A Travel Guide to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, spanning over 13.2 million acres, is the largest national park in the United States, dwarfing Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Switzerland combined. Located in south-central Alaska, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a rugged wilderness of towering peaks, massive glaciers, and rich history, offering unparalleled adventure for those willing to explore its untamed beauty. From glacier hiking to flightseeing over North America’s largest ice fields, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip to this “Mountain Kingdom of North America.”
Why Visit Wrangell-St. Elias?
Wrangell-St. Elias is a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers. It boasts nine of the 16 highest peaks in the U.S., including Mount St. Elias (18,008 feet), the second-tallest in the country. The park is home to the largest glacial system in North America, with 35% of its area covered in ice, including the Bagley Icefield, Malaspina Glacier, and Hubbard Glacier. Its remote landscape, largely trail-less, offers solitude and a chance to experience pristine wilderness. The historic Kennecott Mines, a National Historic Landmark, adds a cultural dimension, showcasing Alaska’s copper mining era. Whether you’re hiking, rafting, or exploring ghost towns, this park promises a raw, awe-inspiring experience.
How to Get There
Wrangell-St. Elias is remote, with limited road access, but reachable from Anchorage (250 miles west) or Fairbanks (300 miles north). Here are the main options:
By Car: McCarthy Road (South Access): A 60-mile gravel road from Chitina to McCarthy, built on an old railroad bed. It’s rough, with potholes and occasional railroad spikes, so a high-clearance vehicle and spare tire are recommended. The drive takes 2–3 hours. You cannot drive into McCarthy; park at the end of the road and cross a footbridge to town. Nabesna Road (North Access): A 42-mile gravel road from Slana, offering stunning views of the Wrangell and Nutzotin Mountains. A 4WD vehicle is advised due to stream crossings and rough conditions. Note: Both roads are state-maintained, not by the National Park Service, and conditions vary. Check with the park’s visitor center for updates.
By Air: Small bush planes from Anchorage, Glennallen, or Chitina offer access to McCarthy or remote backcountry airstrips. Wrangell Mountain Air provides flightseeing and drop-off services, ideal for backcountry adventures. Flights take 45–60 minutes from Anchorage and cost $200–400 round-trip.
By Shuttle: From Anchorage, guided tours or shuttles (e.g., Alaska Tours) provide transport to McCarthy/Kennecott, often including park activities. Book via Alaska Tours or local operators for convenience.
Tip: Driving from Anchorage to Chitina takes about 5 hours via the Richardson Highway. Combine with a visit to nearby Valdez for scenic coastal views.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June–August): The ideal season with warm, dry weather (50–70°F), long daylight hours, and accessible roads. Perfect for hiking, rafting, and glacier tours. Most visitor services, including the Kennecott Visitor Center, operate from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Spring (April–May): Warming temperatures (40–50°F) and longer days, but some snow may linger at higher elevations. Good for quieter visits.
Fall (September): Stunning fall colors in the tundra, but snow can start falling, and road conditions may worsen. Winter (October–March): Extremely cold (-50°F at night) with limited access. Ideal for aurora viewing and backcountry skiing, but requires advanced preparation.
Weather Tip: The park’s interior has a continental climate with drastic temperature swings. The coastal Yakutat area is wetter, receiving 150 inches of rain annually. Pack layers and waterproof gear.
Tickets and Fees
Entrance Fee: Free, as there are no entrance stations.
Activity Costs: Guided tours (hiking, rafting, ice climbing): $100–$500 per person, depending on duration and activity. Flightseeing: $150–$300 for 60–90-minute tours. Kennecott Mine tours: $28–$35 per person with St. Elias Alpine Guides.
Permits: Backcountry camping and certain climbing expeditions may require free permits, available at the Copper Center Visitor Center or Chitina Ranger Station.
Booking Tip: Reserve guided tours and flights in advance, especially in summer, through operators like St. Elias Alpine Guides or Kennicott Wilderness Guides.
What to See and Do
Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark: Explore the ghost town of Kennecott, a well-preserved copper mining camp from the early 20th century. The iconic red mill buildings and 14-story concentration mill are a photographer’s dream. Guided tours by St. Elias Alpine Guides (2 hours, $28) allow access inside historic buildings. Visit the Kennecott Visitor Center (open summer, 9:30 AM–5:00 PM) for maps, ranger talks, and history exhibits.
Glacier Hiking and Ice Climbing: Root Glacier Trail: A 7-mile round-trip hike (easy to moderate, 1,500 ft elevation gain) from Kennecott to the stunning Root Glacier. Guided hikes ($100–$150) or ice climbing ($200–$300) with Kennicott Wilderness Guides offer safe access to the glacier’s white ice. Bonanza Mine Trail: A strenuous 9-mile hike with panoramic views of Root and Kennicott Glaciers and abandoned mine structures.
Flightseeing Tours: Soar over the Bagley Icefield, the largest non-polar ice field in North America, or view peaks like Mount St. Elias and Mount Wrangell (an active volcano). Wrangell Mountain Air offers 70–90-minute tours ($150–$250) from McCarthy, showcasing glaciers and rugged peaks.
Rafting and Packrafting: Float glacier-fed rivers like the Kennicott or Nizina with St. Elias Alpine Guides. Options range from half-day trips ($100) to 15-day expeditions ($3,000+). No experience needed; gear is provided.
Backpacking and Hiking: Popular routes include Skolai Pass for alpine views or Chitistone Pass for canyons and falls. Guided trips with Trek Alaska cater to all levels, from beginner basecamps to challenging point-to-point treks. The park’s trail-less wilderness requires navigation skills or a guide for safety.
Wildlife Viewing: Spot black and brown bears, caribou, moose, and Dall sheep. The park’s vast size means wildlife is spread out, so bring binoculars. The Copper Center Visitor Center offers tips on prime viewing spots.
Where to Eat
McCarthy/Kennecott: Limited options include the Meatza Wagon food truck (burgers, $10–15) or dining at Kennicott Glacier Lodge (meals $20–40). Bring your own food for budget-friendly picnics, as grocery stores are scarce.
Chitina: Stop at local cafes like Chitina General Store for snacks before entering the park.
Tip: Pack non-perishable food and a cooler, as dining options are limited and expensive in remote areas.
Where to Stay
McCarthy/Kennecott: Kennicott Glacier Lodge: A cozy lodge with stunning glacier views, offering rooms ($200–$300/night) and dining. Ideal for easy access to Kennecott. Ma Johnson’s Hotel: Historic lodging in McCarthy with a frontier vibe ($150–$250/night). Campgrounds: Private sites near McCarthy ($20–$40/night) or backcountry camping (free, permit required).
Copper Center: Budget motels like Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge ($100–$200/night) are near the main visitor center.
RV Camping: Available along Nabesna and McCarthy Roads at private sites. Check road conditions for RV suitability.
Backcountry: Free dispersed camping in the wilderness, but requires preparation for bear safety and weather.
Tips for a Great Visit
Prepare for Remoteness: No cell service in most areas; download maps offline or use the NPS app. Carry a satellite communicator for emergencies. Gear Up: Bring sturdy hiking boots, layers, waterproof clothing, bear spray, and a spare tire for road trips.
Respect Wildlife: Store food securely and maintain distance from bears and moose. Guided Tours: Recommended for safety in the trail-less backcountry, especially for glacier travel or mountaineering.
Combine Your Trip: Pair with visits to Denali National Park (300 miles north) or Kenai Fjords National Park (200 miles south) for a multi-park adventure.
Final Thoughts
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is a bucket-list destination for those seeking raw, untouched wilderness. Its colossal glaciers, soaring peaks, and historic mining towns offer a glimpse into Alaska’s untamed heart. Whether you’re hiking the Root Glacier, flightseeing over the Bagley Icefield, or exploring Kennecott’s red-roofed relics, this park rewards the adventurous with memories of a lifetime. Plan ahead, embrace the ruggedness, and let this vast “Mountain Kingdom” leave you in awe.
Happy travels!
