Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

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Established in 1980 by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is a United States National Park in southern Alaska. The park area is included in an International Biosphere Reserve and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the largest national park in the United States, covering an area of 20,587 mi² (53,321 km²). It includes the second-highest peak in the country, Mount Saint Elias, at 18,008 feet (5,489 meters). It borders on Canada's Kluane National Park and Reserve. The vast majority of the park is designated as wilderness.

Related Topics:
1980 - Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act - United States - National Park - Alaska - International Biosphere Reserve - UNESCO - World Heritage Site - Mount Saint Elias - Canada - Kluane National Park and Reserve - Wilderness

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The park is accessible by highway from Anchorage; two rough gravel roads wind through the park, making much of the interior accessible for backcountry camping and hiking. Chartered aircraft also fly into the park. Wrangell-St. Elias received roughly 57,221 visitors in 2004 and is quickly gaining popularity through its combination of size, remoteness, and accessibility.

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