Nabesna Road
Gateway to Wrangell-St. Elias wilderness and mining history
The Nabesna Road cuts 42 miles into the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, ending at the old Nabesna Gold Mine beneath 16,390-foot Mount Blackburn. This gravel road starts deceptively easy from the Glenn Highway but deteriorates into washouts, creek crossings, and rocky sections that’ll test your rig’s ground clearance. The Devil’s Mountain Lodge at Mile 42 marks the road’s terminus, where prospectors once hauled gold from these remote claims in the 1930s.
High-clearance 4WD becomes essential after Mile 29, especially during spring melt when Jacksina Creek and Rock Creek crossings can run deep. Summer is your window—May through September—with July and August offering the most reliable conditions. No permits required, but fuel up in Slana before heading out as services don’t exist beyond Mile 5. The payoff is massive: unobstructed views of four major mountain ranges, endless dispersed camping, and the kind of wilderness solitude that makes Alaska legendary.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 42 mi / 67.6 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3200 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD recommended |
| Nearest town | Slana, Alaska |
| Land manager | National Park Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| 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 Toyota Tacoma handle Nabesna Road?
High-clearance 4WD is recommended due to rough gravel sections and water crossings. A stock Tacoma should manage most of the route, but the final miles to the end get rougher with potential for high-centering.
Is Nabesna Road open in winter?
The road is officially maintained only from June through September. Winter access is possible but not recommended due to deep snow, extreme cold, and no maintenance past Mile 29.
Do I need permits to drive Nabesna Road?
No permits required for driving the road itself. It's free access through Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, but backcountry camping requires following Leave No Trace principles.
What's the most challenging part of the drive?
The final 10 miles past Devils Mountain Lodge get progressively rougher with deeper ruts, loose rocks, and several creek crossings that can wash out bridges seasonally.
How far can I get without refueling, and where's the last gas?
Last fuel is in Slana before starting the trail. The 84-mile round trip plus exploring requires about half a tank, but bring extra fuel since there are no services on Nabesna Road.