the adventure of travel

Compared to locations like Anchorage or Fairbanks, McCarthy is a little off the beaten path! We thought it would be helpful to create a brief summary of the options for traveling to McCarthy. Remember, it takes a while to get to us, so plan on staying an extra night to truly explore the area.

option #1: drive

The condition of the McCarthy Road has improved greatly over the past few years, so much so that many car rental companies are now willing to allow select vehicles on the McCarthy Road.

Here's a list of car rental companies with promotional codes that allow you access to their vehicles for travel on the McCarthy Road:

tip

Copper Town Shuttle provides free transportation on a frequent schedule between the towns of McCarthy & Kennicott inside Wrangell St-Elias National Park (Sponsored by the McCarthy Center Stores).

Copper Town Shuttle provides free transportation at night for late night entertainment in McCarthy (Sponsored by the Golden Saloon).

Copper Town Shuttle provides free transportation loop between the parking area footbridge and the Downtown Historic District of McCarthy (Sponsored by Ma Johnson's Hotel and Lancaster's Backpacker Hotel, & The Kate Kennedy House).

After 20 years of development, we are proud to offer this new, complimentary shuttle service to every park visitor

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In addition to the Free Vans and buses, Copper Town Shuttle also offers Charters from our collection of Antique Autos from Alaska.

Driving Directions

FROM ANCHORAGE

307 mile
East on Glen Hwy
7 hours travel time

FROM GLENALLEN

128 miles
South on the Edgerton Hwy
3h 45m travel time

FROM FAIRBANKS

371 miles
South on the Richardson Hwy
8 hours travel time

option #2: fly

Flying in to the back-country of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is, for many, a trip of a lifetime. The remote areas of this pristine world heritage site are accessible by bush plane, offering a variety of outdoor experiences unique to Alaska. Many visitors are finding that a fly-in guided day trip is a great way to experience the back-country, yet return to the comfort of Ma Johnson's Hotel.

From Anchorage or Gulkona, you can also use the Mail Plane to get to and from McCarthy and Gulkona (which is near Glennallen), or Anchorage. Scheduled Shuttle service as part of the US Mail delivery by plane! Flights are on Monday and Thursday between Anchorage and McCarthy. In 2020 Reeve Air is adding even more options for Anchorage to McCarthy air service, check out the links below!

Reeve Air - Anchorage

Copper Valley Air - Galkona

option #3: shuttle

Whether you're wanting to do a day trip or multi-day stay and don't want to leave a rental car sitting, there are several shuttle options for you. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery as you are driven to us.

If you are in McCarthy, do not miss staying at Ma Johnon’s Hotel. It has remarkable atmosphere, it is super clean and inviting. The owner, Neil, went out of his way to help us plan. They serve great breakfast and the price is very reasonable. We are on our way back!

- 70ava