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
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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 Name | Wrangell–St. Elias Range |
| Location | McCarthy, 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 Area | Part 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 / Recognized | Protected as part of Wrangell–St. Elias National Park & Preserve, December 2, 1980 |
| Managed By | National Park Service (NPS) |
| Region | Southeastern Alaska – encompasses Wrangell Mountains, St. Elias Mountains, and adjacent valleys & glaciers |
| Gateway / Access | McCarthy, Alaska – via McCarthy Road from Chitina; also accessible via Copper Center / Glenn Highway / Richardson Highway for park access |
| Time Zone | Alaska Time (AKST) – UTC−9 Standard / UTC−8 Daylight Saving |
| Theme / Concept | High alpine wilderness, glaciated mountains, volcanic peaks (Wrangell Volcanoes), remote ecosystems, mountaineering & backcountry adventure |
| Main Features / Sections | Volcanic Wrangell Mountains, massive St. Elias peaks, glaciers & icefields (Bagley, Malaspina, Nabesna), braided rivers, historic mining sites (Kennecott), tundra & forest valleys |
| Famous Attractions | Mount 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 Coverage | One of the densest glacier regions outside polar areas: thousands of glaciers covering 33% of the park / preserve area |
| Entry / Access Type | Public access via McCarthy Road, gravel roads, bush-plane flights, hiking; much of the range is remote and roadless |
| Best Time to Visit | Late Spring to Summer (June–August) for milder weather and better access; early Autumn for quiet; winter is extremely harsh |
| Wildlife & Ecosystem Highlights | Dall sheep, brown/grizzly bears, moose, caribou; salmon rivers; alpine flora; spruce-hemlock coastal forests |
| Official Website | https://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)
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