Driving to McCarthy & On gravel roads
McCarthy and Kennicott
Yes, our rentals are permitted to drive to McCarthy, but only during the summer months!
Driving to McCarthy and Kennicott is no ordinary road trip. This scenic journey spans 7–8 hours from Anchorage, with the last 61 miles, between Chitina and the Kennicott River, traversing a historic gravel road.
Important Information:
- The McCarthy Road takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours to drive.
- The speed limit on McCarthy Road is 35 mph. Keeping to this speed significantly reduces the risk of flat tires or vehicle damage.
- While the road is mostly wide enough for two lanes, some sections remain narrow, so be cautious of oncoming traffic.
- Though flat tire incidents have decreased in recent years, it's still wise to carry a spare. A tire repair shop is available at the end of the road during summer months if needed.
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!