WRANGELL-ST. ELIAS
NATIONAL PARK

AREA - 13,200,000 ACRES

EST. 12 02 1980

ALASKA

Planning a Trip to
Wrangell-St Elias National Park

Planning a trip to Wrangell St Elias National Park promises to be a unique and memorable experience. The park is the largest national park in the United States and is full of diverse and spectacular landscapes. It's important to know that the park is remote and that visitors should plan for self-sufficiency in terms of food, water, and fuel. To get to the park, visitors should fly into Anchorage and then take a car or bus to the park. It is also important to note that the park is home to many large animals and visitors should be aware of the park's safety regulations and be prepared for the possibility of encountering wildlife. With its incredible beauty and remoteness, a trip to Wrangell St Elias National Park will be an unforgettable experience.

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” - Helen Keller

"The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

BEST TIME TO GO

Wrangell St Elias National Park is a breathtaking destination no matter the time of year. For the best outdoor experiences, the best time to visit is between May and September. During these months, temperatures are mild, and the wildlife is most active. Hiking is best during the summer months, when trails are free of snow and open for exploration. Rafting and kayaking are most enjoyable during the spring, when the snow melt is at its peak and the rivers are running strong. Winter months are ideal for skiing and snowshoeing, as the area is blanketed in snow. No matter the season, Wrangell St Elias National Park is a destination worth exploring.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is the largest national park in the United States, encompassing an incredible 13.2 million acres of land. The park is home to some of the most incredible mountain peaks, glaciers, and wildlife in the country. It's also the largest International Biosphere Reserve in the world. The best time to visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is during the summer months when the weather is mild and the park's incredible landscapes are in full bloom. From mid-June through mid-August, visitors can enjoy the park's many hiking trails, campgrounds, and wildlife-viewing opportunities. There are also plenty of historic sites to explore, including abandoned gold rush towns and old cabins.

OVERVIEW

Wrangell St. Elias National Park is an awe-inspiring landscape with mountains, glaciers, and wild rivers. It is the largest national park in the United States and is home to some of the country's most impressive glaciers, including the Malaspina Glacier, the second-largest in the world. The park also includes four major mountain ranges, including the Wrangell and St. Elias Mountains. In addition to its stunning natural features, Wrangell St. Elias is home to a variety of wildlife, including caribou, wolves, grizzly bears, moose, and more. Visitors can explore the park by hiking, rafting, and backpacking, or simply take in the incredible views. Wrangell St. Elias National Park is one of the coolest places in the United States, and is worth a visit for anyone looking for an unforgettable experience.

WEATHER

Wrangell St Elias National Park has extreme weather with temperatures ranging from -50 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. The park receives an average of 38 inches of snow each year and receives more than 100 inches of rain annually. The summer months are usually dry with occasional thunderstorms. During the winter months, snowfall is common, and temperatures can drop below freezing. The area also experiences strong winds and occasional blizzards.

Wrangell St Elias National Park is one of the largest and wildest parks in the United States. It offers a wealth of activities to explore, no matter the season. In the summer, visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, kayaking, and backpacking. In the fall, the park is a great destination for hiking, bird watching, and wildlife photography. Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. The park is open year round, but visitors should be prepared for extreme weather conditions. No matter the season, visitors should bring appropriate clothing, plenty of food and water, and a map of the area.

GEAR

When visiting Wrangell St. Elias National Park, it is important to bring the right gear to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. The best gear to bring includes a waterproof and windproof parka, gloves, and a hat to protect from the cold, wet weather. Hiking boots or sturdy shoes are recommended for navigating the park's rugged terrain, and a backpack or other carrying device for snacks and supplies. Sun protection such as sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat is also important to prevent sunburns. Additionally, bring a pair of binoculars to get a better view of the wildlife. With the right gear, visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of Wrangell St. Elias National Park.

Exploring Wrangell St. Elias National Park requires experienced explorers to be well-equipped. Essential gear includes sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, a high-quality sleeping bag, plenty of warm layers, a well-stocked first aid kit, a backpacking stove, bear-proof food containers, a reliable GPS system, and a durable tent. Be sure to check the current weather conditions and pack accordingly. With the right gear, experienced explorers can have a safe and enjoyable experience in Wrangell St. Elias National Park.

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HISTORY

Wrangell St. Elias National Park and Preserve is the largest of America’s national parks, encompassing 13.2 million acres of diverse terrain. The park was established in 1980 and is home to nine of the 16 highest peaks in the United States. The park’s history dates back to the Ahtna people, who have been in the area for thousands of years and still live in the park today. The park was also home to miners, trappers, and prospectors during the 19th and 20th centuries. In the early 1900s, the area became a protected National Monument, before eventually being upgraded to a National Park and Preserve in 1980. Today, Wrangell St. Elias National Park and Preserve continues to be a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and sightseers.

Wrangell St. Elias National Park is renowned for its immense geological history, with a diverse landscape that has been shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity, glaciation, and tectonic forces. The Park is part of an ancient mountain range that has been uplifted and eroded over the past 250 million years, creating a unique and varied geology. From the towering peak of Mt. St. Elias to the rugged coastline of the Gulf of Alaska, the Park is a testament to the power of geologic processes. Additionally, the Park is home to some of the oldest rocks in North America, with some of the oldest rocks estimated to be around 3.5 billion years old. Visitors to Wrangell St. Elias National Park are sure to be enthralled by its remarkable geological history.

RECOMMENDED

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is an amazing destination for outdoor enthusiasts. From stunning natural beauty to thrilling activities, it has something for everyone. Here are the top 10 recommendations to do at this amazing national park: 1. Take a scenic flight over the park and get a bird's eye view of its majestic mountains. 2. Go backpacking and explore the vast wilderness of the park. 3. Go on a guided kayak tour and explore the lake and rivers. 4. Take a guided Jeep tour and explore the rugged terrain. 5. Go mountain biking and explore the trails. 6. Go fishing and catch some of the abundant fish in the waters. 7. Go on a glacier hike and explore the spectacular glaciers. 8. Go on a wildlife viewing tour and spot some of the amazing species that call the park home. 9. Go camping and stargaze in the dark night sky. 10. Take a scenic drive and admire the stunning views.

Wrangell St. Elias National Park is an amazing destination for adventurers looking to explore off the beaten path. One of the top recommendations for exploring the park is to take a guided backpacking trip through the Chitina Valley and explore the pristine wilderness and spectacular views of the Wrangell Mountains. Another great recommendation is to take a hike up to the summit of the highest peak in the park, Mount Blackburn, and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers and rugged terrain. For those looking for a more leisurely activity, the park also offers a variety of scenic drives and road trips that are perfect for taking in the breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day or an adventurous journey, Wrangell St. Elias National Park has something for everyone.

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PLAN YOUR VISIT

Visiting Wrangell St Elias National Park is a great way to experience the stunning beauty of Alaska. There are different types of activities to do in the park ranging from camping, hiking, and kayaking, to snowshoeing, dog sledding, and fishing. For those wanting to explore the park in more detail, there are many trails to choose from, including the Root Glacier Trail, the Mount Sanford Trail, and the Mentasta Pass Trail. For a unique experience, you can take a guided tour of the park and its many attractions, such as the historic Kennicott Copper Mine and the historic Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is one of the most diverse and spectacular parks in the United States. There is so much to explore and experience here, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The best things to do at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park include taking in the stunning scenery, discovering incredible wildlife, and exploring the park’s many trails. Flyfishing can be found in the Chitina and Nizina Rivers, while kayaking can be enjoyed on the Copper River. For those looking for an adventure, the best hikes in the park are the Root Glacier Trail and the Mt. Sanford Trail. To ensure a safe and comfortable experience, it is important to bring the right gear, such as sturdy hiking shoes, warm clothing, insect repellent, and plenty of water.

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# OF VISITORS/MONTH

Wrangell St Elias National Park attracts over 100,000 visitors each year. The majority of visitors arrive during the summer months between June and August. During the peak summer season, the park can see up to 10,000 visitors in a single day. During the winter months, the park is much less crowded with only a few hundred visitors each month. Visitors to the park come from all over the world to explore its vast wilderness, rugged snow-capped mountains, and unique glaciers and icefields.