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.

Exclusive to McCarthy Lodge & Ma Johnson's Guests: allows SUV vehicles on the McCarthy Road with proof of full coverage of insurance. Alaska's offices for Budget Car Rental: toll free number 1-800-248-0150, or from overseas 1-907-243-0150.

Or to book online click here.

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

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

Copper Town Shuttle ALWAYS FREE!

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Between MCCARTHY & KENNICOTT

Getting around once your in the park:

Copper Town Shuttle provides free transportation for the towns of McCarthy & Kennicott, and Parking lot Bridge to McCarthy Shuttle.

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Copper Town Shuttle also uses our collection of Antique Autos from Alaska. So ask for your free ride from the McCarthy Lodge Resort when staying with us!

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