the adventure of travel
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:
Exclusive to McCarthy Lodge & Ma Johnson's Guests: allows SUV vehicles on the McCarthy Road with proof of full coverage of insurance. Ask for the McCarthy Lodge ID when you book your room. Alaska's offices for Budget Car Rental: toll free number 1-800-248-0150, or from overseas 1-907-243-0150.
Alaska 4x4 Rentals is a 100% Alaskan owned business with a focus on providing outstanding customer service. Our clients can expect friendly and professional service and high quality, roomy and capable vehicles for their Alaskan adventures. Call 907-290-0173
GoNorth Car & RV Rental in Anchorage, Fairbanks & Whitehorse: offers 4 wheel drive SUV's, trucks and truck campers that are allowed on public gravel roads, including the McCarthy Road. Call 866-236-7272 or (907) 479-7272.
GoNorth Car & RV Rental1135 E Dowling Rd, Anchorage, AK 99518
3710 Spenard Road, Anchorage, AK
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
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!
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.
No matter how you get here, be sure to do a flightseeing trip into the deep wilderness that surrounds McCarthy!
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.
Featuring brand new luxury vans specifically for the added comfort you want on the McCarthy Road trip.
Replace the drive with a shuttle van ride by Kennicott Shuttle (formally Backcountry Connection). They offer scheduled shuttle services between Anchorage and McCarthy and daily van service from Glennallen to McCarthy for backpackers during the summer months. Call 907-822-5292.
Wrangell-St. Elias Tours provides direct van transportation from Anchorage to McCarthy and Kennicott (May-Sept). For shuttle schedules and rate info go here. Or call 907-822-5978. Email jen@cvalaska.net
Schedule and rate info: www.alaskayukontravel.com
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 1-800-770-7275.
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