Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is the largest in the United States, covering approximately 13.2 million acres—six times the size of Yellowstone. It is home to 9 of the country’s 16 highest peaks and nearly 30% of its ice. Its heart—the mining town of Kennecott and the hamlet of McCarthy—is accessible via McCarthy Road. There, you can hike on the Root Glacier and fly over immense glaciers. Best time to visit: June through early September.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park occupies the southeastern corner of Alaska, on the border with the Yukon. Covering 13.2 million acres, it could hold Yellowstone six times over, or Yosemite, Vermont, and New Hampshire combined. It is home to 9 of the 16 highest peaks in the United States, including Mount St. Elias (5,489 m), the second-highest in the country, and one of the highest concentrations of glaciers outside the polar regions.
Despite its vast size, the park remains accessible. McCarthy Road, a gravel road, leads into its heart, all the way to the historic villages of McCarthy and Kennecott, a former copper mining town. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve along with neighboring Kluane, it is a rewarding destination for independent travelers. This page provides details on attractions, access, seasons, and lodging.
Why visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park?
Wrangell-St. Elias first impresses with its sheer scale. As the largest national park in the United States, it is home to 9 of the country’s 16 highest peaks, and one-third of its surface area is covered by ice. Mount St. Elias rises to 5,489 meters, making it the country’s second-highest peak. Few places offer such a sense of immensity and isolation.
The park combines this raw natural beauty with a unique mining history: Kennecott, a copper mining town operated from 1911 to 1938, is now a historic site known for its iconic red buildings. Just a few kilometers away, the Root Glacier —one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers—can be explored on foot. Hiking, scenic flights, rafting, and historical tours all come together here, far from the crowds of the major parks.
What to Do in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park?
Here are the top experiences, from the historic mine to the glaciers.
1. Visit the mining town of Kennecott
Kennecott, a copper mining town that operated from 1911 to 1938, is now a National Historic Landmark. Its red buildings, including the 14-story processing plant, can be toured as part of a guided tour. St. Elias Alpine Guides is the only company authorized to take visitors inside the plant.
2. Hiking on the Root Glacier
The Root Glacier, accessible on foot from Kennecott via the Root Glacier Trail, is one of the most easily accessible glaciers in Alaska. Guided tours with crampons allow you to explore its blue ice, crevasses, rivers, and pools. With one-third of the park covered in ice, the experience is truly breathtaking.
3. Flying Over Glaciers and Volcanoes
Since 90% of the park has no roads, a small-plane flight from McCarthy reveals its sheer scale. Immense glaciers, peaks over 5,000 meters, and the volcanoes of the Wrangell Mountains pass by beneath the plane. Some flights include a landing on an alpine lake or a remote glacier, inaccessible by road.
4. Explore McCarthy and Its History
McCarthy, a hamlet located a few kilometers from Kennecott, grew as a community that supported miners. Its saloons and historic buildings still stand, and an off-grid community lives there year-round. The McCarthy-Kennicott Historical Museum traces this history, from the copper rush to frontier life.
When is the best time to visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park?
The summer season runs from early June to early September, when the visitor centers, the Kennecott tours, and hikes on the Root Glacier are open. Summer offers long days, ideal for combining gravel roads, glacier hikes, and scenic flights.
The main visitor center in Copper Center remains open year-round. During the off-season, access becomes significantly more difficult and services close. Since the park is vast and remote, thorough preparation is essential. Check out our guide on when to visit Alaska.
| Period | Terms and Conditions | Access and Services |
|---|---|---|
| June through early September | Summer season | Kennecott, Root Glacier, scenic flights |
| Mid-May and mid-September | Shoulder season | Centers partially open |
| October through April | Winter, unplowed roads | Copper Center open, limited access |
How do you get to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park?
Only two gravel roads lead into the park. McCarthy Road, which is about 60 miles long from Chitina, leads to the heart of the park, all the way to McCarthy and Kennecott. Known for causing flat tires, it’s often off-limits to rental car drivers: it’s best to use a suitable vehicle or take a shuttle. Nabesna Road (42 miles) serves the northern part of the park.
The main visitor center, in Copper Center, is about 190 miles from Anchorage via the Glenn Highway and 110 miles from Valdez. Flights and shuttles connect Chitina to McCarthy. Since most of the park is roadless, flying remains the best way to explore its interior.
Where to Stay in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park?
McCarthy and Kennecott offer historic lodges and charming accommodations in the heart of the park, including the Kennicott Glacier Lodge, which overlooks the glacier. Small establishments and independent guides ensure a personal and intimate experience, so be sure to book in advance.
The towns of Copper Center, Glennallen, and Gakona, on the park’s edge, offer B&Bs, lodges, and campgrounds that are convenient for road access. Our team can incorporate Wrangell-St. Elias into a road trip itinerary that includes Valdez and Anchorage. Check out our suggested itineraries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
How big is Wrangell-St. Elias National Park?
Wrangell-St. Elias is the largest national park in the United States, covering approximately 13.2 million acres—six times the size of Yellowstone. It is home to 9 of the country’s 16 highest peaks, including Mount St. Elias, the second-highest peak in the United States, and nearly 30% of its area is covered by ice.
How do you get to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park?
Only two gravel roads lead into the park: McCarthy Road (about 60 miles) toward McCarthy and Kennecott, and Nabesna Road (42 miles) to the north. The main visitor center is located in Copper Center, about 190 miles from Anchorage. There is air service to the interior of the park.
What is Kennecott?
Kennecott is a former copper mining town, operated from 1911 to 1938, now designated a National Historic Landmark. Its red buildings can be toured on a guided tour; only St. Elias Alpine Guides is authorized to take visitors inside the plant. The site is accessible from McCarthy.
Can you hike on a glacier in Wrangell-St. Elias?
Yes. The Root Glacier, accessible on foot from Kennecott via the Root Glacier Trail, is one of the most easily accessible glaciers in Alaska. Guided tours with crampons allow you to explore its blue ice, crevasses, and waterfalls. One-third of the park is covered in ice.
How do you get to McCarthy and Kennecott?
The McCarthy Road, a roughly 60-mile gravel road from Chitina, takes a few hours to reach McCarthy. The road is notorious for flat tires: many rental companies prohibit driving on it. A shuttle connects McCarthy to Kennecott. Flights and transfers are also available from Chitina.
When is the best time to visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park?
The summer season runs from early June to early September, when the visitor centers, the Kennecott tours, and glacier hikes are operational. The main visitor center in Copper Center is open year-round, with extended hours in the summer.
Do you need a permit to visit Wrangell-St. Elias?
No. No reservations or entry permits are required to visit the park. Admission is free. However, it is recommended that you stop by a visitor center, check the condition of the gravel roads, and book guided tours and accommodations in advance.
Why take a flight over Wrangell-St. Elias National Park?
Since 90% of the park is roadless, a small-plane flight from McCarthy reveals its colossal scale. Immense glaciers, peaks over 5,000 meters, and volcanoes pass by, and some flights include a landing on a remote lake or glacier.
Last updated: August 18, 2026.
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Sources
National Park Service (Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark); UNESCO (Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias); Travel Alaska.
