What Is The Largest National Park In United States: Facts Report

Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Alaska spans about 13.2 million acres.

I am traveler. Exploring is my hobby and passion. Many of my friend ask me write about What Is The Largest National Park In United States. I’ve spent years writing about wild places and guiding travelers to them. In this blog article, I’ll explain what is the biggest national park in united states, why it’s so vast, how to see it, and how it compares to other parks. Expect clear facts, simple tips, and real-world advice you can use today.

What Is the Largest National Park in the United States?

The largest national park in the U.S. is Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Alaska. It covers about 13.2 million acres. That is roughly the size of six Yellowstones. According to the National Park Service, the park was established in 1980 and protects a huge sweep of mountains, icefields, and coast.

Key facts at a glance:

• Location: South-central and southeast Alaska, along the Yukon and British Columbia borders
• Total size: About 13.2 million acres
• Designation: National Park and Preserve (park portion and preserve portion have different rules)
• World status: Part of a transboundary UNESCO World Heritage Site with parks in Canada
• Notable peaks: Mount St. Elias at 18,008 feet, plus several peaks above 16,000 feet
• Notable ice: Malaspina Glacier (largest piedmont glacier in North America) and the massive Bagley Icefield

If you ask what is the largest national park in united states, the answer is clear. It is Wrangell–St. Elias. No other national park comes close in size.

How Did It Get So Big? A Short History and What “Preserve” Means

Wrangell–St. Elias exists at this scale thanks to the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) of 1980. Congress set aside vast Alaskan lands for parks, preserves, and refuges. The goal was to protect intact ecosystems, cultural heritage, and traditional uses.

There are two parts here:

• National Park area: No sport hunting. Emphasis on preservation, research, and low-impact recreation.
• National Preserve area: Allows sport hunting and trapping under state rules. Both areas allow subsistence activities for eligible local residents.

This structure helps protect wildlife while honoring local traditions and access. It also explains why what is the largest national park in united states includes both a park and a preserve under one name.

Cultural roots run deep. The Ahtna, Eyak, and Tlingit peoples have lived with these lands and waters for generations. Their knowledge shapes how the park is managed and understood.

Landscapes and Wildlife: Mountains, Glaciers, Rivers, and Big Country

Think of Wrangell–St. Elias as a living museum of ice and fire. Tectonic plates built the St. Elias and Wrangell Mountains. Ancient volcanoes rose. Ice spread into vast glaciers that still move today.

What stands out:

• Glaciers and icefields: Hubbard Glacier (a giant tidewater glacier), Malaspina Glacier, and the Bagley Icefield shape the land and sea.
• Peaks and ranges: Mount St. Elias towers near the coast. Mount Bona, Mount Blackburn, and Mount Sanford rise above 16,000 feet.
• Rivers and valleys: The Chitina, Nizina, and Nabesna rivers cut through wild valleys rich in history and habitat.
• Wildlife: Brown and black bears, Dall sheep, mountain goats, moose, caribou, wolves, wolverines, and nesting raptors. Salmon run in coastal systems.

What is the largest national park in united states also protects rare plant communities and braided floodplains. You can stand on tundra, then in a spruce forest, then beside blue glacial ice within one long day.

Planning a Visit: Access, Best Seasons, and Safety

Wrangell–St. Elias is remote. That is part of the magic. It rewards good planning.

How to get there:

• By road: Two gravel roads enter the park. McCarthy Road runs about 60 miles from Chitina to the McCarthy and Kennecott area. Nabesna Road runs about 42 miles from Slana into the park’s north side.
• By air: Small planes and air taxis can land on remote strips and glaciers. This is common for backpacking, climbing, and wildlife viewing.
• Gateways: Copper Center, Chitina, McCarthy, Kennecott, Slana, and Yakutat (coastal access by plane or boat).

Best time to go:

• Summer season runs from mid-June to early September. Days are long. Services are open. Trails near Kennecott and Root Glacier are most accessible.
• Shoulder seasons are quiet but can be cold and wet. Snow and ice can arrive any month in the high country.

Safety tips:

• Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Store food in bear-resistant containers.
• Rivers change fast. If you must ford, scout first and use a team method. Consider a guide if unsure.
• Weather shifts fast. Pack layers, waterproof gear, and a warm hat even in July.
• Tell someone your plan. Satellite messengers are smart here. Cell service is spotty.
• Backcountry permits are not required, but check in with rangers for current conditions.

What is the largest national park in united states is not a theme park. It is true wilderness. Be humble, be ready, and you will have a safer, richer trip.

How It Compares: Alaska vs. the Lower 48

Alaska holds five of the six largest national parks. After Wrangell–St. Elias, you have Gates of the Arctic, Denali, Katmai, and Glacier Bay. Each tops a few million acres.

For context:

• Death Valley is the largest in the contiguous U.S. at about 3.4 million acres.
• Yellowstone is about 2.2 million acres.
• Everglades is about 1.5 million acres.

Also note:

• People often ask if a marine monument is bigger. Papahānaumokuākea is much larger, but it is a national monument, not a national park.
• Designations matter. The question “what is the largest national park in united states” refers to the national park system’s park category, not all protected areas.

If your goal is to see the biggest national park, aim for Wrangell–St. Elias. If you want the biggest in the lower 48, go to Death Valley.

Quick Answers People Also Ask

Is Wrangell–St. Elias really bigger than some states?

Yes. It is larger than nine U.S. states. That includes Vermont, New Hampshire, and New Jersey.

Can you drive into the core of the park?

You can drive close using McCarthy Road or Nabesna Road. For deep backcountry, most people use small planes or long treks.

Is there an entry fee?

There is no entry fee for the park. Some services, guided trips, and shuttle crossings may charge fees.

Source: quirkytravelguy.com

Real-World Tips From the Trail

From my first trip to Kennecott, I learned to keep plans loose. Weather changed fast. A blue morning became fog by noon. We shifted from a ridge hike to a Root Glacier walk in minutes, and it saved the day.

What worked well:

• Book a local air taxi early. Seats fill in peak weeks.
• Pack real rain gear. Cheap shells failed in steady drizzle.
• Use wide tires if you drive McCarthy Road. Spare tire and patch kit are smart.

Mistakes to avoid:

• Do not count on cell service for maps. Download topo maps and bring a paper copy.
• Do not rush river crossings. We turned back twice before finding a safer braid.
• Do not store snacks in tents. A bear can unzip a tent faster than you can yell.

If a friend asked me what is the largest national park in united states and how to see it, I’d say this: pick one valley and do it well. This place is too big to “do” in a week. Go deep, not wide.

Frequently Asked Questions of what is the largest national park in united states

What is the largest national park in United States and how big is it?

Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve is the largest at about 13.2 million acres. It sits in south-central and southeast Alaska.

Why did Alaska get the largest national parks?

Congress passed ANILCA in 1980 to protect intact ecosystems and traditions. Alaska had the space, biodiversity, and cultural history to support very large units.

Is Death Valley the largest national park?

Not overall. Death Valley is the largest in the lower 48 states. Wrangell–St. Elias is the largest national park in the entire United States.

Can I see glaciers without a long trek?

Yes. Near Kennecott, you can day hike to Root Glacier with a guide or on your own. Scenic flights also offer glacier views with minimal walking.

Do I need permits to backpack in Wrangell–St. Elias?

Backcountry permits are not required, but trip planning with rangers is wise. Follow food storage rules and practice Leave No Trace.

Is the largest national park part of a UNESCO site?

Yes. Wrangell–St. Elias is part of a cross-border UNESCO World Heritage Site with Canadian parks. The site protects a vast mountain and glacier system.

What wildlife should I expect to see?

You may see Dall sheep, moose, caribou, and both black and brown bears. Birders often spot eagles and falcons along cliffs and rivers.

What is the weather like in summer?

Days are cool to mild, with sudden rain or wind. In the high country, snow can fall any month, so bring layers.

How many days should I plan for a first visit?

Three to five days allows a taste of Kennecott, Root Glacier, and a flightseeing tour. For backcountry trips, add more days for weather and access.

Why does the question “what is the largest national park in united states” matter?

It helps set your trip plan and safety mindset. The park’s size shapes access, services, and how you prepare.

Conclusion

Wrangell–St. Elias is the clear answer to what is the largest national park in united states, and its scale changes how you travel. Plan smart, respect the weather, and focus on one area at a time. If you want a true wilderness experience, this park delivers it in full.

Ready to go deeper? Explore ranger resources, talk to local guides, and map your first route today. If this guide helped, share it with a friend or leave a comment with your top question.