How to Get to Wrangell–St. Elias: Airports, Access, and Transportation
The closest airport is Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC), about 200 miles from the Copper Center visitor center, or a three-and-a-half-hour drive via the Richardson Highway. If you're coming from the north, Fairbanks is another option, about a five-hour drive away. In either case, you'll need a rental car. There are no regular bus or train connections to the park.
Airports around the park (5)
- Airport Gulkana Airport GKN · 106 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
- Airport Northway Airport ORT · 109 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
- Airport Merle K (Mudhole) Smith Airport CDV · 116 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
- Airport Valdez Pioneer Field VDZ · 122 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
- Airport Yakutat Airport YAK · 166 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO Where to Fly: Which Airport for Wrangell–St. Elias
Anchorage (ANC): The Main Hub
Ted Stevens Anchorage International is the only major airport in the region with regular flights from the continental United States and, during the summer, from a few Canadian cities. All the major U.S. airlines (Alaska Airlines, Delta, United, and American) operate there. It's our recommended entry point. Rental agencies are easy to find, and the drive to Copper Center already takes you through striking scenery.
Anchorage to Copper Center: about 200 miles, 3.5 hours via the Glenn Highway (AK-1), then the Richardson Highway (AK-4).
Fairbanks (FAI): The Northern Option
Fairbanks International receives fewer flights than Anchorage, but it can work well if you want to explore Alaska's interior before heading south to Wrangell–St. Elias on the Richardson Highway. The drive is scenic, but plan on five hours behind the wheel.
Fairbanks to Copper Center: about 300 miles, 5 hours via the Richardson Highway.
Local Airstrips: Bush Planes
Glennallen and Chitina have airstrips served by bush planes. These charter flights can get you to Kennecott or remote areas of the park in less than an hour. It's a legitimate option, especially for hikers who want to venture deeper into the backcountry. Prices vary by destination and provider, so contact local operators in Glennallen or McCarthy directly.
Getting to Wrangell–St. Elias from France
There are no direct flights from Paris to Anchorage. You'll always connect through a U.S. hub. Seattle (SEA), San Francisco (SFO), and Los Angeles (LAX) are the most common options. Air France, Delta, and Alaska Airlines offer competitive combinations. Plan on 16 to 20 hours of door-to-door travel from Paris, including the layover.
Two practical tips: arrive in Anchorage the day before you pick up your car, and book your rental early in the season, from June through August. Four-wheel-drive vehicles go quickly and cost more at the last minute.
By Car: Distances from Gateway Towns
A car is the only realistic way to reach the park. The Richardson Highway (AK-4) is your main route. It's fully paved and open year-round, with winter driving precautions. From there, two unpaved roads lead into the park.
| Starting point | Distance | Estimated drive time | Main road |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | ~200 miles | 3.5 hours | Glenn Hwy + Richardson Hwy |
| Fairbanks | ~300 miles | 5 hours | Richardson Hwy |
| Valdez | ~105 miles | 2 hours | Richardson Hwy |
| Glennallen | ~8 miles | 15 min | Richardson Hwy |
| Chitina → McCarthy | ~62 miles | 2.5 to 3 hours | McCarthy Road (unpaved) |
| Slana → Nabesna | ~45 miles | 1.5 to 2 hours | Nabesna Road (gravel) |
Glennallen is the region's logistical base for filling up, buying groceries, and spending the night before tackling the unpaved roads. The available lodging in Glennallen and at the park's gateways is covered in the Wrangell–St. Elias lodging guide.
Wrangell–St. Elias Entrances
The park covers more than 20,500 square miles, and there's no entrance gate or toll booth. Entry is free, with no entrance fees currently charged. In practice, two roads take you into the park.
McCarthy Road (Southern Entrance)
This is the most frequently used and most spectacular access route. From the Richardson Highway, drive to Chitina, then follow McCarthy Road for about 62 miles to McCarthy and Kennecott. The road is unpaved and follows the former Copper River railroad line. Expect a few deep ruts and rocky sections, along with a risk of overnight freezing temperatures in June. An SUV or 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended. A low-clearance sedan may make it through during a dry summer, but you do so at your own risk. The speed limit on the road is about 35 mph, depending on conditions.
When you arrive in McCarthy, leave your car in the paid parking lot before crossing the Kennicott River on the pedestrian footbridge. Kennecott, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can then be explored on foot or by local shuttle.
Nabesna Road (Northern Entrance)
Less well known, Nabesna Road starts in Slana, along the Glenn Highway (AK-1), and heads south for 45 miles on gravel to the village of Nabesna. This entrance leads to a wilder, much less visited part of the park. The road is passable in a 4WD vehicle, but some sections may close after heavy rain. Call the Slana visitor center at (907) 822-7401 before setting out.
Arriving in McCarthy: Parking and Access to Kennecott
When you arrive in McCarthy, paid parking is at the end of the road, just before the pedestrian footbridge. Pit toilets are available there during the season. Don't leave food visible in your vehicle, since bears frequent the area. A private shuttle then connects McCarthy with Kennecott, about 5 miles away. For getting around once you're there, including roads, bush planes, and trip planning, find all the details in the Wrangell–St. Elias transportation guide.
Other Options: Tours and Scenic Flights
If you don't have a rental car, organized tours from Anchorage are a credible alternative. Several operators offer one- or multi-day trips that include transportation, lodging, and a guide. It costs more, but it takes the stress out of McCarthy Road.
Scenic bush-plane flights from Glennallen or Chitina let you fly over glaciers (Bagley, Nabesna, and Root) and land on plateaus that are otherwise inaccessible. It's an experience in its own right, especially if your stay is short. Contact local operators directly for prices and availability.
In Summary: The Best Route Based on Your Starting Point
From France: Paris → U.S. hub, preferably Seattle → Anchorage. Pick up a rental car at ANC, then take the Glenn Highway and Richardson Highway to Copper Center, a 3.5-hour drive. Spend the first night in Glennallen or Copper Center, then take McCarthy Road the next morning. An early start is recommended.
From elsewhere in the United States: Fly to Anchorage and follow the same plan. If you're traveling by RV from Anchorage, allow a relaxed day of driving with a stop in Glennallen. Our complete Wrangell–St. Elias guide and Itinerary & Trip Length page will help you plan your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drive to Wrangell–St. Elias?
Yes, you can drive to Wrangell–St. Elias on the Richardson Highway to Copper Center and Chitina, then take McCarthy Road, about 62 unpaved miles, or Nabesna Road, 45 miles of gravel. A high-clearance vehicle or 4WD is strongly recommended for both roads.
What is the closest town to Wrangell–St. Elias National Park?
The closest town to the park is Glennallen, about 8 miles from the Copper Center visitor center. It's the region's main place to refuel and stock up on groceries, with a few lodging options, before entering the park.
Is Wrangell–St. Elias worth the trip?
Wrangell–St. Elias is the largest national park in the United States, covering 20,500 square miles, or six times the size of Yellowstone. It's also one of the few places in the country where you can see mountain ranges, glaciers, and a UNESCO-listed historic mine within hiking distance. The logistics are demanding, but that's exactly what keeps the park so intact.
How do you get to Wrangell–St. Elias from France?
From France, fly from Paris to a U.S. hub, such as Seattle, San Francisco, or Los Angeles, then connect to Anchorage (ANC). From Anchorage, plan on a 3.5-hour drive to the heart of the park. There are currently no direct flights from Paris to Anchorage.
How much does a trip to Wrangell–St. Elias cost?
There's no entrance fee for the park. The main expenses are the international flight, rental car, and lodging.
What's the best time to visit Wrangell–St. Elias?
The ideal window is mid-June through mid-August, when the roads are passable and visitor centers are open. You'll find the full answer on our When to Go page.
Where should you stay when visiting Wrangell–St. Elias?
Options range from backcountry camping to McCarthy lodges, along with motels in Glennallen. Our Where to Stay page covers every lodging category.