Your Guide to Visiting McCarthy and Kennicott

To learn more about driving the McCarthy Road, visit The Ultimate Guide to McCarthy Road.

So, you made it to the end of McCarthy Road. Congratulations!

Now, the true adventure begins! Excited? You should be.

Best Time of Year to Visit McCarthy, Alaska

The best time of year to visit McCarthy, Alaska, is between the end of May and early September. McCarthy is an extremely remote town, and it's almost impossible to access it during the winter due to harsh weather conditions. Since the town is small and most people don't live there year-round, most businesses are only open during the summer months.

It’s important to note that services are limited in McCarthy, including groceries and gasoline. We recommend stopping at a grocery store ahead of time if you anticipate needing something during your trip. While there is a small market in Glennallen, your options for food and supplies will be limited there.

End of the McCarthy Road

There is no vehicle access for visitors beyond this point. To continue your journey, you must walk the half-mile to town via the Footbridge or catch a shuttle. As you are in Bear Country, you need to stay vigilant and alert and travel with bear safety knowledge. We are always surprised by the number of black bears in McCarthy.

If you have already booked your stay in McCarthy or Kennicott, make sure to arrange for transportation of both yourself and your luggage beforehand.

Black bear peeking at us (in the car!) at the end of the McCarthy Road

Transportation between McCarthy and Kennicott 

Kennicott is located 4 miles away from McCarthy, and there are two ways to get there - walking via the Wagon Road Trail or taking a shuttle via the shuttle road (though it can get dusty). It's important to plan for a 1.5-hour walk each way and stay bear aware.

There are two shuttle options available for transportation to Kennicott - the Copper Town Shuttle and the Blackburn Heritage Shuttle.

The Copper Town Shuttle is free and has two pickup locations, one on the Eastside/McCarthy side of the Footbridge and the other in McCarthy. The shuttle operates hourly, starting at 8:30 am and continuing until 6:30 pm, with the first shuttle arriving in Kennicott at 9:00 am and the last departing at 7:00 pm. They also provide shuttle rides for the 1/2 mile from the Footbridge to McCarthy starting at 8:45 and running every half-hour after that. Note that this shuttle does not go to Kennicott but to McCarthy, where you can catch the shuttle to Kennicott. Make sure to check for an updated schedule.

The Blackburn Heritage Shuttle costs $5 one way and picks up guests in front of The Potato. It runs between the Footbridge, McCarthy, and Kennicott and operates on an hourly schedule. However, as one person usually manages this shuttle, the pickup times may vary slightly. Please note that times and pricing may be different for 2024.

We highly recommend checking with locals and asking your hotel or the shuttle driver for updated information during your visit. Schedules can change at the last minute, and you don’t want to be caught off guard!

Where to Stay in McCarthy

There are several great accommodation options available in McCarthy and Kennicott. It's worth noting that due to the limited number of rooms, securing a reservation ahead of time is necessary. With that said, we've listed our top three picks for places to stay in the McCarthy area for 2024:

1. McCarthy Cabins We stayed at these charming cabins during our last visit to McCarthy. The manager was incredibly helpful and welcoming, and the cabins were cozy and well-maintained. We stayed in the Meadow Cabin, which had a separate shower room and a luxury outhouse equipped with an air horn in case of wildlife sightings.

2. Ma Johnson’s Hotel This historic hotel is located in the heart of McCarthy and offers 20 rooms in a restored boarding house. While the rooms may be relatively small, they are full of charm and character. The hotel also has a restaurant, serves breakfast, and provides internet access, making it a great option for those who value convenience and comfort.

3. Kennicott Glacier Lodge This family-owned lodge is the only one in the historic town of Kennicott. Elizabeth has fond memories of visiting Kennicott as a child and staying at the lodge with her family. It's important to note that this is a popular spot, so it's best to make reservations in advance. The 2024 season runs from May 25th to September 2nd.

Ma Johnson’s Hotel in McCarthy, Alaska

Where to Eat in McCarthy

There are some excellent food options available in the area. However, if we had to recommend just one place, it would be The Potato. Their menu includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a variety of local beverages, all made from fresh local produce. With its comfortable ambiance and delicious comfort food, The Potato is a must-visit. And if you find yourself getting hangry while in Kennicott, Meatza Wagon, a food truck with great reviews from both locals and visitors, is your go-to spot.

The 5 Best Things to Do in McCarthy and Kennicott

Abandoned Kennicott Copper Mine (2019)

1. Kennicott Copper Mine

   If you made it to McCarthy, a visit to Kennicott Mine is an absolute must. The area is steeped in a rich and fascinating history, and its natural beauty is truly exceptional. Our visit left a deep impression on us, and we were inspired to learn more about the history of Kennicott and McCarthy when we returned home. While some buildings of the old Kennicott town are open to the public for free exploration, we highly recommend taking a guided tour with St. Elias Alpine Guides for a more immersive experience and to learn even more.

2. Root Glacier Hike

   Kennicott is renowned not just for its historic mining community but also for its breathtaking natural beauty. To experience the best of it, we suggest taking a half or full-day hike on the impressive Root Glacier with the help of knowledgeable local guides. Choosing local guides not only promotes sustainable tourism practices but also ensures your safety, especially in the presence of wildlife like bears, which we encountered during our visit. To have a safe and unforgettable adventure, we strongly recommend partnering with a local company.

   We recommend checking out St. Elias Alpine Guides to learn about their half and full-day hikes in the area.

3. Flightseeing Tours

   See Wrangell-St. Elias National Park from the sky! Choose your favorite route and go on an incredible journey with Wrangell Mountain Air.

4. Town of McCarthy

   Many tourists visit McCarthy for its convenient access to Kennicott, but it's worth taking the time to explore the town itself. It's an authentic pioneer town with a fascinating history. Stroll down Main Street, which remains unpaved to this day, and browse through local shops. You'll feel like you've traveled back in time to the early 20th century when it all began. It's easy to imagine the lively community that once thrived here.

5. Adventure Tours

   In McCarthy, you will find some great local businesses that offer a variety of tours in the area. You can go on a multi-day hike, try ice climbing, go river rafting, or even climb Mount Blackburn. Choose your favorite adventure and enjoy!

• St. Elias Alpine Guides;

• Kennicott Wilderness Guides;

If you have any questions about visiting McCarthy and Kennicott or need help planning your trip to Alaska, contact us!