Where is Wrangell–St. Elias Range,McCarthy, Alaska?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

The Wrangell–St. Elias Range is located in Alaska, USA. It lies between the Copper River and the Yukon Territory in Canada and is situated in southeastern Alaska. It is famous for its massive mountains, glaciers, and being part of the largest national park in the U.S..

Wrangell–St. Elias Range Location Map,McCarthy, Alaska

Where is Wrangell–St. Elias Range Located inMcCarthy, Alaska
About Map: The map showing location of Wrangell–St. Elias Range in theMcCarthy, Alaska in the United States.

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Top Attractions Inside Wrangell–St. Elias Range

  • Mount St. Elias – Towering peak with dramatic glaciers and panoramic views.
  • Glacier Exploration – Extensive glaciers ideal for guided hikes and photography.
  • Kennecott Mines – Historic mining town nestled within the mountains.
  • Wrangell Mountains Trails – Rugged trails for backcountry hiking and exploration.
  • Wildlife Habitats – Opportunities to see bears, caribou, mountain goats, and eagles.
  • McCarthy & Nabesna Roads – Scenic routes providing access to remote areas and vistas.
  • Scenic Aerial Views – Flights or glacier landings offering unique perspectives of the range.

Wrangell–St. Elias Range Facts

Official NameWrangell–St. Elias Range
LocationMcCarthy, Alaska, USA – Southeastern Alaska, part of the Wrangell–St. Elias National Park & Preserve, in the Alaska Range / Pacific Coast Ranges
Latitude & Longitude≈62.0° N, 145.4° W (approximate central coordinates)
Total AreaPart of Wrangell–St. Elias National Park & Preserve (~13.2 million acres / 53,602 km²); the range itself covers several million acres of rugged mountains and glaciers
Established / RecognizedProtected as part of Wrangell–St. Elias National Park & Preserve, December 2, 1980
Managed ByNational Park Service (NPS)
RegionSoutheastern Alaska – encompasses Wrangell Mountains, St. Elias Mountains, and adjacent valleys & glaciers
Gateway / AccessMcCarthy, Alaska – via McCarthy Road from Chitina; also accessible via Copper Center / Glenn Highway / Richardson Highway for park access
Time ZoneAlaska Time (AKST) – UTC−9 Standard / UTC−8 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptHigh alpine wilderness, glaciated mountains, volcanic peaks (Wrangell Volcanoes), remote ecosystems, mountaineering & backcountry adventure
Main Features / SectionsVolcanic Wrangell Mountains, massive St. Elias peaks, glaciers & icefields (Bagley, Malaspina, Nabesna), braided rivers, historic mining sites (Kennecott), tundra & forest valleys
Famous AttractionsMount Wrangell, Mount Blackburn, Mount Sanford; Malaspina Glacier, Nabesna Glacier, Bagley Icefield; historic Kennecott mining town; flightseeing & glacier tours; wildlife viewing (Dall sheep, bears, moose)
Glacier & Ice CoverageOne of the densest glacier regions outside polar areas: thousands of glaciers covering ~33% of the park / preserve area
Entry / Access TypePublic access via McCarthy Road, gravel roads, bush-plane flights, hiking; much of the range is remote and roadless
Best Time to VisitLate Spring to Summer (June–August) for milder weather and better access; early Autumn for quiet; winter is extremely harsh
Wildlife & Ecosystem HighlightsDall sheep, brown/grizzly bears, moose, caribou; salmon rivers; alpine flora; spruce-hemlock coastal forests
Official Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/wrst/

Distances from Wrangell–St. Elias Range to Nearby Landmarks

  • McCarthy – 60 km (37.3 mi)
  • Kennecott Mines – 60 km (37.3 mi)
  • Chitina – 120 km (74.6 mi)
  • Yakutat – 400 km (248.5 mi)
  • Valdez – 450 km (279.6 mi)
  • Glacier Bay National Park – 300 km (186.4 mi)
  • Anchorage – 550 km (341.8 mi)
  • Tok – 700 km (434.9 mi)
  • Delta Junction – 750 km (466 mi)
  • Gakona – 400 km (248.5 mi)
  • Mentasta Pass – 500 km (310.7 mi)
  • Chisana – 600 km (372.8 mi)
  • Tanada Lake – 100 km (62.1 mi)
  • Old Copper Mine – 65 km (40.4 mi)
  • Wrangell Mountains – 80 km (49.7 mi)
  • Nabesna Road – 120 km (74.6 mi)
  • Slana – 350 km (217.5 mi)
  • Kenai Peninsula – 700 km (434.9 mi)
  • Lake Louise – 150 km (93.2 mi)
  • Matanuska Glacier – 250 km (155.3 mi)