Getting to Wrangell–St. Elias National Park
Wrangell–St. Elias National Park sits in AK, United States, with Cordova the nearest town of any size — about 131 mi (210 km) out, or roughly 3 hr 33 min of driving.
Drive times from Wrangell–St. Elias National Park
Wrangell–St. Elias National Park sits close enough to Kluane National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Kluane National Park | 126 mi (203 km) | 3 hr 27 min |
Towns to base yourself in
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Cordova | 131 mi (210 km) | 3 hr 33 min |
| Valdez | 146 mi (234 km) | 3 hr 54 min |
| Tok | 165 mi (265 km) | 4 hr 21 min |
| Deltana | 223 mi (360 km) | 5 hr 44 min |
| Butte | 236 mi (381 km) | 6 hr 3 min |
| Palmer | 240 mi (386 km) | 6 hr 7 min |
| Girdwood | 240 mi (387 km) | 6 hr 8 min |
| Gateway | 243 mi (392 km) | 6 hr 13 min |
How to read these numbers
Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.
Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.
Region pages
Common questions
What is the closest town to Wrangell–St. Elias National Park?
Cordova, about 131 mi (210 km) away — roughly 3 hr 33 min of driving.
Where should I stay when visiting Wrangell–St. Elias National Park?
The practical bases are Cordova, Valdez, and Tok — all within a reasonable drive of the park.