By Road
Many of our guests choose to arrive by vehicle in order to enjoy the scenic countryside along the way.
Approximate Driving Times
| Distance | Driving Time | |
| Anchorage to McCarthy | 314 miles | 7.5 hours |
| Fairbanks to McCarthy | 374 miles | 9.5 hours |
| Valdez to McCarthy | 176 miles | 5.5 hours |
| Glennallen to McCarthy | 125 miles | 4 hours |
| Chitina to McCarthy | 60 miles | 2.5 hours |
| Denali N.P. to McCarthy | 395 miles | 11 hours |
Click here for driving directions.
McCarthy Road
The last 60 miles of road before you reach Kennicott (between Chitina and McCarthy) is a State maintained gravel road that follows the path of the historic Copper River and Northwestern Railroad. The State has been doing extensive work on the road and it is now in better shape than ever before. Here are a couple of tips for driving on the road.
- It usually takes 2 – 2 ½ hours to drive the McCarthy Road.
- The speed limit for the McCarthy Road is 35mph. If you stay under the speed limit, the risk of a flat tire or car damage is minimal.
- The road is wide enough for two lanes in most places and the State has brushed most of the road to increase visibility. However, the road is still narrow in some places, so you should watch out for other traffic.
- The number of flat tires on the McCarthy road has decreased drastically in the last few years, but it is still a good idea to carry a good spare tire. There is a tire repair shop at the end of the road during the summer months if you do have a problem.
Please note that many rental car companies do not allow their vehicles to drive on the McCarthy Road. The following rental car companies do allow select vehicles to drive on the McCarthy road. Please contact them for details on vehicle restrictions, pricing, and availability.
Go North: 866-236-7272 or 907-479-7272
Alaska 4×4 Rentals: 907-771-1300
There are also two companies that offer schedule shuttle service on the McCarthy Road. Getting Here By Shuttle.
For more information, you can visit the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park McCarthy Road website.
The End of the Road
The McCarthy Road ends at a Footbridge that crosses the Kennicott River, approximately 5 miles from the town of Kennicott.
Free parking is available for Lodge Guests at Base Camp Kennicott, located next to the Footbridge. The Lodge shuttle provides complimentary transportation for arriving Guests from the Footbridge to Kennicott on the hour from noon to 8pm. If you arrive before noon, please call us to arrange a pick up time.
Transportation after 8pm is only available by prior arrangement for a $50 fee. We do not provide transportation after 9pm.
