ORV Trails

Restrictions to some recreational ORV trails
Effective December, 2011 seven trails are closed to recreational ATV use.

Nabesna Road ORV Trail Closures
Heavy impact on terrain/vegetation

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve was established under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) in December 1980. In abidance with ANILCA, Wrangell-St. Elias provides reasonable and feasible access to inholders, subsistence, and recreational users in the park. The most common means of access is by ATV or all-terrain vehicle.

ATV permits are REQUIRED for all RECREATIONAL users.
ATV use is restricted to established ATV trails.

ATV permits are ENCOURAGED but not required for all SUBSISTENCE users.
Subsistence users are those individuals who reside within a local resident zone community surrounding the park.

To receive a permit, apply in person at the Slana Ranger Station or Park Headquarters

ATV Permits are issued to document the type and amount of use on trails, identify the location of users in the event of an emergency, and to ensure users are aware of the restrictions governing the use of ATVs on park lands.

Commencing in 2004, park staff have initiated a GPS-based inventory of alignments, and detailed physical characteristics of the established ATV trails. The resulting data will be utilized by park staff to manage ATV use on park lands.