
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park by Martin Capek via Shutterstock.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, in Alaska, is the largest national park in the U.S. Its vast wilderness, towering peaks, and glaciers make it a colossal testament to nature’s grandeur.
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✅ Fast Facts
State(s): Alaska
Area: 13,175,799 acres (53,320.57 sq km) – 1st largest national park of 63
Highest Elevation: Mount St. Elias – 18,008 ft (5,488.84 m)
Lowest Elevation: Sea level
Date Established: December 1, 1978 (national monument); December 2, 1980 (national park and preserve)
Annual Visitors: 65,236 visitors in 2022
Nearest Town: Copper Center, Alaska
⛰ Recommended Day Hikes
Park Tracker considers a “day hike” to be a hike under 10 miles. Below we provide our top five recommendations inside the park, along with AllTrails links to the hikes.
🧗🏻♂️ Popular Activities in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Wrangell-St. Elias is about more than just hiking. See below for some of the best non-hiking activities to do in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
- Flightseeing tours for breathtaking aerial views
- Visiting the historic mining town of Kennecott
- Rafting on the park’s glacial rivers
- Wildlife viewing, especially bears, moose, and eagles
- Fishing in pristine rivers and streams
🛎️ Where to Stay Near Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
While there are ample camping and vacation rental options near most US national parks, I personally highly prefer staying at Hilton-branded properties when traveling to national parks. As such, below are the five closest Hilton properties to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
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🍔 What to Eat Near Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
After hiking and exploring Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, odds are high you’re going to be hungry. Here are five of the best restaurant options within and near the park.
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