Plizio Visual Lab

St. Elias Mountains

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Saint Elias Mountains span the borders of Yukon, British Columbia, and Alaska, encompassing some of the highest and most massive peaks in North America. This range is home to Mount Logan, Canada's highest point at 5,959 meters. The region is characterized by extreme topographic relief and the most extensive glaciations outside the polar regions. Vast icefields, such as the Seward Icefield, feed monumental glaciers that flow toward the coast. Geologically, the chain is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and results from the subduction of the Pacific Plate, exhibiting one of the fastest tectonic uplift rates in the world. The Canadian portion lies almost entirely within Kluane National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. This area remains one of the world's most pristine wilderness environments, supporting significant populations of grizzly bears and Dall sheep.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-15	-15	-15	-9	-3	2	4	3	-2	-8	-14	-15
Rain mm	156	121	113	98	92	102	109	151	193	198	169	177

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Access into the heart of the mountains is mostly facilitated via chartered bush planes or from the rugged Alaska Highway in the Yukon. The surrounding terrain is extraordinarily isolated and generally requires expert logistical planning.

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Best season

The brief summer window from late June to mid-August is typically the only practical time for most visitors to experience the region. Extreme cold, fierce winds, and heavy snowfall dominate the area for the rest of the year.

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Terrain & paths

Expect vast, heavily glaciated landscapes, towering ice-capped peaks, and severely inhospitable alpine environments. Any movement on foot involves glacier travel, crevasses, and highly technical mountaineering conditions.

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What to bring

For aerial tours, warm layers and sunglasses are usually sufficient. Those venturing onto the ground require extensive, professional-grade expedition gear, including ice axes, ropes, crampons, and serious sub-zero clothing.

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Parking

Private vehicles are generally left at designated staging areas along the highway or at small regional airfields. There is absolutely no infrastructure for civilian vehicle parking near the high glaciers themselves.

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Safety

The environment is incredibly unforgiving, meaning independent travel should only be attempted by world-class mountaineers. All general visitors are strongly advised to explore safely via guided flightseeing tours with experienced pilots.

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Time needed

Flightseeing tours typically offer a panoramic glimpse over one to three hours from the air. Full ground expeditions to base camps or summits usually require weeks of dedicated endurance and commitment.

Geography

Coordinates

60.50000, -139.00000

Facts

Home to Mount Logan (5,959 meters)
Highest coastal mountain range on Earth
Largest icefields outside the polar regions
Kluane National Park is a UNESCO site (1979)
Exhibits one of the world's fastest uplift rates
Spans across the borders of Canada and USA

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What record do the St. Elias Mountains hold?

They contain Mount Logan, the highest peak in Canada.

Where is this range located?

On the border between the Yukon (Canada) and Alaska (USA).

Are there icefields there?

Yes, they contain the largest non-polar icefields in the world.

Is the area accessible to tourists?

Mainly through Kluane National Park; many areas are extremely remote.

What animals live there?

Grizzly bears, Dall sheep, and mountain goats are native to the area.

St. Elias Mountains: where is it located?

St. Elias Mountains is located in Canada.

St. Elias Mountains: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

St. Elias Mountains: why is it worth visiting?

The Saint Elias Mountains span the borders of Yukon, British Columbia, and Alaska, encompassing some of the highest and most massive peaks in North America.

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