You cannot drive to McCarthy or Kennecott at Wrangell–St. Elias: what applies in 2026?

Direct answer

You cannot drive to McCarthy or Kennecott - park at the bridge and walk, bike or take a summer shuttle

Exact conditions

Status: Not required; the stated access rule still applies
Applies to: all visitors
Place or corridor: Kennicott River Bridge at the end of the McCarthy Road; McCarthy is 1/2 mile, Kennecott is 5 miles further
Effective dates: January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026
Release model: first come

Fee detail: Shuttle fares are set by private operators and are not published by NPS. Private paid overnight parking exists at the Kennicott River Bridge.

Exceptions and limits

The shuttle is optional and is run by private operators, not NPS - there is no NPS-issued shuttle ticket and no reservation system on nps.gov.
Shuttle rides are available during the summer months only; none run in winter.

Official source

National Park Service · reviewed August 27, 2026

At the end of the McCarthy Road, you will find parking areas and the bridge that crosses the Kennicott River and leads to McCarthy and Kennecott. Access to McCarthy is by foot, bike, or shuttle. From McCarthy, it's a five mile hike to the Kennecott historic mine area.

Driving Park Roads - Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve