Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve

Wrangell–St. Elias National Park is a vast nature reserve in Alaska featuring mountain ranges, glaciers, and deep valleys that stretch from sea level to high alpine peaks. The landscape contains dramatic terrain shaped by glaciation, with dense forests at lower elevations and bare rock at higher altitudes.

Copper mining operations at Kennecott ran from 1911 to 1938 and left behind ruins that became a National Historic Landmark. This industrial activity shaped the region for several decades and drew workers from many countries.

The Ahtna Athabascan people have called this region home for generations and continue their traditional ways of life here. Visitors can learn about their connection to the land and cultural practices at local exhibits and centers.

The park is large and remote, so visitors should come well-prepared and allow plenty of time for travel. Most facilities operate only from May through September, so planning a visit during these warmer months makes sense.

The park contains nine of the continent's sixteen highest peaks, making it a concentration of North America's grandest mountains. The Malaspina Glacier here is the largest piedmont glacier on the continent and shapes the landscape with its immense scale.

Location: Southeast Fairbanks Census Area

Location: Valdez–Cordova Census Area

Location: Yakutat

Inception: 1980

Operator: National Park Service

Part of: Kluane / Wrangell – St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek

Website: https://nps.gov/wrst

GPS coordinates: 61.43500,-142.95361

Latest update: December 12, 2025 13:09