FKT: Mackenzie Dysinger - Nabesna Road (AK) - 2024-09-28

Route variation
Standard route
Multi-sport
No
Gender category
Female
Style
Supported
Start date
Finish date
Total time
7h 40m 10s
GPS track(s)
Report

Started from the porch of the Slana Ranger cabin which is just at Mile 1 of the Nabesna Road. Be sure you call in to the ranger station to check the road conditions, in certain seasons part of the road will be impassable because of creek crossings. I had a crew follow close with a vehicle to resupply food and to also keep the critters at bay. Once you get past four mile it's pretty desolate and wild, lots of tracks criss crossing the road. There is a lodge at Mile 28, beware of the next door neighbors dogs. For a section of the road the mile markers are off a bit, but they will match up at the end. There are 3-4 creek crossings depending on the time of year you go. At the end of Sept. one of the creeks was frozen across so it wasn't terrible. When you hit the last 1.5 miles you will leave the National Park and enter private land. The road is still public access, but you will be on someone's homestead so be respectful! The end of the road is actually just beyond 41. Beyond the 41 mile road there is a hiking trail to an old mine, the "road" ends where the small atv trail begins.

The road itself is rough so if someone is crewing you come prepared, get gas before you go and just assumed you'll be at the end of the earth with little help or cell service. (plus a tow is going to cost you 500+ dollars...)

The run is gorgeous on the right day so enjoy the views! The history of Wrangell St Elias and the Nabesna road is very unique. I suggest digging into it as you prepare for your run!