Wrangell St. Elias National Park

About

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is a place of staggering scale. Covering over 13 million acres, it's the largest national park in the United States - bigger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the entire country of Switzerland combined. Four major mountain ranges converge here, including peaks that top 16,000 feet. Massive glaciers carve through valleys, wild rivers rush toward the coast, and wildlife roams freely across terrain that feels untouched by time.

Visitors can expect an experience unlike any other national park. The sheer size means solitude comes easily, even during peak summer months. From the Copper Center Visitor Center along the Richardson Highway, you'll find exhibits, ranger programs, and an excellent film introducing the park's history and ecology. The smaller Chitina Ranger Station and Kennecott Visitor Center offer additional information and access points.

Kennecott, the historic copper mining town deep within the park, is one of the most popular destinations. The red mill buildings set against glaciers and mountain peaks create an unforgettable scene. Guided tours tell the story of early 20th-century mining in extreme conditions.

Wildlife viewing is a major draw. Dall sheep dot the mountainsides, black bears and grizzlies forage in meadows, moose browse along waterways, and caribou migrate through open valleys. Birdwatchers will find trumpeter swans, golden eagles, and dozens of other species.

The park is remote, and that's part of its appeal. Two unpaved roads - the McCarthy Road and the Nabesna Road - provide vehicle access into the park's interior. Both are long, rough, and rewarding. Flightseeing tours offer a breathtaking way to grasp the park's enormity without a demanding overland journey. Several air taxi services operate from nearby towns and can be a practical option for visitors with mobility considerations.

Summer (June through September) is the primary visiting season, with long daylight hours and temperatures that can range from the 40s to the 70s. Come prepared for changing weather and bring layers. Services within the park are limited, so stock up on supplies in Copper Center, Glennallen, or Chitina before heading in.

Accessibility

The Copper Center Visitor Center, located at Mile 106.8 on the Richardson Highway, is the park's most accessible facility. It offers wheelchair-accessible exhibits, a bookstore, restrooms, and ranger-led programs. This is the best starting point for visitors with mobility needs.

The park features wheelchair-friendly wildlife viewing platforms where visitors can observe Dall sheep, black bears, and other animals from stable, accessible vantage points. These platforms provide meaningful wilderness experiences without requiring backcountry travel.

However, it's important to set realistic expectations. Wrangell-St. Elias is overwhelmingly wild and rugged. The two main roads into the park - McCarthy Road (60 miles, unpaved) and Nabesna Road (42 miles, unpaved) - are rough gravel routes that can be challenging even for standard vehicles. Most trails are primitive and not wheelchair accessible.

Flightseeing tours offer an excellent alternative for experiencing the park's vast mountain ranges and glaciers. Several operators can accommodate passengers with mobility limitations - call ahead to discuss specific needs and transfer assistance.

Accessible parking is available at the Copper Center Visitor Center. Accessible restrooms are located at major visitor facilities. The Kennecott Visitor Center has limited accessibility due to the historic nature of the site and terrain.

Park rangers are available to help plan visits suited to individual accessibility needs. Contact the park directly at (907) 822-5234 or visit the visitor center for current information about accessible programs, road conditions, and seasonal facility availability. Conditions and services can change, so calling ahead before your visit is strongly recommended.

More accessible places in Alaska

• Alaska SeaLife Center (Seward)
• Alaska Aviation Museum (Anchorage)
• Alaska Botanical Garden (Anchorage)
• Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center (Fairbanks)
• University of Alaska Museum of the North (Fairbanks)
• Gates of the Arctic National Park (Gates of the Arctic NP)

Photo credits

• Wrangell St. Elias National Park - ak-wrangell-st-elias-national-park-preserve-us-national-park-service-1: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)
• Wrangell St. Elias National Park - ak-wrangell-st-elias-national-park-preserve-us-national-park-service-3: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)
• Wrangell St. Elias National Park - ak-wrangell-st-elias-national-park-preserve-us-national-park-service-4: National Park Service, Public domain (U.S. National Park Service)