National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS Photo/ Neal Herbert
Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve
Wrangell-St. Elias is a vast national park that rises from the ocean all the way up to 18,008 ft. At 13.2 million acres, the park is the same size as Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Switzerland combined! Within this wild landscape, people continue to live off the land as they have done for centuries. This rugged, beautiful land is filled with opportunities for adventure.
Entrance Fees
No entrance fee. Other fees may apply for tours, camping, or transportation.
Activities
Top Hikes
8 mi · 250 ft gain · out & back
Relatively level route through lateral moraines to the most accessible glacier in Wrangell-St. Elias with views of Mt. Blackburn.
Starts at: Kennecott Mill Town
9 mi · 3,800 ft gain · out & back
Steep climb from Kennecott to the historic Bonanza Mine at 5,865 feet with stunning glacier and peak views.
Starts at: Kennecott Mill Town
2.5 mi · 300 ft gain · loop
Loop through dense forest climbing gradually along the base of the Crystalline Hills.
Starts at: McCarthy Road
5 mi · 1,800 ft gain · out & back
Through an extinct, deeply eroded volcanic system to a high pass with jagged peaks formed 2-4 million years ago.
Starts at: Nabesna Road
Upcoming Events
No upcoming events scheduled for Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve. Events are updated daily — check back soon or visit nps.gov for the latest.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit: May, September
Pleasant weather with fewer crowds
Weather & Climate
Varies widely depending on location in park and time of year. Visit https://www.nps.gov/wrst/planyourvisit/weather.htm for detailed information.