Wrangell-St. Elias: Peaks and Glaciers Galore

Wrangell-St. Elias, America’s largest national park, spans 13.2 million acres in Alaska. It’s known for its stunning array of mountains, glaciers, and diverse wildlife. Despite its beauty, it’s one of the least visited national parks, with just over 78,300 visitors last year.

Located about 200 miles northeast of Anchorage and 250 miles south of Fairbanks, the park is accessible by car or shuttle from these cities. The main visitor center is near Glenallen, and entry to the park is free.

This vast park is six times the size of Yellowstone and boasts some of the tallest peaks in the U.S., including Mt. St. Elias and the active volcano, Mt. Wrangell. The park is famous for the Malaspina Glacier, larger than Rhode Island and visible from space, and the historical Kennecott Mines.

There are two main gravel roads into the park, Nabesna and McCarthy Roads, which are passable in summer but can be challenging and are not plowed in winter. Visitors are advised to check road conditions, prepare for emergencies with spare tires and extra food, and confirm if their rental agreements allow travel on dirt roads.

Travelers should come prepared for the remote and rugged conditions. It’s important to learn about backcountry safety, be aware of bears and other wildlife, and follow Leave No Trace principles.

The park is also a culturally significant area, home to the Ahtna, Upper Tanana, Eyak, and Tlingit Native groups, who have lived here for thousands of years and continue their traditional subsistence activities.

^{_{Re-reported from the article originally published in USA TODAY}}