Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Alaska, USA - map, photos and visitor information

Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve spans mountains, glaciers, river valleys, and historic mining landscapes in Alaska. Two road corridors provide very different visits: McCarthy Road toward Kennecott, and Nabesna Road from Slana. Choose one area and allow time for rough travel, weather delays, and limited services.

Highlights in Wrangell–St. Elias

• Kennecott: explore the setting of a historic copper-mining community and its railway connections.
• Root Glacier approach: follow current route guidance for a demanding walk toward the ice.
• Nabesna Road: see mountain scenery, wetlands, and trail access along the northern road corridor.
• Copper Center: use the main visitor complex during its operating season for exhibits and a more accessible introduction to the landscape.

Plan for distance and limited services

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Remote travel and glacier hazards

Leave a detailed itinerary and backup plan with someone who can report you overdue. Carry supplies and emergency equipment for delays. Cell coverage is limited, and help may be far away. Choose a trip that matches your wilderness experience.

Streams can rise after rain or during snowmelt. Do not assume a crossing that was passable earlier remains safe. Glacial terrain also changes: unstable slopes, falling rock, mud, and uneven moraine affect the Root Glacier approach. Reaching the edge of the ice does not make travel across it suitable for every visitor.

The official Root Glacier reroute notice describes the replacement approach and the area that remains closed. NPS strongly recommends traction devices before stepping onto the steep ice access. Obtain current advice and appropriate skills and equipment before attempting glacier travel.

Respect living communities and land boundaries

Private property lies within the wider park boundary and beside both roads. Use land-status maps and public easements, and obtain any required landowner permission. Do not enter mine structures, private sites, or closed ground simply because they appear inside a park map outline.

Leave cultural objects and natural features in place. Secure food to avoid attracting wildlife and keep a clean camp. Dogs may use trails and the backcountry, but must remain controlled on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Pet access to public buildings is restricted.

Backcountry trips, cabins, and transport

A permit is not required for ordinary backcountry hiking or camping, although large groups and specific activities have additional rules. Recreational off-road vehicle use requires a permit. Read the activity-specific permit information before arranging a trip.

Public-use cabins have their own reservation requirements; a general camping plan does not reserve one. Book private accommodation, flights, and shuttles directly, and confirm seasonal service. Kendesnii Campground uses free, first-come sites rather than advance reservations.

Choose McCarthy Road or Nabesna Road

The main visitor complex is at mile 106.8 of the Richardson Highway near Copper Center. It is an orientation stop, not the starting point for every park activity. The district roads begin elsewhere.

McCarthy Road runs about 60 miles from Chitina toward the Kennicott River footbridge. Public vehicle travel does not continue straight into Kennecott. Beyond the road end, plan for walking or a confirmed seasonal shuttle; the historic mining area is several miles farther on.

Nabesna Road begins at Slana on the Tok Cutoff and extends approximately 42 miles. High clearance is recommended beyond mile 29, where stream crossings can become impassable. Check your rental agreement before taking a vehicle onto either gravel road, carry a usable spare tire and jack, and fill the tank beforehand. There is no fuel service along either road.

Review the road preparation guidance and the official maps. A broad overview map is useful for planning but is not sufficient for backcountry navigation.

Other parks along a longer Alaska road trip

These are regional route additions, with substantial drives between them and the Wrangell–St. Elias gateways.

• Chugach State Park: an option toward Anchorage along the Glenn Highway corridor. The Eklutna Lake approach leaves the highway at the Eklutna exit.
• Denali State Park: a longer addition on the George Parks Highway, with access areas between miles 135 and 164. It is a separate park from Denali National Park and Preserve.

Historic landscapes and carefully chosen walks

Kennecott offers an introduction to copper-mining history and the railway that linked the area with the coast. Access to individual buildings varies. Confirm tours and building entry rather than expecting every historic structure to be open.

The replacement Root Glacier route is approximately 2.5 miles one way to the ice access, making about 5 miles out and back before any glacier travel. It includes steep, rocky ground and muddy glacial debris. This is a different outing from an easy stroll through the mill-town area.

Nabesna Road offers viewpoints and selected trail access without requiring a journey to Kennecott. Choose stops according to road conditions and the time needed to return. Longer backpacking, mountaineering, or flight-supported trips require a separate level of planning.

Camping, visitor centers, and accessibility

Kendesnii Campground is at mile 27.8 of Nabesna Road. The official road guide lists ten sites, picnic tables, fire rings, and two vault toilets. Treat this as a basic camping option and check road access before traveling.

Carry a dependable water supply. Private parking and camping near the end of McCarthy Road are separate services with their own charges.

The main Copper Center complex has wheelchair-accessible buildings, paved walkways, accessible restrooms, and a paved portion of the forest trail. Its seasonal closure limits an October visitor's options. Kennecott has selected ramps and accessible building entrances, but approaches are unpaved and can contain old rails, uneven ground, and stairs. Consult the area-specific access information for your needs.

Confirm a place to stay and its transport arrangements before driving the road.

About Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve

A landscape with continuing human connections

People have lived in this region for thousands of years, and it remains home to living communities and cultures. The park preserves archaeological sites, cultural landscapes, and historic structures. Kennecott's mining remains and the former Copper River and Northwestern Railway represent one part of that much longer history.

Wildlife across changing habitats

Dall sheep use rocky mountain slopes, while moose frequent willow wetlands and lakes. Black and brown bears occur in the park and preserve. Wolves, caribou, and smaller mammals also use its varied habitats. Match expectations to the area you visit, and avoid approaching animals for a photograph.

Contact Wrangell–St. Elias

Call 907-822-7250 for the main visitor center or 907-822-5234 for park headquarters. Email: [email protected]. Send mail to PO Box 439, Copper Center, AK 99573. The visitor center is seasonal, so use the headquarters contact when planning outside its operating season.