Chisana Mining District Road
Alaska's highest mining camp access road
The Chisana Mining District Road (also spelled Shushana) climbs through the Nutzotin Mountains to reach Alaska’s highest mining camp at over 3,000 feet elevation, deep in the Wrangell-St. Elias wilderness. This rough mining road was carved out in 1913 during Alaska’s last great gold rush, when thousands stampeded to what newspapers called the “largest placer camp in the world.” The 45-mile route from Nabesna Road crosses multiple creek beds and navigates through sections of permafrost heave that can shake your fillings loose, especially the notorious Chathenda Creek crossing that’s claimed more differentials than a Moab obstacle course.
This is expert-level terrain requiring serious 4WD capability, recovery gear, and mechanical skills. Rock sliders and skid plates aren’t optional—they’re survival equipment. The route is only passable June through September, and even then weather can shut it down for days. No permits required but notify someone of your plans; this is grizzly country with zero cell coverage. The payoff is accessing one of Alaska’s most remote and historically significant mining districts, where original cabins and equipment from the 1913 rush still dot the landscape.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 45 mi / 72.4 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3200 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Built 4WD with armor and recovery gear |
| Nearest town | Tok, Alaska |
| Land manager | National Park Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | nps.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle the Chisana Mining District Road?
No. This trail demands a built 4WD with skid plates, rock sliders, and a lift — stock rigs will get torn apart on the rocky surface and likely high-centered. Lockers are strongly advised, and you need serious recovery gear because help is not coming.
When does the Chisana road typically open and close each year?
June through September is the viable window. Snow and frozen ground can linger into June at elevation, and early fall storms can shut things down fast — September runs carry real risk of getting caught by early winter conditions in the Wrangell-St. Elias backcountry.
Do you need a permit to drive the Chisana Mining District Road?
The route passes through Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, managed by the NPS — no vehicle permit is currently required, but check with the park (nps.gov/wrst) before you go since regulations in remote Alaska park units can update. Respect any active mining claim access restrictions you encounter.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The rocky shelf sections at higher elevation are the crux — loose angular rock, off-camber exposure, and no margin for error with steep drop-offs. At 45 miles over 2-3 days, you're averaging slow and grinding; expect undercarriage abuse, multiple water crossings of unknown depth depending on snowmelt, and zero bailout options once you're deep in.
How far is the nearest gas from the trailhead, and is there any resupply on route?
Tok is your last guaranteed fuel stop before this trail — fill up there and carry extra fuel because there is absolutely no resupply on the 45-mile route. Budget your fuel for the full round trip plus a buffer; remote Alaska math means planning for the worst case.
Trail track
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