Reaching Glennallen by Bus or Van
Glennallen, the largest community near the park, is located at the junction of the Richardson and Glenn Highways.
(800) 770-6652 runs a bus from Anchorage to Tok, with multiple stops along the way, including in Glennallen. Call for days and schedules.
Seasonally, (907) 822-5292 makes daily runs from Glennallen to McCarthy.
Seasonally, Wrangell-St. Elias Tours (907) 822-5978 provides summer daily transportation from Chitina to McCarthy and also provides transportation from Anchorage all the way to McCarthy. Shuttles depart Anchorage on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 8:00 am and arrive at McCarthy by 5:00 pm.
Reaching Glennallen or McCarthy by air
Ellis Air has scheduled flights on Wednesdays and Fridays. Call (907) 822-3368 or 800-478-3368 for prices and flight times. , (800) 478-1160, offers twice daily service (Mid-May to Mid-September) from Chitina to McCarthy with advance reservations.
Entering the park from Glennallen
From Glennallen, surface access into the Park/Preserve is via either the McCarthy Road (from Chitina to McCarthy - 60 miles) or the Nabesna Road (from Slana to Nabesna - 42 miles). Both are unpaved gravel roads usually suitable for passenger vehicles. Drivers should check current road conditions at Park Headquarters, (907) 822-5234, or at the respective ranger station listed below:
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McCARTHY ROAD: Chitina Ranger Station (summer only) (907) 823-2205
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NABESNA ROAD: Nabesna Ranger Station, (907) 822-5238
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PARK HEADQUARTERS:Wrangell-St. Elias Park and Preserve Mile 106.8 Richardson Hwy. P.O. Box 439 Copper Center, AK 99573 (907) 822-5234.
Air Access
There are numerous airstrips throughout the Park/Preserve. These can be reached via private airplane or by contacting one of the air taxi services licensed to operate in the Park/Preserve. A list of Local Air Taxi operators is available from Park Headquarters.