Exploring Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
- Written by
- On Wednesday, December 14, 2022
Park: Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
State: Alaska
Year Established: 1980
Acres: 13.2 million
Annual Visitors: 74,518
Entrance Fee: $0
Reigning supreme as America’s largest national park, Wrangell-St. Elias Park and Preserve in Alaska spans an impressive 13.2 million acres and is one of many national parks that do not charge an entrance fee.
Nearly six times the size of Yellowstone National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias is a vast and remote wonderland filled with the greatest concentration of glaciers in North America. As such, 33% of the national park is covered in glacial ice. Still, Wrangell-St. Elias is a great vacation option where you can experience the sheer beauty of these Alaskan glaciers, mountains, volcanoes, and more.
Things to do at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Technically located just outside of the park, you probably want to start with Copper Center when visiting Wrangell-St. Elias. The visitors center here is open annually from May through September, and while you’re there you can plan your trip at the park by viewing a 3D map, chatting with a park ranger, or watching a video all about the park itself.
At Copper Center you can also enjoy a short hike, like the half-mile loop available that includes an overloop at the Wrangell Mountains, or a guided walk from a park ranger.
Off-Roading in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
To visit all of the wonders of this Alaskan park, you’ll want to drive McCarthy Road and connect to Chitina. McCarthy is 59 miles of unpaved road, so if you’re going to make the trek, be prepared for a bumpy ride. Also important to note, not all rental car companies will allow you to take a vehicle on this adventurous drive so make sure to get permission before you go.
Built on top of an old railway line, McCarthy Road cuts through rock tunnels and gaps to make for a truly exciting experience. You will pass across the Kuskulana River Canyon and Bridge at mile 17 and the Gilahina Trestle at mile 29. By the end of your drive, you’ll hit stunning views of the Kennicott River and come across another Visitors Center, where you can walk across the footbridge into town. The drive takes about two to three hours, with plenty of opportunities to observe the wildlife including bears, owls, eagles, swans, moose, and more!
Kennecott Ghost Town in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Making our list of America’s Creepy Cool Ghost Towns that are Actually Worth Visiting, Kennecott opened as a copper mine in 1903 and was shut down by 1938. Completely abandoned in the 1950s, we suggest taking the mine tour to experience it all.
Transformed into a tourist town, there are also several restaurants and gift shops to visit while you’re there and the picturesque setting overlooking the Root and Kennicott Glaciers is a can’t miss.
You can also take a 4 mile shuttle from Kennecott to McCarthy. A charming town that housed most of the miners and their families during the Kennecott mine’s hay day, McCarthy had a hospital and school, as well as the closest bar and brothel!
Flightseeing Tours of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
With such a massive amount of national park to see and a limited number of roads, the best way to experience Wrangell-St. Elias is from the air. With a flightseeing tour you can fly over Bagley Ice Field, Mount Wrangell Volcano, and Mount St. Elias which is the second-highest mountain peak in the United States.
You can catch a tour from Chitina and McCarthy/Kennicott through Wrangell Mountain air, or from Glennallen with the Copper Valley Air Service. Offering much needed perspective to the stunning landscape, soaring above it all is the perfect way to drink in all the natural beauty.
Hiking and Backpacking in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Day hiking is available off McCarthy Road in Kennecott, as well as the Nabesa Road Area. The best trails for glacier viewing are from Kennecott, most notably Root Glacier. An easy hike out to the glacier, you can make the day what you want depending on your skill level and equipment, spending hours exploring the cracks and crevices of the glacier.
To experience the other natural wonders of the park, the Nabesna Road Area offers several hikes as well following creeks, heading into the mountains, and exploring the beautiful alpine meadows.
When to Visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
No matter what time of year you visit, be prepared for a winter wonderland. That said, the best time to visit the park is mid-March through mid-September because winter comes early and it is brutal! Visiting during the summer during this timeframe will ensure services and facilities are available and open.
During the fall, winter, and spring - roughly October into April - all visitor contact stations within the park will be closed.
Ready to make your adventurous excursions more frequent? Search all cabins for sale to find your own home away from home in the great outdoors!
