If You're NearbyNatureNational parksWorld HeritageGlaciers

Wrangell–St. Elias National Park

Alaska

America's largest national park, bigger than Switzerland, with an abandoned copper-mining town you can tour, and huge glaciers.

Photo: NPS Photo by Bryan Petrtyl · CC BY-SA 2.0

At 13 million acres, it's six times the size of Yellowstone. The red-painted Kennecott mill stands by Root Glacier, where you can walk on the ice with a guide.

Best Time
June to August
Time Needed
3–4 days
Cost Level
$$$$
Open
Late May to mid-September
Getting There
About 8 hours by road from Anchorage, or by small plane.

What to See

1 of 3 are free
Half a day

Kennecott Mines

Tour the towering 14-story concentration mill.

Half a day

Root Glacier

A walk on the ice, with crampons.

Free3 hours

McCarthy Road

A rough 60-mile gravel road; many fly in instead.

Know Before You Go

  • Many rental cars aren't allowed on the McCarthy Road.
  • Facilities are limited, so plan ahead.

Where to Stay

Stay in McCarthy or Kennecott.

Where to Eat

Our picks are on the way.

Editor's picks. Nobody paid to be on this list.

Something wrong or out of date?

Traveler Reviews

Sign in and mark Wrangell–St. Elias National Park as visited to write a review.

Go Next

If You're Nearby
Cities · Gateway to Alaska

Anchorage

Alaska

Alaska's biggest city, with mountains at the edge of town and roads and rails to Denali and the Kenai Fjords.

Full Guide
Must-See
Mountains · National parks

Denali National Park

Alaska

North America's highest peak over six million acres of wilderness, with grizzlies, moose and caribou along the park road.

Full Guide
Must-See
Nature · National parks

Kenai Fjords National Park

Alaska

Tidewater glaciers crash into the sea, watched by whales, puffins and sea lions, on boat tours from the little town of Seward.

Full Guide

Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Alaska list.