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National Park & Preserve Alaska

Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve

About

Nestled in the heart of Alaska, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve beckons adventurers with its awe-inspiring vastness that stretches from the ocean shorelines to the towering peaks reaching a majestic 18,008 feet high. Encompassing a staggering 13.2 million acres, this sprawling park dwarfs renowned landscapes like Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and even the entire country of Switzerland combined. Despite its immense size, Wrangell-St. Elias remains a place where the human spirit intersects with the untamed wilderness. Here, traditional ways of life endure, with inhabitants living in harmony with the land as they have for generations. The rugged beauty of this region, marked by sweeping valleys, icy glaciers, and snow-capped mountains, offers boundless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a nature-loving wanderer, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve promises a journey like no other. Embark on epic hikes through ancient forests, witness the power of glacial rivers carving through the terrain, and marvel at the sheer magnitude of the natural world surrounding you. Immerse yourself in a world where adventure knows no bounds and the spirit of the wilderness calls out to those willing to answer.

Directions

Guide to Reaching Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve

Where Is Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve Located?

One of the gems of Alaskan wilderness, Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve is nestled in the heart of Copper Center, Alaska. The park's administrative building and main visitor center are conveniently located along the Richardson Highway (Hwy 4). This highway is a well-paved state route that smoothly traverses through Copper Center, offering an easy and scenic drive for all visitors.

Getting to the Park from Nearby Locations

For tourists coming from Glennallen, the park's buildings are just 8 miles south of the Glenn Highway and Richardson Highway intersection. This makes Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve a perfect destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

If you're traveling from the bustling city of Anchorage, the park is located approximately 200 miles to the east. From the northern city of Fairbanks, the park is about 250 miles south. Regardless of your starting point, the journey to the park offers a unique opportunity to experience the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska.

The Park's Address

For those using a GPS or a map, the address of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is Copper Center, AK 99573. This will guide you right to the park's entrance, where your Alaskan adventure will begin.

Get detailed directions »

Location

Located in Anchorage

Weather Information

Varies widely depending on location in park and time of year. Visit https://www.nps.gov/wrst/planyourvisit/weather.htm for detailed information.

Gallery

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Quick Facts

  • Designation: National Park & Preserve
  • City: Anchorage
  • Park Code: wrst
  • Website: Official Website

Activities

Arts and Culture Auto and ATV ATV Off-Roading Auto Off-Roading Scenic Driving Biking Mountain Biking Boating Camping Backcountry Camping Canoe or Kayak Camping Car or Front Country Camping Group Camping RV Camping Canyoneering Climbing Mountain Climbing Fishing Freshwater Fishing Fly Fishing Saltwater Fishing Food Dining Picnicking Flying Fixed Wing Flying Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Self-Guided Tours - Auto Hiking Backcountry Hiking Front-Country Hiking Hunting and Gathering Gathering and Foraging Hunting Paddling Whitewater Rafting Junior Ranger Program Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store

Topics

Archeology Arts Photography Aviation Explorers and Expeditions Native American Heritage Animals Birds Bison Cats (wild) Fish Wolves Arctic Tundra Climate Change Coasts Islands and Atolls Fire Forests and Woodlands Coniferous Forests Fossils and Paleontology Dinosaur Geology Mineral Deposits Glaciers Lakes Mountains Night Sky Aurora Borealis Trails Volcanoes Watersheds Wilderness

Plan Your Visit

Ready to explore Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve? Learn more about the park, plan your trip, and discover the natural wonders that await you.

Visit Official Website