Wrangell–St. Elias National Park: Explore America’s Largest National Park
Wrangell–St. Elias National Park is the largest national park in the United States, covering more than 13.2 million acres (53,321 square kilometers) of breathtaking wilderness in southeastern Alaska. Designated as both a National Park and Preserve, this extraordinary landscape is home to towering mountains, massive glaciers, historic mining towns, abundant wildlife, and some of North America’s most spectacular backcountry adventures.
Recognized as part of the Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park offers visitors an unforgettable opportunity to experience Alaska’s untamed beauty.
Discover Wrangell–St. Elias National Park
Established in , the park encompasses four major mountain ranges—the Wrangell, Saint Elias, Chugach, and Alaska ranges. It contains some of the tallest peaks in North America, more than 150 glaciers, and vast areas of pristine wilderness that remain largely untouched.
Highlights of Wrangell–St. Elias National Park
- Largest national park in the United States
- Over 150 glaciers
- Nine of North America’s sixteen highest peaks
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Historic Kennicott mining town
- Exceptional hiking and flightseeing opportunities
Visit the Historic Kennicott Mining Town
One of the park’s most famous attractions is the historic mining community of Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark.
What You’ll Discover
Historic Copper Mill
The towering red mill building stands as one of Alaska’s most recognizable historic structures.
Restored Buildings
Explore preserved homes, offices, and industrial facilities that tell the story of the early 20th-century copper mining boom.
Guided Tours
Ranger-led and private tours provide fascinating insights into the area’s mining history.
Experience the Incredible Glaciers
Wrangell–St. Elias contains one of the world’s greatest concentrations of glaciers outside the polar regions.
Glacier Adventures
Root Glacier
A popular destination for guided glacier hikes, featuring blue ice formations, crevasses, and ice caves.
Malaspina Glacier
One of the world’s largest piedmont glaciers, spreading across hundreds of square miles near the Gulf of Alaska.
Flightseeing
Scenic flights provide breathtaking views of glaciers, snow-covered peaks, and remote wilderness inaccessible by road.
Discover Amazing Wildlife
The park supports an incredible diversity of wildlife across its vast ecosystems.
Animals You May Encounter
- Grizzly bears
- Black bears
- Moose
- Dall sheep
- Mountain goats
- Wolves
- Bald eagles
- Caribou
Wildlife viewing opportunities are best during the summer months.
Nearby Attractions
Several destinations complement a visit to Wrangell–St. Elias National Park.
Places Worth Visiting
- McCarthy
- Worthington Glacier
- Copper Center
- Glenn Highway
These locations provide additional opportunities for scenic drives, glacier viewing, and learning about Alaska’s frontier history.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is between June and early September, when roads, visitor centers, hiking trails, and guided tours are fully operational.
Visitor Tips
- Plan at least 2–4 days to experience the park.
- Rent a high-clearance vehicle if driving the McCarthy Road.
- Dress in layers, as mountain weather changes quickly.
- Carry bear spray and follow wildlife safety guidelines.
- Book glacier hikes and flightseeing tours in advance.
Why Visit Wrangell–St. Elias National Park?
Wrangell–St. Elias National Park offers an unmatched wilderness experience filled with towering mountains, immense glaciers, fascinating mining history, and extraordinary wildlife. Its immense size and remote beauty make it one of the most rewarding destinations for adventurous travelers visiting Alaska.
Whether you’re hiking across glaciers, exploring historic Kennicott, or taking a scenic flight above endless mountain ranges, every moment here showcases the grandeur of the Last Frontier.
Experience Alaska on Its Grandest Scale
Wrangell–St. Elias National Park is a place where nature remains wild, landscapes stretch beyond the horizon, and adventure awaits around every corner. From ancient glaciers and towering peaks to historic mining sites and unforgettable wildlife encounters, the park delivers experiences unlike anywhere else in North America.
If you’re planning an Alaska adventure, Wrangell–St. Elias National Park deserves a place at the very top of your travel itinerary.
