Hulking mountains, glaciers the size of great Smoky Mountains Notional Park, abundant wildlife, active volcanoes, rugged Gulf of Alaska coastline, boreal forest, tundra, frothing rivers, and very little evidence of civilization: this park epitomizes wild Alaska. Wrangell-St. Elias is big; by far the largest park in the States, it could swallow six Yellowstones.

There is not a campground and there are very few established trails ton one outpost of civilization deep in the park is the enclave of McCarthy. One of those rare trails is the paved path behind the visitor centre.

Only well-equipped backcountry veterans should bushwhack into the park on their own, and even they should consult with rangers prior to slopping into the wilderness. Everyone else can venture in via the Nasbena and McCarthy Roads or with the help of the numerous guide services that operate out of McCarthyKennicott, the handful of tiny towns scattered along the highways.