Alaska by Road
Glaciers, whales and grizzlies on the three Alaska parks you can reach by road.
Best time to visit · Alaska
Best Time to Visit Wrangell–St. Elias National Park
The largest national park in America, with a ghost copper-mining town on a glacier.
The best time to visit Wrangell–St. Elias National Park is June–August. Avoid October through April, when snow closes roads, trails or services.
Month by month
Best monthsJun–Aug
Best valueJun–Aug
BusiestNever very busy
Established1980
Wrangell–St. Elias by season
Winter Poor
Very cold and remote. Few services operate.
Spring Poor
Roads become passable, but the season hasn't really begun.
Summer Prime
Prime time for Kennecott tours, glacier hikes and flightseeing.
Fall Fair
Early September brings fall colors and the end of the tourist season.
What to do
- Tour the Kennecott Mill Town
- Hike onto the Root Glacier
- Drive the McCarthy Road
- Take a flightseeing trip over the peaks
- Explore the Nabesna Road
Local tip
The McCarthy Road is 60 miles of gravel. Check whether your rental car contract allows it, or take the shuttle.
Good to know
Wrangell–St. Elias is the largest national park in the U.S. at 13.2 million acres, larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite and Switzerland combined.
Before you go: Many rental car companies prohibit driving the McCarthy Road. Check current conditions on nps.gov.
Getting there
Closest major airport: Anchorage (ANC), about 7 hours by road to McCarthy.
Nearby national parks
Approximate driving distance. Check a map for exact routes.
Where to stay
Wrangell–St. Elias month-by-month ratings
Road trips with Wrangell–St. Elias
Questions about visiting Wrangell–St. Elias
When is the best time to visit Wrangell–St. Elias National Park?
The best time to visit Wrangell–St. Elias National Park is June–August. Avoid October through April, when snow closes roads, trails or services.
What is the worst time to visit Wrangell–St. Elias National Park?
October through April are the weakest time, when snow closes roads, trails or services.
When is Wrangell–St. Elias National Park most crowded?
Crowds peak in June through September. June through August offer the best balance of good conditions and fewer people.
Is Wrangell–St. Elias National Park worth visiting in winter?
Very cold and remote. Few services operate.
Do you need a reservation for Wrangell–St. Elias National Park?
Many rental car companies prohibit driving the McCarthy Road. Always check the official NPS page for the current year's rules.
What is the closest airport to Wrangell–St. Elias National Park?
The most convenient airport is Anchorage (ANC), about 7 hours by road to McCarthy.
How many days do you need at Wrangell–St. Elias National Park?
Most road trips spend 2 to 3 days here.
More in Alaska · National parks in Alaska · Season calendar
Last reviewed October 4, 2026. Ratings are editorial. Rules and road openings change each year, so confirm on the official NPS site before you go.