Wrangell - St Elias National Park

McCarthy, Kennicott, Wrangell Mountains, St. Elias, Glacier Flightseeing, Root Glacier, Kennecott Mine

Wrangell – St. Elias National Park is the largest unit of the National Park System. This Alaska National Park is home to the most peaks over 16,000 feet in North America, including the second tallest, Mount St. Elias. The tremendous land area is highly diverse, with enormous mountains, glaciers, river valleys, tundra, and coastline. Wrangell – St. Elias National Park is a popular destination for backcountry travelers. People worldwide come to the park to climb the enormous peaks or explore deep wilderness valleys. The park also has a distinct copper mining history at the Kennecott Mine, and many historic structures remain.

Wrangell – St. Elias’s summer season is from early June through early September. The main visitor center is located in Copper Center and is open year-round; summer hours are approximately 8 am – 6 pm daily. A visitor center in Kennicott is also available from approximately 9:30 am – 5 pm in the summer. The Kennicott Mine is a historic landmark that draws many visitors each summer. Others come to the area for the fantastic views of the Kennicott Glacier. Guided glacier trekking and flightseeing tours are available.

Wrangell – St Elias can be accessed by road or air. Daily flights and van transfers are offered from Chitina to McCarthy. It is not recommended to drive to Kennicott as the road is poorly maintained, and flat tires and vehicle damage are common. The towns of McCarthy and Kennicott are the access points to the park.

The Kennicott Glacier Lodge provides guests the best access to the Kennecott Mines and Glacier. It is located in an abandoned mining town with many historic buildings. Glacier hikes and history tours are offered from the lodge. Perfect for anyone with an adventurous lifestyle or spirit!

 

Choose from 7 vacations in Alaska related to Wrangell - St Elias National Park

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a GMC vehicle and a moose on a paved road in Alaska

All Alaska Classic Self Drive Tour

Explore three of Alaska's National Parks: Denali, Wrangell - St. Elias, and Kenai Fjords. Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout. Travel on four designated National Scenic Byways showcasing Alaska's natural beauty with its jagged mountain peaks, lush alpine meadows,... Browse itinerary

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Alaska’s National Parks Tour by Car

Visit 4 National Parks: Kenai Fjords, Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias and Katmai (or Lake Clark National Park for bear viewing). Plus, an add-on opportunity for a 5th national park with a visit to Gates of the Arctic National Park... Browse itinerary

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UNIQUE Experiences
two canoes at a dock in Pederson Bay in Kenai Fjords National Park

Alaska Lodge Driving Tour

Travel to off-the-beaten-path locations, including overnights at wilderness lodges and inns that offer options for hiking, kayaking, and canoeing adventures. The touring route includes a spectacular flight into the expansive Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve and the... Browse itinerary

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Root Glacier Hike with Kennecott Mill Tour

On this day tour out of Kennicott-McCarthy, experience the best of Kennicott’s history and landscapes on this hiking and sightseeing combination tour!  First, enjoy a spectacular half-day hike on the Root Glacier, searching for deep crevasses, shimmering blue... Browse itinerary

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Ice Climbing on Root Glacier

For those traveling to the Kennicott-McCarthy area to visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and want to find a fun Alaska day tour, enjoy this introduction to ice climbing! Root Glacier offers the perfect venue for people of all... Browse itinerary

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Root Glacier Hike (Full Day)

On this glacier hike day tour out of Kennicott-McCarthy, enjoy all the benefits of the half-day hike but with additional time to explore the Root Glacier’s dynamic features.  After “lunch with a view,” the possibilities are endless.  You... Browse itinerary

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Root Glacier Hike (Half Day)

On this half-day glacier hiking out of Kennicott-McCarthy, depart Kennicott hiking down a two-mile trail built in the 1920s as a wagon road.  Along the way, stops will be made to discuss glaciology and local geology and enjoy... Browse itinerary

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