McCarthy Road at Wrangell–St. Elias: what applies in 2026?

Exact conditions

Status

Not required; the stated access rule still applies

Applies to

vehicles

Place or corridor

McCarthy Road, Chitina to the Kennicott River Bridge (60 miles)

Effective dates

January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026

Release model

first come

Fee detail: Free to drive. Private paid parking exists at the Kennicott River Bridge at road's end.

Exceptions and limits

• No permit, ticket or reservation of any kind is required to drive either park road.
• Under normal summer conditions most passenger vehicles can make the trip; carry at least one spare tire and an adequate jack.
• It is NOT RECOMMENDED to drive an oversize vehicle such as an RV, bus or motor coach on either road.
• Most major car rental companies in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Valdez do not allow their vehicles on gravel roads.
• There is no gas available along the McCarthy Road; the closest fuel is Kenny Lake and Chitina.