Planning a Wrangell-St. Elias itinerary requires a balance of transit time and deep exploration. Because the park is so remote, you cannot rush the experience. This five-day plan starts from the gateway near Glennallen and takes you deep into the heart of the Wrangell Mountains. You will navigate the historic McCarthy Road, explore the remnants of a copper mining empire, and stand on glaciers that have carved this landscape for millennia. Prepare for a rugged, self-sufficient adventure where the journey is just as important as the destination.
Day 1: Arrival and the Copper Center Gateway
Start your journey by arriving at Gulkana Airport or driving from Anchorage. Your first stop should be the Copper Center Visitor Complex. This serves as the primary orientation point for the park. Spend your morning exploring the exhibits, watching the park film, and chatting with rangers about current road and trail conditions. The views of the Wrangell peaks from the visitor center deck are a perfect introduction to the scale of what lies ahead.
In the afternoon, begin the drive south toward Chitina, the gateway to the McCarthy Road. Along the way, you can stop at the Liberty Falls State Recreation Site for a short hike and a picnic near the cascading water. If you have an RV, there are several spots near Copper Center to overnight, or you can find rustic lodge accommodations in the area. Use this evening to double-check your supplies, fuel up your vehicle, and ensure you have a full-sized spare tire, as services become extremely limited once you leave the paved highway tomorrow.
Where to sleep
RV parks near Wrangell-St. Elias National Park on RoverPass
Partner link · RoverPass
Day 2: The Historic McCarthy Road Drive
Dedicate Day 2 to the sixty-mile drive down the McCarthy Road. While the distance seems short, the unpaved surface and historic railroad spikes mean you should plan for at least three hours of driving time. Stop at the Kuskulana River Bridge, a high-span steel structure that offers dizzying views of the canyon below. Further along, the Gilahina Trestle provides a great spot to stretch your legs and photograph the massive wooden ruins of the railway era.
Upon reaching the end of the road at the Kennicott River, you will park your vehicle and cross the footbridge. A shuttle or a short walk will take you into the tiny, vibrant town of McCarthy. Check into your lodge or set up your base camp. Spend the evening walking the dirt streets of McCarthy, soaking in the 'end-of-the-road' atmosphere. The town has a few places to eat and a unique local culture that feels like a step back in time. It is the perfect home base for the next two days of mountain exploration.
Where to sleep
Campsites near Wrangell-St. Elias National Park on Campspot
Partner link · Campspot
Day 3: Kennecott Mill and Root Glacier
Take the shuttle from McCarthy up to the Kennecott Mill town. Start your morning with a guided tour of the 14-story concentration mill. It is a fascinating look at the engineering required to extract copper in the early 1900s. After the tour, grab a packed lunch and head out on the Root Glacier Trail. This four-mile round-trip hike is relatively level and offers spectacular views of the glacier's white and blue ice.
If you have booked a guided glacier trek, this is when you will strap on crampons and step onto the ice. You will spend several hours exploring ice caves, blue pools, and deep moulins. Even if you stay on the lateral moraine, the views of Mt. Blackburn and the Bonanza Mine high above are breathtaking. Return to Kennecott in the late afternoon to explore the remaining buildings, like the general store and power plant, before heading back to McCarthy for a well-deserved dinner. The physical exertion of walking on ice and hiking the mountain trails makes this a highlight of the trip.
Where to sleep
Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Partner link · Harvest Hosts
Day 4: Flightseeing and High Alpine Hikes
On your fourth day, take to the skies for a morning flightseeing tour. Flights departing from the McCarthy airstrip offer an unparalleled view of the Bagley Icefield and the towering peaks of the St. Elias Range. Seeing the 'conveyor belt' of glacial moraines from above gives you a sense of the park's geological scale that is impossible to get from the ground. Many visitors cite this as the most memorable part of their Alaskan adventure.
In the afternoon, if you still have energy, tackle one of the more strenuous uphill hikes, such as the Bonanza Mine Trail. This steep climb rewards you with expansive views of the Kennicott Valley and the chance to see the ruins of the mine buildings perched on the mountainside. Alternatively, for a more relaxed afternoon, find a quiet spot along the Kennicott River to watch the silt-laden water rush by. This day is about appreciating the vastness and the verticality of the park, alternating between the bird's-eye view and the challenging alpine terrain.
Day 5: Departure and Scenic Reflection
On your final day, make the return trip down the McCarthy Road. Having driven it once, you can stop at the places you might have missed on the way in, perhaps taking more time at the river overlooks or the small pull-outs that offer views of the distant peaks. Once you reach Chitina, you can head north back toward Gulkana or continue your Alaskan road trip toward Valdez or Anchorage.
As you leave the park, take a moment to stop at the scenic overlooks along the Richardson Highway. These provide a final, wide-angle view of the Wrangell Mountains you just spent days exploring. Reflect on the silence, the scale, and the rugged beauty of this wilderness. The drive back to the airport or your next destination is a good time to process the sheer volume of ice and rock you have witnessed. Make sure to check the official NPS site one last time for any travel alerts or road closures that might affect your journey out of the region.
More ways to book Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Illustrative · Diego AngelSprinter Adventure Van
Small enough to park at the trailhead, comfy enough to sleep in.
$189/day (estimate)
Direct link · RVshare