Wrangell-St. Elias
National Park
Set between the Wrangell and St. Elias mountain ranges, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park covers a massive 13 million acres in Southcentral Alaska. It’s not just the largest national park in the U.S., it’s also home to 9 of the country’s 16 tallest peaks and one of North America’s largest glacier concentrations.
Alongside Glacier Bay in Alaska and Canada’s Tatshenshini-Alsek and Kluane Parks, it forms the largest international protected wilderness and is recognized as a U.S.-Canadian World Heritage Site.
Wrangell-St. Elias At a Glance
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is completely free to visit.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is located in Southcentral Alaska. The start of Nabesna Road is located 1 hour south of Tok, but if you’re flying here, you’ll have to come from further away. You’ll have two airport options as the park is 4.5 hours east of Anchorage, and 4.5 hours south of Fairbanks.
The best time to visit Wrangell-St. Elias is from June through mid-September, when trails are mostly snow-free, visitor centers are open, and tours are available. While you might catch a sunnier or slightly warmer day, temps usually stay in the 50s and 60s. Keep in mind, fall hits Alaska by late August, so if you’re visiting in September, snowstorms are definitely possible!
Reservations are not required to enter the park.
Different Areas of the Park
Some of the main sections of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park include Nabesna Road, the Kennecott mines, Root Glacier, and McCarthy.
The BEST things to do in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
In this guide we’re sharing the best things to do in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, plus everything you need to know to visit the park!
How to drive McCarthy Road to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Looking to drive the McCarthy Road to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park? In this guide we’re sharing everything you need to know to safely drive the road including what vehicle to drive, how long it takes, all the hazards to be aware of, and so much more!
Hiking the Bonanza Mine trail
Want to experience unique history AND epic views? Here we’re sharing how to hike the Bonanza Mine trail in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park!
How to hike the Root Glacier trail
In this guide we’re sharing everything you need to know to hike the Root Glacier trail, including the many steps to get to it, what to bring, safety tips, and more!
Alaska Highway Ebook
Videos
For our final major Alaskan adventure we headed to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park! This is the LARGEST national park in the entire United States and we spent 3 days camping, hiking, and learning history in the park. From walking on a glacier, having EPIC views out of our tent, and even a surprise wildlife encounter, it was an amazing way to end our time in Alaska!
