Nabesna Road
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The Nabesna Road is a minor highway in the U.S. state of Alaska that extends 42 miles from the Slana to Nabesna, providing access to some interior components of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. The entire length of the road is gravel and short on services. Flat tires and washouts are fairly common along the entire length of the road.
The Nabesna Road was originally built in 1933 by the Alaska Road Commission to supply Nabesna Mine and to ship out its ore. Today, the Alaska Department of Transportation maintains the Nabesna Road and, generally, the road is passable by most two-wheel drive vehicles. However, higher clearance and/or four-wheel drive are occasionally needed beyond Mile 29 due to stream crossings. Wet conditions such as spring run-off and heavy rain can make these stream crossings impassable. The last four miles of the road are not maintained and may be deeply rutted and wet. Vehicle travel on this portion of the road is not recommended.
Begin your journey on this motor trail by stopping at the Slana Ranger Station, mile .5, to check current road conditions and to pick up a Nabesna Road Guide brochure. Generally the road is passable by most 2-wheel drive vehicles. Occasionally, higher clearance is advised beyond mile 29 due to stream crossings. The maintained portion of the road ends at a private hunting lodge at mile 42.
