When to Visit?
Summer is the primary season for visiting Wrangell-St. Elias from mid-May through mid-September. Winter arrives early to interior Alaska and by the end of September, available services and facilities are limited. There is usually snow on the ground by the end of September.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve has no entrance stations and public lands are open year-round. Please note: When visitor centers close for the day, entrance and parking lot gates are locked. If your vehicle is within locked gates after operating hours, call Alaska Region Communication Center (ARCC) Available 24 hours daily - (907) 683-9555 to dispatch a ranger for assistance.
Call 911 for an emergency.
There are two roads that go into the park - the Nabesna Road and the McCarthy Road. Both roads are maintained by the State of Alaska. The roads are open year-round but are not maintained regularly during the winter. Please respect private property along both park roads.
There are multiple Visitor Centers and Ranger Stations open in summer. Before visiting, call for hours and operations, since they may fluctuate: (907) 822-7250.
Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center (in Copper Center at mile 106.8 Richardson Hwy, complex includes the Ahtna Cultural Center)
Slana Ranger Station (beginning of Nabesna Road)
Chitina Ranger Station (beginning of McCarthy Road)
McCarthy Road Information Station (unstaffed, mile 58.6 McCarthy Road)
Kennecott Visitor Center (5 miles beyond the Kennicott River bridge, beyond mile 59.4 on the McCarthy Road)
Yakutat District Office (along the coast, accessible by plane or boat)
Park Headquarters & Administration: For information, call the park administration building in Copper Center at (907) 822-5234.
