Wrangell–St. Elias Travel Guide: McCarthy Road & Kennecott
Updated: 5 days ago
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is America's largest national park—bigger than Switzerland. With its towering peaks, massive glaciers, and wild rivers, it's a pure Alaskan frontier. The few roads that penetrate this 13-million-acre expanse lead to unique experiences, rewarding those who venture in with staggering solitude and scenery that will leave you in awe.
Wrangell–St. Elias National Park is Alaska at its most untamed, where mountains rise like fortresses, glaciers sprawl for miles, and the sheer scale of wilderness humbles every traveler who dares to enter.
How to Get to Wrangell–St. Elias
There are two gravel road entrances: the Nabesna Road and the McCarthy Road, both of which branch off the Richardson Highway and the Glenn Highway. McCarthy, a quirky outpost town, serves as the unofficial gateway. Anchorage is approximately 6 hours away by car, while Fairbanks is roughly 8 hours away by car.
Nearest Airports: Anchorage (ANC), Fairbanks (FAI)
By Car: McCarthy Road (60 miles gravel), Nabesna Road (42 miles gravel)
By Air Taxi: Flights from Chitina, Glennallen, or Anchorage into McCarthy
Pairings: Valdez, Copper River Valley
Know Before You Go
Entry Fee: None
Roads: Gravel—be prepared for flat tires and slow going
Services: Minimal, bring fuel and food
Wildlife: Bears, moose, mountain goats, wolves
Permits: Required for overnight backcountry
Gravel Road Tip
The McCarthy Road is about 60 miles of gravel, and flat tires are common. Carry a full-size spare, fill up on fuel before you leave the paved highway, and give yourself most of a day. Check with your rental company first: many do not allow their cars on this road.
Best Time to Visit Wrangell–St. Elias
Summer (June–August) offers the best road conditions, open trails, and access to flightseeing. But it's the fall colors in September that genuinely take your breath away, painting the landscape in a vibrant palette of reds, oranges, and yellows. However, do note that services begin to shut down during this time.
Best Things to Do in Wrangell–St. Elias
Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark: Explore abandoned copper mines
Root Glacier Hike: Guided tours onto blue ice
Flightseeing Tours: Aerial views of endless mountains and glaciers
Rafting: Float trips on the Copper or Chitina Rivers
Best Hikes in Wrangell–St. Elias
Root Glacier Trail (4 miles, moderate): Stunning ice views, possible guided glacier trek
Bonanza Mine Trail (9 miles, strenuous): Historic mining ruins with epic mountain views
Erie Mine Trail (8 miles, strenuous): Rugged alpine trek above Kennecott
Places to Stay
In Park: Primitive campgrounds along Nabesna and McCarthy roads
Nearby: Kennicott Glacier Lodge, McCarthy guesthouses
Adventure: Fly-in wilderness lodges
Places to Eat
McCarthy has a few seasonal gems, including The Potato, a casual local favorite renowned for its hearty meals, and Glacier View Grill, where you can savor a meal with a stunning view of the glaciers. Otherwise, bring your own supplies and enjoy a picnic in the wilderness.
Sources
NPS & Government
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, National Park Service
Root Glacier (U.S. National Park Service) · Trail
Other External
Bonanza Mine Trail, alltrails.com · Trail app, Trail
Erie Mine Trail | hike | Komoot · Trail
Explore more of Wrangell–St. Elias National Park: Wrangell–St. Elias National Park: The Largest U.S. National Park
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