Trail Notes by Denali Backroads Adventures

Some Alaska trips are measured in miles. Others are measured in memories.

Our latest expedition covered nearly 1100 miles across Interior Alaska, traveling from Fairbanks to the remote Nabesna Road through the Alaska Highway corridor, across Wrangell–St. Elias country, down the legendary McCarthy Road, into McCarthy and Kennecott, and then back home.

Watch the Full Expedition Video

https://youtu.be/SskujU73oZA?si=tRSeQOvNIGzttUkC

We also documented the entire adventure on video. If you want to see the roads, scenery, creek crossings, historic sites and the scale of the country for yourself, watch our full expedition film on YouTube and follow along with the route.

This was a four-day Alaska backroads loop built around three unforgettable destinations: Nabesna Road, McCarthy and Kennecott.

Day 1: Fairbanks to Nabesna Road

Driving the Alaska Highway and Tok Cutoff

The journey began in Fairbanks, heading southeast through Delta Junction before joining the Alaska Highway toward Tok.

This section of highway is often overlooked by travelers focused on Denali, Anchorage or the Canadian border, but it deserves attention. The Alaska Range stretches across the horizon, broad river valleys open up beside the highway and the country gets bigger with every mile.

From Tok, we followed the Tok Cutoff toward Slana and the entrance to Nabesna Road.

Entering Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Nabesna Road is one of only two roads that lead into Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve. The other is the McCarthy Road. Wrangell–St. Elias is the largest national park in the United States, covering more than 13 million acres. It is larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite and Switzerland combined.

Unlike the more famous McCarthy Road, Nabesna Road still feels like one of Alaska’s quieter backroad secrets.

The road begins near Slana and runs approximately 42 miles into the northern side of Wrangell–St. Elias. It is unpaved, remote and only intermittently maintained. That is part of what makes it so appealing, but it is also why vehicle choice matters.

This is not the place for a low-clearance rental car.

Creek Crossings and Why 4WD Matters on the Nabesna Road

High clearance and four-wheel drive are strongly recommended, especially beyond the earlier maintained sections of the road. Creek crossings, rough road surfaces, washouts, mud and changing water levels are all part of the Nabesna Road experience. After heavy rain or during periods of high runoff, some crossings can become too deep or too soft to cross safely.

That is one of the reasons we love this route for a properly equipped adventure vehicle. It gives travelers access to wild country while still staying on a road-based expedition.

Wildlife and Scenery Along the Nabesna Road

Along Nabesna Road, travelers can encounter tundra views, volcanic landscapes, mountain scenery, historic mining areas, primitive campsites and wide-open stretches of true Alaska backcountry. Wildlife sightings may include moose, bears, caribou, foxes, Dall sheep and numerous bird species.

Our first day ended surrounded by the quiet solitude that makes Nabesna so special.

For viewers watching the YouTube expedition video, Day 1 shows just how quickly Alaska transitions from paved highway travel to real backroad adventure.

Day 2: The Journey to McCarthy Road

Leaving the Nabesna region behind, we continued deeper into Wrangell–St. Elias country.

The drive toward McCarthy reveals some of Alaska’s most dramatic scenery. Massive glacial valleys, braided rivers, rugged peaks and endless wilderness create an experience that feels far removed from modern civilization.

Eventually, we reached the beginning of the famous McCarthy Road near Chitina.

Following the Historic Copper River & Northwestern Railway

The McCarthy Road follows the former route of the Copper River and Northwestern Railway, which was built to haul copper ore from the Kennecott Mines to the coast at Cordova. The railroad was one of Alaska’s great engineering accomplishments of the early 1900s, stretching across rugged terrain, rivers and remote mountain country.

Today, you can still see the rails on the side of the road, and the road follows that historic corridor into one of Alaska’s most fascinating regions.

Driving Conditions on McCarthy Road

The McCarthy Road is approximately 60 miles long and rewards patient drivers with big scenery, history and a true sense of adventure. It is gravel, narrow in places and can be rough depending on weather and maintenance. Like Nabesna Road, this is a route where proper tires, good clearance and a capable vehicle make the trip more comfortable and more confidence-inspiring.

Crossing the Kuskulana River Bridge

One of the major highlights of the drive is the Kuskulana River Bridge.

The Kuskulana Bridge is a one-lane former railroad bridge built during the winter of 1910. It spans the Kuskulana River canyon and sits approximately 238 feet above the river. The bridge is about 525 feet long and remains one of the most memorable features of the McCarthy Road.

Crossing it today is safe, but it still gets your attention.

It is narrow, high and dramatic, with the river far below and the old railroad history all around you. For many travelers, it is one of the most exciting moments on the road to McCarthy.

Our expedition video captures the character of this drive, including the sense of scale, the old railroad corridor and the kind of road conditions that make McCarthy feel like a real Alaska destination rather than just another stop on a map.

Day 3: Exploring McCarthy and Kennecott

Many visitors consider McCarthy and Kennecott among the most unique destinations in Alaska.

The Historic Town of McCarthy

McCarthy began as a frontier town serving miners, railroad workers and travelers connected to the Kennecott copper mining operation. Today, it remains a small community filled with history, character and a strong connection to Alaska’s pioneering past.

Kennecott Mine and the Copper Boom

A few miles beyond McCarthy stands the iconic Kennecott Mill.

The towering red mill building sits beneath the immense Kennicott Glacier and is one of the most photographed historic structures in Alaska. The spelling can be confusing: the historic mining company and mill town are commonly spelled “Kennecott,” while the glacier is spelled “Kennicott.”

Why Kennecott Is One of Alaska's Must-See Destinations

At its peak, the Kennecott Mines produced some of the richest copper ore ever discovered. Between 1911 and 1938, the operation helped shape Alaska’s mining history and left behind one of the most remarkable historic landscapes in the state.

Walking through the area today offers a glimpse into a different era.

Kennicott Glacier and Mountain Views

Visitors can explore restored buildings, learn about the mining operation, hike nearby trails, view the glacier or simply stand in awe of the mountains surrounding the old mill town.

Our YouTube video captures both the historic structures and the scenery around Kennecott, giving viewers a firsthand look at why this area is one of Alaska’s must-see road-accessible destinations.

Day 4: The Drive Back to Fairbanks

After several days exploring Wrangell–St. Elias country, it was time to begin the journey back to Fairbanks.

Through Glennallen to Delta Junction

The route carried us north through Glennallen and back through Delta Junction.

Alaska's Vast Landscapes on the Return Journey

Long-distance drives like this remind travelers just how vast Alaska truly is.

Mountain ranges, river valleys, boreal forests, gravel roads, glacial water and wide-open country create a constantly changing landscape. Even after several long days, the drive never feels ordinary.

Every mile offers another photo opportunity and another reminder of why Alaska remains one of the world’s great road-trip destinations.

The final day of our YouTube expedition video ties the entire journey together, showing the scale, beauty and adventure that define Alaska backroads travel.

Important Route Notes for This Expedition

This route is incredible, but it is not the same as a typical paved highway road trip.

Nabesna Road and McCarthy Road both require patience, preparation and the right mindset. Road conditions can change quickly, especially after rain or during periods of high water.

Is 4WD Required?

Nabesna Road includes creek crossings, rough gravel sections, possible washouts, mud and remote stretches with limited services. High-clearance four-wheel drive is strongly recommended, particularly if traveling beyond the more accessible early sections of the road.

Road Condition on McCarthy Road

McCarthy Road is also gravel and remote. It follows the old Copper River and Northwestern Railway corridor and includes narrow sections, rough surfaces and historic bridge crossings. The Kuskulana River Bridge is the best-known bridge on the route, standing about 238 feet above the river canyon.

This is exactly the kind of country Denali Backroads Adventures is built for.

Tips for Driving Alaska Backroads Safely

Our goal is to help travelers experience Alaska beyond the pavement, but to do it with practical information, proper expectations and a vehicle suited for the route.

Expedition Statistics

Route

Fairbanks - Delta Junction - Tok - Nabesna Road - McCarthy Road - McCarthy and Kennecott - Fairbanks

Duration

4 days

Mileage

Approximate Distance: 1100 miles

Route Overview

Major Roads: Richardson Highway, Alaska Highway, Tok Cutoff, Nabesna Road and McCarthy Road

National Park

Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve

Historic Sites Visited

McCarthy, Kennecott Mines, Copper River and Northwestern Railway corridor

Major Road Feature

Kuskulana River Bridge on the McCarthy Road

Vehicle Recommendation

High-clearance four-wheel drive strongly recommended for Nabesna Road and preferred for this type of backroads expedition

Possible Wildlife

Moose, bears, caribou, foxes, Dall sheep, eagles and other bird species

Watch the Full Expedition

Photos tell part of the story.

Video brings the journey to life.

See the Creek Crossings

Cross the Kuskulana River Bridge

Explore McCarthy and Kennecott

We documented the entire four-day expedition from Fairbanks to Nabesna Road, McCarthy and Kennecott, capturing the roads, scenery, creek crossings, historic sites and remote landscapes that make this part of Alaska so remarkable.

Watch the full expedition film on our YouTube channel and come along as we explore Alaska’s backroads one adventure at a time. https://youtu.be/SskujU73oZA?si=tRSeQOvNIGzttUkC

Whether you are planning your own Alaska road trip or simply dreaming about the next adventure, we hope this route inspires you to get off the beaten path and discover what makes Alaska extraordinary.

Explore Alaska Beyond the Pavement

At Denali Backroads Adventures, we specialize in helping travelers experience Alaska’s road-accessible wilderness.

From gravel highways and historic mining towns to remote national park roads and unforgettable landscapes, our fully equipped adventure vehicles are built for travelers who want more than an ordinary rental car experience.

Adventure starts where the pavement ends.