Wrangell-St. Elias National Park - United States
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About Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
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Best time to visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Mid-June through early September is the prime window for RV travel, when the Richardson Highway is clear, park roads are open, and visitor services in Copper Center, Chitina, and McCarthy are operating. July offers the warmest temperatures and the best river and hiking conditions, while late August brings fewer crowds and early fall color. Shoulder seasons in May and September can bring snow, mud, and frost heaves on the gravel roads, so RVers should confirm road conditions before committing. Winter travel is extremely limited, with most services closed and deep snow on secondary routes.
Park roads not maintained for winter RV travel; most services closed
McCarthy Road and Nabesna Road snow-covered; services closed
Winter conditions persist; gravel roads not suitable for RVs
Break-up season; gravel roads muddy and rutted, most services still closed
Shoulder season; check road conditions before RV travel
Long daylight and open roads; peak season begins
Warmest month and peak visitation
Wettest summer month; watch for soft spots on gravel roads
Fall color and fewer crowds; early snow possible at elevation
Most visitor services close; snow on park roads
McCarthy Road and Nabesna Road not maintained for RV travel
Deep winter; park services closed
Things to do at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
- Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark EasyRV parking available
Kennecott is a preserved early 20th century copper mining complex reachable via the McCarthy Road and a footbridge shuttle. It is considered the best remaining example of early 20th century copper mining, with historic mines and the mill town where the ore was processed. RVers park in lots near the Kennicott River footbridge and take a shuttle the final five miles. nps.gov/wrst/learn/historyculture/kennecott-mines-national-historic-landmark.htm
- Drive the McCarthy Road ModerateRV parking available
The McCarthy Road is a scenic gravel route that cuts 59 miles into the park from Chitina to the Kennicott River footbridge. It winds deep into the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias, a gateway to spectacular scenery, vast wilderness, and adventure for those willing to leave the pavement behind. Allow a full day each way and drive slowly. nps.gov/wrst/planyourvisit/mccarthy-road-guide.htm
- Nabesna Road Scenic Drive ModerateRV parking available
The Nabesna Road is the park's northern gravel access, branching 42 miles off the Tok Cut-Off at Slana toward the old Nabesna Mine. The road passes trailheads, primitive camping pullouts, and viewpoints of the Wrangell volcanoes. Check conditions at the Slana ranger station, as several creek crossings along the road may be impassable to RVs. nps.gov/wrst/planyourvisit/nabesna-road-guide.htm
- Root Glacier Trail Moderate
The Root Glacier Trail is a moderate hike from Kennecott onto the surface of an active valley glacier. The out-and-back route follows an old mining road before dropping to the glacier's edge, where guided ice walks are available. RVs stage at the footbridge lot in McCarthy and access the trail via shuttle. nps.gov/wrst/planyourvisit/mccarthy-rd-kennecott-trails.htm
- Copper Center Visitor Center EasyRV parking available
The main visitor center sits at Mile 106.8 of the Richardson Highway in Copper Center and serves as the park's orientation hub. Exhibits cover the park's volcanoes, glaciers, and cultural history, and rangers provide road and weather updates. Large paved lots accommodate RVs and tow vehicles. nps.gov/wrst/planyourvisit/wrangell-st-elias-visitor-center.htm
- Liberty Falls State Recreation Site EasyRV parking available
Liberty Falls is a roadside waterfall along the Edgerton Highway between Kenny Lake and Chitina, en route to the McCarthy Road. The short walk from the pullout leads to a cascading falls in a narrow canyon. The site has a small state campground with pull-through spots suitable for smaller RVs. nps.gov/wrst/planyourvisit/camping-along-the-mccarthy-road-and-kennecott-area.htm
- Chitina and the Copper River EasyRV parking available
Chitina is a historic town at the start of the McCarthy Road and a hub for Copper River salmon fishing. Visitors pass through the historic town, which includes a post office, tire repair services, a cafe, and a variety of lodging options. It is the last reliable fuel stop before the gravel road. nps.gov/wrst/planyourvisit/directions-mccarthy-rd-and-kennecott.htm
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RV Rentals Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, AK, United States
How to get to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
The park headquarters in Copper Center sits along the Richardson Highway, about 190 miles (roughly a 4 hour drive) northeast of Anchorage via the Glenn Highway and Richardson Highway, and about 250 miles south of Fairbanks. From the Richardson Highway, the paved Edgerton Highway leads to Chitina, where the gravel McCarthy Road begins. The McCarthy Road stretches 59 miles from the Copper River to the Kennicott River footbridge, and due to the narrow road and limited visibility, extreme caution is advised for large RVs, with a 35 mph speed limit and often slower travel required. Remnants of railroad ties and spikes can surface, creating unexpected hazards, so carry a full-size spare and a jack. Vehicles cannot cross the footbridge into McCarthy or Kennecott, so visitors park and walk or take a shuttle. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is the nearest major airport for fly-and-rent trips.
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