Arrival airport
Airport drive
Suggested stay
Reservation demand
Vehicle notes
Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4
From $245/day · typical rate
Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.
Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Black Friday · ends 2 Dec — Cruise America & Cruise Canada up to 35% off. Selected dates & T&Cs apply.Top tour
Most popular experience near Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Know before you go
Kennicott River Terminus
Private vehicles must park at the end of McCarthy Road before the footbridge. Fees apply at private lots, and space is limited during peak July weekends.
End-of-Road Connectivity
Cell service is non-existent for most of the McCarthy Road and very limited in McCarthy town. Satellite communication devices are recommended for backcountry safety.
Last Reliable Pump
Chitina is the final fuel stop before the 120-mile round trip on McCarthy Road. Ensure your vehicle has a full-sized spare tire as historic railroad spikes can cause punctures.
The Three-Hour Sixty
Though only 60 miles, the McCarthy Road involves washboard surfaces and narrow bridges. Allow a minimum of three hours each way to avoid vehicle damage.
Footbridge Crossing
Access to McCarthy and Kennecott is via a pedestrian footbridge. Budget time for the local shuttle or a 0.5-mile walk to town after parking your vehicle.
Check current conditions:National Park Service
2RVs, campervans & cars near GKN
Sleeps 2 campervans
Est. from $95/day · typical rate
Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.
Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Flights to GKN
Check on Aviasales
- ✓ Compare suppliers at GKN
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Standard car rentals at GKN
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at GKN
- ✓ Compare suppliers at GKN
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
SUV rentals at GKN
Est. from $55/day · typical rate
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Compare rates at GKNA little structure. Plenty of freedom.
4 days in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
- 01
Copper River Orientation
Suggested: 9 AM from Copper Center
Copper Center Visitor Complex
Review topographic maps and watch the park film to understand the scale of the Wrangell Range.
Liberty Falls State Recreation Site
Take a short hike near the cascading water before starting the journey toward Chitina.
Allow 2 hours for paved transit to Chitina; conditions vary
This is the final location for reliable fuel and grocery supplies before the McCarthy Road.
Pick up your vehicle at GKN → - 02
The Historic Railway Route
Suggested: 8 AM from Chitina
Kuskulana River Bridge
Cross a high-span historic bridge for dizzying views of the canyon and river below.
Gilahina Trestle
Observe the massive wooden ruins of the railway era and stretch your legs on the short trail.
Allow 3 to 4 hours for the 60-mile McCarthy Road; conditions vary significantly
The road is unpaved and built on an old railway bed; high-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended.
Tours for today's stops → - 03
Glacial Ice and Industrial History
Suggested: 9 AM from McCarthy Footbridge
Kennecott Mill Town
Tour the 14-story copper concentration mill and explore the historic red buildings of the landmark.
Root Glacier Trail
Hike the lateral moraine for views of the white and blue ice of the Root Glacier.
Walking and local shuttle transfers only; no private vehicles allowed in Kennecott
Glacier trekking requires specialized gear; check with local guide services for equipment and safety.
- 04
St. Elias Alpine Vistas
Suggested: 10 AM from McCarthy Airstrip
Bagley Icefield Flightseeing
View the massive 'conveyor belt' glaciers and 16,000-foot peaks from the air.
Bonanza Mine Trail
Tackle a strenuous uphill hike to see mine ruins perched high above the Kennicott Valley.
Walking and local transfer only; flight times are weather dependent
Alpine weather can change rapidly; always carry layers even on sunny mornings.
Find a place to stay →
Reservations · Low
Navigating the Largest Wilderness in America
The park does not require an entry fee or permit for day hiking, but the primary bottleneck is McCarthy Road access and deep-park lodging. Shuttles, guided glacier treks, and Kennecott Mill tours require advance booking due to the extremely short summer season. Always verify road status and flightseeing availability with official operators before departure.
Check official reservation infoFly in · nearest airport
GKNWrangell-St. Elias National Park
Gulkana Airport · 3 h 59 min drive
Find flights to GKN
Plan your road trip
From Gulkana Airport
3 h 59 min
about 129 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures
Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.
Stays near the end of your drive
3Where you'll want to sleep
RV parks near Wrangell-St. Elias National Park on RoverPass
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Campsites near Wrangell-St. Elias National Park on Campspot
Campground
Best for: Tent camping
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries
5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.
Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off
Vrbo
Cabins & vacation rentals near Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Est. from $120/night · typical rate
- Whole-home cabins and lodges
- Kitchens and room for the crew
Expedia
Hotels & lodges near Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Est. from $110/night · typical rate
- Hotels in nearby gateway towns
- Inns and last-minute rooms
4The moments you came for
Viator
Tours & experiences near Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Explore guided activities around Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separately
Curated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Travel documents & cards
Crossbody Card Holder
Keep cards close on sightseeing days; check dimensions for what you want to carry.
Eye protection
Polarized Cycling Sunglasses
Wrap-around cycling sunglasses with polarized lenses and a lightweight TR90 frame, according to the listing.
Wildlife & night viewing
Hawknite 1 4K Night Vision Binoculars
52MP photo · 1,200m range · full color at night. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$299.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
