McCarthy Road in winter 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, McCarthy and Kennecott

Effective dates

January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026

Release model

first come

Exceptions and limits

• There are no services available in McCarthy or Kennecott during the winter.
• No shuttles run between the end of the McCarthy Road and Kennecott in winter; the only ways there are on foot, cross-country skis, snowshoes or snowmachine, and no winter outfitter rents that gear.
• All visitor centers and ranger stations are closed during the winter months, though the public lands are open year-round.