Driving to McCarthy & On gravel roads
McCarthy and Kennicott
To drive on gravel roads, specifically the drive to McCarthy and Kennicott, isn’t your run-of-the-mill road trip.
It’s 7-8 hours from Anchorage, with the last 61 miles-between Chitina and the Kennicott River-on a historic, gravel road.
Helpful Information
- It usually takes 2 – 2 ½ hours to drive the McCarthy Road.
- The speed limit for the McCarthy Road is 35mph. If you stay under the speed limit, the risk of a flat tire or car damage is minimal.
- The road is wide enough for two lanes in most places and the State has brushed most of the road to increase visibility. However, the road is still narrow in some places, so you should to watch out for other traffic.
- The number of flat tires on the McCarthy road has decreased drastically in the last few years, but it is still a good idea to carry a good spare tire. There is a tire repair shop at the end of the road during the summer months if you do have a problem.
Additional Info
Read about the conditions of McCarthy road and the surrounding area and services from the National Park Service!
denali highway
Road Conditions and Services
- Of the 135 miles of the road, the first 21 miles on the eastern end, and first 2 miles on the western end, are paved. The rest of the road is gravel, not dirt, hence there effectively are no stretches of mud but there can be sharp rocks.
- Because of potential sharp rocks, you should limit your speed to 35mph. In places, a lower speed is prudent. Do not take the “highway” in the name literally. At times you may think the road surface is great, but conditions can change very quickly.
- If you have any tire problems along the way, tire repair services are located every 20 to 40 miles along the route at various roadhouses.
Additional Info
Click the link below for more, in depth information about driving along the Denali Highway!