Beyond Alone · Best: Jul – early Oct
Wrangell-St. Elias
The largest US national park — six times the size of Yellowstone, with Dall sheep, glaciated peaks, and abandoned copper towns.
Alaska, USA
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Wrangell-St. Elias, Alaska, USA.
- Region
- Alaska, USA
- Hunting
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Size
- 13.2 million acres — largest US national park
- Peaks
- 9 of the 16 highest US peaks
- Best window
- Jul – early Oct
- Access
- McCarthy Road (60 mi gravel); air taxi to interior
- Watch for
- Grizzly, Dall sheep, moose, weather
Topic summary
The largest US national park — six times the size of Yellowstone, with Dall sheep, glaciated peaks, and abandoned copper towns. Wrangell-St. Elias covers 13.2 million acres of southeast Alaska — 4 mountain ranges, thousands of glaciers, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared with Kluane in Canada. Kennecott's abandoned copper mill town anchors t
Key takeaways
- Size: 13.2 million acres — largest US national park
- Peaks: 9 of the 16 highest US peaks
- Best window: Jul – early Oct
- Access: McCarthy Road (60 mi gravel); air taxi to interior
- Watch for: Grizzly, Dall sheep, moose, weather
Intended uses
- Wilderness trip planning and destination research
- Access: McCarthy Road (60 mi gravel); air taxi to interior
Verification notes
Compiled from published show records, regional agencies, and topographical / satellite imagery. Region: Alaska, USA. Coordinates: 61.700, -142.300.
The country
Wrangell-St. Elias covers 13.2 million acres of southeast Alaska — 4 mountain ranges, thousands of glaciers, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared with Kluane in Canada. Kennecott's abandoned copper mill town anchors the accessible corner; the interior is genuinely trackless.
Why enthusiasts come
The park permits Dall sheep and mountain goat hunting (with tags) plus caribou, moose, and grizzly in wilderness units. Non-hunters come for the Root Glacier trek, ice-climbing on Kennecott's tributaries, and multi-day flying float trips down the Chitina, Copper, or Nizina.
Top experiences
The Kennicott/Root Glacier walk, backpacking the Skolai Pass route, ice-climbing on the Kennecott Icefall, mountaineering approaches on Mt. Blackburn or Regal Mountain, and the 60-mile McCarthy Road drive itself.
Planner-relevant notes
McCarthy Road is 60 miles of unmaintained gravel — a solid spare, extra tires, and a full tank are essential. Air taxi to the interior is standard for anything past Skolai. Backcountry permits are free and self-issue but let a ranger know your plan.
Field notes
- Bring shoulder-season boots — even July can produce fresh snow at pass elevations.
- Bears are habituated near Kennicott — camp discipline matters even close to the town.
- Ice-climbers can walk from town to seracs — a rare true drive-to alpine.
- St. Elias Alpine Guides is the standard operator for climbing and glacier travel.
Frequently asked about Wrangell-St. Elias
- Where is Wrangell-St. Elias?
- Wrangell-St. Elias is in Alaska, USA. The largest US national park — six times the size of Yellowstone, with Dall sheep, glaciated peaks, and abandoned copper towns.
- How do you get to Wrangell-St. Elias?
- Access: McCarthy Road (60 mi gravel); air taxi to interior. Expect a multi-leg trip — flights to the nearest hub, then float plane, boat, or 4WD depending on conditions.
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Wildlife
