Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

The largest national park in the U.S., a vast wilderness of towering mountains, glaciers, and braided rivers. It's a critical habitat for grizzly bears,...

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve at a Glance

Location
Alaska Wilderness, United States, North America
Coordinates
61.000000, -142.000000
Area
53321 km²
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Safari Activities in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

  • Backcountry travel
  • aviation access
  • river crossings
  • glacier travel
  • staying in public use cabins
  • Junior Ranger Programs
  • driving McCarthy Road
  • visiting Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark
  • driving Nabesna Road
  • visiting visitor centers
  • audio tours
  • wildlife viewing
  • wilderness recreation

Getting to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

Nearest airport: May Creek Airport (MYK), 53 km away.

Nearest international airport: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), 430 km away.

Weather & Climate in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

The warmest temperatures in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve occur in July, averaging 6.6°C (up to 10.1°C). The coolest conditions are in January at -14.0°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in April with average rainfall of 31.1mm. Average humidity: 63.4%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: -14.0°C (rainfall: 102.3mm)
  • February: -13.9°C (rainfall: 76.0mm)
  • March: -13.3°C (rainfall: 61.8mm)
  • April: -8.8°C (rainfall: 31.1mm)
  • May: -3.1°C (rainfall: 33.9mm)
  • June: 3.4°C (rainfall: 44.7mm)
  • July: 6.6°C (rainfall: 67.8mm)
  • August: 4.9°C (rainfall: 121.3mm)
  • September: -0.7°C (rainfall: 154.9mm)
  • October: -7.3°C (rainfall: 138.4mm)
  • November: -13.1°C (rainfall: 82.4mm)
  • December: -13.1°C (rainfall: 116.9mm)

Best Time to Visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

The best months to visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve are March, April, May, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature -14.02°C, rainfall 102.3mm, sunshine 2.5 hrs, humidity 64.2%
  • February: Poor, temperature -13.91°C, rainfall 76mm, sunshine 4 hrs, humidity 65.8%
  • March: Good, temperature -13.25°C, rainfall 61.8mm, sunshine 7.5 hrs, humidity 63.1%
  • April: Good, temperature -8.76°C, rainfall 31.1mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 63.4%
  • May: Good, temperature -3.09°C, rainfall 33.9mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 72.4%
  • June: Good, temperature 3.39°C, rainfall 44.7mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 73%
  • July: Good, temperature 6.61°C, rainfall 67.8mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 72.5%
  • August: Poor, temperature 4.93°C, rainfall 121.3mm, sunshine 7.8 hrs, humidity 76.7%
  • September: Poor, temperature -0.68°C, rainfall 154.9mm, sunshine 6.3 hrs, humidity 77.6%
  • October: Poor, temperature -7.28°C, rainfall 138.4mm, sunshine 4.3 hrs, humidity 72.8%
  • November: Poor, temperature -13.11°C, rainfall 82.4mm, sunshine 3.1 hrs, humidity 67%
  • December: Poor, temperature -13.11°C, rainfall 116.9mm, sunshine 1.7 hrs, humidity 66.5%

Wildlife in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

Home to 3 recorded species including 3 birds of prey.

Recommended Packing List for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

Based on average temperature of -6.0°C, typical conditions, humidity 70%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around -6°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

10 safari lodges available.

Other

luxury

budget

Similar Parks in Alaska Wilderness

Visitor Tips - Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

Wrangell-St. Elias is where North America's largest protected wilderness truly humbles you. We love the raw, untamed scale of it all, from the towering peaks to the sprawling glaciers and the fascinating history of Kennecott. It's a place that demands respect and rewards with an unparalleled sense of wild freedom.

Gate Times

Wrangell-St. Elias is an immense wilderness, largely without traditional gates. Access is primarily via the McCarthy Road and Nabesna Road, which are typically open from late May to early September, weather permitting. Visitor centers, like those in Copper Center and Kennecott, operate seasonally, usually from Memorial Day to Labor Day. We recommend checking the official NPS website for current road conditions and visitor center hours before your trip, as these can change rapidly. No entry permits are generally required for the park itself, but reservations are essential for public use cabins and any guided activities you plan.

Tipping

In the United States, tipping customs differ from traditional safaris. Park Rangers are federal employees and cannot accept tips. However, for private guides leading activities such as glacier hikes, rafting trips, or flightseeing tours, tipping is customary. We suggest 15-20% of the activity cost for excellent service. If you're staying in a private lodge or B&B outside the park, standard hospitality tipping applies for staff, but public use cabins are self-service.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for United States

Travel advisory for United States

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve FAQs

Given its immense size and low crowding, how do visitors typically access and explore the vast wilderness of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park?

Access is primarily via two gravel roads, McCarthy Road and Nabesna Road, which lead to different areas of the park. For deeper wilderness experiences, many visitors utilize air taxis for remote drop-offs, enabling backcountry hiking, rafting, and glacier exploration in this uncrowded environment.

What are the primary wildlife viewing opportunities in Wrangell-St. Elias, and what specific safety considerations, including the stated malaria risk, should I be aware of?

You can expect to see Dall sheep on mountain slopes, moose in riparian areas, and potentially grizzly bears or caribou. Regarding safety, practice strict bear awareness, be prepared for challenging river crossings, and despite being in the US, the park is listed with a moderate malaria risk, so consult your doctor about preventative measures and use insect repellent.

Beyond its natural wilderness and wildlife, what unique historical or geological sites should I make sure to visit within Wrangell-St. Elias?

A must-see is the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark, a preserved copper mining town offering a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century Alaskan history. Additionally, the park boasts numerous accessible glaciers, such as the Root Glacier near Kennecott, which can be explored on foot with proper gear or a guide.

When is the ideal time to visit Wrangell-St. Elias for the best weather and activity access, and what essential gear should I plan to bring?

The peak season is generally June through August, offering the warmest temperatures, longest daylight hours, and full access to roads and services. Be prepared for highly variable weather, including rain and cool temperatures even in summer, by packing layers, waterproof outerwear, and sturdy hiking boots suitable for rugged terrain and potential glacier travel.

What are the typical costs and logistical considerations for planning a trip to such a remote and uncrowded U.S. national park like Wrangell-St. Elias?

While there's no entrance fee, costs can accumulate for air taxi services, guided glacier tours, or stays in public use cabins which require reservations. Due to its remoteness and limited services, plan for self-sufficiency, carry extra fuel and supplies, and be aware that cell service is virtually nonexistent outside of McCarthy.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.