Closest Airports To Wrangell – St. Elias National Park

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is a vast wilderness area located in the state of Alaska in the United States. It covers over 13 million acres and is the largest national park in the country. Due to its remote location, many visitors wonder if there is an airport nearby that provides access to the park. While there are no airports located within the park itself, there are several nearby airports that serve as gateways to the area. In this article, we will explore the various airports near Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and the best ways to get there.

Closest Airports To Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

The closest airports to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve are located in the nearby towns of Valdez and Cordova, Alaska. Here are the details for each airport:

Valdez Airport (VDZ)

• Distance From Wrangell-St. Elias National Park: 114 miles
• Driving Time: 2 hours
• Airlines Served: Ravn Alaska

Cordova Airport (CDV)

• Distance From Wrangell-St. Elias National Park: 142 miles
• Driving Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Airlines Served: Alaska Airlines, Ravn Alaska

What Is The Closest Major Airport To Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) is the largest and busiest airport in the state of Alaska, and it is located approximately 300 miles northwest of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. While it is further away than the other airports listed above, it is the most well-connected airport in the state and has many more airline options available. Here are the details for ANC:

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)

• Distance From Wrangell-St. Elias National Park: 300 miles
• Driving Time: 5 hours
• Airlines Served: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, United, and many more.

If you are flying from outside of Alaska or have more flexibility with your travel plans, ANC may be a good option for accessing Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. From ANC, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to the park.

How To Get To Wrangell – St. Elias National Park From The Airport

The drive from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport to Wrangell – St. Elias National Park is a beautiful, scenic journey that takes you through some of the most rugged and remote landscapes in North America. As you leave Anchorage and head east on the Glenn Highway, you’ll pass through the Chugach Mountains, where steep, snow-capped peaks rise up on either side of the road. The highway then winds through the Matanuska Valley, a wide, fertile plain surrounded by towering mountains.

After about two hours of driving, you’ll reach the small town of Glennallen, which serves as the gateway to Wrangell – St. Elias National Park. From here, you’ll turn onto the Richardson Highway, which will take you south toward the park. Along the way, you’ll pass through vast stretches of tundra, dotted with shimmering lakes and framed by jagged peaks.

As you approach the park, the landscape becomes increasingly rugged and wild. You’ll catch glimpses of the towering Wrangell Mountains in the distance, their peaks wreathed in clouds. The road follows the Copper River, which winds its way through the park’s vast wilderness, providing a vital source of water and nourishment for the diverse wildlife that calls this area home.

The drive from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport to Wrangell – St. Elias National Park takes approximately five hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. It is recommended that you make sure your vehicle is in good condition before embarking on the journey, as services and amenities can be limited in some parts of the drive. Additionally, it is important to be prepared for Alaska’s unpredictable weather, as conditions can change quickly and unexpectedly. With that said, the drive is a breathtaking adventure that will give you a taste of the awe-inspiring beauty and vastness of Alaska’s wilderness.

What Is the Closest City to Wrangell – St. Elias National Park?

The closest city to Wrangell – St. Elias National Park is Glennallen, Alaska. Located in the Copper River Valley, Glennallen offers visitors stunning views of the Wrangell and St. Elias mountain ranges. The town itself is small and has a population of around 500 people, but it still has plenty of amenities for visitors, including lodging options, restaurants, and grocery stores. And – it’s located just 10 miles from the park.

In addition to exploring Wrangell – St. Elias National Park, visitors to Glennallen can also go fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The town is home to a number of outfitters and guides who can help visitors plan their outdoor adventures.

If you’re planning a trip to Wrangell – St. Elias National Park, consider making Glennallen your home base for exploring all that this stunning region of Alaska has to offer.