UNHINGED MODE · The Legend

Kennecott Copper Mine Ghost Town — McCarthy, AK

Destination: McCarthy, AKNights: 3Group: 410Season: June, July, August, SeptemberEstimated: $2,400–$4,000/person

Kennecott shut down in 1938 — 4.6 million tons of copper ore left behind in a 14-story wood mill that still stands. Today it's a National Historic Landmark inside Wrangell-St. Elias, the biggest national park in the US (six Yellowstones). Stay at Kennicott Glacier Lodge next door to the mine; hike to the Bonanza or Jumbo mine ruins; ice-climb the Root Glacier with St. Elias Alpine Guides. Decompression: a beer and pizza at the Golden Saloon in McCarthy (population 28), then 90 miles of dirt road back to Chitina and the long drive to ANC.

What You'll Do

Tour

Hiking

Scenic Overlook

Where You Sleep

  • · Kennicott Glacier Lodge
  • · Ma Johnson's Hotel (McCarthy)

Where You Eat

  • · Kennicott Glacier Lodge dining room
  • · Golden Saloon (McCarthy)
  • · The Potato (McCarthy)

Questions

How do I get in?
Drive — 60 miles of paved Edgerton Highway, then 60 miles of unpaved McCarthy Road. Or fly Wrangell Mountain Air from Chitina (KCXC).
Best month?
Late June through early September. The road thaws by Memorial Day; first snow can come early October.
Cell service?
Almost none. Lodge WiFi is slow and hourly-paid.

Ready to book the story?

Five quick questions, then we build the full itinerary — lodging, daily schedule, dining, bars, the group-chat message — and drop you into a Trip Room you can share with the crew.