How to Get to Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park & Preserve:
Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park is located in southeastern Alaska. It can be be reached from Anchorage via Glenn Highway (AK 1). At Glennallen, Glenn Highway meets the Richardson Highway, skirting the park's western boundary en route to the coastal city of Valdez. The Tok Cutoff coming south from the Alaska Highway borders the park's northwestern corner. From these highways, two unpaved roads penetrate the park. The Chitina-McCarthy Road extends 61 miles from Chitina to the Kennicott River, just west of McCarthy. The northern park area is reached via the Nabesna Road, which extends 45 miles from Slana to Nabesna. A short flight on an air taxi from Glennallen, Chitina, Nabesna, or McCarthy can transport you into the heart of the park.Recommended Scenic Routes Near Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park & Preserve:
The 135-mile Glenn Highway, which runs from Anchorage to Glennallen along AK 1 is the only road out of Anchorage that takes you to the north and east towards the park. It is designated a National Scenic Byway. Along the way, you'll pass Chugach State Park, Palmer, Independence Mine State Historic Park, and Matanuska Glacier.Park Size:
8,323,148 acres (park) and 4,852,753 acres (preserve).Description:
The Chugach, Wrangell, and Saint Elias mountain ranges converge here in what is often referred to as the "mountain kingdom of North America." The largest unit of the National Park System and a day's drive east of Anchorage, the park-preserve includes the continent's largest assemblage of glaciers and the greatest collection of peaks above 16,000 feet, including Mount Saint Elias. At 18,008 feet, it is the second highest peak in the United States. Adjacent to Canada's Kluane National Park, the site is characterized by its remote mountains, valleys, and wild rivers, all rich in their concentrations of wildlife.Where to Stay
Where to Stay: Wrangell-Saint Elias does not have any formal park service campgrounds or lodging within the park. The National Park Service has restored 13 mining, trapping, and hunting cabins for public use within the park. Most of the cabins are in remote locations and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Many visitors to the park camp on public land along the McCarthy and Nabesna Roads. On private land within the park boundaries, and along area highways, there are a number of commercial businesses that offer a variety of visitor services including camping and lodging. For further information see the National Park Service Area Accommodations Guide, or contact the Greater Copper Valley Chamber of Commerce (907-822-5555) or the Valdez Convention & Visitors Bureau (907-835-2784).Things to Do at Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park & Preserve:
Visitors can choose from a variety of activities, including camping, hiking, horseback riding, mountain climbing, boating, kayaking, river rafting, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, cross-country skiing.Operating Hours:
The park is open year-round.History:
Proclaimed as Wrangell-Saint Elias National Monument on December 1, 1978; established as a national park and preserve on December 2, 1980. Wilderness designated on December 2, 1980. Designated a World Heritage Site on October 24, 1979.Contact the Park:
Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park & Preserve106.8 Richardson Hwy.
PO Box 439
Copper Center, AK 99573
907-822-5234 (HQ Copper Center)