NPS · Alaska

Glacier Bay Wilderness

The Wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park is forged from dynamic change in the wake of powerful seismic forces and dramatic glacial movements. Glaciers have sculpted this landscape, from the sharp brows of its mountain peaks to the deep troughs of its fjords. Even the land itself is rising as the colossal weight of the ice eases off of it. It is almost as if the span of time has been condensed and then neatly unfurled across this landscape. It is a place renowned and protected for its diversity, constant change, and opportunity for study. Dramatic change and the ebb and flow of nature occur at every scale: within centuries, seasons, and hours.

Description from Wilderness Connect (wilderness.net).

Official page at Wilderness Connect ↗
Glacier Bay Wilderness
Photo from Wilderness Connect, wilderness.net
DesignationWilderness
Managed byNational Park Service
StateAlaska
Size2.7 million acres
Designated1980, by Congress
Center point58.83° N, 136.84° W
Night skySome glow on the horizon (Black Marble reading 41)

Boundary map

1 outline

Boundary, simplified to about 0.005 degrees Federal campground

The outline is the agency boundary simplified for display, so small parcels and inholdings may not show. The agency page has the authoritative map.

Where to camp

Campsite Atlas →

None of the 1 federal campground within ten miles sits inside the boundary. Nearest first. Distances are from the campground point to the boundary edge, from the Campsite Atlas index.

Explore

Nearby on the other atlases

National Register listings within 15 miles · 8 in all · Register Atlas

Landmarks are listed first, then by distance from the boundary.

Guidebooks for Alaska

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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.

Reference

Questions people ask

How big is Glacier Bay Wilderness?

2.7 million acres.

Source: Wilderness Connect

Who manages Glacier Bay Wilderness?

The National Park Service.

Source: Wilderness Connect

What state is Glacier Bay Wilderness in?

Alaska.

Source: Wilderness Connect

When was Glacier Bay Wilderness designated?

Congress designated it in 1980.

Source: Wilderness Connect

Can I camp at Glacier Bay Wilderness?

Camping inside a wilderness is usually allowed away from roads, with no facilities, and the managing agency page has the permit rules. The federal campgrounds within ten miles are listed under Where to camp.

Source: Where to camp

How do I get to Glacier Bay Wilderness?

A point inside the boundary is at 58.829° N, 136.837° W. Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is adjacent. The official page carries directions and the office address.

Source: Wilderness Connect

Which national parks are near Glacier Bay Wilderness?

Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve (adjacent). Park Atlas has fees, hours and alerts for each.

Source: Nearby on the other atlases

Are there historic places near Glacier Bay Wilderness?

The National Register has 8 listings within 15 miles, including Noow Hit Tribal House and Cape Spencer Lighthouse.

Source: Register Atlas

Sources

  • Boundary, name, acreage, designation year, states and description: Wilderness Connect.
  • Campgrounds: the Campsite Atlas index of federal campgrounds, matched to this boundary at build time.
  • Trailheads and sites: the Forest Service Recreation Opportunities layer, points inside the boundary.
  • Night sky: NASA Black Marble (VIIRS, 2016 composite) sampled at zoom 6 around the center point.
  • Weather, alerts, air quality, river flow and earthquakes load live in your browser from NWS, AirNow, USGS and iNaturalist when you open the page.