Wrangell-St. Elias National Park: Where Nature Doesn’t Do Anything by Half

If you think you’ve seen it all, think again. Welcome to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, a place so vast that getting lost here could be considered a full-time job. Spanning a whopping 13.2 million acres, this Alaskan behemoth is the largest national park in the United States. It's bigger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Switzerland combined. Yes, you read that right—Switzerland!

Dubbed the "mountain kingdom of North America," this park boasts some of the tallest peaks on the continent. With nine of the 16 highest mountains in the United States, Wrangell-St. Elias is basically a skyscraper neighborhood for nature’s giants. Mount St. Elias itself stands at an impressive 18,008 feet, looking down on those puny hills you call mountains back home.

But it’s not all peaks and no play. This park is a geological buffet offering glaciers, volcanoes, and rivers. In fact, the Bagley Icefield is one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world. It's the perfect spot to practice your ice-skating routine, assuming you’re a penguin or have an impeccable sense of balance.

Why Visit?

Besides the obvious bragging rights of surviving a place with its own weather patterns, Wrangell-St. Elias is a haven for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. Whether you plan to hike, camp, or simply stand in awe, this park serves up a slice of wild, untamed Alaska that’s sure to make your Instagram followers question their life choices.

And if you’re worried about meeting more bears than people, you’re in luck! The park is home to a menagerie of wildlife including bears, moose, and Dall sheep. It’s like a zoo, but with fewer fences and more adrenaline.

Mini-Itinerary: A Day in the Wild

• Morning: Start with a hearty breakfast—you're going to need it. Then, set out on the Root Glacier Trail for some epic glacier views. Remember, slipping on ice is the new dance craze.
• Afternoon: Head to the historic Kennecott Mines for a dose of history. If you're lucky, you might find a nugget of copper. Or at least a nugget of wisdom.
• Evening: Set up camp at the Nabesna Road and roast marshmallows under the Alaskan sky. Pro tip: Don’t mistake a bear for a fellow camper; they might not share your enthusiasm for s’mores.

So, pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure (and humor), and prepare for an unforgettable experience in Wrangell-St. Elias. Just remember, in Alaska, bigger is always better!