Wrangell–St. Elias Wilderness
Wrangell–St. Elias Wilderness is a remote, glacier- and volcano-draped expanse in Alaska known for Massive icefields, towering peaks and vast backcountry.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Alaska |
| Subregion | Yukon-Koyukuk-Aleutian |
| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| County | Wrangell-St. Elias Borough |
| District | Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve |
| Timezone | AmericaAnchorage |
| Latitude | 61.3 |
| Longitude | -142 |
| Maps |
7:33 PM LOCAL TIMEWrangell–St. Elias Wilderness stretches across southeast Alaska, encompassing one of the planet’s largest protected landscapes. This vast mix of glaciers, volcanoes and high-elevation tundra forms the backbone of Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve, but on its own it’s a semi-remote wildland where fewer visitors seek direct access. At its heart sit massive icefields like the Wrangell Glacier and Nizina Glacier, feeding long, braided valleys. Towering above are volcanic giants—/Mount Blackburn/, /Mount Bona/, /Mount Wrangell/—and the seldom-visited Chugach Mountains flank the edges. The wilderness rewards experienced backcountry travelers with multi-day crossings, high-elevation hikes and opportunities for wilderness camping—but requires careful planning, navigation skills and respect for its remote hazards. Nearby towns and access points are limited; most trips begin from McCarthy, Cordova, or Slana, with infrastructure focused on controlled permits and skyward views.
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