Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
  2. Important essentials for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
  3. Activities for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
  4. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska, United States of America, the best time to go is May. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska, United States of America by month

January

If you go to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in January, you will notice that it can be dangerously cold. Expect it to rain or snow regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

February

February here can be bitter cold. Temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains or snows sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the right type. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

March in this region is frigid. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the necessary type. Most adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

April

April for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the right kind. Many adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

May

If you go to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in May, you will notice that it is cool. Expect it to rain sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the necessary kind. Many adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

June

In June, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve can be chilly. Temperatures routinely are in the 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the right kind. The majority of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

July

In July, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is mild. Temperatures routinely are in the high 60s F (low 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the right type. Many adapters available are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

August

August in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is balmy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the correct type. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

September

If you go to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in September, you will notice that it is crisp. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the right kind. Many adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

October

In October, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is pretty cool. Temperatures routinely are in the low 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the correct kind. Many adapters for sale now are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

November

In November, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve can be extremely cold. Temperatures routinely are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) range. At night, lows are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C). This is also a rainy time for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the right type. The majority of adapters available online are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

December

If you are traveling to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in December, you will notice that it can be dangerously cold. Expect it to rain or snow regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the right kind. The majority of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

What to do in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska, United States of America

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Alaska is a spectacular wilderness reserve that covers around 13 million acres. It is the largest national park in the United States and a top-rated tourist destination in Alaska. The park provides breathtaking vistas and picturesque spots, including glaciers, valleys, mountains, rivers, and wildlife, mainly grizzly and black bears, moose, mountain goats, and caribou. Here are the top tourist attractions in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve worth exploring.

1. Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark

Located in the eastern part of the park, Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark, is a restored mining town that reflects Alaska's rich history. It was once a thriving copper-mining town, with over 600 people working in the mine until its closure in 1938. Today, visitors can see the mine buildings, railroad depots, powerhouses, and bunkhouses that have been restored to their original state.

2. Nabesna Road

Nabesna Road is a remote road that stretches for about 41 miles, from the northern boundary of the park through the Wrangell Mountains. The road provides breathtaking views of the park's valleys, glaciers, forests, wildlife, and peaks. It is an ideal spot for hiking, camping, photography, and wildlife viewing.

3. Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center

The Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center located in Copper Center serves as a hub for visitors to the park. The center provides information about the park's history, landscapes, and activities, including hiking, backcountry camping, and other outdoor activities.

4. Root Glacier

Root Glacier is a massive glacier that flows through the St. Elias Mountains, covering approximately 50 square miles. It is an excellent spot to learn about glaciology, ice formations, and other natural phenomena. Visitors can hike on the glacier, explore its caves, take a guided ice climbing tour, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

5. McCarthy and Kennicott

McCarthy and Kennicott are two small towns located in the heart of the park. The towns are connected by a footbridge and offer a unique experience of Alaska's history and culture. Visitors can explore the town's historic buildings, museums, and cultural sites, including the Kennicott mill, McCarthy's bar, and the old schoolhouse.

In conclusion, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is a must-visit tourist destination in Alaska that offers unparalleled scenery, history, and wildlife. The attractions mentioned above are only a handful of the many things visitors can do and see in the park. So pack your bags and head out to Wrangell-St. Elias today, for an unforgettable experience.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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