Backpacking in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Backpackers hiking along a hillside towards a glacier
Backpackers hiking near Chitistone Pass and Russell Glacier

NPS

A backpacking trip in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve can be an exciting and rewarding experience if you are prepared for the difficulties of traveling through rugged, undeveloped land. Stay safe on your adventure by reading the park's backcountry safety page. Remember that proper food storage is required.

Bear Resistant Food Containers (BRFC), if available, can be borrowed from the park. Check availability at a park visitor center.

As you begin deciding where you want to backpack in the park, consider starting with guidebooks that describe routes in the area. Here are some suggestions:

  • Hiking Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve: From Day Hikes to Backcountry Treks by Greg Fensterman

  • Hiking in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park by Danny W. Kost

  • Hiking Alaska by Dean Littlepage

  • 55 Ways to the Wilderness in Southcentral Alaska by Helen D. Nienhueser

There are countless backpacking routes in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve. To get you started, some of the more commonly completed routes are described below. Remember, every route has variations, extensions, and ways to make your trip unique!

For information to plan a backpacking trip, please email a backcountry ranger at wrst_backcountry@nps.gov

 

Backpacking Routes

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Last updated: September 10, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
PO Box 439
Mile 106.8 Richardson Highway

Copper Center, AK 99573

Phone:

907 822-5234

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