Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Guide: Best Hikes, When to Visit & Where to Stay

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is the largest national park in the United States, encompassing 13.2 million acres of mountains, glaciers, and wilderness in southeastern Alaska. To grasp the scale: the park is larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Switzerland combined. It contains nine of the sixteen highest peaks in the United States, including Mount St. Elias at 18,008 feet, the second-highest peak in the country. Four major mountain ranges converge within the park: the Wrangell, St. Elias, Chugach, and Alaska ranges, creating a vertical landscape of staggering proportions where peaks exceed 14,000 feet and valleys sit at 1,000 feet, all within a few horizontal miles.

The park contains the largest collection of glaciers in North America. The Malaspina Glacier, a piedmont glacier that fans out from the St. Elias Mountains onto the coastal plain, is larger than the state of Rhode Island. The Hubbard Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in North America, advances into Disenchantment Bay on the park's southern coast. The Nabesna Glacier, at 75 miles, is the longest valley glacier in North America. Collectively, the glaciers of Wrangell-St. Elias cover more area than all the glaciers in the rest of the inhabited world combined.

Despite its immense size, the park is accessible by two unpaved roads that penetrate its western margins: the McCarthy Road, a 60-mile gravel road following the old Copper River and Northwestern Railway bed to the historic mining town of McCarthy, and the Nabesna Road, a 42-mile gravel road into the northern Wrangell Mountains. Beyond these road corridors, the park is roadless wilderness accessible only by bush plane, on foot, or by river. The park receives approximately 75,000 visitors annually, most concentrated around McCarthy and Kennecott, leaving the vast majority of the park virtually untouched by human presence.

Best Hikes

Root Glacier Trail - The most popular hike in the park, this moderate 4-mile round trip trail begins at the historic Kennecott Mine buildings and follows a well-maintained path to the edge of Root Glacier. Hikers can walk onto the glacier itself (crampons recommended and available for rent in McCarthy) and explore the ice features, including crevasses, moulins, and ice caves. The glacier surface is otherworldly, with blue ice, rushing meltwater channels, and views of the surrounding peaks. Guided glacier hikes offer a deeper experience with proper equipment and instruction.

Bonanza Mine Trail - A strenuous 9-mile round trip climbing 3,800 feet from the Kennecott Mill Town to the Bonanza Mine at 6,000 feet elevation. The trail switchbacks steeply through forest and alpine meadows before reaching the mine buildings perched on a ridge above the glacier. Views from the top encompass the Kennecott Glacier, Root Glacier, the Wrangell Mountains, and on clear days, Mount Blackburn at 16,390 feet. The mine buildings are stabilized ruins that can be explored with care. This is the finest maintained day hike in the park.

Kennecott Mill Town Walking Tour - A self-guided or ranger-led walking tour of the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark, a remarkably well-preserved copper mining complex that operated from 1911 to 1938. The 14-story concentration mill, power plant, hospital, bunkhouses, and company store stand against the backdrop of the Wrangell Mountains and Kennicott Glacier. The mine produced $200 million worth of copper during its operation. Rangers offer tours of the mill building interior, which is otherwise closed to the public.

Donoho Peak - A challenging cross-country route ascending approximately 5,000 feet from the Kennecott area to the 6,696-foot summit of Donoho Peak. There is no maintained trail; hikers route-find across glacial moraine, scree slopes, and alpine terrain. The summit provides perhaps the most comprehensive view available by day hike in the park, with 360-degree panoramas of the Kennicott and Root glaciers, the Stairway Icefall, and the massive peaks of the Wrangell and St. Elias ranges. Only for experienced off-trail hikers in good condition.

Nugget Creek Trail - A moderate 12-mile round trip that follows Nugget Creek through a scenic valley to a primitive cabin near the terminus. The trail begins near the Kennecott Mill Town and follows the creek upstream through forest and along glacial moraine with views of the surrounding mountains. The route is less traveled than Root Glacier or Bonanza Mine and offers more solitude. The cabin at the end is available on a first-come basis.

Nabesna Road Area Hikes - The Nabesna Road in the park's northern section provides access to several informal trails and cross-country hiking opportunities. The Caribou Creek Trail follows a creek valley into the Wrangell Mountains with views of Mount Sanford (16,237 feet). The Skookum Volcano Trail leads to a small but fascinating mud volcano. The Nabesna area receives far fewer visitors than McCarthy and offers a quieter wilderness experience.

When to Visit

Late May to Early June (Early Summer) - The McCarthy Road opens for the season, though conditions can be rough with mud and washouts. Snow lingers at higher elevations, and some trails, including Bonanza Mine, may not be fully accessible until mid-June. Wildflowers begin blooming in the lower valleys. Visitor numbers are low, and accommodations are readily available.

Mid-June to Mid-July (Early Peak) - The best hiking conditions begin as snow melts from alpine trails. Wildflowers peak in the meadows above Kennecott. Days are longest, with nearly 20 hours of usable daylight. Weather is variable but generally the warmest of the season, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s at lower elevations. Mosquitoes are active, particularly in forested areas.

Late July to August (Peak Season) - All trails are typically snow-free, and hiking conditions are optimal. Berry picking is productive on alpine slopes. Weather remains warm, though increasing clouds and rain are common. This is the busiest period around McCarthy and Kennecott, though "busy" by Wrangell-St. Elias standards is modest compared to most national parks. The glacier hiking season is at its peak.

September (Autumn) - Fall color arrives early at higher elevations and sweeps through the valleys through the month. The birch and aspen forests turn brilliant yellow against the dark spruce, creating a spectacular contrast with the white peaks and blue glaciers above. Temperatures cool to the 40s and 50s, mosquitoes are gone, and the park takes on a golden, contemplative quality. Many lodges and services close by mid to late September. The first snow can arrive at any time.

October to April (Winter) - The McCarthy Road is not maintained in winter, though snowmobile and ski access is possible. The park's interior is deeply frozen, with temperatures that can reach minus 40 degrees or colder. A small community remains in McCarthy year-round. The northern lights are visible from the park on clear winter nights.

Where to Stay

Ma Johnson's Hotel - Located in the small community of McCarthy, this historic hotel offers simple rooms in a building dating to the early 1900s. The hotel is the social center of McCarthy, with a restaurant and gathering space. The atmosphere is authentically rustic and communal, reflecting McCarthy's character as a small, tight-knit community at the end of a 60-mile gravel road.

Kennecott Glacier Lodge - Situated adjacent to the Kennecott Mill Town, this lodge offers comfortable rooms with views of the glacier and mountains. A dining room serves meals, and the lodge can arrange guided glacier hikes, historical tours, and flightseeing. The location within walking distance of the historic mill buildings and Root Glacier Trail makes it the most convenient base for exploring the Kennecott area.

McCarthy Area Lodges and Cabins - Several small lodges, cabins, and vacation rentals are available in and around McCarthy, including Lancaster's Backpacker Hotel for budget travelers and various private cabins. The McCarthy community has a population of roughly 25 year-round residents that swells in summer with seasonal workers and visitors.

Camping - There are no NPS-operated campgrounds in the park, but dispersed camping is permitted throughout the backcountry. Base Camp Kennecott, a privately operated campground near the Kennecott Mill Town, offers tent platforms, a cooking shelter, and gear storage. Dispersed camping along the McCarthy Road is also possible at several informal pullouts.

Getting There

By Car via the McCarthy Road - The McCarthy Road begins at Chitina, approximately 200 miles from Anchorage via the Glenn and Richardson highways (about four hours of driving). The 60-mile McCarthy Road is unpaved, rough, and follows the old railway bed, including several bridges and washouts that require careful driving. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, though two-wheel-drive vehicles with adequate clearance can usually make the trip. The road ends at a footbridge across the Kennicott River; no vehicles cross into McCarthy. Shuttle vans carry passengers and gear the five miles from the footbridge to McCarthy and Kennecott.

By Bush Plane - Several air taxi operators fly from Chitina, Glennallen, and Anchorage directly to McCarthy's gravel airstrip. The flight from Chitina takes about 30 minutes, and from Anchorage about 90 minutes. Bush planes also access remote areas of the park for backcountry trips, glacier landings, and mountaineering expeditions.

Via the Nabesna Road - The Nabesna Road branches south from the Tok Cutoff Highway (Highway 1) at Slana, approximately 65 miles south of Tok. The 42-mile gravel road is rougher than the McCarthy Road and dead-ends at the historic Nabesna Mine. High clearance and four-wheel drive may be needed for the final miles. This route provides access to the northern Wrangell Mountains.

Essential Tips

• The McCarthy Road demands respect. The 60-mile gravel road has no services, gas stations, or cell coverage. Carry a spare tire, jack, basic tools, and a full tank of gas. Flat tires from old railroad spikes are not uncommon, though road conditions have improved in recent years.
• Bear awareness is essential. Both black bears and grizzly bears are present throughout the park. Carry bear spray on all hikes, store food properly, and make noise on trails, especially in dense vegetation. Bear encounters near McCarthy and Kennecott are uncommon but possible.
• Glacier travel requires equipment and knowledge. Walking on Root Glacier is straightforward with microspikes or crampons on the lower sections, but crevasses, moulins, and unstable ice features are genuine hazards. Guided glacier trips are recommended for anyone venturing beyond the glacier's edge. Crampons are available for rent in McCarthy.
• Weather is highly variable. Clear skies can give way to rain, fog, or even snow at higher elevations within hours. Bring waterproof layers, warm clothing, and sun protection. Temperatures can range from the 30s to the 70s in a single day.
• Services are extremely limited. McCarthy has no gas station, no bank, and limited cell service. Bring cash, as some businesses do not accept credit cards. A small general store sells basic supplies, but selection is limited. Stock up on food and supplies before leaving Chitina or earlier.
• Entry to the park is free. There is no entrance fee for Wrangell-St. Elias.

Nearby Attractions

Chitina and the Copper River - The small town of Chitina, at the start of the McCarthy Road, sits at the confluence of the Chitina and Copper rivers. The Copper River is famous for its world-class sockeye salmon, and the personal-use dipnet fishery at Chitina draws thousands of Alaskans each summer. The O'Brien Creek access road offers views of the river canyon.

Glennallen and the Copper River Valley - The small community of Glennallen serves as a service hub for the region, with gas stations, a grocery store, and lodging. The Wrangell-St. Elias Park visitor center is located here and provides exhibits, films, and ranger information.

Richardson Highway Scenic Drive - The Richardson Highway between Glennallen and Valdez crosses Thompson Pass and descends through Keystone Canyon, with its dramatic waterfalls and narrow gorge. The 119-mile drive is one of the most scenic in Alaska.

Valdez - The small port city of Valdez, at the southern terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, offers glacier cruises on Prince William Sound, the Valdez Museum, and access to the Columbia Glacier, one of the largest tidewater glaciers in Alaska. The ferry system connects Valdez to Cordova and Whittier.