Overview
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is the largest national park in the United States, covering an area of 13.2 million acres. Located in southeastern Alaska, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most spectacular wilderness areas on the planet. What makes Wrangell-St. Elias special is its unique combination of glaciers, mountains, and wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and caribou. The park was established in 1980, and its designation as a national park and preserve recognizes the importance of preserving its natural and cultural resources for future generations.
The park’s vast wilderness area includes 18 of the highest peaks in North America, including Mount Blackburn, the highest peak in the park at 16,390 feet. The park is also home to the Nabesna Glacier, one of the longest non-polar glaciers in the world, and the Tana Glacier, which is one of the most accessible glaciers in the park. With its stunning mountain scenery, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Getting There
To get to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, visitors can fly into the nearby towns of Copper Center or Glennallen, which are located near the park’s entrance. The GPS coordinates for the park’s entrance are 61.95°N 143.95°W. The nearest airport is the Copper Center Airport, which is located about 10 miles from the park’s entrance. From there, visitors can drive to the park on the Edgerton Highway or the Glenn Highway, which are both paved roads that provide access to the park.
Driving directions to the park are as follows: from Anchorage, take the Glenn Highway east for about 180 miles to the town of Glennallen. From there, take the Edgerton Highway east for about 30 miles to the park’s entrance. The drive from Anchorage takes about 4-5 hours, depending on road conditions. Visitors can also take a shuttle or tour from Copper Center or Glennallen to the park, which can be arranged through the park’s visitor center or a local tour operator.
- Copper Center Airport: 61.95°N 143.95°W
- Edgerton Highway: paved road that provides access to the park
- Glenn Highway: paved road that provides access to the park
- Distance from Anchorage: about 200 miles, 4-5 hour drive
Top Trails & Hikes
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve offers some of the most spectacular hiking trails in Alaska, with routes that range from easy day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips. Some of the top trails and hikes in the park include:
- Nabesna Glacier Trail: a 27-mile trail that takes hikers to the toe of the Nabesna Glacier, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers
- Tana Glacier Trail: a 10-mile trail that takes hikers to the Tana Glacier, with spectacular views of the glacier and surrounding mountains
- Mount Blackburn Trail: a 20-mile trail that takes hikers to the summit of Mount Blackburn, the highest peak in the park
- Skookum Volcano Trail: a 5-mile trail that takes hikers to the summit of Skookum Volcano, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys
The difficulty level of the trails in the park varies from easy to challenging, with some trails requiring glacier travel and crevasse rescue skills. Visitors should check with the park’s visitor center for up-to-date trail information and to obtain any necessary permits before heading out on a hike.
Trail Difficulties
The trails in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve are rated as follows:
- Easy: trails that are less than 5 miles round trip and have minimal elevation gain
- Moderate: trails that are 5-10 miles round trip and have moderate elevation gain
- Challenging: trails that are more than 10 miles round trip and have significant elevation gain
- Extremely challenging: trails that require glacier travel and crevasse rescue skills
Camping Options
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve offers a range of camping options, from developed campgrounds to backcountry camping and cabin rentals. Some of the campgrounds in the park include:
- Chitistone Campground: a developed campground with 10 campsites, located near the park’s entrance
- Nabesna Campground: a developed campground with 5 campsites, located near the Nabesna Glacier Trailhead
- Tana Campground: a primitive campground with 5 campsites, located near the Tana Glacier Trailhead
Backcountry camping is also allowed in the park, but visitors must obtain a backcountry permit from the park’s visitor center before heading out. Cabin rentals are also available in the park, including the Nabesna Roadhouse and the Slana Ranger Station.
Wildlife
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is home to a wide range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. Some of the best places to view wildlife in the park include:
- Nabesna River: a good place to see grizzly bears, moose, and caribou
- Tana River: a good place to see grizzly bears, moose, and Dall sheep
- Skookum Volcano: a good place to see Dall sheep and mountain goats
Visitors should be aware of their surroundings and keep a safe distance from wildlife, as they can be unpredictable and dangerous. It’s also a good idea to carry bear spray and make noise while hiking to avoid surprising animals.
Fishing & Water Activities
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve offers a range of fishing and water activities, including fishing for salmon, trout, and grayling. Some of the best places to fish in the park include:
- Nabesna River: a good place to fish for salmon, trout, and grayling
- Tana River: a good place to fish for salmon, trout, and grayling
- Chitistone River: a good place to fish for salmon, trout, and grayling
Visitors will need to obtain a fishing license from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game before fishing in the park. Boating and kayaking are also allowed in the park, but visitors must follow all safety regulations and obtain any necessary permits.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve depends on what you want to do and see. The park is open year-round, but the summer months (June to September) are the best time to visit for hiking and camping. The winter months (December to March) are the best time to visit for skiing and snowshoeing.
The peak visitation season is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the days are long. However, this is also the busiest time of year, and visitors may need to plan ahead to secure accommodations and permits. The shoulder season (April to May and September to November) is a good time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy milder weather.
- Summer (June to September): warm weather, long days, peak visitation
- Winter (December to March): cold weather, short days, skiing and snowshoeing
- Shoulder season (April to May and September to November): milder weather, fewer crowds
Permits & Fees
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve charges an entrance fee of $30 per vehicle, which is valid for 7 days. Visitors can also purchase an annual pass for $55, which grants access to the park for a year.
Backcountry permits are required for overnight trips in the park, and can be obtained from the park’s visitor center. The cost of a backcountry permit is $10 per person per night, with a maximum cost of $30 per person per trip.
Fishing licenses are required for fishing in the park, and can be obtained from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. The cost of a fishing license varies depending on the type of license and the duration of the trip.
- Entrance fee: $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days
- Annual pass: $55, grants access to the park for a year
- Backcountry permit: $10 per person per night, maximum cost of $30 per person per trip
- Fishing license: varies depending on the type of license and the duration of the trip
History & Culture
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve has a rich cultural and natural history, with evidence of human presence dating back over 10,000 years. The park is home to several indigenous tribes, including the Athabascan and the Tlingit, who have lived in the area for thousands of years.
The park was also an important location for early explorers and trappers, who came to the area in search of fur and gold. The park’s natural resources, including its abundant wildlife and mineral deposits, have been an important part of the local economy for centuries.
Today, the park is managed by the National Park Service, which works to preserve the park’s natural and cultural resources for future generations. Visitors can learn more about the park’s history and culture at the park’s visitor center, which offers exhibits and programs on the park’s natural and cultural history.
Planning Your Trip
Planning a trip to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve requires some advance planning, especially if you want to hike or camp in the park. Here are some tips to help you plan your trip:
- How many days to spend: at least 3-5 days to explore the park’s scenic drives and hiking trails
- What to bring: hiking boots, bear spray, layers, and a first aid kit
- Guided tours available: yes, through the park’s visitor center or a local tour operator
- Accommodations: range from camping to lodging, including hotels and bed and breakfasts in the nearby towns of Copper Center and Glennallen
Visitors should also be prepared for changing weather conditions, including rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. It’s a good idea to check the weather forecast before heading out and to bring layers and a waterproof jacket.
Overall, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is a unique and spectacular destination that offers something for everyone. With its stunning mountain scenery, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, the park is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.