Wrangell St Elias Helicopter Tour: Soar Above Alaska’s Wilderness

Wrangell St Elias helicopter tours offer breathtaking aerial views of America’s largest national park. Spanning over 13 million acres, this vast wilderness is best explored from above. Visitors can witness towering peaks, massive glaciers, and rugged landscapes during these exhilarating flights. While most tours use small planes rather than helicopters, they provide an unforgettable perspective of Alaska’s raw beauty and untamed wilderness.

What Are the Pricing Options for Wrangell St Elias Helicopter Tours?

While helicopter tours are not specifically offered, flightseeing tours using small planes provide similar experiences. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing structures:

Tour Name Duration Price Range (per person)
Mile High Cliffs Tour 50 minutes $300-$322
Thirteen Glacier Tour 70 minutes $360-$392
Bagley Icefield or University Range Tour 90 minutes $390-$432
Jewels of the Wrangells Tour 120 minutes $475-$523

Additional considerations:
– Tours operate from May 15 to September 15
– Minimum of 2 persons required
– Fuel surcharge may apply
– Extra seat purchase necessary for passengers over 250lbs/113kg
– Children under 2 years old fly free on an adult’s lap

What Can You Expect to See on a Wrangell St Elias Aerial Tour?

wrangell st elias helicopter tour

Each tour offers unique sights and experiences:

  1. Mile High Cliffs Tour (50 minutes):
  2. Mile High Cliffs
  3. Nizina Lake
  4. Rohn and Regal Glaciers
  5. Kennicott Glacier
  6. Stairway Icefall
  7. Kennicott Mines

  8. Thirteen Glacier Tour (70 minutes):

  9. Chitistone Canyon
  10. Mile High Cliffs
  11. 13 glaciers including Russell and Kennicott Glaciers
  12. Stairway Icefall
  13. Kennicott Mines
  14. Sourdough Rock Glacier
  15. Skolai Valley

  16. Bagley Icefield or University Range Tour (90 minutes):

  17. Option 1: Bagley Icefield, Mt. St. Elias
  18. Option 2: University Range, 15 glaciers, Stairway Icefall, Mt. Wrangell, Nabesna Glacier

  19. Jewels of the Wrangells Tour (120 minutes):

  20. Custom route based on personal preferences
  21. Includes Bagley Icefield, Mt. St. Elias, University Range, and other scenic highlights

How Do Customers Rate Their Wrangell St Elias Aerial Experiences?

Customer feedback for Wrangell St Elias aerial tours is overwhelmingly positive:

  • High satisfaction with breathtaking scenery
  • Unique wildlife sightings, including Dall sheep
  • Appreciation for vast landscapes, including river valleys and lush mountains
  • Praise for the safety and professionalism of pilots
  • Many find the tours to be excellent value for money

What is the Booking Process for Wrangell St Elias Aerial Tours?

To book a Wrangell St Elias aerial tour:

  1. Visit official websites of tour operators like Wrangell Mountain Air
  2. Contact travel agencies or destination specialists
  3. Choose your preferred tour and date
  4. Complete the booking process online or via phone
  5. Pay using the available payment methods (varies by operator)

Cancellation Policy:
– Cancellations up to 3 days prior: 10% fee plus $30 service charge
– Later cancellations: Non-refundable
– Full refund if the flight is cancelled due to poor visibility

Booking Tips:
– Make advance reservations, especially during peak season
– Check for any required deposits
– Confirm all details, including pick-up locations and times

How Can You Prepare for Your Wrangell St Elias Aerial Adventure?

To make the most of your Wrangell St Elias aerial tour:

  1. Dress in layers for comfort
  2. Bring a camera with extra batteries
  3. Pack sunglasses to reduce glare
  4. Consider motion sickness medication if prone to airsickness
  5. Arrive early for safety briefings and boarding procedures
  6. Listen carefully to pilot instructions
  7. Be flexible, as weather can affect flight plans

What Makes Wrangell St Elias National Park Unique for Aerial Tours?

Wrangell St Elias National Park offers unparalleled aerial tour opportunities:

  • America’s largest national park at 13.2 million acres
  • Home to 9 of the 16 highest peaks in the United States
  • Contains the largest concentration of glaciers in North America
  • Diverse landscapes including mountains, forests, and tundra
  • Rich wildlife habitats for bears, moose, caribou, and more
  • Historic mining sites visible from the air
  • Stunning geological features like the Mile High Cliffs

How Do Aerial Tours Compare to Ground-Based Exploration of Wrangell St Elias?

Aerial tours offer distinct advantages over ground exploration:

Aerial Tours Ground Exploration
Cover vast areas quickly Limited to accessible areas
Bird’s-eye view of landscapes Detailed, close-up experiences
No physical exertion required Can be physically demanding
See remote, inaccessible areas Restricted to established trails and roads
Short time commitment Requires more time for comprehensive exploration
Weather-dependent Less affected by weather (except extreme conditions)

Both options provide unique perspectives, and many visitors choose to combine aerial tours with ground-based activities for a comprehensive experience.

References:
1. https://gonorth-alaska.com/travel-center/wrangell-st-elias-national-park-flightseeing/
2. https://www.alaska.org/detail/wrangell-mountain-air
3. https://www.earthtrekkers.com/wrangell-st-elias-national-park-flightseeing-tour/

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