Access: Trailhead is located at the end of the maintained portion of the Nabesna Road, Mile 42. As you near the end of the maintained portion of the Nabesna Road, you will reach private property owned by the Ellis family, who operate Devil’s Mountain Lodge, established here in the 1950s. Please respect their privacy and take care not to park on their property or private air strip. Continue driving on the road through the Ellis property. Approximately a 1/4 mile beyond the Ellis property, there is a gravel parking area. This is the best place to park your car.
Time: 1½ to 2 hours
Maps: USGS Maps-Nabesna 1:250,000; Nabesna 1:63,360 (B-4), (B-5)
Highlights: Historic mine buildings, artifacts, and great scenery, Dall sheep viewing.
Notes: Take standard precautions for travel in bear country. There is no water available along this route. Rambler Mine and other historic sites in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve are part of the rich history of the region. Destruction of historic buildings and/or removal of artifacts is prohibited.
Hazards: The mine opening and tunnels, surrounding buildings, and other structures are in a state of disrepair and hazardous. Caution is advised.
Route: Continue in the same direction of trail down the historic mining road (the non-maintained portion of the Nabesna Road). Follow this level route for approximately 1/3 mile from the parking area, and turn right onto a tree-canopied trail. At this junction, keen observation will provide a glimpse of the Rambler Mine, which extracted gold in the early 1940s, perched high on the side of White Mountain. After turning right onto the trail, you will begin a steady, uphill ½-mile ascent through a predominately spruce and alder forest.
Toward the end of your climb, you will encounter two trail junctions. The first involves a somewhat obscure trail, which terminates well below the mine, leading to the left. Stay on the main trail, which is the right fork. A short distance further, you will reach another junction. The overgrown trail to the right terminates in a meadow, with great views and camping potential, far above the mine.
To continue to the mine itself, follow the main trail, which cuts sharply to
the left. From this junction, it’s a five-minute walk to Rambler Mine, situated at about the 4,000’ level, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the Nabesna River Valley and the Mentasta and Nutzotin Mountains.
Distance: 1 mile
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
