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!
