Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
Mile 106.8 Richardson Hwy · Copper Center, AK
Why you should go…
Wrangell-St. Elias is the largest unit in the National Park System at more than 13 million acres, and it charges no entrance fee. Two gravel roads, the McCarthy Road and the Nabesna Road, lead into the park, and the main visitor center sits at mile 106.8 of the Richardson Highway near Copper Center. Visitors hike, backpack, float rivers and tour the Kennecott copper mines, a National Historic Landmark. Most of the park is backcountry with limited services.
- #national park
- #glaciers
- #backpacking
- #kennecott mines
- #scenic drive
Good to know
General sport & outdoor guidance
Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.
Weather calls the shots
Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.
Shoes, water, sun cover
The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.
Parking and launches fill early
On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.
Daylight shrinks in shoulder season
Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.