McCarthy Road

Trail Overview

Driving south on Edgerton Highway, also known as Highway 10, to begin the McCarthy Road from Chitina, Alaska. McCarthy Road will end in the town of McCarthy and Kennecott. This is the only road into Wrangle St. Elias National Park and McCarthy Airport. The road is closed during the winter.

Photos of McCarthy Road

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Difficulty

The road is mostly gravel with a few miles of chip seal. While an all-wheel drive, even a 2-wheel drive vehicle, on a dry just-graded day, can complete the road, it will be slow going due to pot holes on all surfaces. Some can be unforgiving if hit at high speeds. There are no services for repairs along the road. The shoulders are soft and can easily become hazards. The road feels like a one-lane, but careful passing is possible. Wildlife can dart out into the road quickly. The length of the road and time to drive at an average of 20-25 mph can make a driver tired. Fuel management is important, and planning for the return is recommended when in Glennallen, Copper Center, or Kenny Lake. There is reliable fuel in Chitina or McCarthy.

History

The McCarthy road is the converted railway from the mining operations of the past at the Kennecott mine. At times ,wood ties can be seen in the road, rails on the shoulder and an old trestle still remains.

Technical Rating

McCarthy Road can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV