Known for its breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife, America is home to numerous national parks that attract millions of visitors each year.
However, tucked away in Alaska, one national park stands out for its vastness and beauty yet remains largely overlooked: Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.
Spanning an astonishing 13.2 million acres, Wrangell-St. Elias is not only the largest national park in the United States but also six times the size of Yellowstone and larger than the entire state of Maryland.
Despite its remarkable size and unique features, the park only welcomes around 75,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most understudied and underappreciated national parks in the country.
So, what makes Wrangell-St. Elias so undiscovered compared to its more popular counterparts?
One of the key factors contributing to its low visitor numbers is its remote location.
Located in southern Alaska, the park is surrounded by majestic mountain ranges including the Wrangell Mountains, the Alaska Range, the St. Elias Mountain Range, and the Chugach Mountains.
This rugged topography, while beautiful, also makes the national park less accessible than others like Denali or Glacier Bay, which are often reached easily via cruise ships.
In fact, most travelers flock to the more popular national parks in Alaska, leaving Wrangell-St. Elias to its natural solitude.
The park is part of a larger UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Kluane National Park and Reserve, and Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park.
Together, these parks create a massive protected ecosystem totaling 24 million acres, yet Wrangell-St. Elias remains overshadowed by its more renowned neighbors.
While entry to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is free, it still poses logistical challenges for visitors.
Unlike other Alaska parks that offer convenient train access, visitors must drive to Wrangell-St. Elias, which has limited access points including the Copper Center Visitor Center, Nabesna Road, and the unpaved McCarthy Road.
The McCarthy Road can be particularly tricky, especially outside the peak summer season, deterring many potential visitors.
Additionally, while there are shuttles available to explore the park, they are privately operated and can be costly, adding to the travel expenses for visitors.
For those adventurous enough to make the journey, a wealth of activities await within the park’s expansive boundaries.
The scenic 60-mile McCarthy Road offers breathtaking views and encounters with wildlife, such as moose, swans, and various bear species.
Following the rugged road leads to the historic McCarthy footbridge, where visitors can explore the old town.
Similarly, the Kennecott Ghost Town, a relic from the early 1900s, provides a uniquely eerie experience of Alaska’s mining history, with opportunities for guided tours to delve deeper into its abandoned buildings.
Adventurers seeking outdoor activities can take advantage of the park’s impressive hiking and backpacking options, particularly around Skolai Pass.
This area offers a variety of trails, although it is advisable to hire a guide for safety, since trail conditions can become unpredictable.
Glacier hikes are also popular but require hiring experienced guides due to the presence of hidden crevasses.
For those who prefer water activities, kayaking and rafting down the park’s rivers, such as the Kennicott, Nizina, Copper, and Chitina Rivers, offer a unique perspective of its stunning landscapes.
Maps for these adventures can be acquired from visitor centers upon entering the park.
Getting to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is relatively straightforward yet requires careful planning.
The nearest major airport is Anchorage International, which provides extensive flight options from around the world.
From Anchorage, the closest populated area to the park is Copper Center, just ten miles from the Copper Center Visitor Center.
This small town offers basic lodging and dining options along with necessary services such as a gas station for travelers.
A drive from Anchorage to Copper Center takes around three hours and twenty minutes, while a direct bus service towards Tok stops at various points, including Glennallen, Chistchina, and Slana, for those seeking a more affordable travel option.
Alternatively, travelers can opt to fly into Valdez in the southwestern part of the park, which grants easier access to the southern region.
Regardless of the route taken, those who venture to Wrangell-St. Elias will uncover a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences amid America’s largest national park.
With its astonishing vistas, diverse wildlife, and adventures that await amid the park’s rugged terrain, visitors will find that taking the road less traveled can lead to incredible discoveries.
So for a truly remarkable experience away from the crowds, journey to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Alaska.
The remarkable scenery and wildlife encounters are more than worth the effort to visit this hidden gem.
image source from：thetravel
