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No matter how you get here, you're bound to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Here are a few suggestions on getting to the McCarthy-Kennicott area:
Here you will find detailed information on driving and flying into McCarthy.
There are lots of ways to get here: Rental cars, Shuttle services, State-wide bus system info to Glennallen, and Flight Services to and from McCarthy-Kennicott
Traveling By CarOf the various methods of getting here, we recommend driving the McCarthy Road - it's amazing. Conde' Naste Travel Magazine includes it in their recommended route, as it is incredibly scenic. The London Times online calls it: "The most beautiful road I have ever been on" in an article published in 2004.
It is possible to view Alaska Dahl sheep, goats, Tundra swans, moose, black bear, grizzly bear, fox, wolverine and endless assorted waterfowl along this route. If you're an avid fisherman there are many lakes available from Glennallen to McCarthy for trout, salmon, and burbot. (Remember you must have a license. These may be purchased at numerous locations along your route.)
90% of all visitors to Wrangell-St. Elias take their cars on the McCarthy Road. Of the 40,000 visitors to this park, the number of flat tires per year is in the dozens, not thousands as most guide books would like you to believe. Will you get a flat? It is very unlikely if you drive no faster than 30MPH.
For those worried about getting a flat tire, if getting a flat tire would ruin your vacation, we suggest flying in to McCarthy. You really need to see the park by air, and we encourage all guests to do the 70 or 90 minute flight se. So if changing a flat makes you nervous, then fly in (instead of driving in and doing a seperate flight see.)
Also, you can follow this link to read more about the McCarthy Road.
The McCarthy Road has been improved so much over the past few years that many car rental companies now allow some of their vehicles on the McCarthy Road. Here is a list of just some of the rental car options that allow you to take their vehicles on the McCarthy Road:
(If you have problems booking a rental vehicle from one of the major rental car companies, let us know and we will assist in your rental.)
The following chart lists major cities and their distance to our area:
If you do drive, please note - you will not be able to drive your vehicle into town but will have to leave it in a designated parking area instead at the edge of town. At present all parking in the McCarthy/Kennicott area is provided by private vendors and will average $5.00 per day.
Wrangell-St. Elias Tours provides direct van transportation from Anchorage to McCarthy and Kennicott (May-Sept). See the website, www.wrangellsteliastours.com for shuttle schedules and rate info. Phone (907) 822 5978 Email jen@cvalaska.net
You can contact Backcountry Connection at:
Backcountry Connection
LLC PO Box 65
Glennallen, AK 99588
Phone: (907) 822-5292 or 1-866-582-5292 (within Alaska)
Fax: 907.822.3500
Email: tourwithus@alaska.net.
To Get From Fairbanks to Glennallen via Alaska/Yukon Trails Bus Line Take Alaska/Yukon Trails Bus Line from Fairbanks to Glennallen, then take Backcountry Connection from Glennallen to McCarthy.
Alaska/Yukon Trails connects Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, Valdez, Prince William Sound, Whittier, Seward within Alaska and Dawson City, Yukon Territory
For Reservations, Please call:
Phone: 1-800-770-7275
Take Alaska Direct bus service from Anchorage to Glennallen, then take Backcountry Connection from Glennallen to McCarthy.
Alaska Direct provides year-round service among Fairbanks, Anchorage, Whitehorse, Haines, and Skagway (Alaska Marine Highway); they also provide service between Tok and Dawson City, YT, in the summer.
Summer service on the Fairbanks/Anchorage/Whitehorse routes is normally three times a week; winter service is normally twice a week, with adjustments for periods of severe weather.
Reservations are required. Please call:
In Anchorage: (907) 277-6652
In Whitehorse: (867) 668-4833
In other areas: 1-800-770-6652
Passengers are allowed one piece of luggage and one overnight or flight bag (which must fit in the overhead rack). Excess baggage will generate an additional charge.
Mailing address: P.O. Box 501, Anchorage, AK 99510-0501.
Take one of 3 daily flights into McCarthy from Chitina and avoid the McCarthy Road. Flight Tour Shuttle at McCarthy included!
Go to the Wrangell Mountain air website for details or call 1-800-478-1160 / 1907-554-4411

New Fly & Stay package offered by
Copper Valley Air & McCarthy Lodge
Two people fly from Glennallen to McCarthy for a 2-night stay at the fully resotored historic Mccarthy Lodge & Ma Johnson’s Hotel for $850.00. INcludes round trip flights to/from Galkonna and McCarthy as well as a two night stay at the Ma Johnson's Hotel for two people.
(Extra pax add $425.00 each) Or depart from Anchorage and the price is $1,550.00 for 2 people. (extra pax add $775.00 each). This package must be used in conjunction with our Wednesday/Friday mail plane flights ONLY. If returning or departing on any other day, add $500.00 To book this fly in adventure go to:
http://www.coppervalleyair.com/Flightseeing-McCarthy-Kennicott.php
Flying to McCArthy in your own bush plane?
If you have your own private plane, you can also fly into the McCarthy airfield. There are also several private air taxi services available in the area. Go to our "Activities" section and there you willfind the Flight Services that offer trips from Chitina and other points to McCarthy.
No mater how you get here, be sure to do a flight seeing trip into the deep wilderness that surrounds McCarthy!