The McCarthy Road opened as a passage to the greatest copper strike the world has ever known. More than one billion pounds of copper once traveled down this corridor from the Kennecott Mines to the coast. Today, travelers head the opposite direction—up the road—to experience staggering scenery, deep wilderness, and some of Alaska’s most authentic adventures inside America’s largest national park.
The road is as notorious as it is remote, with some sources recommending satellite phones as routine safety gear. We’re here to share not only what we learned firsthand from driving the McCarthy Road ourselves, but also insights from Neil Darish, McCarthy’s outspoken statesman and longtime steward of the area. He told us that from the 1970s until about 2006 McCarthy Road was a real struggle for most people. It’s simply not like that anymore but the old stories abound. We wanted to find out for ourselves.
Wilderness adventures always carry some level of risk. But understanding what you’re getting into—and how to prepare—can turn the McCarthy Road from an intimidating unknown into one of Alaska’s most rewarding journeys.
How Long Is the McCarthy Road?
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
The McCarthy Road runs 59.4 miles from the State Wayside in Chitina (pronounced “Chit-na”) to the McCarthy Footbridge across the Kennicott River. It follows the route of the former 196-mile Copper River & Northwestern Railway, which once connected the mines to the port of Cordova.
When the mines closed in 1938, much of the track was salvaged for scrap. Floods, earthquakes, and time itself took out many bridges, leaving Kennecott and McCarthy isolated—preserved in a kind of remote time capsule that still defines the experience today.
Is the McCarthy Road Paved?
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Mostly, no.
The McCarthy Road is primarily gravel, but for travelers willing to leave the pavement behind, it provides access to some of the most dramatic natural and historic landscapes in Wrangell–St. Elias National Park, including McCarthy and Kennecott.
Reconstruction began in earnest in the 1970s, when modern steel and concrete bridges replaced their wooden predecessors and fresh gravel was laid atop the old rail bed. What remains is rough but intentional, functional enough to reach the end, and wild enough to remind you where you are.
What Are the Road Conditions Like?
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
The McCarthy Road is narrow and winding but relatively flat. The first few miles from Chitina toward the Copper River are paved, with occasional paved sections on steeper grades to reduce rutting.
Ironically, some of the worst potholes appear in those paved stretches, while the gravel sections are often smoother—albeit dusty and washboarded. According to the National Park Service, “under normal summer conditions, most passenger vehicles can make the trip.” That said, conditions can change quickly with weather.
How Long Does It Take to Get to McCarthy?
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Plan on 2–3 hours to drive from Chitina to the McCarthy Footbridge if you’re moving steadily and traffic is light. Summer weekends, especially around the Fourth of July, bring heavier traffic. It’s not gridlock, but passing opportunities are limited, and you’ll often move at the pace of the slowest vehicle.
Our advice? Drive patiently. Leave space. And when the dust gets thick, it’s often better to pull over for a photo than to white-knuckle it behind a convoy.
From Anchorage, it’s about 4.5 hours to Chitina without stops, but you’ll want to fuel up before committing to McCarthy Road. Once you park at the footbridge, it’s about a 20-minute walk into McCarthy proper.
What Is the Closest Gas Station?
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
The closest gas station to McCarthy is in Chitina. It’s a 24-hour, credit-card-only pump with no additional services.
There is a full service station in Kenny Lake, about 90 miles from McCarthy (180 miles round trip), which offers a more comfortable fuel buffer for most vehicles. Glennallen is the last full-service town, but at 250 miles round trip, it leaves little margin unless you plan carefully, or only use it as one of the mandatory gas stops.
Can I Take a Rental Car on McCarthy Road?
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Most national rental car companies prohibit driving to McCarthy altogether. We rented from Alaska 4×4 at the Anchorage airport and had no issues.
Not only was it permitted, but we ended up with a sweet Bronco that had excellent clearance and fresh tires. We never needed four-wheel drive, but it was reassuring to have a vehicle built for roads like this. It also made the washboard roll on the gentle cycle.
Darrish said that his guests at McCarthy Lodge Resort get scared by the warning signs at the start of McCarthy Road, but their fear isn’t justified. He said in 2006 the state DOT removed the railroad spikes by using a magnetized trailer behind a grader. When you see or read stories about taking extra tires, it’s based on 2006 and before information.
Also he said, when you see the warning sign at the beginning of McCarthy Road, telling you to take emergency equipment with you; and warning you not to travel this road because it’s “not advised” it’s important to note that’s a winter based sign!! not relevant for summer visitors!!
Is There Cell Service Along the Road?
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Officially, coverage is “very limited.” Some sources go so far as to recommend carrying a satellite phone.
In practice, we had surprisingly usable Verizon service during our fall 2025 drive, though we wouldn’t count on it being consistent—or available in an emergency. Treat any cell signal as a bonus, not a plan and pay heed to the sections on car and wilderness emergency kits. Also, be sure to notify somebody you trust that you’re heading out into the wilderness, be it for hiking or driving the McCarthy Road. Darish confirmed that he finds that Verizon works on most of McCarthy Road.
What Can You See Along the Way?
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
The McCarthy Road isn’t something to endure on the way to a destination—it is the destination.
Almost immediately after leaving Chitina, you pass through the Rock Cut, a former rail tunnel that’s now open to the sky which feels like a threshold between civilization and something wilder. At first, the road hugs the Copper and Chitina Rivers with expansive views, culminating at the Copper River Bridge.
Next, you’ll pass a chain of small lakes before reaching the single-lane Kuskulana River Bridge, often the most nerve-wracking moment for first-time drivers as you pass 238 feet above the raging Kushkulana River. The Chokosna, Gilahina, and Lakina Rivers are especially photogenic, with remnants of historic railroad trestles near the Gilihina Bridge. Long Lake lives up to its name, stretching alongside the road for more than two miles before you get your first views of the rocky Kennicott Glacier.
Darish gave us his best pro tip to truly enjoy McCarthy Road. Leaving the population centers like Anchorage Denali or Fairbanks while everyone is still asleep is a total pro-Alaska-Travel tip- You’re far more likely to see wildlife along the way when the roads are empty. You’ll arrive on the McCarthy Road around 11am instead of 4pm- there’s less traffic – and less likely to be behind another vehicle, even in peak July traffic.
What Services Are Available?
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
There are no service stations along the McCarthy Road, so self-sufficiency is key.
A small trading post in Chokosna sells limited snacks and drinks about halfway through the drive. Once you reach the end of the road, you’ll find espresso, food, and parking before the Kennicott River. Along the way, wayside pullouts appear roughly every 10 miles, offering parking, picnic tables, and vault toilets.
What Should You Pack in a Car Emergency Kit?
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
The best emergency plan is prevention: drive slowly, check fluids, inspect tires, and make sure you have enough gas and windshield washer fluid to handle 120 dusty miles.
At minimum, you should carry:
A full-size spare tire
A working jack
Knowledge of how to change a tire
Phone charger
If you’re traveling Alaska backroads regularly, an expanded kit is wise:
Tire repair kit
Air pump
Jump starter or jumper cables
Tow strap
Shovel
Duct tape
Basic tools
What Should You Pack in a Wilderness Survival Kit?
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
With regular summer traffic, a true breakdown shouldn’t leave you stranded more than 24 hours, but preparation still matters.
Essentials include:
One gallon of water (for you or the vehicle)
Warm clothing and blankets (do not idle your car for heat)
No unsecured food—bear safety matters even in your vehicle (a good idea for parking too)
Toilet paper and a shovel
Essential medications
First-aid kit
If you’re unsure about how to keep food safe from bears, it’s best to err on the side of no food at all.
Is There an Interactive Map?
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
We’re unapologetic map geeks at Coleman Concierge, so we built a custom McCarthy Road map with every stop mentioned here, and then some. We used native Google pins whenever possible for better metadata and crowd-sourced photos.
For next-level planning, open it in Google Earth to explore the terrain in 3D or drop into Street View for snapshots of the road from years past. On your phone, it works as a live navigation companion. Pair it with the National Park Service audio tour for an even deeper experience:
https://www.nps.gov/wrst/learn/photosmultimedia/audio-tours.htm
How Do You Get Into McCarthy?
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
First: Google Maps lies.
You cannot drive directly into McCarthy proper unless you have access to a private bridge. Park at the end of the McCarthy Road and cross the footbridge on foot.
Paid parking is available at Base Camp Kennicott and McCarthy River Tours. McCarthy River Tours is slightly cheaper but farther away. Pro tip: drop passengers and luggage at the bridge first, then park. Carts are available to move bags across the bridge.
Shuttles operate from the far side of the bridge to McCarthy and Kennecott. Some activities include transportation and sometimes parking such as flightseeing with Wrangell Mountain Air, some wilderness adventures with St. Elias Alpine Guides, and stays at the Kennicott Glacier Lodge. McCarthy Lodge offers shuttle service for a fee on a per ride or per day basis. You can also walk the scenic ¾-mile road into town.
How Long Should You Stay?
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Our rule of thumb: stay at least as long as it takes to get there.
From Anchorage, that’s a full day each way, so plan for at least two nights in McCarthy. Fortunately, there’s more than enough to fill that time.
Two days allows for a flightseeing tour paired with rafting or hiking one day, and a glacier hike plus the Kennecott Mill tour the next. Leave time to wander Kennecott, soak up the history, and experience the Golden Saloon, the only saloon located inside a national park.
You can learn more about what to do in McCarthy from our practical guide or our photo heavy inspiration piece. You can even read both. We double dog dare you.
Are There Alternatives to Driving?
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
If the McCarthy Road still doesn’t feel right, you have options.
Flying is the easiest—scheduled service runs from Gulkana and Chitina, with charter flights available from Anchorage. It’s also the most expensive and comes with weight limits. While scenic, it doesn’t replace the experience of a dedicated flightseeing tour.
Shuttles from Chitina are another option and cost less than flying, though you still need to reach Chitina. Still, for travelers willing to leave the pavement behind, driving the McCarthy Road offers the best value—and one of Alaska’s most memorable journeys. It doesn’t just take you somewhere wild. It asks you to meet Alaska on its terms.