The Largest National Park in the U.S.

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Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is the largest national park in the United States. Here, you can camp on Root Glacier, visit abandoned mines, and hike through the wilderness. Summer is the best time to visit, with pleasant weather and wildflower blooms.

Camping on a glacier is an adventure unlike any other, and I discovered this firsthand during my visit to Wrangell-St. Elias in June 2024. This national park promises a unique experience that captures the essence of America’s natural beauty.

I journeyed to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Alaska to embrace the summer solstice and revel in the park’s eternal daylight. This excursion is just one of countless adventures available in the nation’s largest national park.

Spanning an impressive expanse, Wrangell-St. Elias features vast glaciers, towering peaks, and secluded boreal forests, making it about six times larger than Yellowstone. Located over 200 miles northeast of Anchorage and close to the Yukon border, reaching the park often requires a small bush plane or navigating rugged roads to access its trails.

For your visit, you can choose from several entry points. In the northern Nabesna District, the less-traveled Nabesna Road offers a challenging 42-mile route leading to trails, campgrounds, and a wilderness lodge.

The southern Kennecott District, where I started my Root Glacier adventure, is the most frequented section. Here, you will find remnants of ghost towns, historic sites, and enticing trails. McCarthy, the charming town where I completed my glacier trip, resembles a scene from the Old West, complete with unique hotels and creative eateries, all wrapped in Wrangell-St. Elias’ quintessential isolation.

“Even in McCarthy and the historic Kennecott area, a sense of isolation persists,” recounted wilderness guide Tessa Hill, who led my camping journey. “Look north and you’ll see two massive glaciers with the world’s second-largest icefall in sight. The sheer power and grandeur of nature here are breathtaking. Words hardly capture the experience.”

Indeed, the stunning vistas here are something that must be experienced to be truly understood. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.

How to Get There

The Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center sits approximately 200 miles northeast of Anchorage and about 250 miles south of Fairbanks. The highway connecting the cities and the park is typical, featuring gas stations and restaurants along the way.

Once you reach the visitor center, which is located on Highway 4, you’ll find the adventures of Wrangell-St. Elias become much wilder. To access the Kennecott District, you can drive the 60-mile gravel McCarthy Road from Chitina, though be prepared for limited visibility and rough road conditions. Alternatively, bush plane services like Wrangell Mountain Air offer flights directly into McCarthy.

If you’re interested in the less-explored Nabesna District, you can drive the 42-mile dirt Nabesna Road starting from Slana on the park’s northern edge, or opt for a flight to backcountry airstrips located throughout the park.

For those seeking to access the remote Yakutat District, a boat or flight from Seattle or Juneau on Alaska Airlines is required.

Know Before You Go

Covering an astounding 13.2 million acres, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is vast, making it impossible to see it all in one visit. I recommend selecting one district or specific long-distance hike to focus on, with the promise to return. After my first visit, I certainly intend to come back!

As this park is home to abundant wildlife, it’s essential to be bear aware. Familiarize yourself with guidelines concerning local wildlife, which include using bear-resistant containers and maintaining a safe distance from any bears you encounter.

During summer months, be prepared for an influx of mosquitoes, especially from late June through July. I found myself surrounded by swarms during my visit; however, they later eased once we were on the ice. Bring mosquito repellant, consider donning protective nets, and wear lighter colors to minimize their attraction.

Before heading out, download the free NPS app and save the Wrangell-St. Elias section for offline access so you can navigate even in areas with poor cell service.

Best Time to Visit

Wrangell-St. Elias is open year-round, but summer—from mid-May to mid-September—sees the highest number of visitors. Most services and facilities operate during this time. According to Hill, late July to early August is particularly enjoyable.

“Crowds start to thin, providing a more intimate experience in the vast wilderness,” she explains, adding that mosquitoes begin to decline while the scenery remains stunning. “It’s the ideal period where summer is vibrant, but there’s a touch more solitude.”

Visitors during summer, especially from early May to late August, can enjoy the midnight sun, with nearly 24 hours of daylight. True night returns by late August, opening opportunities for northern lights sightings in September.

Winter still offers unique advantages, as park roads remain open; however, visitors must have proper gear for cold conditions and expect challenging road conditions. Those adventurous enough will find the park nearly empty during winter, with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities.

Best Things to Do

Go Backpacking

With diverse landscapes, Wrangell-St. Elias is a dream for backpackers. Popular routes near McCarthy include the alpine Dixie Pass, offering views of Mt. Blackburn, and the Nugget Creek Trail, which leads to a public-use cabin. For more adventurous hikers, consider flying into the backcountry for routes like the Goat Trail or Solo Creek to Chisana, both requiring expert skills. Beginners should consider working with a guiding service, such as St. Elias Alpine Guides, for safety.

Camp on Root Glacier

If your schedule is tight but you want to experience the Wrangell-St. Elias backcountry, consider an overnight camping trip on Root Glacier. This two-day adventure covers about 10 to 15 miles, starting from Kennecott along a forested trail before transitioning onto the ice. Once there, crampons are necessary for navigating the glacier. Hiring a guide is crucial to safely exploring the hidden dangers of the ice.

Tour the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark

A visit to the Kennecott Mine reveals the early 20th-century copper mining story. Tours last around two hours and are conducted by St. Elias Alpine Guides, the park’s exclusive concessionaire. Tourists can explore the impressive 14-story mill and gain insights into what life was like during its operational days.

Go Ice Climbing

Ice climbing is an exhilarating way to experience Root Glacier’s beauty. You’ll hike out to the glacier for a chance to scale dramatic ice walls and even descend into intriguing moulins. Experienced guides from outfitters like Kennicott Wilderness Guides lead these day-long excursions.

Try Rafting

Another thrilling adventure highlighted by Hill is rafting. Starting on the Kennecott River, you can float down two waterways while taking in incredible views. Outfitter St. Elias Alpine Guides not only navigates the river’s rapids but also prepares delicious riverside meals. The grand finale includes a scenic flight back over the McCarthy-Kennecott valley—a memorable ending to your day.

Go Flightseeing

The vastness of Wrangell-St. Elias is best appreciated from above. A flightseeing tour, such as those offered by Wrangell Mountain Air, showcases peaks, glaciers, and beautiful iceberg lakes. Short tours narrate the geology, while longer flights like the 90-minute Bagley–University Range Tour delve deeper into the park.

Best Hikes

Root Glacier/Erie Mine Trail

The Root Glacier and Erie Mine Trail, starting at Kennecott, is the most accessible glacier in the park and offers remarkable scenery. The round-trip distance to the glacier is four miles, or eight miles if you continue to the Erie Mine’s remains. This path ranges from easy to moderate difficulty and provides stunning views over the ice and towards Mt. Blackburn.

Bonanza Mine Trail

For a more challenging trek, the Bonanza Mine Trail near Kennecott stretches nine miles round-trip and presents a significant elevation gain of 3,800 feet. The vistas of the Chugach Mountains and Mt. Blackburn make the effort worthwhile. As Hill advises, keep an eye out for copper-rich rock fragments along the route—it’s an engaging hike that blends history, geology, and breathtaking scenery.

Caribou Creek Trail

The six-mile Caribou Creek Trail presents an easy to moderate hiking experience, complete with picturesque views and vibrant wildflowers. Located at mile 19.5 on Nabesna Road, hikers may spot tracks of wolves, bears, or moose along the way.

Trail Creek Trail

Another appealing option along Nabesna Road is the Trail Creek Trail, a six-mile one-way trek featuring creek crossing, tundra ascents, and potential sheep sightings. This alpine adventure typically takes around eight to ten hours round-trip and starts at mile 29.8.

Iceberg Lake

For an unforgettable experience, consider a fly-in hike to Iceberg Lake arranged through St. Elias Alpine Guides. After a brief 2.5-mile trek through untouched wilderness, you will reach a stunning glacial lake where large chunks of ice periodically calve with a thunderous sound. Those seeking more can explore nearby sand dunes, waterfalls, and additional glaciers tucked in the mountains.

Places to Stay

Ma Johnson’s Hotel

For a touch of history, consider Ma Johnson’s Hotel, a refurbished boarding house dating back to the 1920s featuring 20 rooms adorned with historical artifacts. It’s an ideal spot for visitors looking to immerse themselves in McCarthy’s storied past.

Ultima Thule Lodge

If seclusion is what you seek, look into Ultima Thule Lodge, nestled deep within the wilderness of Wrangell-St. Elias, accessible only by small plane from McCarthy. The five spacious cabins provide breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and vibrant hills, with various outdoor adventures offered by the owners.

Wrangell Mountains Wilderness Lodge & Cabins

Find off-grid tranquility at Wrangell Mountains Wilderness Lodge & Cabins, situated at mile 28 on the Nabesna Road. The property features nine cabins and yurts surrounded by serene forests, emphasizing sustainability with solar panels, a windmill, and an on-site greenhouse.

Kendesnii Campground

For those wanting a more traditional camping experience, check out Kendesnii Campground, located at mile 27.8 on Nabesna Road. This NPS campground encompasses 10 shaded sites, lakefront picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, and access to various trails.

Where to Eat

Salmon & Bear Restaurant

Expecting fine dining in Alaska’s remote wilderness may surprise some, but Salmon & Bear Restaurant, an award-winning establishment, delivers a delightful menu featuring local ingredients. The charming venue offers a rotating selection of dishes, including kimchi fried rice and wagyu sirloin steaks. Reservations are advisable.

The Potato

For delicious comfort food, don’t miss The Potato, a local gem in McCarthy famed for its crispy fries and handcrafted meals, from chicken fajita pitas to lentil falafels.

Tok Thai

Complete your visit to the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Visitor Center with a bite at Tok Thai. This roadside eatery offers a variety of dishes, including spring rolls and pad Thai, along with outdoor seating to enjoy before your adventure into the Alaskan wilderness.

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