11 Best Things to Do in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
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Are you ready to experience the most impressive mountains in North America?
I am going to share all of the epic things to do in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, which is my favorite place in the United States, and one I have been visiting for close to 20 years!
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is located in south-central Alaska and it is the largest national park in the United States at 13.2 million acres! If you want to experience a true wilderness wonderland, come visit and be blown away by the diverse landscape and vast scenery.
This park is all about superlatives: it’s home to some of the highest peaks in North America, including Mount St. Elias, and has vast glaciers like the Malaspina, which is the largest piedmont glacier in the world.
From the volcanic Wrangell Mountains to the majestic St. Elias Range, the park is a patchwork of towering peaks, ice fields, and verdant valleys. These landscapes are a humongous playground for adventure lovers while being immersed in an untamed, pristine environment.
Things to Do in Wrangell St. Elias National Park
Due to the sheer size of the park, which is larger than Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Switzerland combined, trying to plan a trip here can be a bit overwhelming.
I wrote this post to help you prioritize the experiences you want to include during your visit. So let’s get to it! And, as always, feel free to ask me any questions in the comments.
1. Drive the McCarthy Road
Driving the McCarthy Road earns you another notch on your belt as an experienced Alaskan traveler. Just be prepared!
It is a scenic 59-mile remote gravel road, known for potential road hazards such as potholes, old railroad spikes, and even landslides, that begins at Chitina and ends at the Kennecott River. From there, you have access to the towns of McCarthy and Kennecott via the footbridge.
Before you begin your journey make sure the car rental company you used allows your vehicle to drive on this road. Bring a spare tire, a fix-a-flat, a full tank of gas, and an open mind! Also, you need to be able to change a tire on your own, there are zero services.
It usually takes on average 2 – 2 ½ hours to drive the McCarthy Road at the 35mph speed limit. If you stay at or below the speed limit, the risk of a flat tire or car damage is minimal.
I have driven this road more times than I can count and what I can tell you is that you might have an easy breezy drive with zero issues or you might end up with two flat tires and a drive that takes you 4 hours.
It’s hit or miss and conditions can change rapidly within one season, even day to day, especially with weather. Please check with the Alaska DOT, Tazlina District, for current summer road conditions: (907) 822-3222
On the road there are waysides with viewpoints and bathrooms so breaks from driving can be enjoyed if needed. At mile 17 you’ll come to the Kuskulana Bridge Wayside: this turnout has bathrooms and trash receptacles.
Mile 29 brings you to the Gilahina River and the Gilahina Trestle Wayside. You can also find the Crystalline Hills trailhead at mile 34.5. This is a 2.8-mile loop trail which will take up to 1.5 hours.
The road ends at the lot that abuts the Kennecott River. From here you’ll take the footbridge across to access town!
⭐️ For more PRO TIPS check out my How to Get to McCarthy, Alaska Guide with detailed info on driving the McCarthy Road! You can read tips for rental companies that allow their vehicles on the road, driving advice, mile point notes, and more from a local (that’s me!)
2. Visit McCarthy
McCarthy is a one-of-a-kind quirky small town, very near and dear to my heart, and it’s tucked inside Wrangell-St. Elias National Park which makes it a spectacular destination. It’s also the location of the “reality” TV show Edge of Alaska. Have you seen it?
I have been traveling to McCarthy for close to two decades—my husband and I own property in town and built a dry cabin on it, so we visit every few years, staying a month at a time.
Getting to McCarthy is unique in itself because you’ll have to cross a footbridge to cross the river and access the town. If you have booked lodging in McCarthy there are shuttles that can help you travel to and from town as well as historical Kennecott. There are also carts to use and help you transport your gear across the footbridge.
McCarthy serves as a perfect base for exploring the vast landscapes of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, with its glaciers, mountains, and wild rivers. Over the years, we’ve fallen in love with the town’s unique character and the way it seamlessly connects us to the raw beauty of Alaska.
There are many things to do in McCarthy that range from exploring the museum to kayaking in a glacial lake. In addition, there are delicious restaurants in McCarthy to dine at, my personal favorite is The Potato. Don’t miss trying their curly fries!
3. Tour Kennecott and the Mill
Kennecott is an old mining town that was established around 1900 when rich deposits of copper ore were discovered in the area. The town and the mines reached their peak in the 1920s. During this period, the Kennecott Copper Corporation extracted extraordinary amounts of high-grade copper ore!
The mining operations started declining in the late 1920s as the ore began to run out. By the 1930s, the yield was significantly reduced. Eventually, the Kennecott mines were closed in 1938, leading to the abandonment of the town.
The Kennecott Mines were designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1986 and ever since the park service has been working to restore buildings (my husband restored one of them!) and give people safe access to the area so it can be appreciated.
The centerpiece of Kennecott is the massive 14-story red mill building, which played a pivotal role in copper processing during the mine’s operation. It’s an impressive structure to see!
PRO TIP: Don’t visit without booking a tour of the mill building! You’ll see where miners extracted copper ore, the railway systems they used, and the innovative technologies of the era.
I think what makes the tour particularly fascinating is the way it brings to life the stories of the people who worked in these now quiet halls. You can almost feel the buzz that once existed here! The guides are excited to share anecdotes and historical facts which really paints the picture of what life was like here.
4. Hike Up to an Old Mine
My husband, kids, and I have hiked up to both Jumbo Mine and Bonanza Mine and I highly recommend both! You’ll need a lot of energy for these strenuous hikes but they are both very much worth the effort. From Kennecott, you can access the trailheads to hike up to these two steep high-elevation historical mines.
The length for both the Jumbo Mine and Bonanza Mine hike is 10 miles. Set aside an entire day for either of these hikes so you can fully enjoy the views and historical artifacts at the summit and also have time to stop for refreshments and hydration along the way.
I recommend taking trekking poles! The first time I hiked the Bonanza trail I didn’t bring them and I felt a bit nervous coming back down near the top. You’re going to appreciate having them for the uneven trail surfaces, steep trail, and loose rock underfoot.
Both hikes have incredible views at the top. The Jumbo mine bunkhouses have collapsed so you’re only going to be able to observe ruins up top but the Bonanza structure is more intact. It’s an amazing site at the top but please refrain from exploring inside since it is not safe due to not being maintained.
5. Hike the Root Glacier
This is my absolute favorite place to hang out in Kennecott! The Root Glacier is accessible by foot which makes it special. It’s a gorgeous and dramatic place to explore and take in your surroundings and you get a great view of the Stairway Icefall from the glacier. I think it is a must-do experience if you enjoy hiking, take my word for it, and it’s one of the best things to do in McCarthy.
The Root Glacier is accessed by trail from Kennecott. From Kennecott you’ll hike about 2 miles on a trail until you reach the ice. Once at the ice, you can hike another 1-2 miles, this is entirely up to personal preference.
Allow yourself 4-6 hours to enjoy hiking the foot trail and enjoying the glacier. If you are short on time you don’t have to hike far out on the glacier, you can walk out for a bit until you’ve had enough and turn around. It’s a wide open space with room for individual exploration.
The ice is so cool to experience! It is bright, reflective, smooth, craggy and slippery, with fascinating features like deep crevasses, shimmering moulins, vibrant blue pools, and small glacial streams.
BE PREPARED: If you would like to hike the entirety of the glacier safely on your own, you’ll need to be prepared with crampons, sunglasses, water, hiking snacks, light gloves, and sunscreen.
Crampons gift you with more freedom and control as to where you can go. You can plan ahead by either buying your own crampons prior to the trip or renting them from either AMH (Alaska Mountaineering and Hiking) or Alaska Outdoor Gear Rental.
Pro-Tip: Book an amazing glacier tour with experienced local guides, outfitted with a pair of crampons, where you can explore blue pools, moulins, and crevasses!
✔️ Check rates and Book: Half Day Root Glacier Hike
6. Flightseeing
Flightseeing in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is truly magnificent and I highly recommend scheduling a tour. In fact, it’s one of my top experiences I have had in Alaska! Seeing the glaciers, towering mountains and varying landscapes from the sky is an experience you don’t want to miss.
It’s literally breathtaking, the “wows” trickle out of my mouth every single time I go flightseeing in Wrangell-St. Elias, because the sheer size of everything you can see from the air is shocking and simply inconceivable from the ground. This is the only way to take in the park at this level.
You have two options for flightseeing in the park.
- Copper Valley Air – This company is a great option if you’d like to enjoy flightseeing but don’t want to drive to McCarthy. Copper Valley Air usually operates its flights out of Glennallen, AK but they also offer services to arrange pick-ups and air transfers from Anchorage, Valdez, and Fairbanks, Alaska, directly to Glennallen.
- Wrangell Mountain Air – They are located right in McCarthy, which is convenient for visitors to the area. Book online or call them in advance to make sure you can enjoy your tour on a specific day. They can answer any questions you have an make recommendations based on your interests! They offer custom options as well.
I have taken a handful of flightseeing tours in Wrangell-St. Elias over the years, a few private tours but most have been with Wrangell Mountain Air.
I’ve taken Wrangell Mountain Air’s Mile High Cliff Tour which is 50 minutes and the Thirteen Glacier Tour, which is 70 minutes. I have also enjoyed a fly-in backpacking trip that you can read more about below!
7. Enjoy a Fly-in Backpacking Trip
Wrangell-St. Elias is the ultimate backcountry playground for adventurers hungry for unique remote experiences in the wild. If you want to go somewhere you will likely not see anyone for days, head into the backcountry!
One of the most memorable trips of my life was a fly-in base camp trip to Iceberg Lake in 2008. We planned to hike to Bremner Mine but, at the time, there was too much snow and weather in the area so we were advised to base camp and enjoy day hikes from the Iceberg Lake area. It was epic.
Wrangell Mountain Air offers backcountry drop offs if you want to be independent and plan a trip on your own. Or, numerous guide companies lead trips in the backcountry which are worth looking into. Trek Alaska, Kennecott Wilderness Guides, and St. Elias Alpine Guides offer guided multi-day hiking and backpacking adventures.
🤩 Couple your Alaska stay with THIS guided Wrangell-St. Elias adventure trip! Local guides take care of planning and access, so you can hit the trails and glaciers without overthinking it.
Planning a road trip? Read my guide on How to Get to McCarthy, Alaska!
8. Stay at Ultima Thule Lodge
The Ultima Thule Lodge is a world-class remote resort that is unrivaled in its blend of wild luxury and adventure, offering an experience that truly stands out in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness. This is a unique destination — there is no other place like it in on the planet.
The lodge, owned and run by the Claus family, is situated 100 miles from the nearest road, deep within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Staying here is an exclusive adventure and access is only possible by small aircraft.
Included in your luxury stay are remote activities without set itineraries, making every day a uniquely tailored experience governed by the weather, with flight-supported outings at no additional cost as part of the adventure.
The best part about staying at Ultima Thule is that after the overwhelm you might feel from experiencing the vast wilderness, you get to come back to a lodge with all the creature comforts making you feel right at home to be able to rest up for more exploring the following day. And, a wood-fired sauna is fired up to help you relax even further!
There are beautifully crafted cabins that provide comfort and panoramic views of the Alaskan wilderness. The culinary experience at Ultima Thule Lodge is another highlight, with meals prepared from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including wild game and fish, berries, and vegetables from the lodge’s garden. Daily fresh homemade bread is a favorite!
9. Ice Climbing
The Root Glacier is a fantastic spot for ice climbing, with easy access just off the main trail. I’m itching to try it myself – it’s definitely on my adventure list! I watch the ice climbers in a particular spot each time I hike on the glacier and admire the sport. If you’re up for a challenge, you should consider giving it a go.
If you are interested you can book ice climbing adventures with either St. Elias Alpine Guides or Kennicott Wilderness Guides. You’ll gain hands-on experience in fundamental ice climbing techniques, including the use of crampons and ice axes, under the guidance of experts right on the glacier!
10. Go on a Rafting Trip
Are you a thrill seeker? Rafting in Wrangell St. Elias National Park makes for a unique blend of adventure, raw beauty, and a chance to disconnect from the hustle of everyday life. If you’re looking for an authentic Alaskan adventure, the Kennicott River is where you’ll find it!
Companies like McCarthy River Tours & Outfitters and St. Elias Alpine Guides offer various exciting rafting trips in the area. These outfitters have enthusiastic experienced guides who know the local rivers and safety protocols.
Depending on the river and trip you choose, you might encounter everything from gentle flows to adrenaline-pumping rapids. You can opt for a half-day adventure or an extended multi-day trip. Just be sure to book these experiences in advance because they fill up quickly!
11. Drive the Nabesna Road
This road is one of the two main access points to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, the other being the McCarthy Road. It was originally built in 1933 for the Nabesna gold mine, long before the park was even established!
This Nabesna Road is on the park’s north side and has a tendency to a quieter experience compared to McCarthy Road since it doesn’t have any services or a town waiting to be explored at the end of the road. Keep in mind the absence of amenities before embarking on this trip!
Definitely be prepared and travel with a spare tire! This road comes with even more serious warnings than the McCarthy Rd does—you absolutely must have a high clearance vehicle and 4WD due to the very bumpy road conditions and potential washouts at stream crossings.
The start of the road is at mile 60 of the Glenn Highway, which is the Tok Cutoff, in Slana. Depending on where you’re arriving from you’ll want to fuel up in Glenallen, Chistichina, or Mentasta beforehand.
The Nabesna Rd is beautifully scenic and there are numerous hiking and camping opportunities along the road but there’s also a lot of private property. I recommend reading the National Park Service’s Nabesna road guide or listening to their audio tour before making this drive!
The Wrap Up on Wrangell-St.Elias National Park
Now that I’ve shared how Wrangell-St. Elias National Park has endless opportunities to experience the profound beauty in Alaska’s wilderness, it’s time to plan your visit! I hope my post gave you lots of ideas.
Please comment below with any questions and I am happy to help you with your itinerary!
