydrology and terrain.
The peak sits within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in eastern Alaska, relatively near the Alaska-Yukon border and accessed from remote airstrips or long overland routes.
- Glaciated volcano: An ice-covered stratovolcano within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park; climbs require glacier travel and mountaineering experience.
How to Get to Mount Bona #
Access typically requires bush plane flights into remote airstrips or glacier drop-offs in the vicinity of the Wrangell-St. Elias region, coordinated with experienced guides or outfitters. Overland routes are long and technically complex.
Tips for Visiting Mount Bona #
- Mountaineering to the summit is technical and requires glacier travel experience and up-to-date route information; hire experienced Alaskan guides.
- Acclimatize on nearby peaks; the altitude and glaciated terrain demand respect.
- Plan logistics for remote approaches - bush flights to base or long overland glacier approaches are necessary.
Best Time to Visit Mount Bona #
Climbers generally attempt Mount Bona in late spring through summer for the safest and most stable conditions; plan significant logistics and permits.
Weather & Climate near Mount Bona #
Mount Bona'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 -27°C to -6°C. Moderate rainfall (880 mm/year).
January
January is freezing with highs of -17°C and lows of -25°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and breezy conditions.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -14°C and lows of -22°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and breezy conditions.
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March
March is the coldest month with highs of -24°C and lows of -27°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).
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April
April is freezing with highs of -22°C and lows of -24°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and breezy conditions.
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May
May is freezing with highs of -16°C and lows of -17°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and breezy conditions.
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June
June is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -14°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm) and breezy conditions.
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July
July is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (133 mm) and breezy conditions.
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August
August is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -12°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and breezy conditions.
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September
September is freezing with highs of -12°C and lows of -15°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and breezy conditions.
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October
October is freezing with highs of -15°C and lows of -22°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and breezy conditions.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -17°C and lows of -26°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -16°C and lows of -24°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and breezy conditions.
