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4.4
86 votes

Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve

106.8 Richardson Highway (Hwy 4), Glennallen, Alaska 99566 USA

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Free
Free to Visit
Open Now
Thu 9a-5p
  • Independent
  • Wheelchair
    Accessible
  • Public
    Restrooms
  • Outdoor
    Seating
  • No Wifi
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“America's largest National Park”

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.

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  • 15 Reviews
  • 18 Helpful
April 13, 2014
Rated

Nothing short of amazing such a diverse amazing place to be breath taking views everywhere. But few places to lodge and eat available so plan accordingly!

5 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Tatiana Danger

  • Road Warrior
  • 1,169 Reviews
  • 910 Helpful
September 02, 2014
Rated

Larger than Switzerland, this national park is incredibly gorgeous, but also very dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. There are so many places to hike and climb, especially on glaciers, but if you don't have the appropriate equipment it can be very, very, very dangerous. I'm talking ice axes, extra clothes, rope, etc. If you want to attempt a glacier hike, best to take a guide with you and bring extra food in case of delays during your hike.

You don't need a permit to explore the backcountry, but it's recommended that you fill out a "Backcountry Itinerary", this will alert park rangers of your plans and they can coordinate searches if you fail to check in after your trip.

There aren't loads of park rangers around to warn you of ice. So, you have to constantly be aware of your surroundings. Self-reliance is key, as this is an undeveloped wilderness. There are cabins you can reserve throughout the park.

I recommend hiking from Kennecott mine to Root Glacier. And seriously, consider hiring a local guide.

People definitely die at this park because they fall on the ice and into crevasses. You need to know the risks if you're going to explore this beautiful but dangerous park.

4 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
debevec

  • 2 Reviews
  • 3 Helpful
August 15, 2016
Rated 5.0

Don't miss a chance to see America's largest national park when you are in Alaska. This is a more remote area of Alaska, & off-the-beaten-path; but if you are looking for beautiful scenery, uncrowded by the touristy glitz, this is the place to go. Lodging is available nearby, though not as plentiful as the Denali area. Copper Center has a very nice Princess lodge nearby with spectacular views & at a reasonable rate. There are numerous trails on the property, & several adventure tour companies in the area if you want to river raft or fish. Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark is in this area, accessible by a dirt road. Shuttles are also available.

3 people found this review helpful
  • Road Warrior
  • 78 Reviews
  • 183 Helpful
November 22, 2014
Rated 3.0

This park is so vast that even in the dead of summer there is not a lot to do if you are not prepared to seriously pack it in or fly it in. The views from the highway are gorgeous and definitely worth a detour if you are in the area, but short of this, you need weeks to really get in there.

2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
mteacht

  • 1 Review
  • 1 Helpful
January 16, 2018
Rated 5.0

We loved our time here last summer. Very beautiful but rugged and isolated! Be prepared so that you can safely enjoy this wonderful place!

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
janab60

  • 2 Reviews
  • 1 Helpful
May 17, 2017
Rated 5.0

Been there, want to go back and stay longer than a week. Mesmerizing

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
realcookerahle

  • 5 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
October 02, 2018
Rated 5.0

We drove the long 50 some miles back to Chitina in a RV. Beautiful scenery and the view of nine of the 16 largest mts in the USA is nothing but spectacular. Decided against going farther into Macarthy as weather wasn’t looking promising and the RV wasn’t the best vehicle to take an further it seemed. Many beautiful rivers and views along the way in and out!

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Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve

106.8 Richardson Highway (Hwy 4)
Glennallen, Alaska
99566 USA
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Hours

Open now until 5:00 pm
  • Sun - Sat: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Good for bird watching, boating, and 11 more activities.

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    Pets Allowed
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    Wheelchair Accessible
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