What is the McCarthy Road Like?
The 59-mile McCarthy Road offers Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve visitors a unique opportunity to explore interior Alaska. Driving this road is an Alaskan adventure. It’s gravel and dirt surface makes for slow travel-it can take 3 hours or more. Other hazards can make it even longer: heavy rain can make the road muddy and slippery; sharp rocks can cause flat tires; narrow and one-lane bridges make maneuvering large vehicles difficult. In fact, large vehicles are not recommended beyond mile 17. Always check on current conditions before heading out.