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Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve wilderness guide
National Park & Preserve · AK

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is the largest national park in the United States, offering unmatched wilderness experiences with vast glaciers, towering peaks, and diverse wildlife.

National Park & Preserve13.2 million4+ Trails

Designation

National Park & Preserve

Total Wilderness Area

13.2 million

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is the largest national park in the United States, offering unmatched wilderness experiences with vast glaciers, towering peaks, and diverse wildlife.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located in southern Alaska, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve spans 13.2 million acres of rugged landscapes, including some of North America's highest mountains, such as Mount St. Elias and Mount Wrangell. It is home to massive glaciers, dense forests, and abundant wildlife, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and solitude. The park is historically significant, with its roots tracing back to indigenous settlements and later mining activities. Visitors come to explore its wilderness through hiking, climbing, or scenic drives. Key landmarks include the famous Root Glacier, historic Kennecott Mines, and the stunning views from McCarthy Road.

Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Glacial Adventure at Root Glacier Trail near Chitina, Alaska★ 8.8⌖ 16 miGlacier Hiking
Root Glacier Trail

Glacial Adventure at Root Glacier Trail near Chitina, Alaska

Explore Root Glacier Trail near Chitina, Alaska with a 2.4-mile hike offering glacier hiking and stunning views of ice formations and alpine peaks. Moderate in difficulty, best visited summer months with guided tours recommended for glacier and bear safety.

Glacier HikingView Details→
Mountain Hiking Adventure at Bonanza Mine Trail near Chitina, Alaska★ 8.2⌖ 16 miHiking
Bonanza Mine Trail

Mountain Hiking Adventure at Bonanza Mine Trail near Chitina, Alaska

Bonanza Mine Trail near Chitina, Alaska, offers a moderately challenging 15 km hike featuring mountain and glacier views, historic mining remnants, and diverse terrain. Best visited in summer, it suits adventure seekers looking for a scenic, off-the-beaten-path experience in rugged wilderness.

Historic Mining Ruins & Scenic Wilderness at Kennecott Mines, Alaska★ 7.5⌖ 16 miHiking
Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark

Historic Mining Ruins & Scenic Wilderness at Kennecott Mines, Alaska

Explore Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark near Chitina, AK. An easy to moderate 5-mile hike on historic mining roads leads to restored copper mining buildings surrounded by glaciers and wilderness. Best visited in summer, it offers hiking, glacier walks, and wildlife viewing in a remote Alaskan setting.

Base Camp Kennicott: Alaska's Glacial Gateway★ 8.2⌖ 19 miCamping
Base Camp Kennicott

Base Camp Kennicott: Alaska's Glacial Gateway

Base Camp Kennicott is a remote campground near McCarthy, Alaska, offering stunning glacier views and historic mining ruins. Ideal for camping, hiking, and photography during summer, it provides a rugged wilderness experience with limited facilities and easy access by gravel road.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve★ 9.7⌖ 55 miMountaineering
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve

Explore Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve near McCarthy, Alaska. Known for its rugged terrain, it features challenging mountaineering routes and spectacular glacier views. Best visited in summer, this remote park offers solitude and adventure for experienced explorers.

MountaineeringView Details→
Chugach Mountains★ 8.8⌖ 86 miHiking
Chugach Mountains

Chugach Mountains

Explore the Chugach Mountains, a stunning yet challenging destination near Anchorage, Alaska. Known for demanding hikes, prime skiing, and kayaking in Prince William Sound. Adventurers can spot bears and moose while enjoying quiet, remote landscapes in summer.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Root Glacier with its accessible trails and ice climbing opportunities✦ Waters of Copper River, known for salmon runs and scenic float trips✦ Historic Kennecott Mines, offering guided tours of preserved mining structures✦ Remote Nabesna Road, providing access to backcountry hiking and wildlife viewing
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fee is required, but some tours and activities may require fees.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Kennecott Campground

Located near the historic Kennecott Mines, with basic amenities and access to hiking trails.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Kennecott
⌖ 15.96 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Kennecott, Alaska

A remote historic mining town offering rugged wilderness adventures set against the dramatic backdrop of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

June to SeptemberExplore Town
McCarthy
⌖ 19.45 miles
Gateway Basecamp

McCarthy, Alaska

A remote Alaskan outpost that beckons explorers with its untamed wilderness and unique access to America's largest national park.

Chitina
⌖ 49.86 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Chitina, Alaska

A remote gateway for wilderness exploration offering rugged river access, historic charm, and vast mountain landscapes in Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias region.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
Copper Center
⌖ 77.76 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Copper Center, Alaska

A remote Alaskan gateway offering rugged wilderness adventure with vast rivers, mountain views, and classic outdoor pursuits in a pristine subarctic setting.

Late spring to early fall (June to September)Explore Town
Glennallen
⌖ 87.50 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Glennallen, Alaska

A gateway hub for wilderness exploration offering rugged Alaskan landscapes with easy access to hiking, paddling, skiing, and backcountry adventures.

June to September for summer activities; December to March for winter sportsExplore Town
Northway
⌖ 92.93 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Northway, Alaska

A remote Alaskan gateway offering rugged wilderness access, ideal for travelers seeking off-grid hiking, paddling, skiing, and wildlife observation in pristine subarctic settings.

June to September for hiking and paddling; December to March for skiingExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Kennecott Mill Town Tour by St. Elias Alpine Guides in McCarthyMcCarthy, Alaska · 19.19 mi away
Trails & Outdoor Adventures· St. Elias Alpine Guides

Kennecott Mill Town Tour by St. Elias Alpine Guides in McCarthy

Step into Alaska’s past with a two-hour guided hike through Kennecott Mill Town. Adventure and history collide in this immersive journey led by St. Elias Alpine Guides in McCarthy—perfect for curious explorers wanting a hands-on experience. The tour takes you uphill to the historic mill town, where you’ll wander through century-old buildings and climb steep stairs, all while soaking in sweeping mountain vistas. It’s a dynamic mix of outdoor activity and cultural storytelling, crafted for those eager to see a significant chapter of Alaska’s mining history up close. Whether you’re a family looking for an engaging outing or a history lover craving a physical adventure, this walk offers a rich, accessible experience. Guides share fascinating insights as you navigate uneven floors and narrow passages, making history tangible right beneath your feet. The trail’s natural beauty provides an inspiring setting for photos—shot at sunset or mid-morning, the play of light enhances the rugged charm of the ruins. This tour is a must-try for visitors wanting a deeper connection to Alaska’s storied past while enjoying the great outdoors. It illustrates how the region’s history and natural splendor come together in a truly unique way.

2 hours

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Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.