road trip to alaska

Planning Your Perfect Alaska Road Trip Itinerary (2021 Edition)

December 9, 2021 December 28, 2019 | Christopher Harvey

Last Updated on December 9, 2021 by Chris and Lindsay

If you plan to drive to Alaska you have a lot of options for your Alaska road trip itinerary. Alaska is known as the Last Frontier. So getting there is an adventure in and of itself!

Most of Alaska is inaccessible by vehicle. This means you have to plan to get around via plane or boat.

But depending on your level of adventure, funds and Bucket List, you probably don’t need to worry about trying to reach all of those more difficult places.

In fact, if your goal is to travel to Alaska in an RV, then you’re likely looking to explore the part of the state you can reach by vehicle.

(If you just plan to tent camp or stay in hotels you can use our suggested itineraries. You just may need to plan your accommodations differently.)

Fortunately, most activities you would want to do in Alaska are close enough that you can drive to them.

Before we get into a few sample Alaska road trip itineraries let’s cover a few factors that will impact your drive in Alaska.

The Ideal Alaska Road Trip Itinerary

We believe that your ideal Alaska itinerary should include the following information.

Timeframe : 6-8 weeks

Time of Year : June – August

Starting Location : Glacier National Park, MT (or no further west than Spokane, WA)

Ending Location : Seattle area, WA

Key Places To Visit : Banff & Jasper National Parks (Canada), Alaska Highway, Fairbanks, Talkeetna, Kenai Peninsula, Homer Spit, Seward, Valdez, Haines, Cassiar Highway and Hyder.

Key Things To Do : Drive the Dalton Highway (special advise required), see Mt. Denali in Talkeetna, play with reindeer in Palmer, camp on the beach at Homer Spit and Seward , go halibut fishing in Homer, watch sea lions, otters and bald eagles catch salmon in Valdez, search for grizzly bears in Haines and eat at “the bus” in Hyder.

Total Miles : Approx. 6,000 miles

Read on for more specific information to help you plan your perfect road trip to Alaska!

Factors That Impact Your Alaska Road Trip Itinerary

Planning your Alaska road trip itinerary can be daunting. Just reaching Alaska from the Lower 48 will take days and cover thousands of miles.

One you’re there, where do you go? Where CAN you go? What do you do? Where do you stay? For how long do you stay?

Understanding how the following points impact your Alaska road trip will help you craft your perfect trip!

Starting/Ending Location.

Our Alaska road trip itineraries are going to assume that you will begin your journey in the continental United States (Lower 48) in the northwestern half of the country (Montana, Idaho, Washington areas).

If you’re coming from Florida (as we did) or Maine, then add on extra time accordingly.

Our itineraries will be based on “border-to-border” starting and ending locations.

This means we’re guiding you from a US border crossing into Canada (say, from Glacier National Park in Montana) to a return US border from Canada (say, Seattle area).

We believe this is your best opportunity to see the best parts of British Columbia and the Yukon Territory on your way to/from Alaska.

Amount of time you have.

Alaska road trip itineraries are dependent on your time table.

Whether you’re trying to see Alaska during your two-week vacation, two-month summer vacation or retirement makes a big difference!

If you’re making the “border-to-border” drive to Alaska then we’d recommend no fewer than 6 – 8 weeks .

But it is possible to make the trip in 4 weeks if that’s all the time you have.

Further, our Alaska road trip itineraries are for travelers who will leave/return to the US and not those who will fly to Alaska and rent an RV there.

(Note: We do have a few sample itineraries in that case)

You’re going to want to decide how much time you have (if you even have time limits) before you decide all of the things you want to pack into your Alaska itinerary.

Specific places you want to see

Have you always wanted to see the Arctic Ocean? Maybe you’ve wanted to just see the Arctic Circle? Or what about visiting Mt. Denali National Park?

There are lots of places to see in Alaska. If you hash out a general list then that is a great place to start!

Need help hashing out a list? We’ve got suggestions for you!

If there are places you do and do not want to see, this will greatly impact the amount of time you need to complete your Alaska road trip.

For instance, we LOVE Hyder and think you should stop by to see Jim and Diana and have a fresh halibut sandwich at The Bus . But Hyder is a little out of the way if you are short on time.

Get started on that list!

Important things you want to do

Do you want to watch a grizzly bear catch a salmon in its mouth? What about hooking on to a 100-pound halibut? Maybe you’ve just wanted to be one of the few (10% or less!) who get a clear view of Mt. Denai?

These things also impact your Alaska road trip itinerary. Again, get started on that bucket list!  

Your limits on driving time/distance

Alaska is… well, it is HUGE! Driving distances and times are substantial – especially when you consider the “border-to-border” roundtrip.

Determining how far or how long you want to drive each day is important.

This will help you determine not only the important details of where to stay and when to refuel but also how much time you will spend in any given place.

Our ideal Alaska road trip itineraries are based on a comfortable 4-5 hour drive.

If you feel that’s not comfortable, or you want to get to/from Alaska faster or slower then we have a few options for you too!

Other extenuating factors

Do you have any upcoming appointments or important life events coming up like weddings or medical treatment?

Are you closing on the sale or purchase of a house in the near future?

We wouldn’t tell you to call off your Alaska adventure because of these things.

Just be aware that they might impact your Alaska road trip itinerary.

For example, Lindsay travels with Crohn’s Disease . At the time we drove to Alaska we only had 7 weeks.

This is because every 8 weeks she received an IV infusion to treat the disease. As such we left Washington state the day after her infusion and returned two days before her next one.

We would love to have spent more time in Alaska. But extenuating circumstances like these will impact your itinerary as well.

Alaska Road Trip Itineraries

After you’ve answered some of those questions to help you understand the who, what, where, when, why and how of your road trip to Alaska, check out some sample itineraries that we have put together.

You already figured out, every itinerary is subject to change. Either you’ll change it. Or your circumstances will!

But at least you can get started on planning your perfect Alaska road trip itinerary!

Note: ALL of our itineraries include the following places: Alaska Highway, Fairbanks, Denali National Park, Talkeetna, Palmer/Anchorage, Kenai Peninsula (Turnagain Arm, Anchor Point, Homer , Seward ), Valdez, Haines and Hyder.

The only location we exclude in some itineraries is the infamous Dalton Highway. This drive is not for the faint of heart (or unprepared). You can find more information about driving the Dalton Highway here .

• 4 Week Alaska Road Trip Itinerary
• 6 Week Alaska Road Trip Itinerary
• 8 Week Alaska Road Trip Itinerary

While we are trying to prepare you to be able to drive from “border-to-border,” we do understand that you might be planning to fly to Fairbanks/Anchorage to rent an RV.

If this is the case, you likely have less time than those of us driving from the Lower 48.

Here are a few sample itineraries for your journey:

• 3 Week Alaska Road Trip Itinerary (from Fairbanks/Anchorage)
• 4 Week Alaska Road Trip Itinerary (from Fairbanks/Anchorage)
• 5 Week Alaska Road Trip Itinerary (from Fairbanks/Anchorage)

Tips / Things To Know About Driving In Alaska

Now that you have an idea of your Alaska road trip itinerary, here are a few tips that are going to help you enjoy the drive more.

We had a few. You might too. These greatly change things. Depending on your vehicle/RV and your ability to fix it on the fly, your itinerary will change during a breakdown.

We spent more time in some places we never heard of and less time in others because of break downs. But that’s OK. It all worked out as part of our journey!

NOTE: Breakdowns are inconvenient, stressful and potentially dangerous. We had the policy to help everyone we could when we saw a broken down vehicle and encourage you to do the same.

Wildlife is, well, wild. Would you want it any other way?

On your drive to Alaska you will see moose, bear (black and grizzly), bison, elk, deer, fox and porcupine among dozens of other species.

But mind you, they don’t mind the roads.

Sadly you will likely see their carcasses scattered across the highway with accompanying brake marks in the road.

Be aware, even when there are no signs for wildlife there is always the possibility for it.

Hitting a moose will likely end your great Alaska road trip.

Frost Heaves

Sure they sound cute. But once you get into Alaska you will soon grow weary of them.

Frost heaves are subtle bumps, rolls, ridges and dips in the road that change your pace and make you pucker.

They are formed in the road when the ground freezes and the highway lifts up as the ice expands.

Don’t be afraid of them. But be aware. We drove with both hands on the wheel nearly every mile in Alaska because one sudden jolt by a frost heave could be enough to drive you off the side of the road.

Speed Limits

Most drivers forget that speed limits are “limits” and not “mandatories.” When you drive in Alaska, especially in an RV, you are likely not going to be driving at the speed limit (see Frost Heaves above!).

However, just because everyone around you might be zipping past you do not have to drive excessively fast. In fact, just make sure you are safely traveling over the minimum speed limits (sometimes posted).

Or, just drive at the pace you feel comfortable.

But do note that Alaska actually has a law that states that you must pull over if cars are piling up behind you. We did this frequently, especially along the Turnagain Arm on our way to the Kenai Peninsula.

Don’t be a jerk. Especially if there is a highway patrol officer behind you!

About Author

Christopher Harvey

Christopher Harvey is the co-founder and main copywriter for Called To Wander. His passion is to create content that engages and informs readers and helps them to pursue the Abundant Life on the Road. Aside from writing, he also edits videos for the YouTube channel. He has freelanced for a variety of publications and consults with different brands on SEO and content strategy.

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How to Drive to Alaska: Everything you need to Know

Last Updated on April 9, 2024

If you’re ready for the epic road trip adventure of a lifetime, then a drive to Alaska on the Alaska Highway just might be for you! I’ve driven the Alaska Highway many times along with the access roads in British Columbia and the Yukon and nearly every highway in Alaska. I’m also a road logger for the Milepost and my colleagues and I drive the Alaska Highway and the other highways in Alaska to keep the Milepost updated, so you know you’re getting only the best advice and information here. This article will tell you everything you need to know to decide if this road trip is right for you and everything you need to know to plan your trip. I’ve also included a few of my favorite stops and side trips along the way.

There’s lots of information in this article. If you’re looking for something specific, use these links to find what you’re looking for quickly. Grab a copy of my Alaska Highway Planner and Workbook to keep everything organized and make sure you don’t miss a thing.

• Is driving to Alaska worth it?
• Interview with Alaska highway travelers Pete and Kathleen
• When is the best time to drive to Alaska?
• What parts of Alaska can you drive to?
• How much does it cost to drive to Alaska?
• Can you drive to Alaska without going to Canada?
• How long does it take to drive to Alaska?
• What’s the best route to take?
• What are road conditions like?
• Is there cell phone service on the drive to Alaska?
• Where can you sleep along the way (including camping)?
• Wildlife you might see
• The best stops and things to do on your road trip to Alaska
• Preparing your vehicle
• What to pack for your road trip to Alaska

Is Driving to Alaska Worth it?

Driving to Alaska MIGHT be worth it, or it might not. It is certainly a beautiful scenic drive and epic road trip adventure ! It is also a long drive that takes a lot of time.

A few questions to ask yourself to help you decide if driving to Alaska is worth it or not for you:

• Do I love road trips? Like REALLY love them. If so, then you’ll probably love this Canada and Alaska road trip adventure!
• Do I love Canada? Or do I want to find out if I love Canada? Most of the drive will be through Canada!
• Do I need my car while I’m in Alaska? This might be the situation if you are moving to Alaska, moving there for seasonal work, or if time is not an issue on your trip but money is. Driving your car to Alaska may be cheaper than renting a car when you arrive, especially for a longer trip. Car rental is expensive in Alaska. If you have the time, you may be able to save money if you travel in your own car.
• Am I adaptable and do I have a sense of adventure? This is a road trip where things won’t always go as expected. You might need to change your plan about where you’re staying or how many days you are on the road.
• Do I have at least a month for my trip? I only recommend driving to Alaska if you have at least a month for your trip. Possibly 2-3 weeks if you can share the trip with someone else and have each of you drive one way. For a shorter trip, fly and rent a car!
• Am I considering the drive to Alaska part of the trip? If you think of the drive as part of your trip, it’s wonderful! If you are just going fast to try to get there, it’s a long, difficult slog.

Listen to Pete and Kathleen’s story of driving to Alaska from Pennsylvania and back on the Alaska Uncovered Podcast

When is the best time to drive to alaska.

The short answer is, whenever you have time! The highway is open all year, though there can be significant delays in winter and not everything is open. You also need to be very self sufficient and prepared for extreme cold in winter. I’ll assume for this article you’re planning to drive during the summer (June-August) or the shoulder season (mid April through May or September).

You can encounter snow and ice as late as mid May and as early as early September, so keep this in mind if you’re driving during those months.

Almost everything along the highway is open from mid May through early September .

Construction happens all summer and shoulder season, so you can’t really avoid that unless you’re driving in the winter. Bugs will be most intense in June and July, though you may encounter them earlier in the summer as well, and possibly later depending on how dry and cold the late summer is.

If you want to see the Northern Lights on your trip, then plan your drive to Alaska for late August or September , when it’s dark enough to see them!

In most of Alaska, the Yukon and Northern BC, it doesn’t get dark at night in May, June, July or early August. The further south you go, the more darkness there is.

What parts of Alaska can you Drive to?

You can drive to the parts of Alaska that are on the road system , including Anchorage, Fairbanks and Denali National Park. In Alaska, there are many communities that are not on the road system at all and can only be reached by plane or boat.

Alaska’s state capitol of Juneau is the only state capitol in the United States that you cannot drive to . You can bring a car to Juneau, but you would need to drive to Skagway or Haines and take the ferry to Juneau. The Alaska Marine Highway System (the Alaska state ferry) serves many towns in the Inside Passage of southeast Alaska as well as Southwest and Southcentral Alaska.

You can bring a vehicle on the ferry with a reservation. You can also take the ferry from Bellingham in Washington State as far as Haines or Skagway to meet up with the road system.

How much does it cost to Drive to Alaska?

The cost of driving to Alaska can vary quite a bit based on:

• The type of vehicle you are driving and it’s gas mileage
• Whether you camp or stay in roadhouses or hotels along the way (or a mixture of the two)
• The exchange rate between the Canadian and US Dollar

Expect to pay more for gas in Canada than in the US and even more for gas in remote areas . You”ll be paying at least 20% more for gas. If you’re in a remote part of British Columbia as much as 50% more. In Canada, gas is sold by the liter (instead of gallons) and you’ll be paying in Canadian dollars. Between these two, it can be difficult for an American to figure out how much they’re actually spending. The most important thing is to budget enough for gas that you don’t get tempted to drive on to find cheaper gas. This might result in you running out of gas, which is no fun!

When you budget for your trip, the most important part will be how much time you’re spending in Alaska and where you are staying. This post has all my recommendations for saving money on a trip to Alaska , including how to budget.

You can save money by camping along the way if you’re a camper. I like to camp but I have usually split my nights between camping and hotels. Setting up camp in a new location each day takes a lot of time. If you’re taking your time camping each night will be no problem. The sleeping section below has more information on camping, roadhouses and hotels.

Can you Drive to Alaska without going through Canada?

You will definitely be driving through Canada if you drive to Alaska. In fact, most of your drive will be in Canada . Your drive includes British Columbia and the Yukon as well as Alberta if you are coming from further east. It is your responsibility to research the most up to date rules regarding entry to Canada and Canadian road rules. A few of the important things to know include:

• You will need a passport . If you are a US Citizen and resident of Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York or Vermont you can get and use an enhanced driver’s license to cross the land border between the US and Canada in a car. You can also use a NEXUS pass if you have one.
• There are some items you cannot transport across the border , or are restricted. It is your responsibility to research this and declare any items that require it (such as alcohol and fresh produce, among others).
• Canada requires proof of vaccination against COVID and documentation of this at the border as well as in advance on the ArriveCAN app. Some travelers may also be tested at the border.
• If you are traveling with a pet , you will need a current health certificate including proof of an up to date rabies vaccine.
• If you are traveling with a child , but both parents are not present, have a letter from the other parent stating it is ok to cross the border with a child
• US Citizens with Driving Under the Influence convictions and some other convictions may be denied entry into Canada.
• Prices in Canada will be in Canadian Dollars . Many places will take American money, but you will get change in Canadian Dollars. The best way to handle this is to stop at a Canadian ATM and get some Canadian cash. You can also use your debit or credit card (check with your bank about foreign transaction fees that may be charged).
• Gas in Canada is sold by the liter , not the gallon
• Speed and speed limits are in kilometers per hour , not miles per hour
• Distances are listed in kilometers , not miles.
• There is a one hour time change between Alaska and Canada.
• Check with your insurance company to make sure you are covered while driving in Canada.

How Long Does it Take to Drive to Alaska?

I recommend spending a week to drive to Alaska from Seattle . Even longer if you want to spend some time at any places along the way or if you’re coming from further away in the United States. This trip is long, over 2200 miles from Seattle! If you’re not going to make the journey part of your trip, I highly recommend flying there instead and renting a car. For comparison, this is about the same distance as driving from Seattle to Indianapolis or Edmonton to Ottawa.

The drive to Alaska is not fun if you’re just trying to get there as fast as possible! There are a few things that make this road trip slower than most and more fun if you’re taking your time, including

• Construction – you will run into places with delays sometimes of an hour or more in construction zones
• Two lane road – The Alaska Highway is in good condition, however it’s a two lane road and there can be a lot of RVs on it in the summer which tend to be driving a bit slower. Passing lanes and safe passing areas are around, but some sections don’t have as many
• Wildlife – you’ll want to stop and spend a few minutes when you see wildlife, but you also need to watch your speed and follow the speed limit which will help you avoid a collision with wildlife which is extremely dangerous for both you and them (especially with moose).
• Frost heaves – one of the reasons there’s lots of construction along the Alaska Highway is because the harsh winters are hard on the roads. In Northern BC, the Yukon and Alaska you can hit sudden frost heaves, which are like speed bumps but less predictable. Hitting them too fast can damage your vehicle.
• Stopping at some of the interesting and beautiful places along the way (see more on this below)

I also recommend building in an extra day or two, in case you need any vehicle repairs, tires or just want to take a break or spend more time checking something out.

What is the Best route to take to Drive to Alaska?

There are three primary access routes when you drive to Alaska . They all converge in the southern part of Canada’s Yukon Territory, near the town of Watson Lake. Between Watson Lake and Tok, Alaska, there is really only one way to go . This section will talk about the different access routes and then the different places you can go once you hit the Alaska border. The things to do section later in this article discusses highlights and what not to miss on each section of the drive to Alaska.

Make sure that you get your copy of the current year’s Milepost to give you all the details about every single road in Alaska, the Yukon and most in British Columbia. Don’t count on having a phone signal!

If you are driving both ways, consider going one way on the Cassiar and the other through the Canadian Rockies for variety.

Cassiar Highway

This route is the shortest distance to drive to Alaska from Seattle and Portland (about 100 miles shorter than the west access route described below). It is likely to take longer however, since the Cassiar Highway is slow and very remote. There are very limited services along this highway.

This route is best for those who want to get away from it all. It’s also excellent for seeing wildlife. Make sure you are comfortable driving in very remote areas without services.

To take this route to drive to Alaska, start in Seattle and follow the Trans Canada Highway (Highway 1) east around Vancouver. Follow the Trans Canada Highway as far as Cache Creek. At Cache Creek, continue north on Highway 97 towards Prince George. In Prince George, take the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) west towards Prince Rupert. The Cassiar Highway takes off to the right (north) as Highway 37 between Smithers and Terrace. Take the Cassiar Highway through Northern BC’s beautiful wilderness until you meet up with the Alaska Highway just after crossing the border into the Yukon Territory, just west of Watson Lake.

Total driving distance from Seattle to the BC/Yukon border on the Cassiar Highway Route is just over 1300 miles .

West Access Route and Alaska Highway

This is the best route for anyone coming from the West Coast of the US who prefers to avoid the more remote Cassiar Highway in favor of the still-remote-but-less-so road.

This route is the same as above as far as the town of Prince George in Northern British Columbia. Continue beyond Prince George on Highway 97. If you don’t care about the sign that tells you you are at the start of the Alaska Highway, take the cut off and save 25 miles. Otherwise, continue into the town of Dawson Creek, the official start of the Alaska Highway . You’re still on BC Highway 97, but now you’re officially on the Alaska Highway!

Total driving distance from Seattle to where the Cassiar meets the Alaska Highway on this route is just under 1400 miles .

East Access Route and Alaska Highway through the Canadian Rockies or Calgary

If you’re coming from the Rocky Mountain West, the Midwest, the South or the East Coast, then the best route for you is to come through the Canadian Rockies or Calgary, Alberta.

You have a few options here. The fastest way is to take the shortest route to Calgary, then the Red Deer Expressway north of the Canadian Rockies National Parks to meet up with the start of the Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek, British Columbia.

Many people like to include a trip to Glacier National Park and the Canadian National Parks of Banff and Jasper on to their drive to Alaska. It’s a little more out of the way if you’re coming from the West Coast, but it’s almost on the way for those coming from the rest of the US. You can visit those parks (along with the less visited but my personal favorite, Canada’s Kootenay National Park ) and then head north from Jasper to Grand Prairie to meet up with the start of the Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek.

Total driving distance from Missoula, MT to where the Cassiar meets the Alaska Highway on this route is about 1500 miles . The distance going through the parks is about the same, but it takes longer.

Alaska Highway through the Canada’s Yukon Territory to Tok, Alaska

This part of the drive to Alaska is very straightforward because you’re on the Alaska Highway and there’s really only one way to go (unless you take some side trips like up to Dawson City , which is awesome but you might not have time for!).

You’ll drive through the southern part of the Yukon Territory, including Whitehorse. If you’re heading to Southeast Alaska, you’ll turn off sooner (see below) than if you’re headed to Anchorage or Fairbanks. For Anchorage or Fairbanks, keep heading up the Alaska Highway, passing by Kluane National Park and entering Alaska at Beaver Creek.

Total Driving distance from Watson Lake, Yukon to Tok, Alaska is about 650 miles.

Whitehorse to Southeast Alaska (Skagway and Haines)

If you’re heading to Skagway, you’ll head south on the Klondike Highway in Whitehorse. If you’re going to Haines, you’ll head south on the Haines Highway from Haines Junction. Both Skagway and Haines are wonderful places to visit and you can also catch the ferry to take your car to other parts of Southeast Alaska that are not accessible by road. Learn more about riding the Alaska ferry here .

Tok to Anchorage or Fairbanks

Once you arrive in Tok, you’ll go a different direction to go to Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula than Fairbanks and Denali National Park . By the way, you can make a loop driving the Parks Highway between Anchorage and Fairbanks.

For Anchorage , you’ll head south and west from Tok towards Glennallen and the Glenn Highway, taking you to Anchorage in about 320 miles.

For Fairbanks , you’ll head north and west through Delta Junction for about 200 miles. If you’re heading to Denali National Park , head to Fairbanks and then south on the Parks Highway for another 120 miles.

Check out my Alaska itineraries for independent travelers for ideas on how to build your road trip once you are in Alaska!

What are Road Conditions Like on the Alaska Highway?

Overall the road conditions along the drive to Alaska are pretty good for such a remote location. The Alaska Highway is all paved and even some of the secondary roads are too. There are occasionally small sections of gravel where a washout repair has happened recently, which could be up to a couple hundred yards. Some roads are gravel and in general are very well maintained.

In construction zones there may be many miles of gravel where the road is being repaired or upgraded. Usually in these sections one direction of cars will go at a time behind a pilot car. There can be a long wait at times for the pilot car.

In addition to construction, watch out for wildlife (especially moose) and watch your speed to avoid a collision. Frost heaves and potholes pop up at times and are usually marked with temporary orange signs in Canada.

If you’re in the habit of going a little bit further for cheaper fuel, break that habit before you drive to Alaska! Fuel is more expensive and gas stations and not as frequent as they are in other areas. Fuel will be cheaper in bigger towns, so always fuel up in towns when you pass even if you don’t need to stop . Don’t count on being able to check your phone for the next fuel stop, use the Milepost for this instead.

Is there Cell Phone service along the Alaska Highway?

For the most part, you will be driving out of cell coverage when you are not in a town . Some small towns also do not have cell phone service. This is true in British Columbia (especially the further north you go), the Yukon and Alaska.

Another important note is that the majority of your drive will be in Canada, so contact your cell phone provider to find out how much it will cost to use your phone there, including data charges . This is important as it can be very expensive! I have T-Mobile, which does not charge for roaming in Canada or Mexico (fantastic perk!). You may also be able to get a temporary international plan through your provider, but make sure to make a plan for this in advance! Also check with your provider about specific locations where cell phone service is available.

If you’re Canadian, you’ll need to check the same for travel in Alaska and if your provider has cell coverage and how much it costs.

Where can I Sleep or Camp on the Drive to Alaska?

While it is VERY important to have reservations for lodging once you arrive in Alaska arranged well before your trip, it’s fine to call ahead for reservations along the highway a day or two in advance. Often you can find a place even without a reservation, but it’s nice to know you for sure have a place to land at the end of the day if you’re staying in a hotel, motel or roadhouse.

Do not count on having the internet to look up your options on yelp. You need The Milepost to be your guide and let you know what lodging or camping is available along the way.

If you prefer vacation rentals or chain hotels, these are available in the bigger towns along the Alaska Highway and access routes, such as Prince George and Whitehorse. If you’re looking to stay in vacation rentals or chain hotels in bigger towns then a reservation is important. This is a good way to go if you want to have wifi and cell phone service and be in towns at night (don’t assume your vacation rental has wifi or cell phone service if it’s outside a town).

My perferred way to drive to Alaska is to do a combination of camping and roadhouses . I love camping and it’s the least expensive lodging along the Alaska Highway but moving camp every night for several days in a row is a drag. Roadhouses are a really fun, affordable and unique way to spend your nights along the drive. More on this below.

Roadhouses along the Alaska Highway

Roadhouses are my favorite way to spend the night if I’m not camping along the drive to Alaska. Road houses in Alaska, the Yukon Territory and Northern British Columbia are generally small, family run establishments. Sometimes there are in or near a town, other times they are out on their own far from the nearest town. They often do not have wifi or cell phone service and are usually in stunning locations. They always have a unique and welcoming atmosphere and usually terrific food. Typically there will be a restaurant and some rooms. Occasionally there are also cabins or camping on site. Some are more like rustic lodges and others more like motels.

A couple of my all time favorites include the quirky Toad River Lodge and the perfectly located Liard Hot Springs Lodge. Although I haven’t stayed there personally, I know people rave about the Northern Rockies Lodge at Muncho Lake. The Northern Rockies Lodge is the most beloved lodge along the Alaska Highway.

Camping along the Alaska Highway

Camping is an affordable way to travel the Alaska Highway and gives you a lot of flexibility in where you stop for the night. If you’re planning on camping, read my guide to camping in Alaska which is good advice for the drive to Alaska too! Make sure that you secure all food and toiletries in your vehicle or in bear bins if the campground provides them when they are not in use. Bear safety is necessary when camping anywhere in Alaska, British Columbia, the Yukon and Alberta.

Plan on stopping early for the night to make sure you get a spot, especially further south in British Columbia and Alberta. There are a variety of camping options ranging from British Columbia Provincial Parks to Yukon Territory Parks to Alaska State Parks and recreation areas. In addition, there are many private campgrounds and RV parks that welcome tents as well. Some private campgrounds and RV parks offer showers and laundry.

A few of my favorite campgrounds include Muncho Lake Provincial Park, Liard River Provincial Park and Kathleen Lake Campground (note this is about half an hour off the highway in Kluane National Park near Haines Junction – but it’s worth it!). The Congdon Creek Campground along Kluane Lake is a favorite of several friends who drive the Alaska Highway every year.

What Wildlife will I see along the Alaska Highway?

The Alaska Highway is a wonderful place to see wildlife, particularly moose and bears. Keep your eyes out and watch your speed, especially around moose!

For moose viewing, keep your eyes out along the sides of the road, especially when there are marshy or brushy areas or lakes near the road. Northern British Columbia, the Yukon territory and Alaska are all places where you may see moose.

If you’re interested in bear viewing , I recommend taking the Cassiar Highway. The Cassiar Highway is the place where I have seen the most bears on the drive to Alaska. Even if you take a different route, you have a good chance of seeing a bear. Bears inhabit all of British Columbia, the Yukon Territory and Alaska. It is important that you follow all recommended bear safety procedures , especially when camping or hiking. Follow all post signs and warnings related to wildlife. The most important thing is to never, ever leave food out when you are not actively eating it. Keep it locked in your vehicle.

There are also different kinds of wild sheep that you may see, as well as many birds and other mammals such as foxes and maybe even a lynx.

The Best Things to do on the Alaska Highway

There are so many fun and quirky things to do along the Alaska Highway ! Way too many to list in this article. This is one reason why taking your time makes it a lot more fun. Make sure to have the Milepost with you as it will have literally every single thing you might want to stop for. There are lots of opportunities while you’re driving to see wildlife and incredible scenery too. These are a few of my favorite stops and side trips on the drive to Alaska that are worth building into your trip from the beginning:

Sea to Sky Highway (West Access Route side trip)

• Where it is: The Sea to Sky Highway is the drive from Vancouver BC to Whistler BC (a side trip from the West Access Route to the Alaska Highway)
• Why it’s awesome: This is one of the most beautiful stretches of road I’ve ever driven on! Drive up narrow Howe Sound to the charming town of Squamish, stopping at waterfalls and the gondola along the way.

Hells Gate Tram/Fraser River Canyon (West Access Route)

• Where it is: On the Trans Canada Highway north of Hope, British Columbia
• Why it’s awesome: Canada seems to be full of trams and gondolas and I’ve never met one I didn’t like! Even if you don’t stop, this section of the drive through the narrow Fraser Canyon is beautiful. The tram is a wonderful way to get out of the car and view the scenery from above

British Columbia Wineries (West Access Route)

• Where it is: There are lots of wineries throughout the central part of British Columbia, which has a similar climate to Washington’s wine country. Pull off the road whenever you see one!
• Why it’s awesome: British Columbia has some wonderful wines and I love to stop when I’m ready for a break and try some. Wineries in BC never fail to have a fun outdoor tasting area and sometimes food too. Most towns in British Columbia also have wonderful farmer’s markets. Try to drive through this area on a Saturday so you can catch some delicious local produce to enjoy for a picnic with your wine!

Icefields Parkway (East Access Route, Canadian Rockies)

• Where it is: The Icefields Parkway is a spectacular scenic drive between Banff and Jasper National Parks in Canada
• Why it’s awesome: Incredible scenery including massive mountains and glaciers you can see from your car! There are also lots of hiking opportunities along this corridor.

Miette Hot Springs (East Access Route)

• Where it is: Miette Hot Springs is in Jasper National Park
• Why it’s awesome: A bit more mellow (though still super busy!) than Banff’s Hot springs, what’s not to love about a hot springs soak? If you’re a hot springs lover, consider adding a trip on BC’s hot springs route (west of Banff). Visit in the morning for less crowds.

Prince George (West Access Route)

• Where it is: Prince George is at the junction of the Yellowhead Highway and BC Highway 97. If you’re taking the West Access Route or the Cassiar Highway you will pass through Prince George.
• Why it’s awesome: This is a good town to resupply and try some of their wonderful restaurants like the Salted Cracker (house made soup and sandwiches), the Makerie (coffee and art) and Crossroads Brewing (good food too!). Cottonwood Island Park is a wonderful place to stretch your legs on some beautiful forested trails with charming wood carvings along the way.

Stewart, BC, Hyder, AK and Bear Glacier (side trip from the Cassiar Highway)

• Where it is: Stuart and Hyder are across a very narrow fjord from each other
• Why it’s awesome: This side trip will take half a day (an hour each way plus exploring) but it’s well worth it to see this super unique place! Stewart and Hyder are both tiny and right next to each other. These unique small towns straddling the border are situated in a deep and narrow fjord of the inside passage. The Bear Glacier is a mandatory stop along the way.

Tumbler Ridge

• Where it is: Tumbler Ridge is about an hour south of Dawson Creek at the beginning of the Alaska Highway.
• Why it’s awesome: This two hour round trip detour is well worth it, especially for geology fans! This UNESCO world heritage site has many hiking trails that lead you to 90+ million year old dinosaur tracks, fascinating boulders and stunning waterfalls. This is well worth a couple day detour.

Milepost 0, Dawson Creek

• Where it is: Right in the middle of the town of Dawson Creek, at the beginning of the Alaska Highway!
• Why it’s awesome: It’s a cheesy photo stop, but you gotta do it!

Tetsa River Lodge

• Where it is: Alaska Highway Historic Milepost 375, between Fort Nelson and Muncho Lake
• Why it’s awesome: If you’ve heard of the legendary cinnamon rolls of the Alaska Highway, this is the place! Stop in and try one for yourself.

Toad River Lodge

• Where it is: Toad River is between Fort Nelson and Muncho Lake on the Alaska Highway.
• Why it’s awesome: The Toad River Lodge is one of my favorite roadhouses along the Alaska Highway. It’s quirky, friendly and has great roadhouse food. The bar is full of hats, the kind of quirky bar decor you often see in the far north!

Muncho Lake

• Where it is: Between Toad River and Liard Hot Springs on the Alaska Highway
• Why it’s awesome: Muncho Lake is beautiful with lots of recreation opportunities. Great place to stop for lunch or camp for the night.

Liard River Hot Springs

• Where it is: Between Muncho Lake and Watson Lake along the Alaska Highway in Northern BC
• Why it’s awesome: This gorgeous and developed hot springs is a must stop on the drive to Alaska! It’s located inside Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park and has camping as well as a road house nearby. I highly recommend staying the night here which gives you the most soaking opportunities. In addition to the hot springs, there is plenty of opportunity to see an interesting mix of plant life that is able to survive in this otherwise harsh climate because of the hot water. This is a good place to see moose!

Watson Lake Sign Post Forest

• Where it is: In the town of Watson Lake, Yukon, on the Alaska Highway just after you cross the border from British Columbia into the Yukon.
• Why it’s awesome: This is the kind of quirky, interesting sight you will only see along the Alaska Highway! This is a massive collection of signposts that is colorful and highly photogenic, and fun to run around in.

Atlin (Side trip from the Alaska Highway near Whitehorse)

• Where it is: Atlin is located in Northern British Columbia, about 60 miles south of the Alaska Highway between Teslin and Whitehorse
• Why it’s awesome: If you’re going to make the side trip to Atlin (about 2.5 hours round trip), I highly recommend staying at least one night. Atlin is one of my absolute favorite places because of it’s stunning beauty and it’s remote setting far off the beaten track. It’s also an excellent place for fishing!

Skagway (Side trip from Whitehorse)

• Where it is: 100 miles south of Whitehorse on the South Klondike Highway
• Why it’s awesome: I spent three summer in Skagway so I can’t help but recommend this side trip to Skagway! An incredible scenic drive through multiple climate zones in a very short time, you’ll land at the head of the Inside Passage and bustling town during the Klondike Gold Rush. Skagway has fun history and many wonderful hikes that leave right from town. Skagway is served by the Alaska Marine Highway and it is possible to take a ferry from here to Bellingham, WA .

Miles Canyon

• Where it is: near Whitehorse
• Why it’s awesome: Miles Canyon is beautiful canyon created millions of years ago by lava flow. More recently, it’s been the site of a First Nations Fishing Camp as well as a site of harrowing travel by gold rush prospectors in homemade boats. You can drive there or do a 9 mile loop trail from downtown Whitehorse along the Yukon River.

Yukon Beringia Centre

• Where it is: Whitehorse
• Why it’s awesome: The Yukon Beringia Centre is a great place to learn about the natural and human history of the subcontinent of Beringia (what is now parts of Russia, Alaska and the Yukon). Here you can learn about the animals of the ice age as well as the landscape and people who first came to North America through Beringia, as well as modern First Nations.

Kluane National Park and Reserve

• Where it is: Kluane National Park borders the Alaska Highway along Lake Kluane is the Yukon, between Whitehorse and the Alaskan border.
• Why it’s awesome: This spectacular Canadian National Park is vast and doesn’t have a ton of visitors due to it’s remote location. The mountain and lake landscapes are just incredible. This is home to Mt Logan, Canada’s highest peak as well as Canada’s largest ice field. You can’t help but get a taste of Kluane driving the highway, but it’s fully worth it to spend some time here. There is a campground near the Alaska Highway and another at Kathleen Lake (a very worthwhile side trip). There are plenty of hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities in Kluane National Park as well.

How to Prepare Your Vehicle to Drive to Alaska

Any reliable road worthy vehicle will be totally fine to drive to Alaska . Its overall reliability is much more important than any specific capabilities (like 4 wheel drive or all wheel drive). This is a long road trip with long distances between services and more construction than a typical road trip, but the road itself does not require anything in particular from your vehicle. I have driven the Alaska Highway in a Honda Accord, a Chevy Astro minivan, a Toyota 4 Runner and a Ford F-250. All of them were just fine.

There are a few things you can do to help you and your vehicle be ready:

• Accept that this trip will be hard on your vehicle – you are likely to get windshield ding s and paint chips so it might not be ideal for a brand new vehicle!
• Make sure you have excellent tires . If there’s any doubt, get new tires before your trip. This will greatly reduce the odds of getting a flat.
• If possible, carry a full size spare tire . Make sure you have a spare tire and the equipment to change it (refer to your car’s manual)
• Get an oil change before you leave
• Mentally prepare to fuel up whenever you have the opportunity , regardless of cost. If you think this may be difficult for you, consider bringing a gas can. A gas can is not necessary, unless you try to push on too many times for cheaper fuel!
• Make sure your car insurance will cover you while in Canada
• Carry extra food, water and warm clothing and blankets in case of a breakdown. This will help you stay safe and comfortable if you need to wait for help. This is also helpful if you find yourself waiting a long time for road construction delays.

What if my car breaks down?

First of all, don’t panic! Breakdowns happen and people will help you. I’ve had several breakdowns on the Alaska Highway and have always been able to get help safely.

If you’re in a place with cell service, you can call for AAA Roadside assistance (which also exists in Canada). They will help you get help and to a shop that can fix your vehicle.

If you’re not in an area with cell phone service, put your hood up and someone will stop and see what you need. You may be able to get a ride to the nearest town, or you may be able to stay with the vehicle and someone will send help.

I know this sounds scary, but this is a place where strangers will help you. Mechanics even in very small towns will do everything they can to help you get back on the road. Even though it’s stressful, I’ve always been able to get back on the road in a few hours or by the next day, even when I was by myself.

What do I need to Bring to Road Trip to Alaska?

This section contains an affiliate link to Amazon, which means if you make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

The most important thing you need to bring on your trip is the latest edition of the Milepost . This comprehensive guide is critical and includes all the access roads and all the roads in Alaska, the Yukon and most of British Columbia and Alberta. Get the latest edition because it’s updated every year, and things change! You can’t rely on your phone to look up information on this road trip. Trust me, you need this!

I recommend checking out my complete road trip packing list and my packing list for Alaska . A few things to call out specifically:

• Personal items including an prescriptions and over the counter medications – you’ll be in remote areas so make sure you have what you need
• Plenty of food and water – in a remote area it’s important to carry food and water with you since you won’t be able to stop just anywhere. A cooler is also helpful to give you the option of having fresh food! Stop at the first big town once you enter Canada to stock up (you can’t bring fresh produce across the border)
• Spare tire and tire changing equipment – the Alaska Highway is no longer the tire destroying road it once was, but there’s still a decent chance you’ll need to change a tire and the distances to finding someone who can help may be long. I’ve changed a tire at some point on most of the trips I’ve made on the Alaska Highway! I also recommend a paper copy of your vehicle’s manual if it’s not already in your glove box.
• Analog Entertainment – make sure to download those audio books, podcasts and playlists since you’ll be in long stretches of road with no cell phone signal. I also love to bring my Kindle for reading at night. Art supplies and games are fun additions too.
• Clothing for all kinds of weather – be ready for rapidly changing weather, hot days, wet and chilly days and downright cold (especially in May and September). My Alaska packing list has lots of suggestions!
• An awning and camp chairs for stops – this is completely not necessary but also completely amazing! The awning can protect you from rain and sun (you can even get a bug tent to strap on it) and the chairs are super handy.

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5 Best Alaska Road Trip Routes (Ultimate Planning Guide!)

So, you’re thinking of venturing out on an Alaska road trip? The state isn’t nicknamed ‘The Last Frontier’ for nothing. The stark mountains, frigid winter climate, and vast miles of land uninhabited by humans give way to its off the map nature.

If you’re looking to cruise alongside stunning scenery and embark on some incredible new adventures, all while enjoying the comforts of civilization along the way, an Alaska road trip is certainly the way to go.

It’s hard to know where to start when planning your own expedition like this, so we’ve done some of the legwork for you. Read on for all of the best routes and must-sees along the way when you embark on your journey through the Last Frontier.

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Alaska (Travel Guide)

How many miles is it to Anchorage, Alaska from:

Table of Contents

• Seattle, Washington to Anchorage, Alaska Via Yukon 1 E ~ 44 hours and 2,261 miles
• Los Angeles, California to Anchorage, Alaska Via Yukon 1 E ~ 61 hours and 3,395 miles
• Chicago, Illinois to Anchorage, Alaska Via Yukon 1 E ~ 61 hours and 3,568 miles
• Atlanta, Georgia to Anchorage, Alaska Via Yukon 1 E ~ 71 hours and 4,210 miles
• Houston, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska Via Yukon 1 E ~ 70 hours and 4,124 miles
• Vancouver, Canada to Anchorage, Alaska Via Yukon 1 E ~ 42 hours and 2,191 miles

5 Best Alaska Road Trip Routes

Alaska Highway

What would an Alaskan road trip be without a journey up to their 1,387-mile namesake highway? Starting in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, you can turn down this uncrowded route and take in the picturesque snow-capped peaks and remote landscape, all the way up to Delta Junction in southeastern Fairbanks, Alaska.

What to See

During your road trip, you’ll find plenty to see and do on the Alaska Highway. Passing through Muncho Lake Provincial Park in British Columbia, you can stop for a bit of canoeing and spend the night in the cozy Northern Rockies Lodge . Just past the park, we recommend stopping to soak in the Liard River hot springs.

Not long after crossing into Yukon Territory, you’ll be able to check out the Continental Divide . Parting the Pacific and Atlantic watersheds. This ridge journeys from Alaska to the tip of South America .

It’s a short but fun stop along the way for anyone who is into geography and spectacular terrain. Also, in the Yukon, there is Kluane National Park and Reserve , a hot spot for adventurers looking to try rafting, mountaineering, and more outdoor activities.

Check-in for a night at the charming Kathleen Lake Lodge before continuing your journey into Alaska. Be sure to stop by Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge to experience the critters of an Alaska road trip – bald eagles, grizzly bears, and trumpeter swans are just a few of the animal species protected by this region.

You might feel inclined to plan your Alaska road trip over the summer to avoid poor weather conditions and take full advantage of the activities along the way, as some businesses may close during the winter months.  MILEPOST , a must-have guide for traveling in the northwest of the continent, makes a good case for tackling the Alaska Highway during the off-season.

Provided you are a responsible driver, you stay on top of your fuel reserves, are settled into your pre-booked accommodation by nightfall, and adhere to road signage. Attractions like the hot springs at Liard River are going to be all the more enjoyable when experienced in Alaska’s famous colder climate.

Parks Highway & Denali Highway

For 362 miles between Anchorage and Fairbanks, you can take in the wild landscape of Alaska’s interior on Parks Highway. From mountains to tundra, it’s the perfect Alaska road trip for adventurous spirits.

Not only is Alaska the Last Frontier, but it’s also the site of what’s known as the Last Great Race on Earth: the Iditarod. After departing Anchorage, you could spend some time at the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Museum , where you can dive into the history of this bold and daring race.

Perhaps the most anticipated stop of a Parks Highway Alaska road trip is, Denali National Park and Preserve . Home to the continent’s highest peak, Denali.

This park boasts plenty of summer and winter activities, such as hiking, fishing, mountaineering, and stargazing. Spend the night at one of the quaint cabins in the Denali Backcountry Lodge.

Here, you can also choose to detour from your Parks Highway road trip and embark on an alternate route to take in the full expanse of this cherished park, its glaciers and tundra landscape.

Extending for 134 miles from Paxson to Cantwell and made up of mostly gravel, Denali Highway is no last-minute decision, so make sure if you go this route you’re aptly prepared to forge ahead on a new trip.

While Parks Highway is open all four seasons, Denali Highway is closed in the winter. Traveling during the summer months is probably your best bet for enjoying the full spectrum of Alaska’s interior on this trip.

Seward Highway

Modest in length compared to it’s big Alaska road trip counterparts, Seward Highway is perfect for a small jaunt from Anchorage. Looping 127 miles down to Seward, the sites you’ll encounter are some of the state’s most breathtaking.

Don’t be fooled by the low mileage on this trip – there is so much to see packed into a short distance! MILEPOST is a great resource for examining all of the options available to you.

Your first order of business will be to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic view of Turnagain Arm as you cruise between mountains and shoreline.

If you’re willing to turn this mini Alaska road trip into a full-fledged adventure, take some time to stay at Alyeska Resort just southeast of Anchorage, where you can hit the slopes and ski to your heart’s content.

Further down the road, you can check out the trail at Johnson’s Pass before stopping for another night at the Inn at Tern Lake , where you’ll be able to arrange fishing trips or whale watching tours.

Be sure to take your camera out for glossy Kenai Lake before you complete your journey in the pleasant town of Seward .

Any season of Seward Highway won’t disappoint. If you are an avid ski or snowboarder be sure to venture to this region in the winter!

Dalton Highway

Time to go off-road (sort of). Most of Dalton Highway is gravel, so you’ll have to take your sweet time on this massive 415-mile route starting at Elliott Highway and ending in Deadhorse, up by the Arctic Ocean.

This is not a route to be taken lightly, and if you’re renting a car, be sure to double-check for restrictions on traveling on unpaved roadways.

This trek starts at the junction with Elliott Highway, another scenic Alaska road trip looping from Fox to Manley Hot Springs. Spend a couple of nights at Coldfoot Camp , aptly named for the frigid arctic conditions you’ll face while cruising Dalton Highway.

Here, you’ll be able to tour Koyukuk River in the summer, and possibly view the Northern Lights in the winter.

Close by, you’ll pass the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, which really captures the meaning of the word “remote.” Void of set paths, this stop is perfect for some pictures before continuing on your way unless you happen to be an expert in wilderness survival.

Once you reach Deadhorse and Prudhoe Bay, you can stay at the Aurora Hotel , which sits over Colleen Lake and book an Arctic Ocean tour . Who else can say they’ve done that?

You really can’t go wrong here. This far north, you’ll be able to witness the midnight sun during the summer, and you’ll have a shot at the Aurora Borealis during the winter.

Need to book a car for your road trip adventure? We use Discover Car Hire for comparing car prices to find the best deal. They search both local & international rental companies.

Bob Blodgett Nome-Teller Memorial Highway

Due to the remoteness of the Last Frontier, most of the more popular Alaska road trips happen in the eastern region of the state, around the major cities and attractions.

If you’re feeling adventurous, think about tackling the 73-mile stretch of pavement running between Nome, on the southwest end of the state, up to Teller, situated on Grantley Harbor and the closest you’ll get to Russia on any of these Alaska road trips.

The sights of Alaska do not disappoint, and this mini road trip is no exception. At the start of your journey, take a detour up Anvil Mountain for a view worthy of a photo-op, and while you’re there, check out some Cold War communications remnants, dubbed by some as “Nomehenge.”

Further on, you can take in more off the beaten path sites, like an abandoned reindeer corral. But don’t be discouraged by these ruins, as you’re likely to spot actual reindeer too! Stop by Penny River Bridge to view some more unique local wildlife, like coho salmon and arctic tern. The road to Teller is full of surprises!

A several hour round-trip excursion, by the time you arrive back in Nome, check-in at the quaint Dredge No. 7 Inn , located just off the highway. Grab a bite at Husky Restaurant , and sit back, relax, and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Like most Alaska road trips, this one is stunning 365 days a year and like most Alaska road trips, some attractions, such as the road to Anvil Mountain, aren’t maintained in the winter months.

Keep this in mind no matter what time of year you decide to venture out. With proper preparation, you’re sure to love cruising through the Last Frontier.

Alaska Road Trip Drive Timetables

North of anchorage: talkeetna, denali, fairbanks.

• Anchorage to Talkeetna: 115 Miles 2.5 Hours
• Anchorage to Fairbanks: 360 Miles 7-8 Hours
• Anchorage to Denali: 265 Miles 4-5 Hours
• Fairbanks to Denali: 120 Miles 2-3 Hours
• Denali to Talkeetna: 150 Miles 2-3 Hours
• Anchorage to Palmer: 43 Miles 1 Hour

South of Anchorage: Portage, Seward, Cooper Landing, Homer

• Anchorage to Seward: 128 Miles 2.5-3 Hours
• Anchorage to Kenai: 158 Miles 3 Hours
• Anchorage to Homer: 221 Miles 5-6 Hours
• Anchorage to Cooper Landing: 100 Miles 2.5 Hours
• Anchorage to Girdwood: 40 Miles 1 Hour
• Seward To Homer: 170 Miles 4-5 Hours
• Denali to Seward: 375 Miles 7-8 Hours

East of Anchorage: Glenallen, Copper Center, Chitina, McCarthy, Valdez

• Anchorage to Glennallen: 180 Miles 4.5 Hours
• Anchorage to Whittier: 90 Miles 1.5 Hours
• Anchorage to Haines Junction: 608 Miles 12.5 Hours
• Anchorage to Whitehorse: 704 Miles 14.5 Hours
• Glennallen to Valdez: 120 Miles 2 Hours
• Fairbanks to Valdez: 365 Miles 8 Hours
• Fairbanks to Haines Junction: 495 Miles 9-11 Hours
• Fairbanks to Whitehorse: 588 Miles 12 Hours
• Glennallen to Chitina: 64 Miles 1.5 Hours
• Chitina to McCarthy: 60 Miles 3.5 Hours

If you are road tripping in Alaska or renting a car you must have:   The Mile Post

Alaska Railroad vs Car Rental

Cons of Driving

• You really don’t get to enjoy the scenery since you are paying attention to the road.
• Driving does not give you access to untouched valleys the railroad travels through, the Placer River Valley and along the Susitna drainage.
• Driving does require some planning since there are a few services available in certain areas.
• It requires stopping for restrooms breaks and to stretch after sitting for long periods of time.

Pros of Driving

• It gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace.
• Having your own space allows you to bring more.
• It’s quicker than taking the railroad.
• The vehicle provides shelter, so you don’t have to rely on finding accommodation.

Cons of the Railroad

• Taking the railroad in Alaska takes more time than driving.
• The Railroad is more expensive, particularly for large groups.
• There’s a set travel schedule.
• Trains may run late on rare occasions, due to wildlife on tracks or a scheduling problem.
• They require secondary transportation once you arrive at your destination. (Courtesy shuttle, taxi, or walking)

Pros of the Railroad

• Let someone else do the driving, while you just sit and enjoy the views and maybe a glimpse of some wildlife.
• You can get up and stretch your legs without having to stop.
• Don’t need to plan a bathroom or lunch break, everything is already on board.

More on Alaska:

• 21 Alluring Things to do in Alaska
• 15 Cannot Miss Things to do in Anchorage
• Ultimate Guide of Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska
• 13 Epic Things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska (Besides Northern Lights)
• Ultimate Guide to Visiting Chena Hot Springs
• Alaska National Parks-The Fabulous 8
•   Is Spring the Best Time to Cruise Alaska?
• Denali State Park Heli-Hiking Adventure in Remote Alaska
• Ultimate Alaska Packing List
• Visit the Mendenhall Ice Caves Before They Melt – Juneau, Alaska

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Travel planning resources, about lina stock.

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

1 thought on “5 Best Alaska Road Trip Routes (Ultimate Planning Guide!)”

We just got back from our first trip to Alaska. I really enjoyed seeing your pics!!

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The Ultimate Alaska Road Trip Itinerary

What you need to know for your alaska road trip.

This guide has everything you need to know in order to enjoy your Alaska road trip!

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Map of Alaska

How to get to Alaska

The following are answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding how to get to Alaska, from flying and driving to the best time to visit! 

Flying into Alaska

No matter where you reside on the globe, a plane can likely take you there. In fact, several major airlines fly into Alaska, particularly to Anchorage, AK. With that said, if you’re hoping for a direct flight, you may have to travel first to a major city like Chicago, Denver, LA, or Seattle to name a few. 

Nevertheless, flying to Alaska isn’t only possible, it’s typically the most common way to get to Alaska…

Driving to Alaska

Not only is Alaska accessible by air but it’s also accessible by road if you reside in the Lower 48! While it’s most common to travel north to Canada, particularly to British Columbia, driving to Alaska is also a possibility from the United States.

With that said, you’re going to need your own personal mode of transportation to get there, for there’s no public transit or private shuttle service that does.

The best time to visit Alaska

With a uniquely rigid climate, you might be wondering when the best time to visit Alaska is. Well, much like any other desirable destination, the spring and summer months are among the best times to visit. 

Though it’s still not going to offer tropical weather like other temperate climates often visited, Alaska still provides its guests with a beautifully enjoyable season packed with comfortable weather and an abundance of wildlife. 

As for the winter months, you still can’t go wrong! After all, it is Alaska…

Renting a car for your Alaska Road Trip

Upon arrival, it’s likely going to be priority number one to figure out transportation and how you’re going to get around this wonderfully unique destination. As you can likely guess, renting a car might just be your best bet. Not only will it provide you with the freedom and convenience to go as you please but it’s also likely the most suitable option, for Alaska does lack accessible public transit.

I recommend rentalcars.com as your best option for finding cars within your budget. It will give you a list of options from a number of providers that you can choose from. 

Depending on where you’re staying in Alaska, prices will vary. Notably, in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, you’re likely to pay anywhere from $80-100 per day. A small fee for such an incredible tool that will allow you to make the most out of your trip!

Where to stay on your Alaska road trip

With resorts, lodges, Airbnbs, hotels, and motels, the options are truly endless as to where you can stay during your Alaska road trip. In short, it’s up to you where you want to stay, as it depends largely on your preferences, availability, and budget. Heck, if you want, you can even sleep in your car or pitch a tent; though the latter might not be the safest of accommodations.

On the contrary, there are some incredible national parks in Alaska, as well as campgrounds where you can reside for the night, whether that means pitching a tent or renting an RV. Some may even offer rental cabins.

In closing, it’s impossible to recommend specific accommodations for it depends greatly on where in Alaska you’re traveling through at the time of your Alaska road trip, whether Anchorage, St. Elias, Delta Junction, or otherwise. 

The ultimate Alaska road trip itinerary

Here’s everything you need to know about heading out on your Alaska road trip!

Day 1–Anchorage

Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city, boasting over 40% of the entire population of the state of Alaska and is among the most popular Alaskan destinations to visit. Known primarily for its rich and authentic culture, Anchorage also happens to be a gateway to nearby wilderness regions. 

If you’re planning on travelling to Alaska, whether for an Alaska road trip or otherwise, the chances of Anchorage earning a spot on your itinerary are high. With that said, below are several Anchorage-related bits of information you’ll want to know if it’s a destination you plan on visiting…

Let’s get right into it, shall we?! 

Where to Stay in Anchorage

As Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage is equipped with a variety of accommodation options to choose from, whether a lakefront cottage, camping near Anchorage , a chain hotel, budget motel, or culturally-rich Airbnb. Whatever you choose, you’ll surely not be disappointed. Below are three great options, to begin with!

The Lakefront Anchorage

4800 Spenard Rd

+1 907-243-2300

This lodge-style Alaskan hotel is a great place to hunker down after a long day of adventures, boasting comfortable amenities and spectacular views, all in an ideal location centrally next to Lake Hood and more! 

As the only hotel in Anchorage that is located on a lake, it also stands apart from the rest due to its uniqueness. So, if you’re looking for a wilderness lodge that’s located in the heart of the largest city in Alaska, you’ve found it in The Lakefront Anchorage.

Hilton Anchorage

500 W 3rd Ave

+1 907-272-7411

If instead, you’re looking for a chain hotel that has a reliable reputation, then opting for the Hilton Anchorage might just be the best bet. Located just minutes from Alaska’s international airport, it’s ideal for those traveling in from abroad. Not to mention, it’s just a short drive from many popular attractions. 

With convenience and comfort in mind, you truly can’t go wrong with staying at the Hilton in Anchorage, AK! What are you waiting for?!

Holiday Inn Express Anchorage

4411 Spenard Rd

+1 907-248-8848

If you’re unfamiliar with the Holiday Inn, you may just be living under a rock! Jokes aside, the Holiday Inn is one of the most familiar hotel/motel chains internationally, known for its affordability, comfort, and convenience. Similar to that of the Hilton but on a more budget-friendly scale, you truly can’t go wrong. 

Where to eat in Anchorage

Not only is Anchorage equipped with a variety of accommodation options but it also has some pretty incredible dining options! Whether it’s seafood or BBQ that you’re in the mood for or you’re just looking for a café to stop into for a coffee and a biscuit, there are a variety of Anchorage restaurants that have you covered. Below are three great options, to begin with! 

Lei’s Poke Stop

1142 N Muldoon Rd Suite #115

+1 907-677-7653

Look, Alaska can be a fairly cold and frigid state, even during the spring and summer months. What’s wrong, then, with craving a taste of the tropics?! Well, that’s exactly what Lei’s Poke Stop offers; a little taste of Hawaii in the heart of Alaska! 

Serving its frequented guests with fresh poke, Hawaiian shaved ice, popcorn, and other tasty treats, Lei’s Poke Stop is exactly that; a stop along the journey that is your great Alaska road trip! 

Crush Bistro

+1 907-865-9198

Crush Bistro is an inspirational destination for many reasons, however, largely because of its extensive international wine list, stored and served from its very own cellar! Whether by the glass or by the bottle, it’s here where you’ll be able to unwind and raise a toast to the adventures you’ve had and to the memories you’ve made.

Ideal for a night out with your partner and/or those you’re traveling with, be prepared to be amazed and satisfied. Crush Bistro is more than worthy of being paid a visit! 

White Spot Café

109 W 4th Ave

+1 907-279-3954

Last but not least, this list wouldn’t be complete without a go-to café to visit in the morning so as to fuel your day’s adventures! White Spot Café is a classic American Diner located in the heart of Anchorage, AK, serving its guests’ standard hot coffees, and baked goods, as well as their unique specials.

What are their unique specials you ask? Reindeer sausage and fried halibut just to name a couple! 

Day 2–Denali National Park

Drive time: 4 hours and 2 minutes

Upon your first day in Alaska being complete, it’s time to continue the great Alaska road trip and proceed to drive to Denali National Park. With a total of of drive time, you might want to pack some road snacks and get comfortable!

Where to stay in Denali National Park

From Airbnb’s and Hotels to log cabins and campsites where you can pitch a tent, Denali National Park has a variety of lodging accommodations to choose from depending on your preferences and budget! Considering you’re in a national park, you might want to try and find Denali National Park hotels that provide access to the natural beauty of Alaska itself. 

Below are three great options, to begin with…

Denali Park Village

Mile, 231 Parks Hwy

+1 800-276-7234

A home away from homes, Denali Park Village is an incredible lodging opportunity located in the National Park itself. Providing wildlife sightings, untamed landscapes, and indescribable views, Denali Park Village, it’s the most authentic Alaskan experience that you can have.

Relaxing and rejuvenating, this lodge is ideal for those who plan on hiking, whitewater rafting, and exploring during the day, in need of a place to rest their head comfortably at night. If you haven’t checked them out yet, do so! 

Denali Bluffs Hotel

238 Parks Hwy

+1 866-683-8500

For the utmost Alaskan hospitality, stay at Denali Bluffs Hotel where views of Sugarloaf Mountain await. Just minutes from Denali National Park, it also happens to be an idyllic and highly competitive location for hotels. 

While the area is nearby the most bustling areas of the park, it happens to be quite a quiet stay. So, if you’re in need of a comfortable and relaxing place to rest your head, there are few better than that of Denali Bluff Hotel! 

Tonglen Lake Lodge

Mile 230 Parks Hwy

+1 907-683-2570

To experience Denali in solitude, be sure to stay at Tonglen Lake Lodge. Featuring 11 secluded cabins, it’s the epitome of a ‘cabin-in-the-woods’ Alaskan getaway. Even more is the fact that it sits on a five-acre private escape, away from the noise, and away from crowds.

If tranquility and privacy are what you’re looking for, you’ve just found it in Tonglen Lake Lodge! 

Where to eat in Denali National Park

As the third largest national park in Alaska, Denali National Park boasts several attractions, from hiking trails and wildlife sightings to world-class bars and Denali restaurants . Whether you’re looking for a place to recharge or simply a place to get your day started, Denali and the areas surrounding have you covered. Below are three great places to eat to get you started! 

229 Parks and Restaurant and Tavern

229.7 Parks Hwy

+1 907-683-2567

Proud to be committed to locally grown, freshly harvested ingredients, and more importantly, sustainable cuisine, 229 Parks Restaurant and Tavern is one of fine dining and delicious eats that’s satisfactory for both you and the environment! 

With an ever-changing menu, you never know what you’re going to get here, however, one thing’s for sure; it’s going to be amazing! Not to mention, the atmosphere and architecture that accompanies it is quite magnificent as well… 

49th State Brewing Company

248 Parks Hwy 5 mile

+1 907-277-7727

Proud to be serving a plethora of world-class beers brewed right in Alaska, 49th State Brewing Company is the place to go for cold pints and good laughs with friends. Of course, no beer is enjoyed more than with delicious food. Luckily, 49th State Brewing Company also provides delicious bar bites!

This luxury brewery is held to a different standard than most. As one of the award-winning breweries in Alaska , you’re certainly in for a treat if you so choose to wisely visit this place whilst in the area. Bottoms up! 

The Black Bear

+1 907-683-1656

Self-proclaimed to be the living room of Denali, The Black Bear is both homie, welcoming, and desirable to say the least. Withstanding their incredibly delicious menu that competes with your grandma’s home-cooked meals, The Black Bear also boasts incredible Alaskan views of the mountainside. 

If you’re smart enough to indulge here once whilst in the area, be sure to indulge properly and opt not only for a meal but for a dessert as well! Their buttermilk biscuits are one-of-a-kind, to say the least. 

Day 3–Denali National Park

Notably, one day isn’t enough to spend in Denali National Park, not only because of its sheer size but because it the abundance of activities and opportunities to take advantage of! Encompassing a total of 6 million acres, the wildlife and natural landscapes alone are something to bestow.

With that said, in order to truly experience Alaska in all of its glory, spending a couple of extra days in Denali National Park is a must. From endless hiking trails and campsites to wildlife tours and beyond, it’s up to you how you want to spend your days. This is the best day for exploring some of the best hikes in Denali National Park , but save your strength for another one tomorrow if you’re not planning on a wildlife tour!

What can you expect from the wildlife tour, you ask? Well, as a park rich in wildlife, you can expect to see the likes of grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou, and even wild sheep! Regarding landscapes, you’ll see everything from boreal forests to glaciers and mountain peaks. 

Day 4–Denali National Park

Day three and day four in Denali National Park can be spent interchangeably. In other words, whether you want to hike on day 3 and take a wildlife tour on day four or vice versa, the choice is ultimately yours. With that said, you can also look into an ATV tour that allows you to explore a totally different area of the park and gives you a chance to get that adrenaline pumping.

Though sizeable in acreage, there are only about 35 miles of total hiking trails that can be traversed. While you can certainly go off the beaten path, it’s not necessarily recommended due, in part, to the abundance of wildlife surrounding. 

As for the best months of hiking in Denali National Park, you can expect June to September to bring the most opportune hiking experiences.

If you have the budget, you might want to consider taking a flightseeing tour over the park. While it can be costly, there’s no better way to experience the scale of the mountain and the park from up above–it’s one of my most recommended activities!

Day 5–Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Drive time: 6 hours and 1 minute

On day five of this Alaska road trip from Anchorage, we drive to Wrangell St. Elias National Park. Be warned that the Old Denali Highway is a little rough, so you’re going to want a vehicle with four-wheel drive. A vast national park in its own right, St. Elias is a rich preserved land boasting 13.2 million acres of the natural Alaskan landscape. 

Where to stay in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Similar to most destinations along this Alaskan road trip, there are many accommodation options in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, from rustic resorts and bed & breakfasts to hotels, motels, lodges, and campgrounds…

Glennallen Rustic Resort

Glenn Hwy Mile 187.5

+1 907-259-2002

Located in the downtown area sits this quiet bed & breakfast resort known as Glennallen Rustic Resort. As a large log home offering guests both privacy and service, and sitting on 3.5 acres of land, it’s the ideal home base to explore St. Elias and surrounding areas such as the Copper River Basin. 

Comprising 5 queen beds, an open kitchen and floor plan, and an accompanying bike path on the aforementioned 3.5 acres of land, what are you waiting for?! 

Antler’s Rest Bed and Breakfast

+1 907-822-4007

Yet another bed and breakfast option on the list, Antler’s Rest Bed & Breakfast is a comfortable lodging experience. Aside from its comfort and coziness, Antler’s Rest is also ideally located around restaurants, shops, and other popular tourist attractions, not to mention the fact that it offers fishing and hunting trips! 

Providing every guest that walks through its doors with a welcoming, homelike feel, it’s the perfect place to unwind and rest your head for the night, allowing you to awake energized to tackle yet another day along your Alaska road trip. 

Where to eat near Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Whether you’re looking to stop into a coffee shop in the morning and grab a tasty dinner in the evening, below are a couple of great options to check out in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park! 

Ernesto’s Mobile Grill

+1 907-822-4500

Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Ernesto’s Mobile Grill focuses on Mexican cuisine. Cooked onsite with passion, Ernesto’s has become known for not only how delicious the food is but how authentic of a community it has built right here in Alaska. 

Though it might not be like most restaurants boasting incredible interior décor and seating, Ernesto’s is an ideal grab-and-go food joint for those in a rush or too hungry to wait for a fine dining plate! 

Caribou Café

187 Glenn Hwy

+1 907-822-4222

Perched right next to Caribou Grill, a popular Alaskan restaurant, sits this quant coffee shop serving American-style breakfast plates and of course, the freshest of coffee. Whether you’re in the mood for a slow morning or you’re in a rush to get the day started, Caribou Café is a great and convenient option! 

Day 6–Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

While day five will largely become a travel day, day six is where you’ll have the opportunity to explore Wrangell St. Elias National Park in all of its entirety. If you thought Denali National Park was huge, wait until you see Wrangell-St. Elias National Park! 

Notably, as you do in most national parks, you’ll likely decide to partake in the exploration of its many trail networks or take a wildlife tour to learn of what inhabitants its landscape. 

Heck, if you’re lucky enough to have the financial ability to do such a thing, you might even decide to take a guided plane tour above the park itself. To say this is a magical experience is an understatement and I highly recommend checking out Copper Valley Air Service as your go-to flightseeing company!

Day 7–Valdez

Drive time: 2 hours and 11 minutes

You’ll have a bit of a drive from Wrangell-St. Elias National Park to the city of Valdez, you might want to hit the road early so you can enjoy the majority of your day exploring the things to do in Valdez ! Whilst visiting here and surrounding areas, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore Keystone Canyon, Hatchery, and of course, downtown Valdez… 

It’s in these surrounding areas where you’ll get to ingest and indulge in magnificent geology and natural landscapes such as waterfalls and glacial hills. Further, you’ll be able to visit nice restaurants and shopping centers. And of course, a road trip to Valdez isn’t a road trip to Valdez if you don’t visit the fish hatchery; it’s a part of Alaskan heritage!

Where to stay in Valdez

Whether you’re hoping to stay in the heart of the city of Valdez or you’re okay with residing on the outskirts or surrounding areas like Keystone Canyon or otherwise, there are plenty of options regarding where to stay in and around the city of Valdez. 

Keystone Hotel

400 Egan Ave

+1 907-835-3851

Located in the heart of the city of Valdez sits Keystone Hotel, a 3.5-star hotel just minutes from the Alaska Marine Ferry. Like most 3.5-star hotels, you’re not to expect the most luxurious of accommodations, though evidently clean and cozy.

What’s the real draw of this hotel is the sheer views from your hotel window. While not even pictures will do it justice, imagine white snow-capped glacial hills and potential wildlife sightings as only imagined in postcards! 

Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn

100 N Harbor Dr.

+1 907-835-3434

Best Western is a reliable, comfortable, and affordable chain hotel littered across the United States and beyond. Regardless, Best Western Valdez is located on the beautiful waterfront of Valdez Harbor; you can only imagine the natural beauty of the views…

Offering a wide range of accommodations and amenities, it’s both a safe and satisfactory option for any traveler… 

Where to eat in Valdez

We all know how important staying fueled up and energized is when embarking on a sizeable road trip. That’s why it’s key to know the best food joints and cafes in each city you plan on visiting. If you’re wondering which are the best Valdez, Alaska restaurants , this section is for you! 

 239 N Harbor Dr.

+1 907-461-0336

If you’re visiting in the summer months, Nat Shack is an ideal destination to hunker down and have a feed in the great outdoors. As an outdoor eatery, Nat Shack brings with it spectacular views of the Alaskan landscape, in partnership, of course, with delicious food! 

What can you expect? Mouthwatering tacos is about all that needs to be said about that! Jokes aside, its menu takes a Cal-Mex artisan approach to every meal it serves. Open from Monday-Sunday, it’s as worthy a restaurant as any! 

The Fat Mermaid

143 N Harbor Dr.

+1 907-835-3000

This laid-back hangout located in the heart of Valdez offers delicious pub grub for those ready to indulge. From pizza and fried seafood to refreshing pints of beer, the Fat Mermaid boasts a sizeable food and beverage menu that all can enjoy.

Similar to Nat Shack, the Fat Mermaid provides an outdoor Alaskan atmosphere accompanied by incredible views and funky energy that’ll surely get your energy spiked! 

Day 8–Valdez

If one day wasn’t enough in the beautiful city of Valdez, in this Alaska road trip itinerary we’ve made room for another! While the first day in Valdez was partially taken up with traveling to get there, day eight is all about action and adventure! 

What do we mean by that? Well, while it’s ultimately your decision as to how you want to spend the day, spending it on the Alaskan waters is a worthy consideration. Whether it’s kayaking on a group tour or whale watching on a chartered boat, the options are endless and the opportunities are abundant.

We personally loved hopping in a kayak in order to explore Valdez Glacier, though you can check out a few of the other glaciers nearby on other tours. Some of those include the Stan Stephens Glacier or the Columbia Glacier.

Day 9–Seward

Drive time: 7 hours and 28 minutes

Day nine will largely be taken up by travel due to the simple fact that the drive from Valdez to Seward is super long; Even if you leave early, you’ll still only arrive mid-afternoon which would otherwise be the time spent exploring the city. 

With that said, the drive is more than worth it as you’ll soon come to learn. As a port city, Seward offers breathtaking landscapes shaped by glaciers and mountainous views on both sides of the ocean. 

For the most adventurous of the group, Seward is likely to become one of, if not the most enjoyable destination along your Alaska road trip. 

Where to stay in Seward

No matter where you stay in Seward, it’s inevitable that you’ll be accompanied by impeccable views. With too many awesome destinations to choose from, we’ve narrowed the choices down to two great hotel options. With that said, there’s much more where that came from! 

Van Gilder Hotel

308 Adams St

+1 907-224-5518

Located within a landmark hotel built in 1916, the Van Gilder Hotel is an often sought-after residence, not only for its historical context but for its convenient location, perched just minutes from the Alaska SeaLife Center and just a quick mile from the harbor! 

Withstanding its history and location, the Van Gilder Hotel is one of comfort and service. While it might not be the most luxurious of accommodations, and though it might appear to be somewhat outdated in its design and amenities, you can rest assured that you’re staying in a quality hotel, centrally located, with great service, and amongst the most spectacular views that Seward has to offer. 

Harbor 360 Hotel

1412 4th Ave

+1 907-224-2550

Sticking with the theme of spectacular views, the Harbor 360 Hotel, so rightfully named, boasts an incredible panoramic waterfront view of the harbor, perched, of course, amongst the emphatic Alaskan mountains. 

Comfortable and convenient, the Harbor 360 Hotel is yet another safe and reliable accommodation option. Oh, and not to forget, they offer some incredible wildlife cruise packages! Take advantage of them at your own discretion! 

Where to eat in Seward

No travel day is complete without a filling and satisfactory feed. Luckily, in Seward, you’ll have no issues finding your way around some incredibly delicious Seward restaurants and eateries. Below are three of the many incredible options that you can choose from! 

Chinook’s Bar and Grill

1404 4th Ave

+1 907-224-2207

If you’re looking for a local institution that serves up the freshest of food and the coldest of pints, you’ve just found it in Chinook’s Bar & Grill. Priding itself in providing an industrial brewery experience, Chinook’s has made its name in Alaskan hospitality. 

From BBQ and grilled seafood to locally brewed beers, it’s an ideal destination for a delicious fuel up along your Alaskan road trip. Check them out or miss out at your discretion. 

Alaska Seafood Grill

1321 4th Ave

+1 907-422-0458

An Alaskan road trip wouldn’t be complete without indulging in authentic Alaskan seafood. With that said, not just any Alaskan seafood will suffice. Instead, it’s important that you scope out only the highest quality, most fresh seafood around.

Luckily, that’s exactly what you get at Alaska Seafood Grill. As a fast-casual restaurant, it’s exactly what you need when you’re on the go but still have time to stop in for a feed of fish and chips. Located across from the Seward harbor, be sure to check them out whilst in the area! 

The Cookery

209 5th Ave

+1 907-422-7459

Serving up fresh local Alaskan produce and seafood, this seaside restaurant is everything you’re looking for and more in an authentic Alaska restaurant. From fresh oysters and grilled halibut to seasoned salmon and mussels, The Cookery is where it’s at! 

Open from 5-10 pm on Tuesdays through Sundays, be sure to carve out some time on your busy calendar to stop in and enjoy! 

Day 10–Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park

On day 10 of this Alaska road trip, we say farewell to the port city of Seward and say hello to Kenai Fjords National Park! Prepare yourself, for these last couple of days are about to be jam-packed with adventures, explorations, and excursions as some of the best things to do in Seward, Alaska ! 

Today, we begin with a cruise through Resurrection Bay where you’ll explore the abundant waters, stopping along the way at a remote island where you’ll enjoy gourmet cuisine authentic to Alaska itself. 

To complete the day if that wasn’t enough, you’ll explore the SeaLife Center where you’ll see and learn about the abundant marine mammal wildlife and how they’re being cared for and rehabilitated at this very center. 

Day 11–Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park

On the second-to-last day of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, you’ll have one more day to ingest all that you can about Kenai Fjords National Park. While yesterday was all about marine wildlife and guided tours, today is all about self-exploration and Seward, Alaska hikes ! 

To begin, you’ll hike through the Exit Glacier where you’ll find yourself amongst the most emphatic natural landscapes that you’ve likely come across in all of your Alaskan adventures.

After that, you’ll take one final guided tour in a helicopter; yes, you read that correctly! If the views from the sky aren’t your thing, however, feel free to instead hop in a guided kayak tour where you can once again get well-acquainted with the marine mammal wildlife. 

Finally, it’s off to bed before waking to return to where it all started! Reminder that you can also do this itinerary in reverse and go from Anchorage to Seward and on from there. 

Day 12–Anchorage

Drive time: 2 hours and 24 minutes

To finish off this incredible Alaska road trip, we return to the city where it all began; the largest city and the hub of Alaska, Anchorage! However, you can extend that time if you want to stop in Girdwood for a short but necessary pitstop. 

Noted as one of the ten most beautiful towns in Alaska, there’s no better way to end your Alaska road trip than to take in all that is Girdwood. One thing I also loved about it is that Girdwood is wheelchair accessible compared to other areas of Alaska. Grab a pint, sit at a restaurant, or simply stroll the streets before hopping back in your vehicle to hit the road towards the final destination of Anchorage. 

Do you have any questions about your Alaska road trip? Let me know in the comments! 

Like this post? Save it for later!

Want more information on Alaska? Check out these articles:

• 20 Fantastic Things to Do in Seward, Alaska You Can’t Miss
• 20 Amazing Seward Restaurants You Need to Try on Your Trip
• 20 Incredible Spots for Hiking in Alaska You Want to Check Out

17 Great Juneau Hotels Perfect for Your Alaska Trip

Alex is the founder of Alex on the Map, a site devoted to national park guides, hiking, climbing, and enjoying your outdoor adventures. After growing up near Glacier National Park in Montana, Alex now spends summers in the American West hitting up the trail with her husband and dog.

Her work has been featured in Fodor's, the Huffington Post, Bustle, and many more. She has also been featured in publications such as The Washington Post, CNN, and USA Today.

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The perfect 8-day Alaska road trip

Nov 15, 2022 • 13 min read

Watch of wildlife among the cliffs of Kenai Fjords National Park © Nathaniel Wilder/Lonely Planet

Along with its spectacular wildlife, gorgeous fjords and glaciers,  Alaska is also a great place to learn about Native Alaskan culture and is an example of Indigenous groups managing authentic tourism experiences that also embrace sustainability.

Alaska Native Richard Perry maps out an eight-day road trip that will help you see the vastness of Alaska while connecting with its wilderness and people.

I am Yup’ik and Gwich’in Athabascan (commonly called Alaska Native). An artist, writer and regularly published journalist, I have lived in Anchorage, Alaska for over 18 years, having moved here in 2004 to care for my family. During my time in Alaska, I have found far more than I ever expected, learning about my Alaska Native family and cultures through my work with Alaska Native communities. Essentially, I reclaimed a greater sense of my identity. As you follow this itinerary, I hope you enjoy a new perspective on the mountaintops, glaciers, wildlife and genuine vastness here.

Why you should get to Alaska this year

From the near-mystical experience of the Northern Lights to incredible glaciers, wilderness and wildlife, mountains and valleys, you will discover that Alaska is a distinct, vast and beautiful place. The largest of the USA ’s 50 states, Alaska has five different climate regions; often, distances between destinations are discussed in hours rather than miles. Traveling in Alaska is challenging compared to other states, with more than 80 percent of rural communities off the road system and only accessible by small aircraft or bush planes. 

Successful in business and vital to the Alaskan economy, the Indigenous population is as diverse and unique as the state. Alaska Native people comprise some 23 languages with six distinctive groups: the Iñupiaq, Yup’ik, Aleut (or Unangan), Eyak, Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian and Athabascan cultures. 

Explore – and stock up in – Anchorage

Upon arrival in the Last Frontier, check in to Anchorage ’s luxurious Hotel Captain Cook . (Keep in mind that elsewhere in Alaska, “luxury” usually means proximity to nature rather than five-star amenities.) If you’ve arrived hungry, head to downtown Anchorage and to one of my favorite spots: Humpy’s , where the prices are relatively moderate and the eggs Benedict with salmon crumbles and fresh halibut are delicious. Note that the dress code most everywhere in Alaska is weather-dependent, with Carhartt wear always appropriate. I’ve never eaten anywhere with a dress jacket requirement or similar (though carrying a light winter coat is always a good idea).

Another great place to eat for lunch or dinner is Club Paris , a steakhouse that’s been around since the 1950s. The fried Alaskan halibut fingers make for a delicious appetizer, while you can’t go wrong with any cut on the menu (though, as the menu warns, the house cannot guarantee the quality and tenderness of steaks ordered well done).

If you start your day early, consider a mini outdoor adventure – perhaps a quick day hike up Flattop Mountain, generally considered the most climbed mountain in Alaska. While the trail to the summit is challenging, several loop trails below are perfect for beginners or those with physical limitations. In fact, many sightseeing tours stop here for views of the city and mountains.

Next, visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center , where you can learn about Alaska Native cultures and lifeways through programs led by Alaska Native people, often youth. An Indigenous guide can lead you through Impressive life-size village sites, while a permanent collection includes regalia and other exciting artifacts.

We’ll be on the road this week, so there are a few things you should do today to get ready. First, since there are several long stretches of road with no gas stations, make it a habit to fill up your tank whenever you can. You might stock up on bear spray, a smart idea for any hiking trail, or whenever you’re outside of a vehicle or a building. 

Since several areas in your travels will have no cell service at all, we suggest printing out maps and directions rather than relying on GPS. You can also ask directions from a local. That could be fun. 

Stock up on beverages and snacks in Anchorage – which will have higher prices than you’re used to in the Lower 48. Another smart buy: inexpensive blankets, which are bulky to pack for plane travel but quite useful on a windy beach or lookout spot. With the weather always changing, dress in layers to adjust to the temperature differences and varied activities throughout each day.

On to Girdwood

It’s time to take to the Seward Highway, one of the most beautiful routes in Alaska, for the 45-minute drive to Girdwood. The road meanders along the shoreline of Turnagain Arm (a waterway into the Gulf of Alaska), with the 3000ft (915m) peaks of Chugach State Park rising on your left. Dall sheep precariously roam the steep ledges, and you may even catch sight of a bear. 

When you get to Girdwood, check into Alyeska Resort (from $300 per night), a resort set in a valley surrounded by mountain peaks, glaciers and wilderness.

Since I bet you like novel experiences as much as I do, check out gold panning at the Crow Creek Mine . Surrounded by historic buildings, rustic mining equipment and superb mountain views, you can pan in the creek area for gold. Whatever you find, you get to keep. 

Trails near Girdwood offer moderate to challenging hikes – though the Winner Creek trail is on the easier side. Along its mile-and-a-half length, you’ll cross bridges over rushing rivers, before a moderate climb to the top of the gorge, which has impressive views of the upper valley. If you’re not up for this effort, hop on the Alyeska Resort Aerial Tram ($35) and enjoy the mountain views as you quickly ascend.

Aleyska’s Double Musky Inn restaurant (no reservations; expect a wait on weekends) serves up – surprisingly – delicious New Orleans–inspired fare. The feel is “Cajun in a log cabin,” with a rustic dining room bursting with beads, mirrors and other Mardi Gras paraphernalia. Entrees range from French pepper steak to a prime filet with béarnaise sauce. Save room for dessert: the Musky pie is a rich, creamy chocolate treat made with a pecan-and-cracker crust. 

Cross Moose Pass en route to Seward

Today, we’re driving along the rest of the Turnagain Arm to Seward , via Moose Pass. The 90-mile (145km) drive meanders along the shoreline before entering a mountain valley. The road is well traveled by sleeping vans, trucks with boats in tow and campers; you’ll need patience if you hope to pass. Frequent viewing spots offer the chance for breaks; if you’re lucky, you might spot beluga whales or impressive bore tides.

You’ll also spot curious sights with historical resonance, many from a catastrophic 1964 earthquake that lowered the ground of the surrounding area by as much as 10ft (3m). Keep an eye out for an abandoned gray horse stable and cabin that appears to be sinking into the wetlands. The “ghost forest,” with bare trees killed by the saltwater flooding following the quake, is a melancholy reminder of the catastrophe. 

If you wander from your car, take great care – and be sure to make noise so as to not surprise the bears. Also keep in mind that moose do not like dogs, so keep your pets on a leash at all times.

Once you reach Seward, stay at the Kodiak Cabin for two nights (from $170 per night). From there, I suggest heading out to the Alaska Sealife Center ($30), which combines a public aquarium (all animals native to Alaska) with work in marine research, education and wildlife response. Kids (and kids at heart) will love the touch pool, where you can get hands-on with sea cucumbers, anemones, starfish and other small sea creatures. 

Admire astonishing glaciers and fjords

Seward has a dining scene centered around local seafood. Take a walk around town after your road trip, strolling by the docks and stopping for a bite at Highliner Restaurant or Gold Rush Bistro.

The highlight of today is a four-hour cruise to the Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay ($115). Departing from Seward harbor, you’ll travel a 55-mile route along the scenic coastline, with incredible views of rugged cliffs with seabird rookeries, patches of rocky beaches where sea lion colonies rest and magnificent Bear Glacier. From the deck, keep an eye out for passing whales, Dall sheep, porpoises, sea otters, mountain goats and eagles. Spotting a pod of orcas breaching is one of those lifelong memorable moments. (Keep in mind that rough waters can induce seasickness in many. I recommend taking candied ginger, herbal tea, peppermint candies or over-the-counter anti-nausea pills with you just in case.)

Exit Glacier is accessible by road – and explorable by foot. If you’re up for a hike, you can take to the trails and walk very close to an active glacier, or take a ranger-led walk to see the ice up close. As an alternative (and if you still have time and energy!), check out Lowell Point recreation site and coastal beach walk, an excellent spot for spotting marine mammals and birds. Take a flashlight if you plan to explore the abandoned Fort McGilvray site, as it can get dark quickly.

World-class seafood and campfires in Homer

Our next leg takes us on the three-and-a-half-hour drive from Seward to Homer . Along the way, watch for volcanoes, mountainscapes and bald eagles that frequent this part of the Kenai Peninsula . 

Occupying a building dating to 1937, Old Town Bed & Breakfast is Homer’s most charming accommodation. (Since there are only three rooms, reserving ahead is essential.) On the ground floor is Bunnell Street Gallery , a center with space for art exhibitions, performances and educational programming – and a hub for local creative types. Next, hit the Homer Spit , a small peninsula with rocky beaches and some sandy areas, plus numerous bars and restaurants. If you’d like to go farther afield, you can arrange a halibut-fishing excursion, bear-watching tour or (for a splurge) a helicopter flight above the stunning scenery.

Homer restaurants serve some of the freshest seafood I’ve ever had – visit Captain Pattie’s , a casual fish joint on the Spit, to taste for yourself. Salty Daw Saloon , in a building dating from 1897, is a well-worn Homer institution for tourists and locals alike. (Note that if you’re tall, you may need to duck into the bar.) If you like beer, you should taste what’s newly on tap at Homer Brewing Company.

Note that Homer can be thronged with visitors in the warmer months; set out in the morning to enjoy a bit less bustle. My partner and I enjoyed simply hanging out, building a fire on the beach and cooking some brats and s’mores over the flames (enjoying a few beverages, too). Since the sun shines long up here in the summer, you may find yourself staying out later than you thought. When you return to the B&B, you’ll be tired and smell of the campfire – the sign of a day very well spent.

Home in on more in Homer 

Take your time waking up, then have a leisurely breakfast at Two Sisters Bakery . If you want to stay put, wander back out along the Spit and mingle with local musicians and visitors from all over the world. (You can also simply people-watch.)

Even if you’re not a seasoned fishing person (and I’m not one), there is a perfect spot to give it a go: the Nick Dudiak Fishing Lagoon (better known as simply the Fishing Hole) on the Spit. After you’ve secured a fishing license and the right gear, try your hand at casting for silver (coho) and king (Chinook) salmon from a stocked lagoon.

Fish for salmon, while avoiding bears

It’s on to Kenai as we begin the loop back toward Anchorage. If the weather’s clear on the 90-minute drive, keep an eye out for monumental, majestic Denali , over 150 miles away; local Alaskans often check to see if “the mountain is out.” (Its apt name means “the Great One” in Koyukon Athabascan.) Take a room at Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, which offers lovely amenities and great views. 

As you pass the Kenai and Russian Rivers, the roads narrow, with mountain cliffs on one side and otherworldly, bright-turquoise water on the other. Finely ground sediment from glacier runoff absorbs and disperses sunlight, giving the water this vivid, almost magical appearance. In the summer, the Russian River teems with thousands of sockeye salmon – as well as fishermen attracted by them. 

They’re not the only ones: if the bears are awake, you’ll have a good chance of spotting a few around 200 yards further downstream, as they seek out salmon for themselves. It was along the Russian River that I had my first encounter with a brown bear in the wild: I was walking along its lower banks when I heard a distinctive low grunt. I stopped in my tracks and walked backward (never turn your back or run from a brown bear!), slowly returning to the path.

Once I made it back to my fishing companion, a young brown bear came to the top of the hill where I had been only moments ago, then moved quickly to the bank at the very moment a fellow angler pulled in his catch. The bear grabbed the salmon from the fishing line then retreated over the hill. The people fishing nearby yelled and hollered…to no avail!

The hiking in this area is exceptional (the Russian Lakes trail is a great choice for hikers of all fitness levels). Just remember to not go solo, make plenty of noise as you move forward on the paths and never set out without bear spray. Avoid carrying food and using any fruit-scented personal-care products.

Take a few detours on the way back to Anchorage

Our last leg (three to five hours) takes us back to Anchorage. Perhaps you want to drive straight through and reflect on all you’ve already seen. But if you want to cram in even more, turn off for a detour to Hope, a small community founded in 1889 as a gold-rush town. On the drive in, alongside Resurrection Creek, look up to see groups (or, more poetically, “soars”) of eagles flying, sometimes only a few feet overhead. Not until you get so close will you grasp the immensity of their wingspans.

Near the Portage exit, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center ($19) helps preserve Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education and research; many species of Alaskan wildlife are cared for here. If you’re fortunate, you might find yourself three steps away from the animals – which include grizzly bears. (Don’t worry: there are safety fences.) On one visit, I arrived as the handlers were feeding the bears small fish. I was close enough to smell and hear one breathe, and watched as a huge adult male used his claws like a delicate fork, tearing the flesh of the small fish as skillfully as any chef before gently bringing the meat to his mouth. You might also spot eagles and moose, and watch salmon jump. 

Depending on time, you can also visit Portage Glacier, one of Alaska’s more accessible glaciers and a great spot for exploring and hiking. Or just relaxing: I am always content to sit by the small, glacier-fed lake and watch the light-blue glacier ice float by. (Note that with the wind here, you’ll need those blankets.)

As you approach the city, get one more dose of nature at Potter Marsh bird sanctuary, a protected area with a boardwalk from which you can spot Canada geese, northern pintails, canvasback ducks, red-necked phalaropes, red-necked grebes and the occasional bald eagle. An inspiring place indeed to end an unforgettable journey. 

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Alaska Road Trips: The Ultimate Guide to Driving in Alaska

By Karen Joustra

With over 660,000 square miles of wilderness, driving in Alaska has long been a favorite with visitors to America’s largest state. And with wide open roads, expansive vistas and next-to-no traffic, it is little wonder that the freedom and flexibility of an Alaska road trip appeals to so many.

Alaska’s legendary roads – such as the untamed Dalton Highway that stretches almost to the Beaufort Sea deep in the high Arctic, or the Top of the World Highway that connects Alaska to Canada’s Yukon Territory – evoke images of early pioneers, the Gold Rush era and intrepid travel for all who seek it. So if you're just getting started on planning your Alaska road trip, here's our ultimate guide to driving in Alaska. And for those with a little more time, driving through Canada to Alaska.

How long does it take to drive to Alaska?

With the vast Coast Mountains in Alaska’s panhandle forming an impenetrable barrier to entry further south, most drivers make entry to Alaska via the Alcan border point at Beaver Creek in the Yukon, so the obvious answer to this question is ‘it depends where you start’!

The journey from Vancouver to the border is 1,775 miles or around 32 hours of driving while the drive from Calgary is fractionally shorter at 1,682 miles and around 29 hours. Whichever way you cut it, this is a serious undertaking with around three long days on the road. And it is worth remembering that even once you cross the Alaskan border, it is still another 430 miles or eight hours to Anchorage!

Despite the distances involved, the rewards for those who tackle the drive come in the form of the incredible landscapes of the Yukon. Breathtaking Kluane National Park alone more than makes up for what can be some fairly monotonous roads further south. Or for those with a little longer still, a relatively short detour further north will take you to historic Dawson City which sits on the famous Yukon River and served as the heart of the Klondike Gold Rush.

But if the thought of driving over 2,000 miles doesn’t appeal, it's possible to hire a car in Whitehorse in the Yukon and drive into Alaska from there – a journey of a little over 300 miles. Just be aware that the car will need to be returned to Whitehorse at the end of your trip. With that in mind, it is possible to take a fantastic figure-eight route that starts in Whitehorse, crosses into Alaska at the Alcan border and returns to Whitehorse via the Top of the World Highway and Dawson City. Ideally, a journey like this would take around two weeks.

Where to rent cars in Alaska

Despite its vast size, Alaska really only has two cities - Anchorage towards the south and Fairbanks just north of the center. If you can pick up your car in one and drop it off in the other it is possible to explore Alaska without doubling back on yourself. With an increasing number of flight options to both cities, this is a great way to begin exploring Alaska.

As you might imagine with somewhere as remote as this, the number of cars available to rent is limited and it's a significant logistical challenge to increase that number when demand is high. For that reason, we always recommend booking your car at the same time as the rest of your travel arrangements instead of leaving it to chance when you arrive. We work with a number of providers to ensure we have access to a range of vehicles; not all cars are allowed on all roads, so we always choose vehicles accordingly.

What is driving like in Alaska?

Roads between the main centers are paved and generally well maintained, wide enough to comfortably accommodate the largest of road-going vehicles and well marked with signs to help keep you on track. With few opportunities to turn off, it is hard to go wrong in Alaska – the biggest challenge is not being distracted by the incredible scenery on all sides! And with over 100,000 black bears and 40,000 grizzlies in Alaska the chances of seeing wildlife as you drive is relatively high so keep your eyes peeled.

Once out of the cities you should find that you have the roads pretty much to yourself and other than from the air, these open roads are arguably the best way to truly appreciate just how expansive Alaska really is.

One consideration to keep in mind is the distance between gas stations. We always recommend stopping to top your car up whenever you see one, even if you don’t necessarily need gas immediately. It could be several hours until the next opportunity!

Which are the best roads to drive in Alaska?

While you may have heard of or even aspire to drive some or all of the Dalton highway, a 414-mile stretch of road that begins just north of Fairbanks and ends close to the northern coast, it is a rough gravel road with only three settlements on the entire route, whose combined total permanent population totals no more than 100 people.

One of these towns is the ominously named Deadhorse, which should give you an idea of the type of place this is – one of the most isolated roads in the United States. Traveling in small vehicles comes with significant risk and anyone undertaking a journey on the Dalton should carry survival gear, just in case.

Luckily, there are plenty of roads further south of this that are far more hospitable, far less isolated and more welcoming to Alaska’s visitors. Some of our favorites include:

• The Glenn Highway: Leaving Anchorage, this route takes you east towards the Yukon culminating in breathtaking views of the massive Mount Wrangell that fill the windshield as you approach.
• Richardson Highway: One of two routes leading from Fairbanks to the south, the Richardson intersects the Glenn Highway and takes you all the way to Valdez on the edge of beautiful Prince William Sound, skirting Wrangell St. Elias National Park as you go.

What are the best Alaska road trips?

Our team has driven many of the roads in Alaska and explored all corners of the state so our itineraries are designed from first-hand experience. While it is possible to reach some of these places by train , having a car will allow you to stop at your leisure en route, structure your own day independently and be in some of these places before any crowds arrive. And of course, cars can access some places that trains don't run, with key places such as Wrangell St. Elias, Valdez, much of the Kenai Peninsula and the interior of Alaska and the Yukon border crossings.

Below are some of our most popular Alaska road trips, designed to encompass some of the very best self-drive destinations, must-sees and otherwise inaccessible places. If you don’t see what you’re looking for we can design an itinerary from scratch that will tick every box on your list, so get in touch with our Travel Designers to discuss your ideas.

7 Days: Northern Exposure

This 7-day Alaska road trip showcases the best of South and Central Alaska, beginning in Anchorage and ending in Fairbanks. Spend a full day in Prince William Sound viewing over 26 tidewater glaciers, explore Kenai Fjords with its inhabitants of orca & humpback whales, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, puffins and eagles, and head north to Talkeetna and Denali National Park for a full day backcountry adventure tour.

• DAY 1 Anchorage to Seward | Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise
• DAY 2 Seward | Kenai Fjord Wildlife Cruise
• DAY 3 Seward to Girdwood
• DAY 4 Girdwood to Talkeetna
• DAY 5 Talkeetna to Denali National Park
• DAY 6 Denali National Park Backcountry Tour | Coach | Flightseeing
• DAY 7 Denali National Park to Fairbanks

9 Days: Alaska's Mountains, Glaciers & Wildlife

Explore two of Alaska's most popular National Parks on this leisurely 9-day road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks . This tour is designed for travelers with limited time, but thoughtfully includes a Prince William Sound cruise, Homer on the Kenai Peninsula, Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords. A guided bus tour will take you into Denali National Park, where you can enjoy pristine wilderness and look out for wildlife.

• DAY 3 Seward to Homer
• DAY 4 Homer | Day at Leisure
• DAY 5 Homer to Girdwood
• DAY 6 Girdwood to Talkeetna
• DAY 7 Talkeetna to Denali National Park
• DAY 8 Denali National Park Backcountry Tour | Coach | Flightseeing
• DAY 9 Denali National Park to Fairbanks

10 Days: Alaska Highlights Tour

Visit some of Alaska's most popular places on this 10-day Alaska road trip departing from Anchorage . Packed with true and authentic Alaskan experiences, this self drive will take you off the beaten path and into adventures you can only imagine. Highlights include Talkeetna, Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Prince William Sound, Valdez and Kenai Fjords National Park. Don't forget to pack your camera!

• DAY 1 Anchorage to Seward
• DAY 2 Seward | Kenai Fjord National Park Cruise
• DAY 3 Seward to Talkeetna
• DAY 4 Talkeetna to Denali National Park
• DAY 5 Denali National Park Backcountry Tour | Coach | Flightseeing
• DAY 6 Denali National Park to Fairbanks | Sternwheeler Riverboat Cruise
• DAY 7 Fairbanks to Valdez
• DAY 8 Valdez | Prince William Sound Columbia Glacier Cruise with lunch
• DAY 9 Valdez to Sheep Mountain Lodge
• DAY 10 Sheep Mountain Lodge to Anchorage

12 Days: Alaska National Parks Explorer

This bestselling 12-day Alaska road trip showcases three of Alaska's majestic National Parks. Cruise Kenai Fjords National Park, take a full day trip into Denali National Park with a return scenic flight, witness Wrangell St. Elias National Park and take a glacier cruise into Prince William Sound. Along the way, make sure you keep your eyes open for moose, bears and whales as you adventure!

• DAY 4 Talkeetna to Denali National Park Entrance
• DAY 7 Fairbanks to Chitina | Chitina to McCarthy | Flight
• DAY 8 McCarthy | Kennicott | Root Glacier Hike
• DAY 9 McCarthy to Chitina | Flight | Chitina to Valdez
• DAY 10 Valdez | Prince William Sound Columbia Glacier Cruise with lunch
• DAY 11 Valdez to Sheep Mountain Lodge
• DAY 12 Sheep Mountain Lodge to Anchorage

13 Days: Best of Alaska Road Trip

This 13-day 'best of Alaska' road trip features most of the highlights of the central Alaska region - Kenai Fjords, Denali and Wrangell / St. Elias National Parks. Take a flightseeing tour to Mount Denali, watch out for wildlife in its namesake park, explore Fairbanks and visit McCarthy and the Kennicott Mine. Wrapping up the trip, you'll hike to Exit Glacier and join a spectacular Kenai Fjords glacier cruise.

• DAY 1 Anchorage to Talkeetna
• DAY 2 Talkeetna to Denali National Park
• DAY 3 Denali National Park Backcountry Tour | Coach | Flightseeing
• DAY 4 Denali National Park to Fairbanks | Sternwheeler Riverboat Cruise
• DAY 5 Fairbanks | Day at Leisure
• DAY 6 Fairbanks to Chitina | Chitina to McCarthy | Flight
• DAY 7 McCarthy | Kennicott | Root Glacier Hike
• DAY 8 McCarthy to Sheep Mountain | Flight | Chitina to Valdez
• DAY 9 Sheep Mountain Lodge to Seward
• DAY 10 Seward | Full Day Northwestern Fjord Cruise
• DAY 11 Seward to Homer
• DAY 12 Homer | Day at Leisure
• DAY 13 Homer to Anchorage

To request rates and check for early booking offers, contact our Travel Designers toll free at 1-855-465-1001 or email [email protected] and the team will gladly personalize your dream Alaska road trip.

Still trying to decide on our 40th wedding anniversary vacation in May - July 2024.

Melvin M Kurtz , 08/05/2023

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The Ultimate Alaska Road Trip Itinerary

Updated November 2023,  The Ultimate Alaska Road Trip Itinerary was originally written in January 2020

Alaska’s big and a major bucketlister for many a traveler. For many travelers that aren’t on a high budget, an Alaska road trip is the best way to see the 49th state without forking over your life savings.

People will explore this however they want, some people will buy themselves a campervan, whilst others might prefer to figure out their own way around Alaska. Whatever they decide to though it still makes for a great trip – a trip that plenty of people (people like you) want to take. So read on to learn how to take on an Alaska road trip written by someone born, raised, and still currently living in Alaska.

Please note that I’ve started the road trip from Anchorage as that is the most common starting point. This can also be started from Fairbanks for those flying in there, or Tok for travelers arriving overland from Canada.

You’ll also notice I have broken the Alaska road trip itinerary into 3 one-week legs (4, if you include the Dalton Highway). Each leg can be done in a week, but depending on interests or if you plan to add a hike or a few, they can easily be spread over more time.

Need Travel Insurance and Evacuation Services for Alaska?

Start shopping for travel insurance plans over at  IATI Insurance . Readers of the Adventures of Nicole get a 5% discount off your plan.

The Adventures of Nicole partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading medical evacuation and security advisory services. To travel with peace of mind, shop evacuation coverage at Global Rescue .

Homer to Anchorage

Dalton highway (add on), alaska road trip week one.

Welcome to Alaska! This is the most common jumping-off point for an Alaska road trip as  Anchorage  has the most domestic and international connections.

As Anchorage will be a starting point for many of you reading this post, Anchorage will be where you’ll pick up your rental car and most supplies. Anchorage has numerous grocery, department, and gear stores such as Fred Meyer, REI, Walmart, and more.

Anchorage also is home to some of the best hotels in Alaska and has a small handful of budget accommodations and hostels for those on a tight budget. Check out  this post to see a list of cheap accommodations . Another great option is Airbnb.

You will be in Anchorage a couple more times on your Alaska road trip, so you may choose to explore the city right away or at a later point in your trip.

Check out  2 Days In Anchorage  and  Free Things To Do In Anchorage  for ideas on what to do in the city. Wanna get out of the Anchorage bustle, but not stray too far? Check out the  16 Best Day Hikes Near Anchorage .

Plan your stay in Anchorage with the  Anchorage Travel Guide

Where To Stay In Anchorage

Basecamp Anchorage |  Booking.com  |

Inlet Tower Hotel & Suites |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

The Hotel Captain Cook |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Anchorage to Girdwood

• Distance: 35 Miles
• Time: 40 Minutes
• Places to stop: McHugh Creek, Beluga Point, Bird Creek

Girdwood  is a small town about 40 minutes south of Anchorage along the scenic Turnagain Arm. Home to Alyeska Ski Resort for those visiting in winter/spring months that may want to get in some turns. Girdwood has several good restaurants, plenty of hiking options, and is quite scenic.

Some will make a quick pitstop here while others may want to spend a few days.

Check out Girdwood accommodations  here .

Things To Do In Girdwood

• Ski or snowboard at Alyeska Resort
• Walk to  Virgin Creek Falls
• Hike the Winner Creek Trail
• Go dog sledding
• Take a flightseeing tour
• Take a helicopter to a glacier

Where To Stay In Girdwood

Alyeska Resort |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Alyeska Cabin |  Booking.com  |

Everything you need to know to plan a perfect visit:  The Girdwood Travel Guide

Looking for some awesome things to do in and around? Check out  Virgin Creek Falls  or nearby  Byron Glacier

Girdwood to Whittier

• Distance: 25 Miles
• Places to stop: Portage Ghost Town, Portage Glacier, Byron Glacier, Whittier Tunnel

Whittier & Portage

Not much further south from Girdwood is a tunnel that pierces through the mountains to a little town named Whittier on Prince William Sound. Even to this day it still surprises me every time I cross through the tunnel at how different the landscape is just on the other side.

From Whittier, it’s possible to take day cruises in the sound out to beautiful calving glaciers, go out on a fishing charter, hike, camp, and more. Note that a 2-way ticket for the Whittier tunnel is $22 per car.

Don’t miss Portage & Byron Glaciers that sit very close to the opening of the Anchorage side of the Whittier Tunnel.

There aren’t a lot of accommodation options in Whittier, however, there are campgrounds.

Things To Do In Whittier & Portage

• Take a glacier cruise from Whittier to explore Prince William Sound
• Take a Portage Lake Cruise
• Hike Portage Pass
• Visit Byron Glacier

Looking for more info on Byron Glacier? Learn more to plan your visit  here

Wanna break from driving?  Visit Spencer Glacier On The Whistle Stop Train

Whittier to Seward

• Distance: 110 Miles
• Time: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
• Places to stop: Turnagain Pass, Hope, Kenai Lake, Moose Pass, Primrose/Lost Lake Trailhead, Exit Glacier/Harding Icefield Trailhead

Seward  is the Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park and a port city for southcentral Alaska. The city of Seward isn’t very large, but depending on your interests some may need a few days to tick off all the things on their to-do list.

Shop Seward accommodations  here .

Looking for a stop on the way to Seward? Check out the tiny town of  Hope, Alaska

Things To Do In Seward

• Visit the Sealife Center
• Take a halibut or salmon charter
• Hike along Exit Glacier
• Take a Kenai Fjords National Park glacier cruise (I recommend booking with Major Marine Tours )
• Hike to Harding Ice Field
• Visit the boat harbor
• Trek up Mount Marathon
• Kayak in Resurrection Bay
• Go flightseeing
• Take a whale watching cruise
• Spend a night or two over in nearby Kayaker’s Cove

Where To Stay In Seward

Camping |  Cityofseward.us  |

Nauti Otter Inn & Yurt Village |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Hotel Seward |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Harbor 360 Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |

Seward Windsong Lodge |  Hotels.com  |

Orca Island Cabins |  Expedia.com  | Located on a private island in Humpy Cove, Resurrection Bay

Looking for more ideas? Check out my  Seward Travel Guide  for everything you need to know

Seward to Kenai

• Distance: 105 miles
• Time: 2 hours
• Places to stop: Cooper Landing, Soldotna

There isn’t much in the way of attractions or things to do in Kenai itself unless you’re planning to get in some fishing on your way down to Homer, but Kenai can be a decent place to stop over between Seward and Homer.

Shop Kenai accommodations  here .

Where to Stay In Kenai & Soldotna

Kenai Airport Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

King’s Haven Lodge |  Booking.com  |

Southern Bluff B&B |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Read more details on my  One Week Kenai Peninsula Road Trip itinerary

Kenai to Homer

• Distance: 85 Miles
• Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
• Places to stop: Ninilchik, Anchor Point

Homer is a usual fan favorite of those tourists that road trip around Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula.

Check out Homer accommodations  here .

Things To Do In Homer

• Wander around the beaches, shop,s and campgrounds on the Homer Spit
• Visit the Islands Ocean Visitor Center
• Grab a drink at the Salty Dawg Saloon
• Take a halibut charter
• Go flightseeing and bear viewing over in Lake Clark National Park
• Hike around Kachemak Bay State Park
• Take a water taxi across the Bay to Halibut Cove
• Grab a beer at Homer Brewing Company

Where To Stay In Homer

Camping (tent & RV) |  City of Homer  |

Beluga Lake Lodge | Booking.com | Hotels.com |

Lands End Resort | Booking.com | Hotels.com |

Make the most of your time in Homer with the  Homer Travel Guide

If you’re planning to spend the night in Halibut Cover,  click here  for a list of accommodations and  here  for campgrounds. In Seldovia, you can try the  Sea Parrot Inn , or  click here  for more info on camping in Seldovia ($10/night for tents and $15/night for RVs).

• Distance: 225 Miles
• Time: 4 Hours 15 Minutes
• Places to stop: Anchor Point, Kenai, Soldotna, Cooper Landing, Girdwood

Alaska Road Trip Week Two

Time to loop back to Anchorage. For those of you that are only in Alaska for a week, you may be bidding your goodbyes here, but if you’re continuing for two weeks or more, use this time to re-stock up before hitting the road to the north toward Denali and Fairbanks.

Shop Anchorage accommodations  here .

Things To Do In Anchorage

• Take a hike up Flattop for panoramic views of Anchorage
• Bicycle down the Coastal Trail
• Shop around downtown Anchorage
• For more ideas check out my post  Free things to do in Anchorage

See more and plan the perfect trip with the  Anchorage Travel Guide

Anchorage to Eklutna

• Distance: 20 Miles to Eagle River | 22 Miles more to Eklutna
• Time: 25 Minutes to Eagle River | 35 Minutes to Eklutna
• Places to stop: Arctic Valley, Eklutna Graveyard

Eagle River & Eklutna

I’m actually from Eagle River, and from a tourist’s perspective, there isn’t much of anything to see in Eagle River unless you want to get out into nature. Eklutna is one of the oldest inhabited parts of the Anchorage area, estimated at 800 years old.

Shop Eagle River accommodations  here .

Things To Do In Eagle River

• Hike around the Eagle River Valley at the Eagle River Nature Center
• Trek back to glacial-fed  Symphony & Eagle Lakes
• Walk up Mt Baldy for panoramic views of the Knik Arm

Things To Do In Eklutna

• Hike, bike or kayak at  Eklutna Lake
• Visit Eklutna Historical Park
• Walk to Thunderbird Falls

Where To Stay In Eagle River

Eagle River Microtel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Eklutna to Hatcher Pass

• Distance: 45 Miles
• Time: 1 Hour
• Places to stop: Knik, Butte

Hatcher Pass

Even after a lifetime here, Hatcher Pass is one of my favorite places in Alaska. With countless adventures to be had into the Talkeetna Mountains, it’s got something just about anyone could enjoy.

Things To Do In Hatcher Pass

• Visit Independence Mine
• Trek up or cross country ski around April Bowl
• Visit  Reed Lakes
• Take on longer backpacking routes like  Snowbird to Bomber  or the  Mint-Bomber Traverse

Hatcher Pass to Talkeetna

• Distance: 93 Miles
• Time: 1 Hour 50 Minutes
• Places to stop: Nancy Lake, Willow, Susitna River

Talkeetna is a small town, that once had a cat as a mayor, north of Wasilla. Talkeetna makes a great base for adventures around Denali National & State Parks.

Shop Talkeetna accommodations  here .

Things To Do In Talkeetna

• Take a Denali flightseeing tour
• Go on a jetboat trip

Where To Stay In & Around Talkeetna

McKinley View B&B |  Booking.com  |

Susitna River Cabins |  Booking.com  |

Talkeetna to Denali

• Distance: 174 Miles
• Time: 3 Hours
• Places to stop: Trapper Creek, Denali South View, Denali Viewpoint, Byer’s Creek Trail, Chulitna River, Hurricane Bridge

Cantwell, Denali National Park, Healy

This is one of the top places to visit in Alaska, with Denali National Park being one of the most well-known destinations in the state. If you’re planning to visit in the summer months, June, July, and August, I highly recommend making arrangements and booking accommodations and/or campsites well in advance as things do fill up quickly and accommodations in your budget range may sell out long before your arrival.

If you’re not fussed to camp in a tent (or camper/RV) and outside the park though, you can usually find a slot at a campground even at the last minute.

Denali has plenty to offer with narrated bus tours, flightseeing, wildlife viewing, walking, hiking, backcountry backpacking, and so much more.

Shop Denali accommodations  here .

Things To Do In & Around Denali National Park

• Take a narrated bus tour of  Denali National Park  (note that you cannot drive the park road beyond Savage River (mile 15) in your own vehicle unless you’ve got a  Denali Road Lottery Permit )
• Go on a flightseeing tour
• Take a  backcountry safari down the Stampede Trail
• Hike K’sugi Ridge over in Denali State Park
• Go whitewater rafting
• Drive the  Denali Highway  to Paxson
• Get a  Denali Road Lottery permit  for September and self-drive the entire national park road

Where to Stay in & Around Denali

Alpine Creek Lodge |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Aurora Denali Lodge |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

McKinley Park

Grande Denali Lodge |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Plan your visit to Denali National Park with the  Denali Travel Guide

Read more about the  Denali Road Lottery  & learn how you can do it too

Denali to Nenana

• Distance: 54 Miles
• Time: 55 Mintues
• Places to stop: Nenana River

Nenana is a small town, just north of Healy, on the way to Fairbanks. There are only a handful of sights to see in town, making it a nice stop to break up the journey between Denali and Fairbanks.

Click here  to shop Nenana accommodations.

Things To Do In Nenana

• Whitewater raft the Nenana River
• Visit the Alaska State Railroad Museum
• Check out the Alfred Starr Cultural Center and Museum

Check out the hit the highlights road trip:  Anchorage to Fairbanks

Nenana to Fairbanks

• Distance: 55 Miles
• Places to stop: Esther

Alaska’s golden heart city, with plenty of things to do whether you’re visiting under the midnight sun of midsummer, or you’re braving the cold in the dead of winter. One of the main draws for people to Fairbanks is the chance to see the northern lights dance in the sky, which means for a chilly winter visit (but spring and fall usually yield some aurora activity too!), but the awesome things about Fairbanks is that there’s plenty of other things to check out in town or just outside if you come for the aurora and the weather (and solar flares) don’t behave for you.

Check out Fairbanks accommodations  here .

Things To Do In & Around Fairbanks

• Soak it up at  Chena Hotsprings
• Hang out on the beach at  Tanana Lakes
• Explore downtown Fairbanks
• Take a  Riverboat Discovery Tour down the Chena River
• Check out antique cars at the  Fountainhead Auto Museum
• Hike up  Table Top Mountain
• Get outside the city (if you’re there in fall, winter, or spring), and  go hunt for the aurora borealis
• Visit The  Aurora Ice Museum
• Go to the  Museum of the North  at the University of Alaska Fairbanks
• Pay a visit to the  Morris Thompson Cultural Center 
• Take the kids to have fun at Pioneer Park

Where To Stay In Fairbanks

Billie’s Backpacker Hostel |  Booking.com  |

Pike’s Waterfront Lodge |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Sophie Station Suites |  Booking.com  |

Going to Fairbanks? Look no further!  The Fairbanks Travel Guide

Alaska Road Trip Week Three

Optional: Dalton Highway Road Trip

• Distance: 992 Miles (return)
• Time: 24 Hours (return)
• Places to stop: See  here  for sights

The Dalton Highway is a crazy road trip that will take you from Fairbanks to the north coast of Alaska, up a dirt road, that passes beyond the Arctic Circle. You will want to have plenty of food, water, gasoline, and camping gear for the journey…. and a spare tire or two because flats are the norm (happened to a friend just this past summer).

If you want to do a day trip to the Arctic Circle via the Dalton Highway and don’t want to deal with the logistics or worry about breakdowns, you can book this  Arctic Circle day tour from Fairbanks .

Two really cool add-ons to consider for your Dalton Highway adventure is a day (or more) hike into ANWR and a multi-day hike into Gates of the Arctic National Park .

If you wanna read up more on the road trip up the Dalton Highway, read this post  here .

Alaska Road Trip Week Four

Fairbanks to Delta Junction

• Distance: 95 Miles
• Places to stop: North Pole, Salcha

Delta Junction

There isn’t heaps to do in Delta Junction itself but you’ll pass through here if you’re planning to explore between Fairbanks and Valdez or even Anchorage via the Richardson Highway.

Shop Delta Junction accommodations  here .

Things To Do In Delta Junction

• Rika’s Roadhouse & Big Delta State Historical Park
• Sullivan’s Roadhouse Historical Museum
• Quartz Lake Loop Trail
• Gulkana Glacier Trail
• Bert Mountain Trail
• Lost Lake-Moose Pond Trail
• Take a road trip tour from Fairbanks to Delta Junction

Delta Junction to Tok

• Distance: 108 Miles
• Time: 1 Hour 45 Minutes
• Places to stop: Tanana Valley State Forest

Tok, much like Delta Junction doesn’t have tons of things to do in itself, however, it’s a good jumping-off point for further adventures. Tok is at a crossroads if you will.

Heading east along the Alaska Highway will take across the border and into Canada, a turn north will take you along the Taylor Highway to Chicken, Eagle, Yukon Charley River’s Nature Preserve and eventually onto the Top of the World Highway to cross the border into the northern Yukon Territory and to Dawson City. Heading southwest out of Tok is the Glenn Highway, which will take you past Gakona and Glennallen where you can either head south to Valdez or southwest to Anchorage.

Shop accommodations in Tok  here .

Things To Do In & Around Tok

• Tok Mainstreet Visitors Center
• Forty Mile Country

Tok to Wrangell St. Elias National Park

• Distance: 261 Miles
• Time: 6 Hours
• Places to stop: Paxson, Gakona, Glennallen, Chitina

Wrangell St. Elias National Park

From Tok, take the Glenn Highway down to Glennallen and from there head south on the Richardson to Copper Center. In Copper Center, I’d recommend making a stop at the Copper Center Visitor Center to learn what activities and trails to hike in Wrangell St. Elias National Park.

A little way down the highway after Copper Center head out onto the Edgerton Highway to Kenny Lake and Chitina, before making the remainder of the journey on the McCarthy Road that gives access to McCarthy and Kennecott Mine. McCarthy is the main jumping-off point into Wrangell St. Elias National Park.

Wrangell St. Elias is the largest national park in the US, and as such, most of the park is only accessible by multi-day hikes and by small plane.

Shop for cabins and accommodations in McCarthy  here .

Things To Do In Wrangell St. Elias National Park

• Hang out in the small town of McCarthy
• Visit Kennicott Mine
• Charter an air taxi to check out the Wrangell St. Elias backcountry, or to stay in one of the public access cabins
• Walk out onto Kennicott Glacier & Root Glacier

Wrangell St. Elias National Park to Valdez

• Distance: 180 Miles
• Places to stop: Thompson Pass, Bridal Veil Falls

Valdez is a small port on a fjord in Prince William Sound that’s most well known as the terminus of the Alaska Pipeline.

Shop Valdez accommodations  here .

Things To Do In Valdez

• Valdez Museum & Hisotrical Archive
• Take a glacier cruise to Colombia Glacier & Mears Glacier
• Hike Mineral Creek Trail
• Go seakayaking to explore the fjords around Valdez
• Whitewater raft the Lowe River through Keystone Canyon

Where To Stay In Valdez

Camping (RV & Tent) | City of Valdez  |

Glacier Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Want more details? Check out my  one week in Alaska Wrangell St. Elias & Prince William Sound Road Trip

Valdez to Matanuska Glacier

• Distance: 196 Miles
• Time: 3 Hours 15 Minutes
• Places to stop: Thompson Pass, Bridal Veil Falls, Gelnnallen, Eureka

Matanuska Glacier

Matanuska Glacier is one of Alaska’s easiest-to-visit glaciers. For those not as adventurous it’s easy enough to stop at viewpoints along the Glenn Highway for views of the glacier, but if you’re wanting to get out on the ice drive into Matanuska Glacier Park where you can pay the $30 per person access fee and continue to drive to the toe of the glacier.

Once there, park the car and head on out to the ice, following the trail marked by orange cones. I recommend dressing warm and wearing cleats out there to help prevent slips. If DIY isn’t your thing you can book glacier tours  here .

Matanuska Glacier to Anchorage

• Distance: 103 Miles
• Time: 2 Hours
• Places to stop: Matanuska River, Palmer

Finally back to Anchorage to wrap up your Alaska road trip!

More Posts from Alaska:

Anchorage To Fairbanks Road Trip: One Week In Alaska

The Big Loop Alaska Road Trip

2 Day Anchorage Itinerary

Hiking The Mint-Bomber Traverse

Travel Alaska On A Budget

How To Visit Gates of the Arctic National Park

A Guide To The Denali Highway

Visit Spencer Glacier On The Whistle Stop Train

Visiting Byron Glacier

How To Get To Mendenhall Ice Caves

16 Best Day Hikes Near Anchorage, Alaska

What to Pack for Alaska, Written by a Local

Anchorage’s Best Hotels: Where to Stay in Anchorage

Biking to Knik Glacier in the Winter

A Day Hike Into ANWR

Fairbanks Travel Guide + 13 Things To Do In Fairbanks

Shrine of St. Therese In Juneau, Alaska

How Much Does It Cost To Travel In Alaska?

The Best Way To Explore Kenai Fjords National Park: Major Marine Tours

The Ultimate Alaska Highway Guide: Driving the Alcan between Canada & Alaska

Wrangell St. Elias Road Trip, Alaska

A Quick Guide To Hope, Alaska

How To Get A Denali Road Lottery Permit

The Rabbit Lakes Hike In Anchorage, Alaska

Kayaker’s Cove: My Favorite Escape From Seward

Homer Travel Guide + 14 Things To Do In Homer

34 Best Things To Do In Alaska

Williwaw Lakes Hike In Anchorage, Alaska

The Best Places To See The Northern Lights in Alaska

The Ultimate Alaska Travel Guide

Kenai Peninsula Road Trip

Anchorage travel guide + 20 things to do in anchorage.

Juneau Travel Guide + 19 Things To Do In Juneau

Denali National Park Travel Guide + 14 Things To Do In Denali

The Best Road Trips In The World

10 Reasons to Visit Alaska

Seward Travel Guide + 18 Things To Do In Seward

MacDonald Spit, My Favorite Coastal Alaska Destination

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K’esugi Ridge Hike in Denali State Park, Alaska

The Dalton Highway Road Trip

The Reed Lakes Hike In Hatcher Pass, Alaska

Snowbird-Bomber Hike in Hatcher Pass

10 day alaska itinerary.

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Girdwood Travel Guide + 5 Things To Do In Girdwood, Alaska

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10 Off The Beaten Path Destinations For 2021

Arrigetch Peaks Expedition: Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska

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8-Day Alaska Road Trip Itinerary for Adventure Travelers

This Alaska road trip itinerary will take you through the best of the state including Kenai Fjords & Denali National Park.

Find this post helpful? Learn how you can support Bearfoot Theory’s work here . You can also shop for gear through the affiliate links in this blog post where we get a small commission at no cost to you. It helps keep our team running and the lights on. THANK YOU! -Kristen

Alaska is a wild land of incredible people, nature, culture and stunning National Parks. Year after year, as I continue to explore more National Parks throughout the United States, my mind always races back to memories of my Alaska Road Trip. I visited Kenai Fjords National Park and Denali National Park, both of which were filled with incredible scenery, adventure, and wildlife. In this post, I share an 8-day Alaska road trip itinerary that starts and ends in Anchorage, covering many highlights you won’t want to miss during your first visit to Alaska.

Explore Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park in this 8-day Alaska Road Trip Itinerary. Discover the best tips on where to stop, things to do, and more!

Important Reminder: As it goes in all of the destinations we share, please practice  good trail etiquette  and remember to  Leave No Trace . This means packing out all of your garbage (including toilet paper), being respectful to others, and following the established rules.

Getting to Alaska

Alaska is a huge state and Anchorage will be your starting point for visiting Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks. Several major airlines fly in and out of the Anchorage airport.

For traveling throughout Alaska, taking the train is a popular option but in my opinion, renting a car is the best way to cover a lot of territory in a short amount of time. There are also several camper van rental companies in Anchorage if you want to really emerge yourself in the Alaskan outdoors. Keep in mind that campsites in Kenai Fjords and Denali National Parks book up fast, so be sure to make reservations early.

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Best Time to Visit Alaska

In Alaska they joke that June is Spring, July is Summer, and August is Fall. For the best weather on your Alaska road trip, visit from mid-June to mid-August. If you visit in the shoulder of that time period, you’ll have fewer crowds, but you risk running into rain and even snow. By late August or early September, the bugs have mostly died off, so that’s also something to think about.

Keep in mind that in Denali National Park, some services and parts of the park don’t open until late June. June is the driest of the summer months and August is generally the rainiest so make sure to pack appropriately. With all this being said, the next time I head to Alaska I’m hoping to travel up there sometime between December and March so I can see the aurora borealis , also known as the Northern Lights . The Iditarod Sled Dog Race is also in early March, which I’d love to see the start of!

Ultimate 8-Day Alaska Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: arrive in anchorage.

After arriving in Anchorage, The Anchorage Museum is a great place to kick off your trip with an introduction to the history of Alaska and to learn more about the plants and wildlife you’ll be seeing throughout your Alaska road trip. Post museum, get outside and appreciate how easy it is to enjoy nature within Anchorage’s city limits. Rent a bike downtown and pick up an Anchorage bike map . The Moose Loop is a 32-mile ride that connects Anchorage’s four main multi-use pathways including the scenic Tony Knowles Coast Trail where we got to see our first moose while on the path. Not a bad sighting for our first day in Alaska! Make sure you visit Hood Lake . This lake has the greatest number of daily float plane landings or takeoffs of any lake in the world.

Fun Alaskan fact:  one of our tour guides told us that 1 in 6 people in Alaska own an airplane!

Looking for more outside time? Hike the 3,150 foot Flattop Mountain just south of Anchorage for incredible views of the city. It was roughly a 3-mile hike that rewards you with a dramatic city skyline.

Where to eat in Anchorage

Snow City Cafe is a must for breakfast. Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria is awesome for lunch or dinner.

Where to stay in Anchorage

The Arctic Adventure Hostel is perfect for a budget-friendly option.

Day 2: Homer, AK on the Kenai Peninsula

Travel distance: 226 miles from Anchorage to Homer

If you didn’t learn on your first day, Alaska = wildlife. We spent the morning exploring Potter Bird Marsh south of Anchorage where we saw numerous bald eagles, gulls, Arctic terns, and other shorebirds. Afterward, we visited the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center , which is on the drive to Homer and totally worth a stop. The AWCC is a refuge center where they take in injured animals or young that have been abandoned by their parents. They’re also leading a massive initiative to breed wood bison and reenter these animals back into Alaskan wilderness areas. It was an informative and fun stop!

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When you arrive in Homer, head to the “spit” a small sliver of land extending into the bay. This is as far south and west as the road goes in Alaska.  If you are interested in ocean fishing at all, this is a place to do it. And don’t miss a stop in at the famous Salty Dog Saloon for a drink to celebrate your first day on the road!

Where to eat in Homer

Homer had some of our favorite food stops during our entire Alaska road trip. Two Sisters Cafe for coffee and pastries is a must and don’t miss out on Little Mermaid for fresh seafood.

Where to stay in Homer

The Driftwood Inn offers budget-friendly rooms in downtown as well as an RV Park. If you’re looking for a unique experience right on the water on the ‘spit’, book a room at Lands End Resort .

Day 3: Seward, AK on the Kenai Peninsula

Travel distance: 175 miles from Homer to Seward

If you are in town on the 4th of July you can’t miss the Mount Marathon Race . It is a 5K race with an elevation change of 1,700 feet. It takes approximately 35 minutes to get to the top and racers run down the mountain in less than 10 minutes. In 2013 when I visited, I watched two runners break the 1981 record and they had 4 runners complete the race in less than 45 minutes for the first time. It’s an incredible experience if you have the opportunity!

If you’re looking to fish while in Alaska, both Homer & Seward have tons of options for half-day & full-day fishing charters. There are also numerous companies who will mail your fresh catch back to the lower 48 for you.

The Alaska Sealife Center in downtown Seward, AK is a unique and interesting stop. They offer several behind-the-scene tours including an Octopus Experience and a Puffin Encounter.

To explore the outdoors around Seward, the Exit Glacier Area  in Kenai National Park is perfect for a quick hike. As you are driving into the park you’ll notice multiple signs with four-digit numbers on them. The numbers mark the location of Exit Glacier in previous years. It is fascinating and a little scary to see how much the glacier has rescinded.

Where to eat in Seward

For dinner the Exit Glacier Salmon Bake Restaurant  is great or check out the Highliner Restaurant .

One of our favorite lodging nights was the Nauti Otter Hotel . They have hostel-style rooms as well as old renovated camper trailers and freestanding cabins.

Insider Tip:  I should point out that that one of my only regrets from my 8-day road trip in Alaska was not spending the money to visit Katmai National Park. Multiple outfitters in Seward & Homer will advertise day trips to Katmai if you’re interested. It’s one of the best places in Alaska to view brown bears feeding on salmon!

Day 4: Explore Kenai Fjords National Park

Travel distance: 200 miles from Seward to Palmer

We took an 8-hour boat tour of Kenai Fjords National Park to see sea life and the Ailiaki glacier up close. This glacier extends from the Harding Icefield. While up close, a portion of the glacier “calved” and water gushed out from under the ice of the glacier. It was a sight to see! They say this water forms a “lubricant” that allows the ice to move over the rocks beneath the ice.

On the trip, we also saw sea otters, sea lions, humpback whales, eagles, and several other birds that nest on the rock cliffs of several islands in the area.

On the return trip, the boat stopped at Fox Island (owned by the tour operator) and we had a buffet lunch with prime rib and salmon. If we went again I’d skip the stop at Fox Island and head into town to find a local place for food.

Don’t forget that it doesn’t get dark until close to midnight so make the most of your time & make the 200-mile drive to Palmer, AK to prepare for glacier trekking tomorrow!

Day 5: Glacier Trekking with MICA Guides in Palmer

Travel distance: 120 miles from Palmer to Talkeetna

We started our 5th morning in Alaska, glacier trekking with MICA Guides. It was a really cool experience trekking on the Matanuska Glacier and if I went back I’d opt to do their ice climbing expedition.

Post-glacier trekking we headed on to Talkeetna , my favorite town on our entire Alaska road trip. This is the starting point for climbers headed to 20,400 foot summit of  Denali  (the tallest mountain in North America).

The Talkeetna Museum was small and informative. Also, don’t miss the Denali National Park Visitor Center in Talkeetna. They have a great video on the challenges of summiting Denali. Visiting the town cemetery is a solemn experience to pay tribute to over 140 people who have perished while attempting to summit Denali, as well as pilots, rescue personnel, and others.

Where to eat in Talkeetna

The Denali Brewing Company is a fun place to be at night because it’s the hotspot in town. Breakfast at the Talkeetna Roadhouse is a must for their “fall off your plate pancakes” (they are MASSIVE!).

Where to stay in Talkeetna

The Talkeetna Roadhouse also has lodging available as rooms, dorms, cabins, and suites.

Day 6: Explore Denali National Park

Travel distance: 137 miles from Talkeetna to Denali National Park

Before you go to Alaska, make sure to check out the current conditions for Denali National Park , which has the latest info on bus schedules, camping, and more. Then once you are in Alaska, the Denali Visitor’s Center is a great place to start your day in Denali National Park. It’s large and has various displays and stories as well as a film on the National Park. Check out the dog sled demonstration at the Denali Kennels if you have time (demonstrations are cancelled for 2021). It is really interesting to learn how the park operates during the winter with dogs. If you don’t have time to catch a demonstration, you can visit the kennels daily from 10am-4pm during the summer. Free buses leave the Denali Visitor Center 40 minutes prior to each demonstration since no parking is available at the kennels. You can also walk 1.5 miles from the Denali Visitor Center to the kennels.

Hiking in Denali is interesting. I expected there to be hundreds of trails for both day hikes and backpacking but quickly realized that Denali is mostly wilderness with few very trails. Triple Lakes Trail is the longest trail in Denali National Park at just 9.5 miles one-way with 1,000 feet of elevation gain. You can access the Triple Lakes Trail from either the Denali Visitor Center or off of HWY 3.

Another great hike is the 2.7 mile (one-way)  Mount Healy Trail which gains 1,700 feet to a viewpoint part-way up Mount Healy. The trailhead can be found off the Taiga Trail near the Denali Visitor Center.

Otherwise, be prepared with good navigational skills and equipment as a majority of the hiking in Denali National Park is completely off-trail.

Where to eat near Denali National Park

There are several restaurants near the entrance of Denali National Park but Moose-AKa’s is one of the best options. They serving Serbian specialties like Turkish coffee and other Eastern European dishes. Reservations are highly recommended.

Another great place to eat near Denali is 8 miles north of the park in a small town of Healy. It’s worth the drive to go to 49th State Brewery for great food and the best microbrew I found in Alaska. If you don’t make it there, they also have a location in Anchorage.

Where to stay in Denali National Park

Denali Hostel is 13 miles south of the Denali National Park entrance and was perfect for us. Our room was called, “Train Wreck” and consisted of two bunks beds in a co-ed room. It was a short walk to the bathrooms and the community house area.

Day 7: Explore Denali National Park

We took the 13-hour bus tour (90.3 miles) to Kantishna which is known as the “end of the road”. During the summer, private vehicles can only access the first fifteen miles of the Denali Park Road and I knew I wanted to see more than that.

I was nervous when I booked the tour since this was technically our only day in the Park and for the most part, we were going to spend it on a bus. But I don’t regret it! We opted for the narrated tour vs. just a shuttle bus because I wanted to learn as much as I could about the park in the one full day we had. I was also hoping to see as much wildlife as possible along the drive and we were lucky to observe caribou, moose, ptarmigan (a type of bird), ground squirrels, Dall mountain sheep, and one grizzly bear (for a split second, no pictures).

The terrain was unique and varied. Mount Denali can be seen on clear days as early as mile 9. The park estimates that only 40% of those who visit Denali National Park have clear skies to see the mountain. We, unfortunately, were in the “60% club” and never got a totally clear glimpse of Denali. The tour also stopped at the Eielson Visitor Center (Mile 66) which, on clear days, offers amazing views of Denali and the Alaska Range.

My only regret after visiting Denali National Park was that we didn’t spend an entire week in the park. I wish we would have packed enough gear to have camped for an evening at the Wonder Lake Campground at Mile 85. You’ll definitely need mosquito nets for exploring this area as it is very wet and mosquitos plague the area all summer long. The campground has 28 tent sites which must be reserved ahead of time.

Day 8: Drive back to Anchorage & Depart

Travel distance: 237 miles from Denali National Park to Anchorage

For the final day on our Alaska road trip itinerary, we got an early start and joined a ranger for a 3-mile guided walk to Horseshoe Lake.  Then we said goodbye to Denali and hit the road for Anchorage. We stretched our legs again in Wasilla to visit the Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Headquarters . The famous race is a large part of the Alaskan culture. They have an 18-minute film which has great footage about the 1,049-mile dogsled race and explains how they set up for it yearly.

We also joined a guided tour of the abandoned Independence Gold Mine just outside of Wasilla which operated for only 4-5 years before the vein was depleted. It was neat to see the historical buildings left and learn about the area which, through history, has been home to 8 different gold mines. Getting to the mine is half the fun, you’ll have to travel down Hatcher Pass Road for an incredibly scenic 30-minute drive.

What to Pack for an Alaska Road Trip

Check the average temperature for your trip and be prepared for all types of weather.

• Pack clothing that you can easily layer. In the summer you can often wear shorts and short-sleeve shirts during the day but you’ll want layers if the weather turns. Evenings can also be chilly. Check out these posts for more on how to layer and what to wear hiking .
• Mosquito repellent and head nets are a must for traveling in the summer months if you plan on hiking. We thought nets would be overkill but ended up purchasing them in Wasilla once we saw how bad the bugs could be!
• Sun protection is key, don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses and a brimmed hat.
• A beanie will come in handy even if visiting during the summer.
• A lightweight and breathable rain jacket is important so you can throw it on over your clothes if it starts to rain.
• Alaska can be fairly wet, especially in August, so make sure to pack waterproof hiking boots .

Have you done an Alaska road trip before? Got questions about our Alaska road trip itinerary? Leave us a comment below!

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Kim is a former principal who quit her job to solo hike all 2,650 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. In other words…she’s a badass. She currently lives in Santa Barbara where she practices yoga, whips up tasty vegetarian food, and works as a guide leading kayaking, hiking, and biking tours.

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15 Comments

Found your post interesting to read. This article is really very interesting and effective.

These are really very best things you shared and beautiful pictures you capture. I would love to go there. Keep sharing!!

Your post is very informative, and I’ll keep the tips in mind while planning. The pictures are spectacular, too. Since you cook vegetarian food, I’m assuming the restaurants you recommended have vegetarian options.

Hi Tina, I visited Alaska before I was vegan so I can’t confirm the dietary restrictions. Apologies!

Hey Kristen – Good stuff. Love your newsletter – good info in a short format. You pretty much nailed Alaska. Two suggestions, tho: – Denali National Park supporters worked very hard for a long time to change the name of the mountain to Denali rather than McKinley (rightly so – I can say that as I was born and raised in Ohio, the prime objector to the name change). There is no ambiguity necessary. The name is Denali “the High One” and at one time in the past was named Mt. McKinley. Denali climbers have never referred to it as Mt. McKinley. – You spent just over a week here. Most Alaskans recommend a minimum of 2 weeks visit with one month’s visiting time pretty standard. This is not a marketing ploy. Mentioning these recommendations will give a clearer picture of what it really takes to see Alaska. You hinted at this when you mentioned your desire to visit Katmai and extending your stay in Denali. Your restaurant suggestions were good, too. Don’t forget to mention Rosco’s Pizza in Ninilchik (my place!!) next time: roscospizzaalaska.com. There are many other “don’t miss”s but not on the one week visit plan. Good job!!!

Hi Ross, thanks so much for leaving this comment. I was born in Indiana–nice to e-meet you neighbor! You’re totally right I spent just over a week in Alaska, can can’t wait to get back. Unfortunately, due to my work schedule, I wasn’t able to stay longer–I hope in the future to spend 3 months truly exploring Alaska deeper–I’ve got a lot more National Parks to check off my list there. I’m sure Rosco’s Pizza is great–I am lactose-intolerant and this was my trip itinerary so unfortunately outside of pizza in Anchorage we didn’t grab anymore. Have an awesome summer!

can we simply drive to Alaska and expect to find accommodations available to us on the day of arrival??

we have been to Alaska twice and want to drive it but are uncertain as to how easy it will be to simply ‘wing it’?

All of the lodging and campgrounds for Kim’s itinerary shared here were booked ahead of time and you can find her recommendations within the post. I’m not sure that I’d recommend winging it – not only will you not be guaranteed a place to stay (especially in the high season) but it can take a lot of time to look around for open accommodations which isn’t ideal if you have a limited amount of time. If you have plenty of time and are traveling in a campervan where you can be self-sufficient you might have more flexibility, but otherwise we’d recommend roughly planning out your route and booking your accommodations so you can enjoy your trip without having to worry about that.

Hey there! Planning our first trip to Alaska- due to scheduling work can only stay a week- how difficult is it to drive there- we are from the southeastern lower 48 so worried we may run into conditions we are unable to handle. Is driving OK or should we beer towards train and bus travel? Looking at mid-June for timing. We definitely want to see Denali and the fjords in Seward. Your article gives us a great start to planning.

Hi Rose! Driving up to Alaska is on paved highway and unless there’s a storm coming in, it’s an easy (but long) drive. If you only have a week it might be worth flying into Anchorage or Fairbanks and then renting a car. The drive up is beautiful, but it won’t leave you much time to explore Denali and other areas. Hope that helps!

Thank you for sharing your trip. Was the glacier trekking difficult to do? How long was the walk?

MICA Guides has several options for glacier trekking on the Matanuska Glacier. The Ice Fall Trek is about 4 hours and is a good option for almost anyone. They also offer a full-day advanced glacier trek for more experienced hikers.

great..keep posting..

AsianTender

This sounds like a great itinerary. Do you mind sharing your approximate expense for this trip?

Hi Brittany – this post was written by one of our former writers, so unfortunately we’re not sure about actual expenses.

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Bucket-List Alaska Road Trip Itinerary

February 10, 2024 //  by  Follow Me Away //   27 Comments

Are you looking for the best Alaska road trip itinerary that showcases the best the “Last Frontier” has to offer?

Since I have been to Alaska multiple times I can suggest exactly how to plan a trip to Alaska based on experience. I will teach you how to travel Alaska to see all the coolest locations.

I want you to see the best of what Alaska has to offer including cute small towns, scenic drives, and national parks such as Kenai Fjords and Denali which are full of wilderness and wildlife.

When planning your trip, feel free to modify my Alaska itinerary based on the time you have to spend in the state.

I recommend visiting Alaska for at least a week, but two weeks is an ideal amount of time for an Alaska vacation.

No matter how long you have to spend in the state, you are in for a real treat when visiting America’s 49th state! Alaska is so diverse with nature and wildlife like you have never seen before!

Don’t forget to check out my detailed road trip packing list so you don’t forget any essentials!

Here is my Alaska road trip guide!

Table of Contents

Stop 1: Anchorage

You will start and end your Alaska road trip in the city of Anchorage.

There are plenty of things to do in Anchorage and the town is full of all the comforts you could ask for such as large grocery stores, a mall, museums, shops, and more.

The city is also closely tied to the surrounding nature.

Most Alaska road trip itineraries begin and end in Anchorage because it is convenient and the international airport is nearby.

If you are looking for the best attractions in Anchorage, consider going to the Anchorage Museum . It has something for the whole family!

Fascinating art and cultural exhibits, a planetarium, and an entire kids section make it a great day trip for all ages!

If you want to see more of the city, Anchorage Trolley Tours is a fun and affordable way to take a tour! I learned all about how Anchorage was founded, saw cool local homes, and drove on a small plane runway!

This was certainly one of the most fun Alaska tours in town. You can book your trolley tour online and save time when you arrive. This is a great family-friendly thing to do!

Finally, if you are looking to get active in Anchorage, this Coastal Trail 3-Hour City Bike Tour may be perfect for you. It is educational, fun, and a great way to see the city while getting some exercise.

The coastal parks are BEAUTIFUL in Anchorage and filled with tons of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled and you may even spot some moose!

Anchorage is a fun and educational place to begin your road trip in Alaska!

Where To Stay In Anchorage

As a major city, there are a ton of great hotels in Anchorage for all budgets and types of travelers.

• Midtown Location. Hyatt Place Anchorage . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Mid-Range. Aspen Suites Hotel Anchorage . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Luxury. Embassy Suites Anchorage . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 2: Talkeetna

Next, continue your Alaska itinerary from Anchorage.

If you haven’t yet heard of Talkeetna, you are in for a real treat! It is the cutest town in Alaska and is the base for people who are hiking the mountain of Denali. Make sure to pack good hiking boots for Alaska !

Talkeetna is eclectic and so cute and a wonderful place to visit before you head to Denali National Park.

The food in Talkeetna is some of the best in Alaska so you will certainly want to try to eat at as many places as possible.

One of the best things to do in Talkeetna is to take a flight tour of Denali. This Talkeetna: Denali 1-Hour Flight Experience is based out of Talkeetna This is the best way to see Alaska from the air.

If you want the chance to walk on a glacier, you can also choose the Talkeetna: G rand Denali Flight Tour with Optional L anding .

If taking a flight, understand that a glacier landing will up the price of the flight. If you have seen enough glaciers, I recommend sticking to the flight to save money!

You can also go fishing or whitewater rafting along the nearby lakes and rivers.

Many people stop in Talkeetna for a quick stop and that is fine if that is all the time you have, but I highly recommend spending at least one night in this unique little Alaskan city!

Where To Stay In Talkeetna

As a smaller town, there are not a ton of hotel options for Talkeetna. But the handful of lodgings feature beautiful properties and reasonable prices.

• Mid-Range. Denali Fireside Cabin & Suites . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Great Views. Susitna River Lodge . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 3: Denali National Park

After Talkeetna, the next stop on your Alaska road trip itinerary is Denali National Park, one of the most iconic Alaska attractions.

The drive north to the park is a bit long, so budget at least four hours of driving for this part of your Alaska trip. As one of the best things to do in Alaska , the drive is worth it.

Both times I drove from Anchorage to Denali, it was raining, so I had to drive slowly. If it is a clear day, you are going to want to stop to see all the stunning mountains once you get further north!

This is one of the top road trips from Anchorage!

In Denali National Park, you have the option to drive your car 14 miles into the park, but after that, you have to either hike or pay to take a national park bus.

If you want to try something fun, consider taking a Denali Highway Jeep Excursion .

The drive is over 100 miles and highlights the best of what Denali has to offer from glaciers to epic wildlife! Book early as this one fills up quickly!

If you want to do some hiking but are a little tentative about being among wildlife such as bears and moose all alone, consider taking a guided hike.

This Denali: 5-Hour Guided Wilderness Hiking Tour  is a great introduction and a wonderful way to get active within the park. This is a great way to explore Denali National Park!

If you are a novice hiker or even a pro looking to find the best spots, a guided hike is a great thing to do on your first day or two to get a lay of the land. It is also one of the best ways to see Alaska’s beauty.

Looking for a burst of adrenaline? I suggest the Denali Park Zipline Adventure . Ziplining is SO MUCH FUN and it is even better in Alaska because of the views and amazing cool air.

Denali is the highlight of many travelers’ Alaska itineraries, so choose the top things to do in Denali that suit your interests.

If you want to add a day or two to this itinerary, you can head farther north to Fairbanks. If you visit in winter, this is one of the best places to see the northern lights.

Where To Stay Near Denali

Denali National Park is remote but there is a smattering of hotels along its perimeter on the Parks Highway. Camping here is also a popular option if you are writing an Alaska on a budget itinerary.

• Near Park Entrance. McKinley Chalet Resort . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Great Views. McKinley Creekside Cabins . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 4: Seward

Seward should top every Alaska by-car itinerary!

You can head there from Denali, but that is an 8-hour drive, or you can spend another night or two in Anchorage or the nearby towns of Wasilla or Palmer to cut down on the drive.

The drive from Anchorage to Seward is one of the most famous in Alaska. The Seward Highway is so pretty!

The drive down the Turnagain Arm is one of the top drives in the world, and the highlight of many Alaska road trips.

This drive is totally doable in a day and I have done it before and many friends have too. If you want to stop and take your time, there are plenty of other cute towns that you can visit along the way.

If you have time, stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center where you can see bears, wolves, moose, bison, and more up close and safely!

When people set out on an Alaska vacation, they want to see glaciers! There is no better way to see glaciers up close and personal than taking a boat ride in Seward!

While there are many companies, Major Marine Tours is hands down the best company for Alaska tours of glaciers in Seward.

I went on the Kenai Fjords National Park 7.5 Hour Glacier Cruise . Honestly, almost 8 hours on a boat is long. However, it is worth it because you get to see glaciers AND animals.

You can also take a shorter tour that focuses on one or the other like this 4-hour From Seward: Half-Day Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise Tour .

Wildlife to see include sea otters, humpback whales, Dall’s porpoise, orca, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and puffins!

If you want to see two glaciers and have a higher chance of seeing wildlife, this Seward Glacier tour is the best option for you.

If you are looking to see glaciers from above instead, add a helicopter tour to your itinerary for Alaska!

Flying over mountains, the ocean, and glaciers is one of the top things to do in Alaska and Seward is a wonderful choice for a flight.

If you are looking to do a helicopter tour of Seward and the surrounding glaciers, make sure to book with Marathon Helicopte rs .

I had never flown in a helicopter before and while I knew it would offer stunning views for photography and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I was a little afraid!

The owner, Mike, is a professional pilot and his takeoffs and landings were as smooth as butter!

I went on a 30-minute glacier landing tour which involved 15 minutes of flying and 15 minutes of landing at the foot of a glacier so remote it doesn’t even have an official name!

Don’t forget to pack a windproof jacket if you plan to land on a glacier!

If you just want to stick to the ground, take a hike to Exit Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska.

Where To Stay In Seward

Though it is a small town, there are a ton of great hotel options in Seward from affordable to luxury.

• Central Location. Hotel Seward . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Great Views. Harbor 360 Seward Hotel . Check Rates: Booking.com  

Stop 5: Homer

Found on the Kenai Peninsula, Homer is an essential stop on any Alaska itinerary. It is easy to drive to which makes it perfect to visit on an Alaska road trip. Homer is about a 3.5-hour drive from Seward.

One of the top things to do in Homer is to go fishing for halibut.

Since I don’t fish, I spent our time walking the beach, taking in the stunning mountain and glacier vistas, visiting the famous Salty Dog Saloon, and meandering through Homer’s Wednesday Farmer’s Market.

Homer is one of the best places to see in Alaska because of its proximity to the mountains and ocean. Don’t forget to check out Homer’s crazy tides and beautiful sunsets if you visit when it isn’t raining!

Many Alaska road trip itineraries don’t include Homer and if they do, it may only be a day trip.

I urge you to add more time to your vacation to see this unique and eclectic town since it is one of the best things to do in Alaska.

Where To Stay In Homer

There are plenty of hotels in and around Homer whether you want luxury accommodation or something simple and affordable.

• Centrally Located. Best Western Bidarka . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Great Views.  Land’s End Resort . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 6: Soldotna

One of the top Alaska attractions in Soldotna is the Kenai River and the Salmon Fishing Run.

Whether you fish or just want to enjoy the town and the stunning [active!] volcanos in the distance, Soldotna is one of the best Alaska road trip ideas.

On your way to Homer, you will pass through Soldotna, but it is better to visit this part of your Alaska itinerary on the way back to Anchorage so you can break up the driving time.

The drive from Homer to Soldotna is only 1.5 hours, so you will be hanging out in this cute Alaskan town before you know it!

Keep an eye out for moose and bears as animal watching is one of the top things to do in Alaska, and Soldotna is the perfect place for wildlife viewing!

If you choose to stop in Soldotna, I highly recommend checking out the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. It is a wonderful spot for hiking and exploring.

In addition, the Soldotna Historical Museum is home to vintage log cabins and more which show what local life was like in the past. Break up your exploration with a little history.

Soldotna is home to MANY incredible parks that go along the Kenai River so there is plenty of space for hiking, biking, and fishing.

Whether you visit Alaska on your own or with family, this is a great place to hang out.

Where To Stay In Soldotna

There are not a ton of hotels in Soldotna since it is a small town, but there are still great choices. I suggest booking a place near the river.

• On The River. Aspen Hotel. Check Rates: Booking.com
• Central Location. Soldotna Inn . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 7: End Your Alaska Itinerary by Flying Out of Anchorage

End your Alaska road trip in Anchorage where you started.

If you fly Alaska Air, many flights are red eyes, leaving after midnight. The benefit to this is you have the entire day to explore, drive slowly back to Anchorage, and still make your flight without missing any fun!

When flying on a red-eye, you are going to want to pack a sleep mask for extra comfort!

Alternatively, you can add one extra day in Anchorage to your Alaska itinerary if being closer to the airport on the day of your flight is important to you.

How Long To Spend On Your Road Trip In Alaska

I recommend as much time as possible for the best Alaska road trips since Alaska is a huge state and has a ton to offer. However, I know not everyone can take a lot of time off for a vacation.

To help you out, I have written some sample itineraries for Alaska to help you plan for anywhere from 3 to 10 days in Alaska .

As always, I suggest prioritizing what you want to see the most. Feel free to revise your Alaska example itinerary.

3-Day Itinerary in Alaska:

Day 1 : Anchorage – Explore Anchorage, including the Anchorage Museum and Anchorage Trolley Tours. Day 2: Seward – Drive to Seward, enjoy the scenic Turnagain Arm drive, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and explore the town. Day 3: Seward and Return – Take a boat tour to see glaciers, then drive back to Anchorage.

4-Day Itinerary in Alaska:

Day 1: Anchorage – Spend the day in Anchorage, visiting the museum and taking the trolley tour. Day 2: Drive to Seward – Journey down the Turnagain Arm, stop at the wildlife center, explore Seward. Day 3: More in Seward – Go on a glacier boat tour, consider a helicopter tour. Day 4: Return to Anchorage – Spend the day driving back, possibly stopping at scenic points.

5-Day Itinerary in Alaska:

Day 1: Anchorage – City exploration and museum visit. Day 2: Drive to Homer – Explore Homer, beach walk, visit Salty Dog Saloon. Day 3: Homer – Spend another day in Homer, enjoying local activities and scenery. Day 4: Homer to Soldotna – Drive to Soldotna, visit Kenai River and local attractions. Day 5: Return to Anchorage – Drive back with leisure, enjoying the landscapes.

7-Day Itinerary in Alaska:

Day 1: Anchorage – Explore the city, including the Anchorage Museum. Day 2: Drive to Seward – Travel down the Turnagain Arm, stop at the wildlife center. Day 3: Seward – Take a boat tour for glacier and wildlife viewing. Day 4: Seward to Homer – Drive to Homer, explore the town. Day 5: Homer Activities – Enjoy a day in Homer, perhaps fishing or beach walking. Day 6: Homer to Soldotna – Travel to Soldotna, explore the Kenai River. Day 7 : Return to Anchorage – Drive back to Anchorage, with optional stops.

10-Day Itinerary in Alaska:

Day 1: Anchorage – City exploration, Anchorage Museum visit. Day 2: Drive to Talkeetna – Explore Talkeetna, consider a Denali flight tour. Day 3: Talkeetna to Denali – Travel to Denali, begin park exploration. Day 4: Denali National Park – Spend a full day in Denali, hiking or on a Jeep tour. Day 5: Denali to Seward – Drive to Seward, enjoy the Turnagain Arm scenery. Day 6: Explore Seward – Take a glacier boat tour, explore the town. Day 7: Seward to Homer – Drive to Homer, visit local attractions. Day 8: Enjoy Homer – Spend the day in Homer, exploring the beaches and town. Day 9: Homer to Soldotna – Travel to Soldotna, visit Kenai River. Day 10: Soldotna to Anchorage – Return to Anchorage, with leisurely stops.

Best Time Of Year For An Alaska Road Trip

When planning your Alaska road trip, the time of year is something you should consider. The best time of year for traveling Alaska is easily summer or fall.

Winter is not a good idea because the weather is harsher and the many Alaska driving routes are impassible because of snow.

Spring can still be very cold in Alaska as well. Depending on where you want to go, spring in Alaska can be quite snowy and cold.

If you want to drive into the mountains, the snow may not have melted yet and you will be limited in what you are going to be able to do.

Late summer and early fall are an ideal time for taking a road trip in Alaska because the weather is good, the snow is gone, and the animals are out and about.

The downside is that this is high season and prices will be at their most expensive. Even so, this is one of my favorite summer trips in the USA !

If you can visit Alaska later in the year, like September or even October you will have the chance to experience the state with lower prices.

A word of caution, if you go later in the year you will have to deal with closures as many companies shut down for the season.

You are safe to travel in late summer and early fall so keep this in mind when choosing what time of year to plan the best Alaska trip itinerary.

What To Pack For Your Alaska Road Trip

Chances are you are visiting Alaska in the summer or late spring/early fall. If you aren’t, more power to you, and let us know how it is!

If you are going in the summer, Alaska isn’t as cold as you may think, but it is still chilly for those of us who live year-round in warmer climates.

The weather in Alaska during the summer will range from 45-70 degrees Fahrenheit along this route. The weather during the late summer can also be rainy.

Make sure to stay prepared and you will have a great time on your Alaska driving trip!

• Fleece-lined Leggings.  If you are packing for a road trip in Alaska you need to bring  fleece-lined leggings ! They don’t take up much space and they keep you warm under jeans or hiking pants. I bring two pairs to double them up if I want to wear a dress!
• Thin Long Sleeve Thermal Tops.  I recommend bringing 2-3  thin thermal tops . These tops are affordable and pack up very small all while keeping you extra warm! They are  perfect for layering  and can be worn underneath other tops as a base layer.
• A Balaclava.  Weather in Alaska can get windy and blow your scarf all over the place! Cut down on chasing your clothing around and  add a balaclava  to your Alaska packing list! A balaclava is especially important for Alaska if you are doing anything on the water such as a glacier boat tour or whale watching!
• Warm Knit Hat .  S imple knit hats  or beanies are a must. You only need one of these  cable-knit hats or you can pack a few!
• Filtered Water Bottle.  I swear by my Bobble Water Bottles and they have seen multiple trips to Alaska. F iltered water bottles don’t cost much and will help you cut down on plastic waste. Refill them using any tap water and be on your way!
• Waterproof and Windproof Jacket. A waterproof and windproof jacket is essential for Alaska since it may be raining, windy, or both at any given time. I love this jacket from Columbia for women and this one for men . Make sure to add a solid jacket to stay warm and dry.
• Waterproof Rain Pants. I love my waterproof rain pants and you will too! They are affordable and pack up small. If you are hiking or walking and it starts to rain, simply whip out this waterproof shell and put it on over your clothes! They are windproof too!
• Sleep Mask. If you take your Alaska road trip during the summer, you will experience the midnight sun! Now 24-hour daylight is super cool, but some people have a hard time sleeping when it is light out! Bring along a sleep mask to help block out the light and to help you get some shut-eye before more exploring.
• Trail Mix and Protein Bars. This Alaska driving itinerary is best done on a full stomach! I love  this brand of bars ! As for  trail mix , you can make your own or buy a big bag of trail mix online or at your local store. The nuts and seeds in trail mix will help you stay satisfied longer.
• Waterproof Hiking Shoes. No matter what time of year you are traveling to Alaska, make sure to add sturdy hiking shoes to your Alaska packing list. Pack  so l id hiking shoes  that are waterproof and offer good support.  Good hiking shoes  often make all the difference when exploring Alaska!

Safety Tips For Your Alaska Road Trip

A road trip planner for Alaska would not be complete without some essential safety tips. Alaska is a beautiful but harsh state at times and it is important to be prepared.

First off, watch the weather closely . The weather can change quickly during your trip and can range from sunny to freezing and windy.

Make sure you dress in layers so you can easily take off or put on clothes based on the weather.

Download a weather app to keep track of local weather so you don’t venture out when it is too dangerous. You do not want to risk driving in Alaska if the roads are bad.

Always let a family member or friend know if you go hiking so if something happens, someone knows where to find you.

The phone service in Alaska is incredibly crappy so be prepared! Use wifi to let someone know where you will be.

Always ensure you have extra food and water in the car in case you get into an accident and are stranded for a long time. You don’t want to be stuck without provisions while you wait for help.

I recommend a reusable water bottle as well as an emergency bottle of water during your drive.

Finally, make sure to make noise and be bear aware . When you are hiking, sing or wear cans on your backpack to make noise and alert animals so you won’t surprise them.

As usual, NEVER feed any wild animals , and never get out of your car to walk up to an animal to view it more closely.

Taking these precautions to heart will help you have a safe and fun time on the best trip to Alaska!

Now you should hopefully be armed with the knowledge you need to start planning the best Alaska vacation itinerary.

I love Alaska and have been multiple times so I hope you take the tips to heart and keep an open mind to learn some things along the way too!

I know you will love exploring Alaska by car as much as I do!

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A special thanks to our partners Alaska Air, Major Marine Tours, and Marathon Helicopters. All opinions are our own and are honest because lying sucks! Please note that some links may be affiliate links which means that we may make a small profit of the sales at no additional cost to you. All the products we recommend are what we personally use and trust. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from Qualifying Purchases.

Reader Interactions

September 4, 2017 at 10:41 pm

OHMYGOSH!!! Your post was awesome! The pictures were stunning. Someday I hope to make it to Alaska and your itinerary is perfect!

September 12, 2017 at 11:40 pm

Thanks for this wonderful and exhaustive post. A road tirp through Alaska would be a dream trip. Thanks especially for the little reminders of reality–like bringing a wind-proof jacket, waterproof shoes and a balaclava! It’s Alask, after all!

September 13, 2017 at 12:15 am

Despite growing up in Northern Canada, I’ve still never been to Alaska. That wildlife and glacier tour in Seward looks absolutely fantastic! Will not miss it when we finally make our way north.

September 13, 2017 at 9:48 am

So did you fly for $700 round-trip in first class? Or did you get upgraded? Cause this photo definitely looks like a great travel experience on AA!

Happy continued travels! C

September 13, 2017 at 5:11 pm

Alaska is so huge- I think a 1-week itinerary would be too short to see all of this cool stuff. I would love to take that heli ride- it looks amazing.

September 14, 2017 at 12:55 am

Wow! You stayed in some pretty nice airbnb’s — love the one with a slide! My kids would have adored that one. Thanks for sharing your itinerary and photos. It all sounds (and looks) like a truly amazing road trip!

September 14, 2017 at 5:22 am

You know we’re big fans of your pics but your travel advice is spot on as well! Thanks for sharing!

September 14, 2017 at 11:55 pm

Alaska is still unfamiliar territory for me. To be honest, I’m reading most of these names for the first time. But your post gave me a great inspirational start. Those pretty vacation homes are really sweet. How does one manage the meals?

September 15, 2017 at 8:11 am

Still yet to try Airbnb. I guess I’m a bit fearful of the scams – good to know there are resources out there to help with that, but surely the onus should be on Airbnb to do more careful vetting.

September 17, 2017 at 10:47 am

Alaska is surprising me with every post I’ve read about it! Denali for one looks gorgeous and the glacier tour in Seward is breathtaking. Your post has definitely put Alaska on my bucketlist. Oh, and btw, what a cool airbnb in Anchorage you had. The slide seems an odd yet fun addition to the place. 😀 ..

September 17, 2017 at 9:05 pm

What an epic road trip this is! I’ve only done Alaska by cruise ship. But I would LOVE to get back and hit the road for some stops like this.

October 26, 2017 at 9:27 pm

This makes me seriously miss Alaska! You hit all the great spots, love it!

January 15, 2018 at 9:01 pm

What time of year were you on this adventure in Alaska?

January 15, 2018 at 9:55 pm

This was in mid-late August!! The weather in Alaska is great from May to September time

March 14, 2018 at 4:06 pm

Beautiful pictures!

April 21, 2018 at 7:50 am

What is the best place to stay and take glacier cruise? Whittier or Seward? I’m a bit confused which one to select.

May 7, 2018 at 1:07 pm

Wow, what a great post! You guys really seem to know your way around Alaska. I’ll be borrowing a couple of these suggestion.

May 8, 2018 at 1:52 am

Yes!! Have so much fun! Before this trip I [Victoria] had been twice before as well! Have a good trip!

May 23, 2020 at 11:05 pm

This itinerary is not doable in a week. Not even close. I hope that people who read this, realize that this is more of a 2 week, minimum, itinerary.

May 24, 2020 at 5:04 pm

With a lot of driving, it is entirely doable and I have friends that did it just a week after I got home from my most recent trip. It really isn’t that bad when people road trip Iceland they do far more driving and it happens quite often!

November 23, 2018 at 11:55 pm

Hello there, I enjoyed reading your itinerary for alaska. Since we coming to alaska the second time. This time we arrive at fairbanks and be leaving from anchorage airport on jan 6th, 2019. We are going to spend new years in fairbanks( we spent new years last time in anchorage). Any suggestions of places to visit? I really appreciate your reply, and we are renting a car. 2 adults only. Thank you.

November 24, 2018 at 12:52 pm

Yes!!! In the north area of Alaska we highly recommend Alaskaland in Fairbanks [a fun little area] as well as driving through Denali just to see the mountains on your way down to Anchorage. Also Talkeetna for sure! It is a very cute town! Have fun!

September 19, 2019 at 2:30 am

A great article! Have you ever compared costs of renting a camper vs renting a vehicle and staying in hotels. We are planning a trip to Alaska in 2020 and I’m debating between camping and staying in hotels or Airbnb.

April 1, 2022 at 2:17 am

I used to live in Alaska. If you really want to explore Alaska, go to Juneau or Kake. They are both islands, so you have to take a plane or ferry, but so worth it. Don’t just look at a glacier, go walking on one or climb into the caves (at your own risk). The best way to see wildlife is by kayaking, not tour boats. Go with the lobster over the fish.

April 2, 2022 at 2:58 pm

Thanks for sharing!! I have down Juneau growing up! A very unique place!!

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A Perfect 10-Day Alaska Road Trip Itinerary + Map

March 18, 2024

Paula Martinelli

Are you planning a dream trip and looking for a perfect Alaska Itinerary? You are in the right place! After exploring Alaska for 10 days, I can say that there are only a few experiences more enjoyable than a road trip in Alaska. With this route, you will be visiting the top bucket list in Alaska in as short as a 10-day well-crafted itinerary!

Alaska is so big and vast, that it seems nearly impossible to find the perfect route. But with some research, calculations on your time and distance, and prioritization on what you want to visit in Alaska it is possible!

But what makes this Alaska Itinerary perfect? With this 10-day Alaska Itinerary, you will discover the history, see the breathtaking landscapes, enjoy the rich wildlife, explore stunning hiking trails in Denali National Park , and drive the most scenic roads in the United States, and even in the world!

Also, this Alaska Itinerary is versatile and you can explore it in as short as 5 days to up to 2 weeks (and even more if you are lucky). Just pick your favorite places based on your timing and interest, as here I give you all the tools you need for your perfect Alaska road trip.

All you will need is your own car, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to explore one of the most beautiful places on the Planet!

If you are planning an Alaska Itinerary, these are must-read:

Where to stay in alaska: 7 top towns + hotel guide.

• Ultimate Alaska Bucket List: 22 Experiences you need to do!
• What to Pack for Alaska + FREE Printable

DAY 10 Alaska Road Trip: Exit Glacier Hike & Drive back to Anchorage

15+ days in alaska road trip itinerary.

10-Day Alaska Road Trip Itinerary Overview

If you are planning an Alaska road trip itinerary, you may be wondering how many days you should spend in Alaska? Typically, most visitors choose to spend between seven to fourteen days exploring Alaska. However, the duration of your stay largely depends on your desired destinations and how you plan on getting around.

I recently went on a 10-day road trip in Alaska where I visited some of the best destinations in the state. I have provided a day-by-day itinerary overview below, and you can click on each destination’s link to see a detailed itinerary.

NOTE: My Alaska Itinerary covers 10 days of intense activities and it can easily be done in 15-20 days if you add more days in your favorite locations, as I am also providing additional information about the best things to do in each place! If you have less time to explore, I have prepared Alaska Itineraries for shorter trips too.

Best Time Of Year For An Alaska Road Trip

Are you wondering when is the best time to visit Alaska on a road trip? It depends…First, you need to know what are your priorities so you can determine when is the best time to visit Alaska.

In short, the best time to visit Alaska is from June to August , because this is when you will get the best weather with more sunny days and less rain, and warmer temperatures. But keep in mind, that this is also the most crowded season to visit Alaska. Here are some things to consider:

☀️ Summer Season: from May 10 to September 15 with average temperatures in the 60’s to low 70’s, 16–24 hrs. of daylight, leaves and flowers in bloom, rushing rivers, and the best wildlife viewing.

📷 Peak season : from June to August. By mid-June, it’s as warm as it’s going to get. All summer activities are available, including The Denali Park Road (which opens the second week in June).

🚢 Cruise Season:  is also May through September. Small ship cruises start as early as mid-April.

🌳 Shoulder Season  is May (early season) and September (late season), with 10-25% discounts on some hotels, tours, and cruises.

🐻 Wildlife Viewing:  May to September is the best time to see wildlife in general. Fly-in bear viewing begins in mid-June but is best in July. You can see Moose year-round. Gray whales migrate up in March/April; humpbacks are here from May to September; orcas are here year-round.

Alaska Road Trip Itinerary Map

To help you plan your Alaska road trip Itinerary, we created a map indicating all the main places that we recommend visiting in Alaska. This map is just an overview and doesn’t contain all the details, but it gives you a better idea of where everything is and how you could adjust this itinerary if you have less or more time.

You can click on the picture below and see this map on Google Maps.

Best Way To Road Trip Alaska in 10 Days

Before we jump on this detailed Alaska itinerary, let’s review what is the best way to see Alaska on a road trip.

If you choose to visit Alaska on a road trip, be prepared for a lot of driving. Most of the roads are in great condition, therefore in some areas, you will likely encounter construction. The driving is mostly on scenic roads, and you will be rewarded with incredible views.

You will need to decide on your Alaska itinerary and what time of year before you make a decision if renting a car and if a 4WD is necessary. If you are driving this Alaska Itinerary in the summer you can rent a 2WD. I recommend renting a 4WD if you are traveling in Alaska during wintertime.

Some of the most popular rental cars in Alaska are Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and National. I recommend to check current reviews, compare prices and book your rental car in Alaska in advance to secure the best rates and availability or your specific travel dates and locations.

🌟 You can compare and save up to 70% on your rental car when you  book through this site . I use and recommend  Discover Cars  because it is the most reliable rental car source, and it allows you to compare the prices of different places.

Discover Cars

🏆 When choosing a rental online in Rovaniemi, my number one pick is always Discover Cars . I personally use them and love them since they meticulously search through local and international companies to get you the best deal every time.

⭐️ Rating: 4.6/ 5.0 (137,000+ Reviews) | Details: Read more on discovercars.com now!

Road Trip in Alaska with an RV Rental

I traveled to Alaska with an RV rental – since I found that this would be the best way to manage my logistics around Alaska during the time I visited. Note that at the end of September lodges and restaurants start to close for the season. Therefore, an RV made much more sense in my case.

If you are renting an RV in Alaska I recommend you have some prior experience, or you can review all you need to know about renting an RV for the first time . Also, if you are wondering how much it cost to rent an RV, you can check it out here .

Also, I recommend renting your RV from a reliable source. I have rented RVs before and I highly recommend you rent either from Cruise America or RVShare

Starting your Alaska Itinerary | Arrival in Anchorage

Most of the flights from the United States and Canada arrive at Anchorage Airport (ANC) and the busiest time is from 10 pm to 2 am when most flights arrive from Seattle.

If you arrive earlier, you can pick up your car at the airport and head to dinner (see recommendations for restaurants below) and head to your hotel (see recommendations for hotels below).

My flight arrived in ANC at 12:00 am, I got my luggage and took an Uber to my B&B. In the morning, I picked up my RV with Cruise America and went grocery shopping.

Anchorage is the best option to go shopping before your Alaska road trip. I recommend buying your groceries at Costco and Walmart , as the prices in big cities are comparable to the lower 48 states. When you shop in smaller towns you will notice the prices are higher.

NOTE: I visited Alaska in September when it is considered the shoulder season. The pros are that you can get some discounts on hotels and excursions, fewer crowds, no bugs, fall colors, and northern lights viewing by mid-September. But on the negative side, most of the tours were not operating, many hiking trails were closed, and many businesses closed for the season – including lodges and restaurants.

Ultimate 10-Day Alaska Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1 alaska road trip: explore anchorage and visit the alaska wildlife conservation center.

• DRIVING: Anchorage and AWCC
• ACCOMMODATION: Click here for accommodations in Anchorage
• MUST READ: Complete Anchorage Travel Guide

1. Bird Creek

Exciting starting of your Alaska Itinerary – I hope you are packed and ready to start this adventure in Alaska!

As soon as you start your driving south out of Anchorage on the Seward Highway (AK 1), you will already see the stunning mountain views. Stop at some of the viewpoints along the road to admire the views and take some great pictures.

You will see signs on the side of the right side of the road for Bird Creek. There is a nice parking lot and a very short walk with incredible views. I visited during fall and the foliage made the views even more special. You will see the views of the Turnagain Arm, with great opportunity for photos.

2. Watch the whales at the Beluga Point Sight

Continuing your Alaska road trip on Seward Highway, along the Cooke Inlet, you will see signs for the Beluga Point View on the right side of the road. This is a great point to see Beluga whales and see the 180-degree views of the breathtaking Turnagain Arm. This is a great spot to visit at high tide when you have the highest chance of spotting the Belugas’ whiteheads popping out of the water.

If you walk along the shore, be very careful with the mudflats, as they can be more deadly than quicksand.

3. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC)

This is a must-visit during any Alaska Itinerary. The AWCC their mission is to preserve Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, research, and education, and the animals here are treated with care.

You can buy your tickets directly at the entrance, for $17 (adult price), and another option is this tour to the Alaska Wildlife Day Tour with Free Hotel Pickup.

You will have the opportunity to see moose, bears, porcupines, coyotes, wolves, wood bison, reindeer, and many other animals. This is a great opportunity to get to meet some of the most magnificent animals in Alaska. I ended up not seeing any other bears during my Alaska trip, so I appreciated the opportunity to visit the AWCC.

📷 More Things to do in Anchorage

If you have more time to explore Anchorage during your Alaska road trip, and if you are visiting during a season when these places are open, you can also add to your Anchorage itinerary. Check my Ultimate guide for the 20 Best Things to do in Anchorage AK .

🏨 Best Accommodations in Anchorage

• CAMPING | Bird Creek Campground is a great option, with 27 campsites with toilets and water.
• BUDGET | The Lake Front Anchorage is located on the shore of Lake Hood with amazing views and a 24-hour shuttle service from the airport.
• MID-RANGE | Historic Anchorage Hotel is located in the heart of Anchorage city center, with a fitness center, continental breakfast, and free Wi-Fi
• BEST RATED | Highland Glen Lodge B&B is rated as wonderful by the guests, has an excellent location, and includes a full English/ Irish breakfast

DAY 2 Alaska itinerary: Take a Ferry from Whittier to Valdez (option to drive)

• DRIVING: Anchorage to Whittier; or take a Ferry to Valdez
• ACCOMMODATIONS: Click here for accommodations in Valdez
• MUST-READ: Complete Travel Guide to Valdez

1. Drive the Turnagain Arm

The second day of this Alaska road trip itinerary is an early start. On my way from Anchorage to Whittier to catch my ferry, I drove the Turnagain Arm / Seward Highway, with amazing views and great pull-off areas for parking and pictures.

While driving the Seward Highway alongside the Cooke Inlet I saw 2 Beluga whales. I parked my RV to watch them when I saw a whole Beluga family together which was so unexpected and absolutely incredible.

The day before, it was low tide which is when the mudflats appear and it can be very dangerous if you step on it because it is just like quicksand and you can get stuck. But when it is high tide watch for Belugas here. There is a family of Belugas that live around this area, therefore, keep an eye here for Belugas!

If you have more time to explore Turnagain Arm Region, you can also add the following to your Alaska itinerary:

• Portage Lake: From Anchorage head down the Seward Highway and go around 40 miles to visit the lake
• Portage Glacier Tour : A short boat tour to see Portage Glacier, an easily accessible glacier.
• Byron Glacier & Byron Glacier Trail: The glacier descends from the same ice field that feeds both Portage Glacier on the lake and Blackstone Glacier in Prince William Sound.

2. Take a Ferry from Whittier to Valdez

The reason I have decided to take the ferry from Whittier to Valdez instead of driving it is that it gave me the opportunity to see some wildlife, as the Prince William Sound is one of the best places in Alaska to observe wildlife such as sea otters, Dall porpoises, seals, sea lions, humpback and Orcas whales. I saw many Orca whales and it was a fantastic opportunity!

The ferry takes about 6 hours – about the same time as driving. If you choose to take the ferry, it offers comfortable seating inside, with great windows for views, and another seating area if you want to take a nap. It has a kitchen that offers food to buy, or you can bring your own food. The ferry also has bathrooms with a shower and a deck view on top.

My ferry departed from Whittier at 12:30 pm and arrived in Valdez at 6:15 pm.

NOTE: The ferries do not run every day, check here for the full schedule . you need to make your reservations online in advance to guarantee your spot. The ferry runs every other day in summer, once per week in the shoulder season, and does not run in winter. Here for a complete guide with all you need to know to plan a ferry from Whittier to Valdez .

3. Arrive in Valdez

If you take the ferry to Valdez or decide to drive, today is a long day on the road/ ferry. After arriving in Valdez, I had time to walk around the harbor for some photos and stretch my legs.

I grabbed dinner at the Fat Mermaid, a very popular restaurant in Valdez located in front of the Valdez Harbor, and went to my Valdez KOA camping to rest for the next day full of exciting activity.

📷 More Things to do in Valdez

If you spare more time in Valdez during your Alaska road trip, you have many amazing hiking trails to choose from, more waterfalls to visit, or exploring the glaciers around. Check this complete guide of 21 Things to do in Valdez + City Guide

🏨 Best Accommodations in Valdez:

• CAMPING | KOA Valdez is a great campground with on-site services and a great location
• BUDGET |   Keystone Hotel is the best option if you are traveling on a budget, with breakfast included and amazing views
• MID-RANGE | Best Western Historic Anchorage Hotel with an on-site restaurant and panoramic harbor views
• BEST RATED | House on the Rock is rated as wonderful by the guests, with a shared kitchen and continental breakfast

DAY 3 Alaska itinerary: Exploring Valdez

• DRIVING: 4-5 hours

1. Visit the Solomon Gulch

I started the third day of my Alaska itinerary on a rainy day by visiting the Solomon Gulch to learn all about the salmon hatchery and strongly recommend a visit here. You can take a self-tour and learn how important this hatchery is to the fishing industry and the local economy. It is sustainable farming for salmon and the visit is very educational.

I learned that this facility, built-in 1981, is the largest single-species salmon hatchery in North America, incubating up to 270 million Pink salmon and 2 million Coho salmon each year. And every year, adults return to the hatchery in vast numbers—some 16 million pinks and 100,000 Cohos for spawning.

Another highlight at Solomon Gulch is seeing the wildlife that comes here to eat fresh fish, such as sea lions, seals, and even bears can be seen here.

You will see a creek and a waterfall on the other side of the road, and Solomon Lake. To visit it, you can park next to the Fish Hatchery, and hike up the  John Hunter Memorial Trail

2. Explore the Old Valdez Town

Continuing your road trip in Alaska, you can visit the original Valdez, also known to the locals as Old Valdez. In 1964 the strongest earthquake already registered in North America, followed by a tsunami, devasted the original town, and they relocated 4 miles away to where it is now.

The old town was preserved as a memorial, and here you can see the signs where the buildings used to be nearly 100 years ago. You can take the Richardson Highway and follow the signs for the Old Valdez.

3. Hike around the Valdez Lake & Valdez Glacier

It is an easy 0.9-mile hike and a well-marked hike from the parking lot, and you can see the glacier in the distance. The views of the mountains, the lake, and the glacier are amazing here. I visited on a rainy day, and it made the landscape even more dramatic.

You can see features on the mountains that indicate past ice levels forming valleys. The glacier actually used to be visible from the lakeshore, before the ice receded enough to move it out of view.  You can hike around the lake to catch amazing views and take beautiful pictures.

4. Walk around the Valdez Harbor

Valdez is a small harbor town, and you can just park your car and walk around the harbor, visit the marina with some beautiful fishing boats, admire the cute buildings, and at the end of the day, you will see many wild rabbits enjoying some fresh grass around the town.

You can also find my very detailed travel guide for Valdez with more things to do.

DAY 4 Alaska Road Trip: Drive from Valdez to Fairbanks (with a stop at the North Pole)

• DRIVING: Today the driving is long – 364 miles in about 6.5 hours
• ACCOMMODATIONS: Best Accommodations in Fairbanks
• MUST-READ: Complete Travel Guide to Fairbanks

1. Catch some Waterfalls Along the Road

On day 4 of this Alaska road trip itinerary, make sure you plan extra time for your driving from Valdez to Fairbanks because they are a lot of awesome sights along the way.

On the way to Fairbanks, you will pass many waterfalls along the road . On the left side, you will pass the Horsetail Falls, and on your right side, the Bridal Veil Falls. If you want to admire the waterfalls and take some pictures, you can pull them off in the designated area.

NOTE: Stop along the Richardson Highway to see the duck flats. While driving North of Solomon Gutch in between Solomon Gutch and Keystone Canyon you can see many bald eagles , pay close attention when you see one, the second one will be very close .

2. Marvel with the beauty of Thompson Pass

On the drive from Valdez to Thompson Pass, you will notice that the views start to change, as you go up in the mountains and the views are absolutely stunning.

If you have more time to explore, you can find great hiking trails too. There are parking areas along the highway where you can pull off your car for better views and pictures. You will see some signs indicating photo opportunities that I recommend stopping in at least some of them.

Thompson Pass experiences 80 feet of snow accumulation per year, which makes this places the snowiest point in the United States.

NOTE: When snows the Thompson Pass may close the road, very few gas stations between so fill up the tank before you hit the road. Pay close attention to the weather conditions before you plan your driving here.

3. Hike to the Worthington Glacier

If it is not a rainy and cloudy day, you will see the Worthington Glacier from the road. The recreation site has a nice parking lot that costs $5 per vehicle. Here you can find bathrooms, a visitor center, and some hiking trails with lookout areas.

You can also normally hike to the glacier in about 45-60 min. It is a short well-marked trail and also, wheelchair access to a platform overlooking the glacier. The day I visited was snowing a lot, and the hiking trail to the glacier was closed for safety reasons.

4. Visit Santa at the North Pole

My next stop during my Alaska itinerary – and I have to be honest that I was extremely excited about – was the North Pole. I visited the Santa Claus House which is a huge gift shop with guess what? All Christmas amazing gifts, decorations, and more Christmas-themed things.

And the highlight of the visit is to see the real Santa Claus – (well, just look at my face and you will see that I really believed it). Going to the North Pole and not seeing Santa, is the same thing as going to Rome and not seeing the Pope!

Stop for a crepe and a coffee at the North Pole Creperia – it is honestly the BEST crepe and cappuccino I ever had in my life! I had the Nutella with strawberries and it was just phenomenal!

5. Arrive at Fairbanks and Start Chasing the Aurora Borealis

I recommend reserving at least 2 nights of your Alaska Itinerary in Fairbanks to increase your chance to see the Aurora Borealis, if you have 3-nights, even better! I also recommend, at least the first night, booking a tour with the local experts so you can learn about the right conditions to see the lights. Plus, they will help you to adjust the right settings on your camera to capture the best shots.

I closed a tour with Aurora Lodge View and they are great – from pick up from a hotel to the facilities where you can wait comfortably enjoying some hot chocolate and fresh cookies, and it is very educational too. You can stay warm inside and they will alert you when the lights appear, or you can keep warm by a fire outside and gaze at the sky for that special moment. They will guide you through the experience to catch the best Aurora Borealis in Fairbanks.

📷 You can check the Aurora tour prices and availability here!

NOTE: If the sky is clear, even if you don’t see the lights, set your camera for long exposure, and your camera may capture it – even if you don’t see it clearly with your eyes. This is exactly what I did and I couldn’t believe it. I recommend having a good camera such as a Sony Mirrorless, a tripod, and a trigger if you are really serious about capturing the Aurora Borealis .

📷 More Things to do in Fairbanks:

Fairbanks is one of the highlights of a 10-day Alaska Itinerary, and it has amazing things to do. Check my Ultimate Travel Guide of Fairbanks to find out the top 24 things to do in Fairbanks, plus where to eat, where to stay, and all the tips you need to explore this amazing place in Alaska.

🏨 Best Accommodations in Fairbanks:

• CAMPING | River’s Edge Resort is located on the banks of the Chena River
• BUDGET | Billie’s Backpackers Hostel has great reviews, with a shared lounge area and sun terrace and free Wi-Fi
• MID-RANGE | Pike’s Waterfront Lodge has a great restaurant featuring Alaskan cuisine and has great waterfront views
• BEST RATED | A Taste of Alaska Lodge is an excellent option, with a great location, delicious buffet breakfast, and great service.

DAY 5 Alaska Itinerary: Spend this day Exploring Fairbanks

1. visit the trans-alaska pipeline viewpoint.

My first stop on day 5 of my Alaska itinerary, was a quick self-visit, and educational too, was the pipeline. The trans-Alaska pipeline spans 800 miles to reach the refineries, crossing the Alaskan wilderness, mountain ranges, earthquake zones, and rivers – and Fairbanks is a great place to see some of the 420 miles of the elevated pipeline.

Here you can find information displays explaining more about one of the world’s engineering marvels and an example of a pig, the device used to clean and inspect inside the pipelines. Imagine that every hour, more than a million dollars of oil flows through these pipes!

2. Visit the Alaska Museum of North

The next stop on this Alaska Itinerary is to visit the Alaska Museum of North. I love how they are able to tell the story of Alaska with a mix of places, wildlife, people, and culture. From the Alaska Native days and customs to the most recent days.

I was able to learn a lot about this fascinating and diverse state, so I recommend you reserve a few hours of your day in Fairbanks to visit the museum.

3. Have Fun at the Chena Hot Springs

This is one of the highlights in Fairbanks and also, a must-visit! You can choose to book your lodge here, as you can find many attractions, and it is also one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, or you can plan to spend a half-day or a full-day visit.

The hot springs are a great outdoor pool with mineral spring water that rises from the earth at 165 degrees Fahrenheit and you will see people just soaking and relaxing here. You can pay $15 to use it, even if you are not staying at the resort.

Here you can also find restaurants, an indoor pool, many activities such as ATV and snowmobiling tours, and many hiking trails. You can also take a tour at the Chena Kennel and the guide teaches all about the Alaskan Huskies you can also pet the beautiful dogs and play with the puppies.

📷 You can also go on a tour from Fairbanks to the Chena Hot Springs – check prices and availability here .

4. Enjoy a visit too the Aurora Ice Museum

The Aurora Ice Museum is also located inside the Chena Hot Springs Resort, and you can buy a ticket there for $15 for a tour inside the museum, where you have the opportunity to see the artists creating the ice sculptures. For another $15 you get to try their appletini served on guess what? An iced glass.

The ice museum is pretty amazing with a bar, sitting area, and lots of amazing sculptures all created from over 1,000 tons of ice and snow – the tour takes about 45 minutes and it is open all year long.

5. Explore the Pioneer Park

Another great place to visit while in Fairbanks is Pioneer Park. I was surprised I was the only person visiting the park that day, as I thought it was pretty intriguing to learn that the 100-year-old historic village was featured with the original buildings moved from downtown Fairbanks, as well as the museums and even a Gold Rush town street.

The park opened in 1967 as a celebration of the 100th anniversary of Alaska’s purchase from Russia. It is a great place to learn about the history and to stroll around and imagine Alaska in the early years. Here you can also find a theme park, with a train that runs inside the park, restaurants, shops and the entrance is free.

DAY 6: Drive from Fairbanks to Denali, with overnight in Talkeetna

• DRIVING: Today the driving is 123 miles in about 2.5 hours
• ACCOMMODATIONS: Click here for accommodations in Talkeetna
• MUST-READ: Ultimate Guide How to Visit Denali National Park

1. Go Hiking and Wildlife Views at the Denali National Park

Denali National Park is one of the highlights of any Alaska road trip Itinerary, and is home to the tallest mountain in North America – Mt. McKinley. Within the park, there is a lot of wildlife and vast, unspoiled wilderness with glacier rivers, and tundra and all of this is surrounded by mesmerizing peaks! There are amazing things to doing Denali National Park and here you will find also amazing hiking trails to explore.

The National Park Bus Service is the best option to visit Denali, as they offer access to 92 miles inside the park, with great opportunities for wildlife views. It operates from May to mid-September. Check here for more information.

Even during the summer, private vehicles have limited access to the park. The only option for going into the interior of the park is the National Park Bus Service. This is one of the ways the park is preserved in its natural state.

If you visit the park during the shoulder season or wintertime, access to the park is VERY LIMITED ! Don’t get me wrong, the park is still worth a visit, and the views are absolutely awe-inspiring. I was able to drive the single road 15 miles inside the park for some amazing views. I did the Mountain View hiking which is easy with stunning views.

NOTE: When planning your Alaska Itinerary, make sure you plan your visit to Denali in advance, considering that what you will see and do, will depend on when you are visiting it, so you don’t set your expectations so high. I visited it during shoulder season, which means, I could only drive the 15 miles inside the park, and the bus service was not operating – therefore, the access was very restricted with only a few access to the hiking trails. Read here for a complete guide on how to visit Denali National Park.

2. Hike the Horseshow Lake Trail

Just inside Denali Park, I did the Horseshoe Lake Trail hiking, which I really recommend too with a beautiful trail overlooking a lake.

The trail is only 2 miles and takes about 2 hours and the most exciting part for me was near the mid-way point, on the east side of the loop, you can hike a short spur to overlook a beaver dam. This was the first time I saw a beaver dam and it was one of the coolest things I saw during my 10 days Alaska itinerary.

If you are looking to spend more time in the park, you will find up to 20 hiking trails in Denali , from easy and short hikes to some backcountry trails, with the opportunity to go camping.

3. Drive to Talkeetna

On the drive from Denali to Talkeetna , make sure to stop at the North View Point and then, the South View Point on Parks Highway (AK 3) to see the highest peak, Mt. Denali – both locations are a must-stop and the views are breathtaking and very different landscape. Each of these viewpoints has telescopes to take a close-up look at the mountains on the horizon.

After a full day of exploration in Denali, plus the mesmerizing driving with a few stops along the road for pictures, I got to Talkeetna for some delicious dinner and drinks at the Denali Brewpub.

📷 More Things to do in Denali National Park

If you have more time to explore Denali, you can easily spend at least 2-full days here, as you you can also add the following to your Alaska itinerary:

• Complete Guide for Things to do in Denali National Park
• Complete Guide for Things to do in Talkeetna
• Take a bus tour: This tour bus is narrated by a trained naturalist, with a very informative trip into the park.
• Go on a backcountry safari: You can go on a 3.5-hour off-road 4-wheel safari adventure in Denali National Park
• ATV Adventure: This tour gives you the chance to get dirty and ride for 3.5-hour in Denali National Park
• Camping inside Denali National Park: If you are feeling adventurous, you can camp inside the park
• White-water rafting: I didn’t do it, but I wish I did after I visited the Nenana river and see how awesome this adventure should have been.

🏨 Best Accommodations in Talkeetna:

• CAMPING | Talkeetna Camper Park offers a full service for RV setup, with 35 camping spots
• BUDGET | Meandering Moose Lodging is located in a very beautiful setting, and it is a great option if you are traveling on a budget.
• MID-RANGE | Talkeetna Roadhouse is a classic in Talkeetna, with an excellent location
• BEST RATED | Willow Cabin is just WOW! rated as Exceptional with 10 stars by the guest, this vacation home is a dreamy place to stay in Talkeetna.

DAY 7: Take a flightseeing in Denali and drive to Seward

• DRIVING: The driving from Talkeetna to Seward is long – 237 miles in about 4.5 hours
• ACCOMMODATIONS: Click here for accommodations in Seward
• MUST-READ: Ultimate Travel Guide to Talkeetna

1. Explore Talkeetna Village

Talkeetna was NOT really in my initial Alaska road trip Itinerary, but since I was able to explore Denali in a day, I decided to head to Talkeetna and it was the best decision! Talkeetna is situated just outside Denali National Park, and it is a classic artsy Alaskan village with great views of Mt. Denali (if you are at the right place and time!). This is one of the best places to  catch a plane ride to explore the nearby glaciers and mountain ranges!

Also, walk around the village and take pictures of the historic buildings, grab a coffee at one of the cute cafes, walk by the river for outstanding views and visit the local shops and galleries. I just love the vibe and the laid-back lifestyle in Talkeetna, and I think you will too!

2. Fly above the Denali Mountains

I normally do not book very expensive tours when I travel, but since I didn’t get the chance to see much of Denali National Park I thought it would be a great opportunity to visit Denali’s highest peaks from above, and it was AMAZING! I truly recommend you add this to your 10-day Alaska Itinerary.

I booked a flight with this tour and it was worth every penny! being able to wind between the Denali peaks and feeling so small, is an experience of a lifetime. I booked a private flight, so I could really take advantage of getting the best window in the house and ask tons of questions from my pilot.

For 1 hour I could fly over rivers, glaciers, icefalls, and snow peaks of the Susitna Valley and the highlight was getting so close to the summit of Mt. Denali – it was just WOW!

🔎 You can check a complete article with all you need to know about taking a Denali flightseeing tour from Talkeetna .

3. Drive to Seward

The drive is long, but don’t you worry! This is another scenic road, with great views of mountains and the coast. You may even want to make some stops along the way for some pictures.

You will pass through Anchorage and take the scenic Seward Highway once again. Drive along the Cooke Inlet and Turnagain Arm – don’t forget to keep an eye out for Belugas 😉 – Following this itinerary, you will arrive in Seward in the later afternoon or early evening.

📷 More Things to do in Seward:

Check the 30 epic things to do in Seward , and if you have more time to explore Seward, you can also add the following to your Alaska itinerary:

• Alaska SeaLife Center: This facility was built with funds from the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill and serves to remind visitors of the importance of understanding and maintaining  Alaska ‘s marine ecosystem
• Kayak Trip: Go on an amazing kayak trip on the Resurrection Bay
• Helicopter Tour: See from above the unique Kenai Fjords National park and land on Godwin Glacier

🏨 Best Accommodation in Seward:

• CAMPING | Seward KOA is where I stayed and loved it! Great facilities and an amazing location!
• BUDGET | Exit Glacier Lodge is located near the Exit Glacier with free Wi-fi, a restaurant, and a bar.
• MID-RANGE | Arctic Paradise B&B has a great location with a full Alaskan breakfast served in the room
• BEST RATED | Glacier Creek Lodging is the best-rated accommodation in Seward, with a great breakfast included

DAY 8 Alaska Itinerary: Boat day tour on Kenai Fjords National Park

• MUST-READ: Ultimate Travel Guide to Seward
• MUST-READ: Check Ultimate Guide to the Exit Glacier

1. Take a Boat Tour on the Kenai Peninsula

The Alaska itinerary today is dedicated to a day on the boat at the Kenai Penisula.

A visit to Alaska is not completed if you don’t take a boat tour on the Kenai Peninsula . This was also one of the highlights of my Alaska Itinerary. The landscape here is so unreal, and something you can truly only see in Alaska.

The whole tour takes about 6 hours in the Fjords, where we could see lush forests towering walls of rock, icebergs, glaciers, and very abundant wildlife such as whales, seals, sea otters, and sea lions, and a large variety of birds.

Lunch is included on the tour, and there is a cafeteria where you can buy hot chocolate and coffee (and cans of beer). The staff is very helpful, and the captain did an amazing job explaining all about the Fjords and wildlife – I found this was a great opportunity for not only an amazing tour but also, to learn more about the Kenai Fjords.

📷 Check here for the Kenai Fjords tour for prices and availability

2. Explore Seward Downtown

If you still have the energy to explore around after spending the day on the boat, you can explore Seward Downtown.

Seward is my favorite town that I visited during my road trip in Alaska. It is small, located on the gorgeous Kenai peninsula, and it offers great views from the mountains and the shore from different parts of the town.

Park your car and just stroll around the old downtown, and visit the many local shops, breweries, and cute cafes. Walk by the Waterfront Park.

DAY 9 Alaska Road Trip: Hiking to the Harding Icefield

• DRIVING: 1 hour
• MUST-READ: Ultimate Guide on How to Hike Harding Icefield

1. Hike the Amazing Harding Icefield

If you also choose to hike the Harding Icefield Trail , reserve a whole day of your 10-day Alaska Itinerary for this activity.

The round-trip hike is 8.2 miles with 1,000 ft of elevation gain per mile, summiting at 3,512 feet. It may take less time depending on the conditions of the hiking trail. But I did the hiking in a little over 7 hours considering that I got a lot of mud, ice, and snow and the hiking path was not well-market because it was covered in snow.

My advice to you? Please do this hike! But please, read this article first to make sure you are prepared! This hiking trail is insanely beautiful, and honestly one of the most beautiful hikes I have ever done in my life. Wear good hiking boots and layers. Alpine poles are recommended to deal with the snowy, icy, and muddy sections of the trail.

The Harding Icefield is located in Kenai Fjords National Park, and the views from any point of this hike are just incredible! I didn’t see many people during my hike, and you can really feel the peace and solitude of the mountains. But just be Bear Aware! I didn’t see any bears, but the day before, a solo female hiker saw a black bear just 10 ft from her.

There is 1 trail to the top and the same trail on the descent. You can choose how far you go and you can turn around at any time.

If you choose not to hike all the way to the Harding Icefield, you have 2 other options:

• Marmot Meadows : A little over 1 mile into the trail, this offshoot will path take you to little platform areas where you can see Exit Glacier
• The Cliffs are the halfway point to the Harding Icefield. It offers fantastic views of Exit Glacier and the tongue of Harding Icefield.

After hiking, I was exhausted, and I just went straight to have dinner in town and crashed for the evening, dead tired but exhilarated.

NOTE: If you choose NOT TO HIKE the Harding Icefield hiking during your 10-day Alaska itinerary, you can choose many other awesome activities to do in Seward that I have listed in this article . You have plenty of options for things to do in Seward, and you are not going to get bored.

• DRIVING: The drive from Seward to Anchorage is 127 miles in 2.5 hours , but can take longer with road construction.

1. Exit Glacier Hike

The final day of this 10-day Alaska itinerary couldn’t end more perfectly, hiking the stunning Exit Glacier. The hike to Exit Glacier is short and easy, starting from the Parking lot you will see the National Park Visitor Center, and the trail is very well marked.

You will see signs with numbers along the road and during your hike – the numbers are a reference to the year the Exit Glacier terminated. Exit Glacier is retreating very quickly and before visitors were able to get very close to it, but now, the end of the trail takes you to the closest point…

The views are still spectacular but it is sad to learn how fast it is melting.

2. Drive Back from Seward to Anchorage

On this last day of this amazing Alaska 10 days itinerary, enjoy the scenic drive from Seward to Anchorage and opt to stop at different places if you have time.

If you still have some time you can also visit Portage Lake and the Chugach State Park – located in Southcentral Alaska mostly within the Municipality of Anchorage. The park contains approximately 495,000 acres of land and is one of the four largest state parks in the United States. Here you can find many hiking trails to explore.

More Alaska Road Trip Itinerary Ideas

5 days in alaska road itinerary (option 1).

• Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage and explore the city
• Day 2: Visit museums or go hike in Anchorage | Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
• Day 3: Take the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Denali
• Day 4: Spend the day in Denali
• Day 5: Take the train back to Anchorage | Fly home

5 DAYS IN ALASKA ROAD TRIP ITINERARY (Option 2)

• Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage and visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center | Or go hiking
• Day 2: Take a scenic drive to Seward (Portage Pass hike en route)
• Day 3: Option 1: Hike the Harding Icefield hike (strenuous) | Option 2: Hike the Exit Glacier(easy hike)+ explore Seward
• Day 4: Go on a Kenai cruise for whale and wildlife views and glacier
• Day 5: Drive back to Anchorage, fly home

7 DAYS IN ALASKA ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

• OPTION 1: Do this Alaska itinerary, but remove Fairbanks
• OPTION 2: Do this Alaska itinerary, but remove Valdez
• OPTION 3: Do this Alaska itinerary and remove Fairbanks and Valdez and add a few days to explore Denali National Park
• OPTION 1 : Do this itinerary and add Home after you explore Seward
• OPTION 2: Do this itinerary and add more days in Denali National Park or any other place where you can explore more activities, such as Seward
• OPTION 3: Do this itinerary and add a flight to Juneau for a few days. A flight from Anchorage is about 1:30 and it costs around $300.

Practical Information for Planning your Alaska Road Trip

Planning a road trip to alaska.

If you are going to travel to Alaska, pre-planning, researching, and understanding what you are looking for in a destination will help make your travels far more successful and safe. Here is some further information I think you might need to plan your 10-day Alaska itinerary:

• Bucket List in Alaska: 22 Top Experiences
• Complete pack list for Alaska + Printable
• How to visit Valdez, Alaska
• How to visit Fairbanks, Alaska
• How to visit Seward, Alaska
• How to visit Talkeetna, Alaska
• How to visit Anchorage, Alaska
• How to visit Denali National Park
• How to Hike Exit Glacier
• How to Hike Harding Icefield
• How to take a ferry from Whittier to Valdez
• Best Denali Flightseeing Tours

Travel Insurance for a Road Trip in Alaska

Travel insurance is as essential to travel as having your accommodations and plane tickets. While some may view it as a contingency for the “just in case” scenarios, that the unexpected can, and does, happen.

In today’s ever-shifting landscape, it’s clear that if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. It’s the smart and responsible choice, ensuring that your adventures remain memorable for the right reasons, rather than marred by unexpected hurdles.

That is the reason I use and recommend Heymondo travel insurance – it’s the one I trust, it’s the one I use, and it’s the one I recommend to fellow travelers.  HeyMondo  –

COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees.

🌟 Get  5% off  your policy   by booking through  this link. 🌟

How Much Does It Cost a 10-Day Road Trip to Alaska?

I have to start by saying that Alaska is not a cheap and budget-friendly destination, and how much a trip to Alaska will cost will vary a lot. It depends on your travel style and the season that you visit Alaska.

The first thing to plan your budget for your 10-day Alaska Itinerary is planning the length of time you will need to visit Alaska use the table below for cost estimates:

TOURS AND ATTRACTIONS: Consider that you will also want to do some tours in Alaska, you can spend a little more or a lot more if you choose to go on activities such as helicopter flights, airplanes, private tours, etc. Check here for the Best Tours worth paying for in Alaska .

What to Pack for your 10-Day Alaska Road Trip?

You need to plan the right packing for your trip to Alaska. Make sure you are prepared, considering the season and the activities you are planning to do. I prepared a whole article on What to pack for Alaska in summer and winter, plus you can find an awesome Printable Packing List here too, but just some quick tips:

• Pack layers are the best you can do!
• Bring some warm pants, you can check the best Warm leggings in the market
• Pack rain gear – you don’t want to get soaked wet while exploring
• Make sure to pack a warm jacket – check my review guide on the Top Jackets for Travel
• A hat, gloves, and scarf can’t go wrong, even in summer.
• Bring good quality sturdy hiking shoes .
• Leave your fancy shoes and cute dresses at home. You won’t need them in Alaska 😉
• If you are planning to pack on a backpack, check this Best Backpacks for Travel

CLICK HERE: Packing List for Alaska + FREE Printable

Alaska Road Trip Itinerary Conclusion

I hope you have found this Alaska road trip itinerary helpful and that you have the chance to explore the Last Frontier State. You will fall in love – just like I did – with the beauty, the wild nature, and the breathtaking views. Check out these fun and interesting facts about Alaska too, if you’re looking to learn more about this amazing state.

Also, consider reviewing some essential winter road trip tips before you go.

It doesn’t matter if you have 10 days to explore Alaska on a road trip, or if you have more time, you will be able to enjoy this unique place on our Planet. Next time, I want to go back during summertime, to be able to enjoy other activities that I couldn’t do on my first visit, such as hike and camping in Denali National Park.

If you have any further questions, please drop me a message below and I will be very happy to help.

Safe travels, and keep healthy everyone!

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What is Alaska Known For? 20 Things Alaska is Famous For

Ultimate Packing List for Alaska in Summer & Winter + Printable

13 thoughts on “a perfect 10-day alaska road trip itinerary + map”.

This is inspiring! We just bought an RV and hope to take it to Alaska next summer!

This looks like an amazing trip to Alaska. With waterfalls, wildlife & northern lights it looks like a great itinerary. I’ll save it for later!

It is quite clear after reading your post that you were so excited about your trip to Alaska. I loved reading it as much as you enjoyed writing about it.

WOW I feel like you were able to do and see so much during your time in Alaska! I’ve only considered visiting via cruise ship, but I’m reconsidering now!

What an excellent itinerary and it makes me want to go back as I didn’t see a ton on a work trip 12 years ago in February and it was crazy cold! I was in Seward for a week, then went to Fairbanks and stayed at Chena Hot Springs. Sadly in two nights I didn’t get to see the Northern Lights due to weather. That is so cool you got to visit the North Pole and take a boat ride to see the Kenai Fjords! I’d like to see both one day!

Ok, I’ve been wanting to visit Alaska for a while. But this post just sealed the deal for me. This looks like an amazing itinerary!! Your pictures are stunning and I’d love to rent an RV too and do this road trip one day 🙂

Very thorough guide. Thank you! It looks amazing

I have always wanted to visit Alaska since I love nature, wildlife and SNOW! Your article inspires me to start researching it.

I’ve always wanted to visit Alaska and this indepth and thorough itinerary is so helpful. Visiting the North Pole and SANTA (your face lol), Chasing the Aurora Borealis, and flying above the Denali Mountains seem like such amazing experiences!

I know right…LOL…You can tell I was extremely excited to see Santa. And I so hope you get to visit Alaska soon, it is a truly amazing destination!

Terri, it seems Alaska is on your path very soon, and that it will be a perfect destination for you!

Thank you and I am glad you found my article!

Thank you so much, I am so glad my article inspired you and you enjoyed the pictures. I always say that is nearly impossible to take a bad picture of Alaska, as it is so incredibly beautiful. Traveling in Alaska was amazing, and I think that renting an RV added it even more to the adventure and freedom, I really recommend it!

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The Ultimate Alaska Road Trip Itinerary (From Fairbanks To Seward, Alaska)

Read More: The Ultimate Alaska Road Trip Itinerary (Everything From Homer To Fairbanks!)

Looking to elevate your adventure this summer?

Nothing is more adventurous or more rugged than Alaska. It’s not called “The Last Frontier” for just any reason! From the endless options for backcountry trails, off-road adventuring, or just sightseeing, you’re sure to get a hefty dose of the outdoors on an Alaska road trip.

In this post, we’re sharing the ultimate Alaska Road Trip itinerary, one that takes you from Homer to Fairbanks, to show you some of the most iconic spots in the state.

We’ll spill the beans on Denali National Park, whale watching in Seward, hot springs in Fairbanks, and share some of the best secret spots to check out near Girdwood!

It’s all here, so keep scrolling and let’s get planning one of the best west coast road trips in the USA !!

When Is The Best Time To Plan An Alaska Road Trip?

The best time to take an Alaska road trip is in the summer months, which are from May to September (the best times being July and August!). You can probably get away with planning a trip until October, but be prepared for snow if the winter season comes early!

Alaska Road Trip Planning Tip: We don’t suggest traveling in April, often called “mud season”, as the snow is melting which in turn makes Alaska hiking trails slushy and roads slippery and wet. Local businesses are also often closed, shifting gears from Alaska winter tours to summer tours.

Psst, want to make your trip even easier?  Try downloading the app  The Dyrt  for their  trip planner feature . You can set your route and waypoints, and it will find you the best campground and gas stops along your Alaska road trip route! Try their pro membership free for 30-days when using our code MANDAGIES !

How To Get To Alaska

If you’re wondering where to start your Alaska road trip itinerary, we highly suggest starting your trip to Anchorage. 

Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, which means you are able to easily rent a car, stay overnight in the city, and purchase any last-minute gear before you take your road trip in Alaska.

You’ll fly into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) , likely on Alaska Airlines.

Make sure to reserve a window seat because the views upon landing are absolutely spectacular! You get to fly over the Chugach Mountains which look as if they plunge right into the bay below. This view told us we were going to have the best Alaska itinerary start ever!

Renting A Car In Anchorage, Alaska

There are a lot of great options when deciding to rent cars in Alaska. What kind of Alaska trip you want to have will determine what kind of car you should rent! Here are some of our suggestions below:

Renting A Regular Car: If you are planning to stay in lodges and hotels during your itinerary, we suggest renting a car like a sedan, SUV, or hybrid vehicle. These generally can fit in all parking garages and covered areas.

Outdoorsy: If you are hoping to go experience some wild Alaska camping, we suggest renting a camper van or recreational vehicle for your road trip. Try Outdoorsy – it’s like Airbnb but for car campers! You can borrow someone’s vehicle with full insurance coverage for a unique road trip experience.

Vintage VW Bus Rentals – Trickster Trips: Looking to have a one-of-a-kind road trip? Take your Alaska itinerary in style and rent a vintage Volkswagen van! Last Frontiner Westys rents out vans that have built-in heaters, a fully stocked kitchen, and sleeping gear for your trip. Did I mention they are incredibly photogenic??

Alternative: Don’t rent a car! It’s possible to see a ton of Alaska without having to rent a car! You can make your home base in the city and take day trips from Anchorage every day. From train travel to tours that pick you up, it’s a very possible (and fun!) way to stay in one place.

When Planning A Road Trip In Alaska, Remember This: Anchorage is, unfortunately, one of the cities with the highest car theft rate among U.S. cities. Make it a habit of hiding your valuables out of sight in the car’s trunk, or better yet, taking them along with you.

10-Days In Alaska: The Best Alaska Itinerary To See Everything

Day 1: anchorage, alaska.

Begin your Alaska road trip itinerary in the city of Anchorage. This is where you will find plenty of options for food, fuel, and gear, so double-check that you have all the items necessary for your journey. ( See our Alaska road trip packing list here! )

Want to do a little bit of exploring around the city? Check out the viewpoint of the Sleeping Lady (Mount Susitna) near the airport at Point Woronzof Overlook.

You can also take a quick hike around the Chugach Mountains at Flattop Mountain trail (or just snap a beautiful photo from the parking lot!). Either way, we definitely recommend spending a bit of time exploring the things to do in Anchorage – they are a fun part of your Alaska road trip and a chance to get to know the city a little better!

Day 2: Homer, Alaska

From your starting point in Anchorage, drive south to Homer, Alaska, for the southernmost point of your Alaska road trip route , and the Alaska highway system! Stop along the way to take photos of the Russian River and then in  Ninilchik to see the famous Russian church – Transfiguration of Our Lord Church. 

Homer is known for its halibut fishing , so if you want to spend a few more days of your Alaska itinerary here, consider going on a Halibut fishing charter  to see what it’s really like on an Alaska fishing trip!

You can camp on Homer Spit, or browse these campgrounds off Soldotna / Kenai Peninsula.  Additionally, you can check out Land’s End Resort , for their cozy accommodations and fun hot tub with amazing views!

Wake up to take a walk on Bishop’s Beach, and grab some coffee and pastries at Two Sisters Bakery for the stroll!

Day 3: Seward, Alaska

Working your way back up north on your road trip in Alaska, make a stop in Seward, Alaska. This town is known for its large marina and boating access (and some limited foot access) to Kenai Fjords National Park.

Continue to the small town of Seward, where we recommend spending the night at the Harbor 360 Hotel . Here, you can walk behind the hotel and visit the Seward Boat Harbor. This is an extremely photogenic place on a good day, with towering mountains in the distance for a stunning backdrop.

Seward is also a popular place for going whale watching! The best time to see whales in Seward, Alaska is late May and early June, but Major Marine Tours do many different tours depending on the time of year.

Best places to eat in Seward, Alaska:

• Resurrection Coffee (coffeehouse in an old church)
• Railway Cantina
• Chinooks Restaurant 

Day 4: Kenai Fjords National Park

If you are looking for a unique activity to do during your Alaska road trip, we suggest visiting Exit Glacier . This glacier is one of the few accessible ones left in Alaska and is always finding itself as an example of climate change for its rapidly melting pattern over the recent years.

For a fun way to stretch your legs and get out of the car,  hike the Harding Icefield  to Exit Glacier. The trip all the way to the impressive top of the Harding Icefield is an 8.2-mile round trip, but you can easily check out Exit Glacier with a very easy walk to the (quickly melting) base.

Stopping here for a hike will also give you access to the Kenai Fjords National Park and the Visitors Center. Come and get your passport stamped!

Day 5: Hatcher Pass and Matanuska Glacier

Heading north out of the Kenai Peninsula and past Anchorage, the next stop on your Alaska road trip itinerary will be at Matanuska Glacier and Hatcher Pass!

Matanuska Glacier is the largest glacier accessible by road in Alaska. At its longest, it stretches 27 miles and at its widest, it spans 4 miles wide. There are many ways to visit Matanuska Glacier – from its several viewpoints around the Glenn Highway, taking a walking tour , and even enjoying lunch at a rustic lodge overlooking the views. Additionally, you can camp here to maximize your time exploring the glacier.

Continuing your Alaska road trip north, drive the Hatcher Pass Scenic Byway (AKA Fishhook Road), a 60-mile detour from Palmer to Willow for incredible alpine tundras and mountain wildflowers! Some of the most iconic views on this road are Independence Mine and the Hatcher Pass Lodge. You’ll easily recognize Hatcher Pass Lodge by their iconic red A-frame cabins on the side of the hill.

With the iconic red lodges standing out against the white snow (and even more beautiful with green meadows, too!) make sure to plan a road trip stop here at any point in the year!

Hatcher’s Pass Pro Tip: Stop for a while to photograph them, but remember to respect the space, as it’s a private rentable cabin for guests of the lodge! Please respect guest privacy and don’t get too close!

Day 6: Talkeetna

Talkeetna, Alaska is a small town located at the base of Mount McKinley (Mount Denali) . Most of their industry is focused on outdoor adventure tourism, so this is an excellent place to book fishing tours, float trips, scenic flights and tons of other backcountry trips in Alaska.

Don’t have a ton of money to spend? Talkeetna has an entire page on their website about Alaska activities on a budget , which is really helpful when you’re trying to plan out 10 days in Alaska!

Plan a road trip stop here for a good dose of adventure in Alaska, near and far!

Read More: The Ultimate Alaska Packing List For The Adventurous Traveler

Day 7: Denali National Park

This is the part of your Alaska road trip that will take you northbound towards Fairbanks and Denali National Park, towards the Interior of Alaska. Probably one of the most anticipated stops on any Alaska road trip route is Denali National Park, which will be your next trip!

There are so many things to do in Denali National Park! Take a hike with a ranger, go whitewater rafting on the Nenana River, or even go hiking in the backcountry. A popular activity is taking an entire day for the  Kantishna Experience Tour  (11-12 hr, 92 miles one way), which drives the whole Park Road and has an accompanying park ranger for the full park experience.

Don’t forget to stop by and see the husky kennels! They are official rangers in Denali, which assist in backcountry rescues that require sledding into the scene. If you love animals, make sure to bring your camera in Denali because in addition to the huskies, make sure to look out for the “Big Five” animals – caribou, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, wolves, and moose!

All the best Alaska itineraries include a stop in Denali – don’t miss this one!

Campgrounds Near Denali National Park:

• Riley Creek Campground (showers and RV sites)
• Savage River Campground (limited amenities but it’s INSIDE the park)

Note: Many of these campgrounds in the park are open in summers only, except for Riley Creek Campground. It’s first-come-first-serve and free during the off-season! Check out our guide to sleeping in your car if you find yourself running into chilly nights!

Day 8: Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks will be the northernmost stop on your Alaska road trip! Fairbanks is known for many iconic Alaska activities, including the midnight sun in the summertime, endless nights in the winter, and ample opportunities to witness the northern lights!

Looking to relax after all those hours in the car? Consider taking a visit to Chena Hot Springs . This resort uses naturally sourced hot spring water to heat their pool for an incredible experience outdoors. Other activities at Chena Hot Springs Resort include touring the ice museum, the Chena Kennels, and even staying overnight at the grounds!

In the town of Fairbanks, visit the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum , the Museum of the North at the University of Alaska, or the Running Reindeer Ranch for hikes with these majestic creatures!

Read More: 10 Awesome Things To Do In Fairbanks, Alaska

Day 9: Drive Back to Anchorage (Or Denali National Park OR Fairbanks Again)

On day 9 of your 10 days in Alaska, this is the day you’ll have quite a few options.

If you are concerned about getting to the airport on time, we suggest driving the long trek back to Anchorage this day. (Make sure you download these road trip podcasts for some fun listening along the way!)

You can explore the nearby Turnagain Arm , and stop at the many scenic overlooks and hikes in the area. You can also drive over to Girdwood, Alaska and hike the Winner Creek Trail. There are many places to stop driving from Anchorage to Seward, and all of these locations aren’t very far away from the city at all!

Do you want to spend more time in Denali National Park? Consider spending another night in the park! Stay close by the entrance and take a tour of the Denali Kennels to meet the cute pups and speak with a Park ranger about their life training for the noble work of park safety!

You can choose to camp in the park, or stay in nearby towns like Cantwell or Healy for a no-fuss stop at the end of your Alaska road trip.

Day 10: Anchorage, Alaska

It’s day 10 and your Alaska road trip has come to an end! Before you return your Alaska rental car and hop back on the plane to go home, squeeze in one final adventure!

Try visiting the nearby Eklutna Lake for a last-minute Alaska photography opportunity, and sip some coffee on the shores before your long travel day home. (Our favorite coffee shops in town are Kaladi Brothers , Snow City Cafe , and Black Cup Coffee ).

There are a lot of nearby hikes in Anchorage to choose from, and the most convenient options are Flattop Mountain Trail and Thunderbird Falls.

Read More: 10 Adventurous Things To Do In Anchorage, Alaska

Alaska Road Trip Itinerary Map

Below, you’ll find our Alaska itinerary broken down into stops, and suggestions of places to check out along the way. Thanks for reading and we hope you have a great Alaska trip!

Have you ever planned an Alaska road trip itinerary? What were some of the best Alaska destinations on your route? Share your story with us in the comments below!

More alaska adventures.

The Ultimate Packing List For An Alaska Road Trip

10 Adventurous Things To Do In Anchorage, Alaska

The Ultimate Guide To Seward, Alaska (Whale Watching, Hikes And More!)

10 Epic Things To Do In Fairbanks, Alaska

Love your blog! I live in Anchorage, Alaska and I love many of the places mentioned above. If you ever stop in Alaska again, I would love to share some more pretty places and optimal photo opportunities!

Hi Sophia! Thanks so much for the sweet comment! We’re actually planning a trip to Alaska again this summer! Stoked to see more of it, I’d love to connect up if that’s in the stars! <3

Everything You Need to Know Before Driving to Alaska – 2024

By: Author Adam

Posted on Last updated: 5 January, 2024

We put this guide together from what we learned by driving to Alaska the entire way, both north and south. Below is what worked well for us (and what didn’t) – to make your drive to Alaska even better than ours.

Are you looking for the ultimate road trip? The journey to Alaska from the lower 48 States is most travelers’ top road trips. It is one of our favorite road trips to date!

Before hitting the road, make sure to pick up the most up-to-date Alaska Milepost book here .

First of all, the drive to Alaska is much easier than most travelers expect. When most people envision the drive to Alaska and driving in Alaska, they start to turn into doomsday preppers.

Often people think driving the Alaska Highway will be all winter driving with crazy icy road conditions the entire journey. WRONG! 

Most travelers think they’ll need three spare tires and gas cans strapped to every flat surface of their vehicle. Driving in Alaska isn’t nearly what you think, and the entire Alaska Highway is better than you think.

You do need to prepare when you drive north to Alaska, but not like this. We’ll explain – while giving you all of the Alaska by car tips, the best routes to Alaska, the best scenic stops along the Alaska Highway, and itinerary advice for the Alaska drive for this epic adventure!

We get several comments & emails every week asking what to pack when driving to Alaska. Here is our list of must-have items on Amazon.

Where you should really start is with a copy of the Milepost Alaska travel planner. It will help you get detailed information to plan your trip, and it’s even better to have it in the car when driving – because there is not going to be cell service, let alone internet, for most of the drive to Alaska and along the Alaska Highway.

Click Here To Buy The Milepost 2024 Edition 

2024 Milepost – Best Alaska Map for an Alaska Road Trip

Can you drive to alaska in 2024 & are there covid restrictions.

Yes, you can drive from the US to Alaska in 2024. There are NO Covid requirements for entry into Canada in order to drive to Alaska. You can now cross the Canadian border from the States like before Covid ever happened.

In the summer of 2022, there were several COVID restrictions and requirements for entering Canada. This has all changed!  For the most up-to-date information, please see the official Canadian Government site here .

Best Guidebook for Driving to Alaska

The best or only real guidebook is the Milepost book . If you are making the journey, you should probably have one of these. We recommend picking one of these up well in advance of your trip to help plan.

The #1 thing to buy for a trip to Alaska, it helps plan & you’ll need it in the car when driving!

It takes some time to get used to the layout, but once you do, it will have more info than you’ll ever need on all the Alaskan roads & Alaska Highway and the route to Alaska through Canada. You can order the Milepost book online here .

Another great resource for those that will be camping or traveling by RV is the Traveler’s Guide to Alaskan Camping. You can get it on Amazon . The book features over 500 Alaskan campgrounds and those along the way driving to Alaska, including the Yukon Territory, Cassiar Highway, Alaska Marine Highway system, the Klondike Loop, and Northern British Colombia. With complete campsite details with address, contact phone number, description, and more.

Cell Phone service and Best Carriers for a road trip to Alaska?

Cell coverage on the ride up to Alaska was better than expected for the most part but still a lot worse than the roads. Once you are north of Calgary, expect very little service along the Alaska Highway except in the small towns. While traveling through small towns, you will almost always have cell service, and most will also have data too.

Best Satellite Communicator To Have

If you’re driving by yourself or have a loved one driving to Alaska alone and you want some extra piece of mind, you should consider packing a satellite communicator . A satellite communicator can send messages, emails, and emergency SOS messages. For less than $200, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have it.

• Buy Now 2023 Best Satellite Communicator

In Canada – Many U.S. carriers extend their plans into Canada at no extra cost. We found T-Mobile shared towers with many Canadian carriers and worked better than our Verizon line for both calls and data. It’s best to contact your carrier to see how your plan will work in Canada before switching it on across the border.

In Alaska – Cell and data coverage are overall better than in Canada, but it is the U.S., so many carriers will switch to roaming, which is limited on most plans. There is better coverage between towns in Alaska than in northern Canada, but mostly for calls, the internet is still limited to the towns and cities. AT&T and Verizon, according to locals, are the best for coverage in Alaska.  We had a Verizon line, and it worked all right, but it was still pretty limited.

Our T-Mobile line picked up GCI a majority of the time. We were told by T-Mobile we only got 200MB of roaming data included in our plan, but it never shut us down. We called to inquire how much data we had used in Alaska, and they said 0 MB. So, we were able to use our T-Mobile with no problems the entire time. GCI has prepaid options from $20+, depending on how much data you need. GCI is Alaska’s largest wireless network and fastest 4G network.

Related Article: Things To Do In Homer Alaska

Best Vehicle to Drive to Alaska?

ANY vehicle is capable of making the drive to Alaska in the summer months. You don’t need a 4×4 or anything crazy. We’ve seen motorcycles, full-size RVs, trucks with a 5th-wheel camper, and even our basic grocery-getting minivan was fine on the Alaska Highway.

If those giant RVs pulling cars can make it on the roads, so can your car. Our 11-year-old DIY campervan made the drive to Alaska without issue. Click here to watch our YouTube video and see what our van looks like.

It’s a good idea to make sure your vehicle is in good mechanical order because from anywhere in the lower 48 of the U.S., a drive to Alaska is at least 48 hours of drive time.

Driving to Alaska FAQ

Q.) Is driving to Alaska worth it?

A.) Yes, driving to Alaska is absolutely worth it! I am positive anyone who has made the drive will agree. There’s nothing quite like it, and you get to see so much along the way.

Q.) Is it safe to drive the Alaska Highway?

A.) Yes, driving to Alaska is generally safe, and so is the Alaska Highway. There are normal road hazards, but with normal careful driving and some planning, you should have a safe trip. If you do run into trouble, people along the highway tend to help each other out.

Q.) Can you drive to Alaska without going through Canada?

A.) No, you can not drive all the way to Alaska without going through Canada. However, with the use of the Alaska Marine Highway system , you can take your vehicle to Alaska without going through Canada – just a short 97 hours on the ferry.

Q:) Can you drive to Alaska during the winter months?

A:) Yes, the Alaska Highway is open year-round. See more below about driving to Alaska during the winter.

Q.) Can I drive through Canada to Alaska without a passport?

A.) No, you need your passport. It’s required to cross the Canadian border into Canada and back into the United States when you read Alaska.

Q.) Can you drive to Juneau, Alaska?

A.) No, you can not drive to Juneau without the use of ferries. There are no routes to Alaska that enter Juneau by car without taking the ferry. If you want to bring your car, you will have to take the car ferry to Alaska.

Q:) What month is best to see Northern Lights in Alaska?

A:) Between August and April is your best chance of seeing the Northern Lights in Alaska. If you are driving the Alaska Highway driving back to the States, plan to spend a few days in Fairbanks. Fairbanks is one of the best places in Alaska to see the Northern Lights.

How are the Roads to Alaska on the Alcan Highway in 2024?

In the middle of the Summer of 2022, there was a section of the Alaska Highway / Alcan highway that was washed out just south of the British Columbia and Yukon Border—apparently caused by a beaver dam that gave way (yes, really) and flooding. There has since been a 3 km detour created to reopen the flow of traffic. It is unclear at this time when this portion of the Alaskan Highway will be fully repaired.

In most years, the condition of the roads will depend on how tough the winter is and how much it heaves the roads. Overall, on our last trip, the roads were far better than we expected while planning an Alaska road trip.

For the vast majority of the drive to Alaska, the road is a two-lane asphalt paved highway with a gravel shoulder large enough for a standard vehicle. There are passing lanes periodically, but the traffic is very thin, and passing is generally not an issue.

When is the Best Time to Drive to Alaska?

The best time to drive the Alaska Highway is from May to September. During the summer months, the road conditions on the Alaska Highway will be at their best.

During the summer, you’ll have more hours of daylight, it is the best driving conditions, and more services are open along the Alaska Highway. Several places close during the winter months, as very few travelers make the journey during the winter.

Driving The Alaska Highway in Winter

The road is less traveled due to shorter hours of daylight and winter driving conditions. Be prepared for icy road conditions and snow-covered roads. Don’t rush. Give yourself plenty of time when driving to Alaska during the winter.

If you are up for this adventure, make sure you are prepared and have a backup plan! Always have extra gas with you. Gas stations along the Alaska Highway in the winter have very limited hours. Expect extreme cold temperatures. Make sure you have the appropriate cold-weather clothing and gear in your car.

The road conditions and driving will be worse in the winter in the Yukon and the interior parts of Alaska. The chances of seeing wildlife along the Alaskan Highway are much less.

*Note that winter tires are required when driving in British Columbia from October 1 to March 31.

Can you Drive from Seattle to Alaska?

Yes, you can drive from Seattle to Alaska. There are two route options. Both of the routes below have you driving from Seattle to Prince George, British Columbia, along the Trans-Canada Highway. Once you are in Prince George, you will have two routes to choose from.

Most travelers cross the Canadian border at the Sumas-Huntingdon border crossing, which is just north of Seattle. This border crossing is open 24 hours a day.

You can either take Highway 97, which will connect up with the Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek, OR we would suggest driving the Cassiar Highway.

The Cassiar Highway is technically shorter in distance than the Highway 97 route, but it is the longer route from Seattle. It is 100 miles shorter, but the Cassiar Highway is more remote and the more scenic route, in our opinion. The Cassiar Highway is less traveled, only a two-lane road, has a lower speed limit but has a better chance of seeing wildlife. The Cassiar Highway joins the Alaska Highway by Watson Lake in the Yukon Territory.

If you decide driving Highway 97 from Seattle is your preferred route, you will drive the entire Alaska Highway starting at Mile 0, which starts in Dawson Creek. Highway 97 is the fastest route in regard to time and has more restaurants, hotels, gas stations, etc., along the route, but it is 100 miles longer.

Both Highway 97 and Cassiar Highway are scenic drives through British Columbia with high chances of seeing some wildlife along the way. You could drive to Alaska from Seattle via Highway 97 and then drive Alaska to Seattle on the Cassiar Highway. That way, you can experience each route.

Quick Alaska Highway Facts

The Alaska Highway starts in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, and ends in Delta Junction, Alaska. It is 1,382 miles / 2,224 km long.

The highway is open year-round. The road, for the most part, is paved the entire length of the highway. You will run into patches of construction along the route.

It once was 1,422 miles long, but after some rerouting and construction, the highway in Alaska is now 40 miles shorter. You may notice this if you pay attention to the mile markers. Alaska is yet to change its mile markers to the new length. You may notice this when you cross the Alaska-Yukon border.

The Alaska Highway is also known as the Alcan Highway. It got the name Alcan by shortening Alaska and Canada.

The Alaska Highway ends in Delta Junction, Alaska. Many travelers think it ends in Fairbanks, but that is incorrect. The Delta Junction to the Richardson Highway, which goes to Fairbanks.

How Much Time Do I Need in Alaska?

Alaska is a massive state, and how much you will see will depend on how much time you have. We would suggest you spend about two weeks in Alaska at minimum (more is better) to see most of the drivable highlights of the state. A longer trip is better than a short trip.

If you don’t have a month of time to drive to Alaska, you should probably fly to Alaska and make an Alaska road trip instead. Most Alaska road trips start from Fairbanks or Anchorage, as they have the best flight options. No matter if you are flying to Alaska from California, New York, or Wisconsin like us there are daily flights to Alaska. We would suggest flying into Anchorage and renting a car in Anchorage to start your journey.

While there are many amazing things to see on the way to Alaska, you don’t want to have to get all the way there just to turn around. There are several amazing National Parks in Alaska and Canada, tons of wildlife, including moose & bears, often right along the Alaska Highway, and you can’t forget the gorgeous Canadian Rockies.

Renting a Car in Alaska

If you want to explore Alaska by land but don’t have time to drive the whole way, you can rent a car in Alaska or rent an RV.

Car rental prices in Alaska are NOT CHEAP. I am talking $150+ a day.

There is such a short season, and rental cars in Anchorage and Fairbanks airports are in high demand. Once you know your travel dates and are planning your adventure, book your rental car now, we book online here .

Most rental cars come with unlimited miles (but double-check your terms). If you have time, see if you can explore Canada and Alaska. That way, you could make a mini adventure to the Yukon as well.

Wildlife along the Alaska Highway

We saw sooo many moose and bears just off the road. There become a point where we stopped pulling over to take photos or just watch the wildlife.

The best time to see moose in Alaska is September and October during their breeding season.

The best time to see bears in Alaska is from July through September. We saw more bears along the highway in the Yukon. You most likely will not see a bear in Alaska if you are on an Alaska road trips.

We shouldn’t have to say this but keep your distance. Do not get out of your car and approach wildlife!

How Much Time Do I Need to Drive to Alaska?

Keep in mind while planning you are going to need at least a week to drive up and another week to drive home from Alaska. It can be done quicker, but then you are going to miss some of the greatest sights in North America and the Rockies.

Two weeks of drive time will allow you to make some stops and actually enjoy the journey –  again, if you don’t, you might as well fly to Alaska. See our Alaskan road trip guide and itinerary for everything to see while in Alaska.

Actual drive times will depend on where your trip starts. The time is really dictated by what you want to see along the way. Do you want to drive right through the Yukon, or do you want to see some sights? We suggest one week to drive to Alaska without too many stops safely.

The Best Route to Drive to Alaska and Road Trip Itinerary

If your goal is just to get to Alaska the fastest way possible, you’re better off flying to Anchorage and renting a car in Alaska. As they say, it’s not the destination; it’s the journey.

There are lots of AMAZING things to see on the way to Alaska, and you should make time to see them along the way. You might want to take one route there and another route back. Possibly go back through Seattle one way. We wish we would have had time to drive the Cassiar Highway and make the drive from Alaska to Seattle.

From the eastern half of the United States, most map programs will have you travel through North Dakota into Canada to Edmonton and then finally join the Alcan Highway in Dawson Creek. Take this route if you like loooooooong stretches of flat, boring land. However, if you add just 9 hours of driving to your route, you can see some of the most fascinating landscapes in North America.

Here are our perfect routes to Alaska. No matter which part of the country you are coming from, it would be a road trip sin not to stop in the Canadian Rockies. Make time in your itinerary on either the way to Alaska or on the journey home. No matter which route you take, you’ll be going through the Yukon Territory and British Columbia and jumping on the Alaska Highway near Dawson Creek.

Since everyone is coming from somewhere different, this addresses the Canadian and Northern US portions of the route only. You should allow four weeks minimum for this route, and 5-6 weeks would be more comfortable. For the Alaska portion of the suggested itinerary, see our Alaska Road Trip itinerary and guide.

Related Article: One of Alaska’s Best Kept Secrets – Hatcher Pass

Essential Stops on the Drive to Alaska:

Glacier national park – montana, usa.

If you are in a hurry, you can cover most of the driving highlights of this park in a single day. However, if you have time, we suggest about three days to properly see Glacier National Park . It is one of our favorite National Parks in the United States.

The high mountains can cause weather issues (even in early summer). Extra time would allow a better chance to see this stunning park under blue skies.

If you’re short on time, at least drive the Going to the Sun Road that crosses the park. If you have more time, take in a sunset at our favorite spot, Two Medicines Park Road, or hike the Avalanche Trail.

Banff National Park – Alberta, Canada

One of the most picturesque places on the continent, Banff, should really be part of your trip. A trip to British Colombia requires a few days in Banff National Park. Even those in a hurry should plan three days to take in the sights between Banff, Jasper, and the Icefields Parkway.

Places not to miss while in Banff are Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, and Bow Lake.

If you have more time, three days in Banff will cover the major highlights. If you’re really short on time, you can jump on a Banff helicopter tour and see the park from a whole other level. Banff is a well-known ski area, but all season, there’s so much to see and do in Banff.

Related Article: Things to do in Banff

Icefields Parkway – Alberta, Canada

Another must in British Columbia is driving the Icefields Parkway. It is one of the most scenic drives you’ll ever take. While only 144 miles (232km), you could drive it in just over 2 hours.

There are literally hundreds of stops along the way. This drive deserves at least a day of your road trip to Alaska. Two days would allow you to walk on the Columbia Icefield and really see this amazing place properly.

Jasper National Park – Alberta, Canada

At the top of the Icefields Parkway is another impressive Canadian Park. Jasper National Park is full of more impressive mountains and glacial feed lakes and rivers. Some of the national park highlights not to miss are the Valley of 5 Lakes hike and the massive Pyramid Mountain. Plan at least a day inside Jasper, and three days would allow you to cover most of the highlights.

From Jasper, make your way up HWY 40 in Alberta to connect with the Alcan Highway in Dawson Creek, where the Alaskan Highway starts.  From the Alcan Highway, there are fewer possible deviations since this is the main route.

Good Stops:  Muncho Lake Provincial Park,  Stone Mountain Provincial Park, Destruction Bay, Tetlin Junction, Skagway. From Jake’s Corner in the Yukon, you can make your way down to Skagway & Haines, Alaska.

For the Alaska portion of the suggested itinerary, see our Alaska Road Trip itinerary and guide.

What to pack to drive to Alaska

While it’s good to be prepared for the very long drive to Alaska, but after doing it – there’s a more reasonable approach. Here, we will go over some of the things we packed that worked well and some that didn’t.

Do I need a full-size spare when Driving to Alaska?

Having a full-size spare would help you to make you more independent and better prepared for any issues. However, the roads to Alaska are, in general, in pretty good shape.

If a flat tire occurs, a small donut tire would likely get you to the next town that could repair it. This would slow down your trip, but you’re not going to be eaten by bears if you don’t have a full-size spare.

To answer the question better, we spent a few hundred dollars and two days adding a spare tire to a vehicle that was not made to carry one. In hindsight, it was not worth it. However, if you can easily add a full-size spare tire to your vehicle, do it. Call a junkyard and get a rim and a used tire, and you’ll be ready if something does happen.

Do I need extra jerry cans of gas to drive to Alaska?

The simple answer is no. There is no stretch of road anywhere on the route to Alaska that is longer than 200 miles without a gas station. However, you’ll see all kinds of vehicles with multiple gas cans strapped to the back (we did too).

Overall we found it unnecessary to carry extra gas. However, it was a piece of mind while in what felt like the middle of nowhere. The main exception will be if you plan on driving longer, more remote stretches of the road to Alaska at night or early in the morning.

Many of the gas stations along the route to Alaska (especially in Canada) are old-school, without card readers, meaning the stations have to be open to get gas. Our minivan campervan gets around 400 miles to the tank, and we just never let it get too far under 1/2 a tank and never had an issue.

If you plan on going to more remote areas off of the main highways in Alaska and northern Canada, you still will want an extra gas can. We really liked the nice sturdy metal gas can we brought for this trip, which actually fit inside of our full-sized spare that was on a carry-in our hitch receiver.

Random things you should know before driving the Alcan or Alaska Highway:

• In British Columbia, if you are caught going more than 40 kph over the speed limit, they will impound your car for seven days . Watch your speed when driving! We found this out when we got stopped going around 30 kph over. The trooper let us off with a warning because he was on his way to a missing person. Lucky for us, not so much them. However, he made it seem like his hands would be tied if caught over 40 kph.
• Canada restricts certain types of weapons from being brought into the country, including pepper spray. This makes carrying bear spray into Canada a little bit of a gray area. According to most sources, it is now legal if it’s bigger than 9oz, and the label states USDA repellent registration. Also on the restricted list are handguns and military-like assault weapons. If declared, you can bring in rifles and shotguns for hunting. You must register at the border and pay a fee. See a more comprehensive list and regulations on the RCMP official website .

How much does it cost to drive to Alaska?

Calculating the cost of a road trip to Alaska will depend on your route, gas mileage/price, driving habits, road conditions, lodging, and food along the way. Everyone’s trip will be different, but here are a few tips on how to budget your Alaska drive trip.

• Use a map tool to calculate how many miles your trip will be. Take that number and add in some miles for sightseeing and then double it for driving home.
• If you know your vehicle’s gas mileage, you can easily figure out the gas cost.
• Plan out your route and where you would like to stop along the way, and the type of accommodations you want. Will you be camping or staying in hotels along the way to Alaska? This will be one of your biggest budget factors.
• Make sure to factor in a budget for food. It could be as little as $10 per day per person if you’re cooking your own meals or much higher if eating primarily in restaurants. There are not a ton of restaurants in the Yukon or along the Alaska Highway except in the larger cities.
• Lastly, make sure to leave some money for seeing the sights – entrance fees, park passes, etc.

Are you planning to drive to Alaska? Or have you already done the drive? Share your questions and tips in the comments!

Don’t forget to pin me for later.

Sherrie seward

Saturday 1st of July 2023

Thank you for so much informative information.

Sunday 13th of March 2022

Thanks for posting this! My wife and I are getting ready to drive to AK from Central Wisconsin this summer in our Sienna mini van. Planning for about 10 weeks, lots of things to see and do.

Monday 28th of June 2021

The Alaska Hwy is all paved now. So, the drive is much easier than it used to be. The Canadian border officials can be a real pain. But, you just have to put up with it. DO NOT have a temper flare up! If you do they'll just deny you entry and turn you around. DO NOT try to sneek a hand gun into Canada. If they search your vehicle and they find it you're in big trouble. They really don't like any kind of gun.

Make sure you've got good tires. If you need to buy tires they will charge an arm and a leg. Same for batteries. There are plenty of places to stay, buy gas/diesel and food. No need to carry gas cans.

Summer time is a good time to drive. Winter can be bad because of the cold. There are places where it can get down to -50F or -60F. It can get colder than that.

If your vehicle takes premium gas when you get into Alaska the highest octane you can buy is 90. And it's lousy. You'll get less power and worst mileage. Buy octane booster before you leave home or in the states.

Also, make sure you've to all the paperwork for your vehicle. Insurance, and registration. They might ask you for it at the border. You'll also need a passport to get into Canada.

The border is still closed as of today, Monday June 28th 2021. No telling when they'll reopen it.

The people here (Alaska) are very friendly. Alaska is more than 2.5 times bigger than Texas.

Diane Huffman

Tuesday 13th of April 2021

Awesome and informative post! I worked in Denali YEARS ago ('99,00, and '01) and did that drive back and forth each summer from Utah and Colorado. It's interesting to hear that there are still gas stations that don't have pay-at-the-pump. I remember sleeping at the gas station waiting for it to open because I needed more gas to continue. It is an incredible drive, I'd love to do it again some time when COVID restrictions end.

John LeMaster

Thursday 8th of October 2020

My wife and I drove from Washington to Alaska and back with our travel trailer about 10 years ago. We really enjoyed our trip and would like to do it again. However, we are concerned that it may not be the same because of over crowding and heavy traffic during the summer months. If that's the case we may want to remember it the way it was. That's true of so many places we used to enjoy visiting, but now avoid because they are totally jammed with cars and people making everything a real hassle. What have conditions been like the past couple of summers?

Thursday 11th of February 2021

I don't think 'heavy traffic' applies with a drive to Alaska yet. On our last drive, I think there were days when we saw less than a dozen cars all day.

What are you looking for?

Ultimate 2 week alaska road trip itinerary for 2024.

During our round-the-world road trip , we spent 2 weeks in Alaska and honestly had the time of our lives!

Alaska is the largest state in the U.S. by far covering an impressive 663,000 square miles. It’s often referred to as the ‘Last Frontier’ and is only bordered by Canada to the East. 

For that reason, Alaska also has the longest coastline in the United States. You get the idea… Alaska is HUGE! 

This state had been on our bucket list for so long and yet it completely blew our expectations out of the water. 

During our time here, we got up to so much including whale-watching, glacier-viewing, and exploring Denali National Park of course!

Let’s dive into our epic Alaska road trip itinerary, so you can start planning your trip too…

Route we followed: Google Maps link

Travellerspoint

Do you have your vehicle sorted yet?

As Alaska is so big, it’s impossible to cover every destination in just two weeks! However, hiring a vehicle allows you the chance to cram in as much as possible.

This makes it the best way to see Alaska in my opinion!

You’ve got the option of renting a car or campervan/motorhome and we definitely recommend the latter! 

This is because Alaska isn’t cheap so you’ll save lots of money by staying on campsites. Even better, you can wild camp in this beautiful state which will help lower your costs.

We’ve put together a guide to the best campervan and motorhome rentals in Alaska to save you the hassle of looking for yourself! 

If you'd prefer to drive something smaller then check out Rental Cars for the best deals.

Ultimate 2-week Alaska road trip itinerary

Putting together an itinerary when exploring Alaska by road can be tricky as there’s so much to see! 

This route will take you to the iconic Denali National Park, on boat cruises, and to the bustling city of Anchorage so it offers the best of everything.

If you’re looking for the best road trip itinerary of Alaska then let’s dive straight in…

Enter Alaska: Little Gold

This Alaska road trip itinerary involves you driving to Alaska through Canada, which is one of the most popular ways to enter the state.

Little Gold Creek is a border crossing between Alaska and the Yukon province in Canada . It’s the best option if you’re heading to/from Dawson City.

The road between Dawson City and Little Gold is called the ‘Top of the World Highway’ and it offers quite the experience.

It’s a 79-mile (127 km) gravel road that offers stunning views of the Alaska Range and the valleys below, so you’ll probably want to make a couple of photo stops along the way.

The Top of the World Highway is mostly fine to drive, although it can be a little rugged in some areas. However, the views are 100% worth it!

The one thing to note with this border crossing is that it’s only open during the summer months. So, if you’re planning to enter Alaska this way then you’ll need to plan your road trip accordingly.

However, if you’re entering or leaving the state when this border’s closed then don’t worry! You can simply start and end your trip from the Alcan Border crossing instead.

Stop 1: Tok (or nearby) - 1 night

Now, I’m going to be honest with you here…

The consequences of your road trip to Alaska from Canada will leave you with a very dirty vehicle! 

Tok is a 2.5-hour drive from the Alaska/Yukon border and is the first major town you’ll come across once entering the state.

You will pass by a random small town called Chicken first but there’s not a lot here, as it was built for gold miners a long time ago! 

Tok is a great first spot to clean your van (which will 100% be needed), relax after the long drive, and grab a bite to eat.

Luckily for you, there’s an awesome pizza place here and it’s extremely popular! It’s called Fast Eddy’s and they serve the most delicious food.

If you’re not a fan of pizza (which I’m not going to go into right now), then you’ve got a variety of other food options. This includes tasty burgers, nachos, salads, and sandwiches. 

They do a rockin’ milkshake too! 

Tok is also the place where you’ll want to fuel up, get WiFi, and buy supplies for the journey. This includes food, toilet roll, and other necessities…

During your time here, you’ll want to visit the Tourist Information center too. For starters, they have displays about the local wildlife, the history of gold panning, and the construction of the Alaska Highway.

You can also grab plenty of brochures here before heading to the Alaska Public Lands Information Center. This is another great place to visit in town!

If you spend some time here, you’ll be able to find information on the adventures that are awaiting you in this incredible state! 

Another cool thing to know about Tok is that it’s considered to be the ‘Sled Dog Capital of Alaska’. 

There are also plenty of awesome areas for hiking nearby but you might not be up to it after all that driving…

Stop 2: Fairbanks - 1 or 2 nights

• Drive time from Tok: 3.5 hours 
• Miles from Tok: 202 (325 km)

The first major city that you’ll come across on this Alaska road trip is Fairbanks ! In fact, it’s the only major city you’ll visit other than Anchorage but more on that later…

Before you reach Fairbanks though, there are a couple of awesome places to stop at along the way! 

Your first stop should be Delta Junction as it marks the end of the iconic Alaska Highway . This highway was built during WWII to connect Alaska to Canada and the Southern 48 states by road.

We drove the whole highway from Dawson Creek in British Columbia, so it felt only fitting to stop off at the information center that’s found here. There’s a sign marking the end of the route too. 

The next stop which is just before Fairbanks is the North Pole , I know that sounds crazy right?

Well, they actually do have an entire town named “North Pole” and there’s a Santa’s Grotto here which is open all year round! 

You’ll see this place straight away as there’s a huge Santa Claus statue outside, as well as a large gift shop. Here, you can meet Mr & Mrs. Claus, listen to Christmas music, and meet the reindeer. 

Even the lamp posts in town are candy canes! It’s a super cool place, although it felt very surreal as we visited in June so we were dressed in shorts and t-shirts…

Now on to Fairbanks itself! 

Before the exciting part, this is another place where you’ll want to resupply and get anything done that needs doing. In our case, giving our van a much-needed oil change…

The first thing you should know about Fairbanks is that it’s one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, but that’s really only if you’re traveling here between August and April. 

However, if you’re visiting between April and August then you’ll get to appreciate the Midnight Sun. This is where the sun never seems to set so it’s always bright! 

You’ll also find plenty of awesome things to do in Fairbanks like visiting the Fairbanks Ice Museum and meeting some furry friends at the Running Reindeer Ranch .

Make sure you spend some time exploring the Museum of the North and Pioneer Park too!

If you’re looking to see the best of this incredible city then why not check out this half-day highlights tour ?

From Fairbanks, you can travel North along the Dalton Highway up to Prudhoe Bay and the Arctic Circle Sign but more on that later…

Stop 3: Chena Hot Springs - 1 or 2 nights

• Drive time from Fairbanks: 1.25 hours 
• Miles from Tok: 61.5 (99 km)

If you’re spending 2 weeks in Alaska then you NEED to visit Chena Hot Springs !

To get there you’ll need to take a little detour, so you’ll want to head northeast from Fairbanks. 

The drive between the two is only short, and there’s another cool place that you should visit on the way first….

Last Frontier Mushing Co-Op works with small independent husky owners in the area, and allows you to explore the Alaskan wilderness in the traditional style!

The tour options available will depend on when you visit, but either way, you’ll get to meet gorgeous huskies and learn all about the sport of mushing. 

After spending some time with these gorgeous dogs, it’s time to carry on up to Chena Hot Springs! 

These hot springs are pretty famous, and the facilities here are insane! 

Boasting a large indoor and outdoor pool with temperatures of around 106°F (41°C) ; there’s no better way to relax your muscles after a couple of days of exploring. 

During your visit, you’ll also have access to a hot tub, an on-site restaurant, and an ice museum. 

If you head to the hot springs during winter you’ve got a great chance of spotting the Northern Lights too. 

What’s great about this place is that there’s a campground here so you can park your vehicle up for the night and access the facilities.

This way, we got to relax in the hot springs late at night before heading to the bar for a cheeky cocktail. 

You wouldn’t be able to do that if you had to drive on, so I’d recommend spending at least one night here, maybe two if you’re looking for some downtime.

However, if you did want to visit just for the day then there’s an awesome guided tour that will bring you here from Fairbanks or the North Pole. 

Stop 4: Denali National Park - 2 or 3 nights

• Drive time from Chena Hot Springs: 3-3.5 hours 
• Miles from Chena Hot Springs: 181 (291 km)

After relaxing at Chena Hot Springs you’ll want to head south again past Fairbanks, and you’ll eventually pass by Denali National Park . 

This national park is home to Denali (or Mount McKinley as it’s often called) which is North America’s highest peak at an impressive 6,190m (20,310 feet). 

Denali is one of the most popular national parks in the world and it’s famous for towering peaks, hiking trails, and wilderness, as the park covers an impressive area of 6 million acres. 

However, the main reason people visit Denali is for the wildlife, as the park is home to Alaska’s big 5; bear, caribou, Dall sheep, moose, and wolves. 

Just before you reach the park entrance, you should stop at 49th State Brewing . Although this place is known for its craft beer and delicious food, it has something else to offer!

They have an exact replica of the famous ‘Into the Wild’ bus where Chris Mccandless unfortunately died of starvation (although this cause of death can’t be 100% confirmed).  

This is the bus that was used in the movie, whereas the original bus is set to be on display at the Museum of the North in Fairbanks.

It used to be in the Alaskan wilderness, but they had to remove it a couple of years ago due to the growing number of people dying trying to reach it in the wild.

Once you’ve entered the national park there are LOTS of hikes to do, some easy and others very strenuous. If you’re up for the challenge, you have the chance to attempt a summit of Denali!

If you’re not looking for long hikes, some shorter options leave from Denali Visitor Center.

Aside from hiking, there are tons of other activities you can do here including a wilderness ATV adventure , a zipline adventure , and a highway jeep excursion .

However, one of the most popular things to do in Denali is to head out on one of the bus tours !

Private vehicles can only drive up to Mile 15 of the Denali Park Road which ends at Savage River . The only other way to explore the park after this point is to head out on a bus tour.

The great thing about this is that you’ll have an experienced naturalist guide on board who will take you to the best wildlife viewing spots, and help you spot animals! 

As you head south back to the main road, you should pull in at some of the big viewing spots where you can admire epic vistas of Denali and the Alaskan Range. 

Some of the best spots include Denali Viewpoint South , the Alaska Veterans Memorial , and the historic village of Talkeetna.

No 2-week Alaska road trip itinerary is complete without visiting Denali National Park so don’t leave this place off your list.

Just keep in mind that Denali can get super busy so you’ll need to plan your visit well in advance. 

We spent around 1.5 days here, and only did a couple of short hikes but we had an incredible time!

Stop 5: Anchorage - 2 nights

• Drive time from Denali National Park: 4 hours
• Miles from Denali National Park: 237 (381 km)

If you’re spending 2 weeks in Alaska then you NEED to visit Anchorage - the state’s largest city. 

On the drive into the city, you’ll be treated to incredible views which is why I recommend completing your Alaska road trip this way around. 

In my opinion, the South of Alaska is by far the most beautiful with its snow-capped mountain ranges and glaciers, and you’ll get to experience that when heading to Anchorage. 

Now, where do I start with this amazing city?

First of all, you’ll want to spend some time exploring Downtown Anchorage as this area is home to the ULU Factory , the Anchorage Museum , and the Log Cabin Visitor Center.

You’ll also find the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail here which is 11 miles (17.7km) long and offers you the chance to spot moose, beluga whales, and the iconic Mount McKinley.

During your time in Anchorage, you’ll want to head out on a trolley tour of the city too, and visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center .

Anchorage is also a great base for day trips, so why not head out to Girdwood, take a ride on the Alaska railroad train , or try out gold panning at Crow Creek Gold Mine ?

If you’ve got the time then I’d recommend spending some time at Chugach State Park too, where you can go on a guided alpine trek or go on an adventurous rafting experience.

As you can see there are so many fantastic things to do in Anchorage so what are you waiting for?

From Anchorage, you should head over to Whittier , as the drive there is breathtaking! 

Along the way, you’ll pass by beautiful glaciers, and you’ll need to queue for a single-way tunnel which is also shared by a train. The direction of the traffic changes once every half hour.

Although Whittier is only small, you can spend some time exploring the charming harbor, and you can head out on a cruise of the iconic Prince William Sound.

I’d recommend visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center too which is nearby.

If you’re still up for more exploring, then you can also head to Homer & Seward , with the latter being the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park ! 

As you can see there are so many fantastic places to visit in this part of Alaska, so be prepared for an action-packed trip. 

Stop 6: On the way to Valdez - 1 night

If you spend some time in Whittier, Homer, or Seward then you’ll need to head back to Anchorage and then continue towards Valdez .

Although the drive can be done in a day, it’s going to take you at least 6.5 hours and that’s without stops!

For this reason, it’s best to find somewhere to stay about halfway along the route, which is what we di d. We stayed in a random pull-off wild camping spot that we found on iOverlander, but I'm sure there are other options too.

The route is beautiful and there are plenty of places to stop along the way, which is another great reason to split the journey up in two. 

You’ll be driving along the scenic Glenn Highway for a good portion of this road trip, and the views are spectacular. 

Some fantastic places to visit include Eklutna Historical Park , Sheep Mountain, Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area, and the Alpine Historical Park .

You should also stop off at Musk Ox Farm if you’ve got time, to admire these huge creatures that managed to survive the Ice Age!

However, the highlight of this part of the Alaska road trip is the number of glaciers that you’ll pass on the way to Valdez. 

Matanuska Glacier is the most famous of them all, as it’s one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska. In fact, it’s the largest glacier in the United States that can be accessed by road!

If you head to Glacier Park, then you can go on an ice tour of the glacier. 

Another great spot is Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Area, as this is where you’ll get the best views of the glacier! There’s a nature trail here that takes about 20 minutes to walk, and it will take you to some fantastic viewing platforms.

As you can see there are so many fantastic places to see on the way to Valdez, so if you can, I'd definitely recommend leaving an extra day free on your Alaska driving itinerary.

Stop 7: Valdez - 2 nights

This was my favorite stop for the entire trip (and we heard many other people say the exact same thing). 

Valdez has everything you could imagine when you think of Alaska, including epic landscapes, plenty of wildlife, and glaciers of course! 

The drive into the city takes you past glaciers on big winding roads, and the views are incredible but just wait until you get into Valdez. 

Boasting a majestic mountain backdrop, lush rainforests, and a waterfront location , this place will take your breath away. 

The city can get pretty busy as it’s so small so naturally, the campsites fill up way in advance. If you manage to grab a spot though, you’ll definitely want to spend a couple of nights here.

Valdez is full of quaint cafes and restaurants, but there’s so much more to this place than that!

The city is nestled between The Chugach Mountains and the Prince William Sound , so as you can imagine there’s a lot to do!

Valdez and its surrounding area are home to plenty of awesome attractions including the Solomon Gulch Hatchery , Valdez Museum , and the Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum .

During your time here, make sure you head to the iconic Valdez Glacier too, and the Columbia Glacier which is the largest tidewater glacier in the state.

One of the BEST things to do in Valdez though has to be taking a glacier/wildlife cruise with Stan Stephens !

This was the best part of our Alaska road trip, as we got up close to glaciers and icebergs, and saw a huge variety of wildlife including sea otters, seals, whales, and bald eagles.

Stop 8: Alcan Border - Exit

After spending some time in Valdez, it’s a long drive back up towards Tok. From here, you’ll be heading out of Alaska through the Alcan border.

This drive is a grueling 336 miles long (540 km) and takes at least 6 hours . That’s without stops, and trust me, you’ll want to stop! 

If you can manage without a toilet break for that long then you’re a superhuman…

Although this drive can be easily done in one day, you’re probably better off spending your final night in Tok or somewhere nearby!

For starters, you will have been driving all day so you’ll be tired. Secondly, you’ll be back on the Alaska Highway and you won’t have much in the way of civilization for a while.

Plus if you spend your last night in Tok you can always head back to Fast Eddy’s for some grub. There you can dine and spend the evening reminiscing about your epic Alaska trip!

After leaving Alaska, we then had the EXTREMELY LONG and seemingly unending drive all the way down to Vancouver. Although we did get to see some pretty cool spots including Whitehorse!

So, there you have it - the ultimate Alaska itinerary!

3 Week Alaska road trip itinerary

If you have longer to spend in Alaska, then there are plenty of other places to visit. 

Adding on an extra week allows you to see a lot more, but of course, it all depends on your flexibility. 

If you’re looking to do a 3-week Alaska road trip itinerary instead then here are some optional add-ons you could include…

Prudhoe Bay 

You can drive the Dalton Highway from Fairbanks all the way north up to the Arctic Ocean if you wish. However, be prepared for a treacherous drive!

This road was built for truckers to transport oil supplies etc so the conditions aren’t ideal. 

The 500-mile journey between Fairbanks and Prudhoe Bay can take up to 15 hours , so it’s a lot of driving. It’s quite the experience if you’re up to it though!

If you’re up for the experience then here’s some more information on driving the Dalton Highway !

The Arctic Circle Sign

If you’re looking for an easier add-on then why not drive up to the iconic Arctic Circle Sign ?

As you may have guessed this sign indicates when you’ve crossed over into the polar region, and it’s a fantastic spot to grab a photo at. 

Although you’ll still be driving along the Dalton Highway, this section is paved and only takes around 4.5 hours so it’s not a bad drive.

Girdwood can be visited as a day trip from Anchorage if you wish, or you can stay there overnight. I’d recommend the latter if you have time as there is so much to do here! 

This resort town is considered to be one of the most beautiful towns in Alaska, which is another reason why you should stay overnight! 

During your time here, you’ll want to head up the Alyeska tram , explore the nearby Chugach National Forest , and try your hand at gold panning.

There are lots of other awesome things to do in Girdwood so if you've got the time - it's a great place to spent a night or two.

If you’ve got the time to drive further south from Anchorage then you definitely should! 

Homer is roughly a 4-hour drive from Anchorage and is located along the Kenai Peninsula. Although the city is only small, there are plenty of things to do in Homer and the scenery here is insane! 

The city’s main draws include Kachemak Bay State Park , the Homer Spit, and the variety of museums and visitor centers that you can explore.

Another great place to add to your Alaska road trip itinerary is Seward ! 

This city is just a 2.5-hour drive from Anchorage and is nestled between the Kenai Mountains and Resurrection Bay.

Seward serves as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park which is why it’s such a popular destination. From here, you can head out on fantastic cruises where you can spot wildlife and glaciers.

The iconic Exit Glacier is also found just outside of Seward and its a fantastic hike!

Here's some more information on the best things to do in Seward ...

Talkeetna is located just off the George Park’s Highway and if you’ve got the time, then you should definitely take a detour there. 

This place offers plenty of heritage and culture as it was once a thriving gold-mining town, but it’s the views that will take your breath away. If you’re lucky, you’ll be treated to epic views of Mount Denali.

You’ll also find plenty of awesome adventure activities here like Denali flightseeing tours, rafting, and dog sledding. There are tons of things to do in Talkeetna so what are you waiting for?

Bonus tip: take a trip on the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry System!

If you’re still not sure what else to include on your 3-week Alaska road trip itinerary then here’s an idea for you…

Why not take a trip on the Alaska Marine Highway System which is the only way to reach some of the state’s coastal areas?

Juneau is the capital city and can be reached this way but that’s probably a bit too far out of the way. However, Kodiak Island, Cordova, and Yakutat are definitely doable if you’ve got some extra time! 

Alaska road trip FAQ

When is the best time to go on a road trip to alaska.

The best time to do a road trip in Alaska is during the summer months, so between mid-May and mid-September. 

Now, there are a couple of reasons for this! Firstly, this is the best time to spot wildlife - especially bears which should be on your bucket list!

You’ll also encounter the best weather during this time such as warmer temperatures, drier conditions, and longer daylight hours. 

How do you get to Alaska?

You’ve got a couple of options here! You can either drive into Alaska across the Canadian border which is what we did or you can fly in and then pick up a rental vehicle.

The state’s largest airport is Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, which as you may have guessed is located in Anchorage. This is another good place to start a road trip! 

Your other option is to catch a car ferry to Alaska from British Columbia in Canada or Washington State in the U.S.

Which way should I drive around Alaska?

It’s completely up to you but I’d recommend doing your road trip around Alaska counter-clockwise. This is the way we did it, and the views just got more epic as went along.

If you’re following this Alaska road trip itinerary, then you’ll be starting from Little Gold and then heading toward Fairbanks. 

After, you’ll follow the route down to Denali and on to Anchorage, Whittier, and Valdez.

Is an Alaska road trip expensive?

In all honesty, yes Alaska is expensive! Even though you may only be spending 2 weeks in Alaska, the costs can add up. 

The best way to save money is to wild camp as you’ll save tons of money on accommodation. If you’re worried about the cost of driving in Alaska then don’t be as fuel isn’t too expensive. 

However, necessities like food and toiletries tend to be pricey, especially if you choose to stay in campsites as you’ll have to stock up.

Can you wild camp in Alaska?

You certainly can and that’s the best way to save some cash during your road trip in Alaska! 

We wild-camped most nights and found lots of fantastic spots - most of these through the iOverlander app .

Honestly, the views at some of them were out of this world!

Just make sure you’re respectful. 

Where will your road trip take you?

So, there you have it - the best Alaska road trip itinerary! 

As you can see there are so many fantastic places to visit in this state and we’ve only just scratched the surface - we already can’t wait to come back one day.

Whether you’re looking to wildlife watch in the national parks, try out glacier hiking, or learn about the native culture, Alaska has so much to offer. 

In our opinion, road trapping this enormous state was the best decision we could have made as we got to find some hidden gems and park up at some truly spectacular wild camping spots! 

There’s no denying that there are plenty of Alaska road trip itineraries out there. 

However, if you’re looking for the best road trip in Alaska then this may be the route for you as it allows you to see lots of destinations in a limited amount of time.

Just keep in mind that if you're planning to stay in Alaska for longer there are some places that are a bit more remote and therefore, harder to access. This includes Elias National Park, and Gates of the Arctic National Park with the latter only being accessible by plane.

For those with more time, you can even head over into British Columbia (Canada) and explore Vancouver , Banff , and Jasper .

If you’re planning a road trip around the United States then here are some other guides that you may find helpful:

• The Ultimate Alaska Packing List
• The Best Things to do in Seattle
• The Best Things to do in Portland

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10 Best Road Trips You Can Take Through The Scenic State Of Alaska

• Alaska offers some of the best scenic road trips in the US, perfect for adventurous travelers looking to explore its wild beauty and stunning landscapes.
• Road trips like Fairbanks to Seward and Anchorage to Glennallen provide opportunities to see iconic attractions such as Denali National Park and Matanuska Glacier.
• Whether it's a short day trip or an extended adventure, Alaska's road trips offer incredible views of mountains, glaciers, lakes, and wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.

The Final Frontier, a.k.a. Alaska, is the perfect destination for adventurers, road trippers, and travelers who aren't afraid to traverse the wild. From Anchorage, Alaska's largest city to the hidden gems of Fairbanks , Alaska is home to many of America's best hikes , along with the most epic and scenic road trips in the US.

Whether travelers are searching for an easy day trip or a more ambitious weekend to week-long road trip, Alaska is the perfect place to embark on any adventure with views of glaciers, lakes, mountains, and wildlife on all sides. Here are the best scenic road trips in Alaska and the activities to do along the way!

Related: 10 Things To Do In Denali National Park Region: Complete Guide To Alaska's True Wilderness

Fairbanks To Seward - The Majestic Road Trip Through Alaska

Discover the state's wild beauty, stunning mountains, and glaciers on this epic alaskan road trip..

Starting off strong with this epic route, Fairbanks to Seward is among the most beautiful road trips in Alaska, as it takes travelers through Denali National Park , cute rustic towns, and past Anchorage via the scenic Seward Highway.

This road trip can be easily stretched into a weekend trip, or a hardcore day trip. Although, at least two days are recommended for this road trip to stop and see some of the most incredible attractions in Alaska, like Denali, the tallest mountain in North America, Turnagain Pass, and Talkeetna Riverfront Park .

• Distance: 483 miles
• Road Trip Length: 8 hours 17 minutes
• Major Stops: Denali, Talkeetna, Anchorage

Anchorage To Glennallen (Glenn Highway) - Stunning Glacier Scenery

This short but sweet road trip gives travelers a glimpse of the stunning matanuska glacier via the glenn highway..

A quick day trip from Anchorage to Glennallen is the perfect getaway! Travel along the Matanuska River and see epic views of the Matanuska Glacier, Bodenburg Butte, and Eureka Summit - the highest point on the Glenn Highway.

Travelers should be sure to stop at Glacier View for, as the name suggests, a view of the Matanuska Glacier. For those who want to stay here longer, Glacier View offers fun adventures like ziplining, hiking, and helicopter tours.

• Distance: 180 miles
• Road Trip Length: 3 hours 18 minutes
• Major Stops: Matanuska Glacier, Thunderbird Falls, Palmer Musk Ox Farm, Sutton-Alpine, Glacier View

Travelers don't have to stop in Glennallen. To extend the road trip, keep driving toward McCarthy or north to Fairbanks.

Skagway To Haines (South Klondike Highway) - Coast And Mountains In One Drive

The southern part of the famous klondike highway takes visitors to harbor towns skagway and haines with a ferry ride as an added bonus..

Sorry, no Klondike bars on this scenic Alaska road trip route. Instead, travelers will get to witness the southern part of the epic Klondike Loop that travels through Canada and Alaska.

While this may be a shorter road trip, there are plenty of sights to see and activities to do along the way, like Captain William Moore Bridge, Reid Falls, and Jewell Gardens, and travelers can even catch a ride on the Haines-Skagway Fast Ferry !

• Distance: 24 miles
• Road Trip Length: 1 hour 19 minutes
• Major Stops: White Pass, Haines Harbor, Chilkoot Lake, Reid Falls

Related: The Closest Alaskan Mountain Range To The City Of Anchorage (& How To Get There)

Juneau To Point Bridget State Park - Face To Face With Alaska's Most Accessible Glacier

This short day trip excursion gives visitors an up close and personal encounter with this incredible glacier and scenic mountain and ocean views along the way..

This is another short and easy road trip to take in Alaska, but there is no shortage of Alaska's stunning countryside. During this road trip, travelers will get to explore Alaska's Mendenhall Glacier via the Glacier Highway and continue to Point Bridget State Park, a 2,850-acre park where visitors can go hiking, enjoy a picnic by the water, and take in the dramatic views of the rocky beach and mountain range in the background.

Travelers can also go hiking around Mendenhall Glacier before continuing on to Point Bridget State Park. There's a spectacular trail that leads to Nugget Falls near the glacier that's worth hiking!

• Distance: 40 miles
• Road Trip Length: 1 hour
• Major Stops: Point Bridget State Park , Lena Beach, Mendenhall Glacier, Nugget Falls

Nome To Council - Explore The Most Remote Parts In Alaska

Traverse the edge of the seward peninsula and discover the most adventurous and remote areas in alaska..

This is one of the best Alaska road trips for remote scenery and is the perfect opportunity to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature. While this part of Alaska is very remote, it's still worth the scenic road trip.

For the first part of the drive, road trippers will travel along the Bering Sea coastline and see Safety Sound, a stunning and remote bay in Nome. Traveling further inland, visitors are in for an epic adventure as they coast down Nome-Council Road.

• Distance: 72 miles
• Road Trip Length: 2 hours 37 minutes
• Major Stops: Last Train to Nowhere landmark , Council, Niukluk River, Safety Sound

Paxson To Cantwell (Denali Highway) - Most Scenic Road Trip In The World

The alaskan range, mount denali, and 135 miles of vast tundra provide the backdrop for the scenic denali highway..

For travelers looking for a weekend road trip in Alaska, the Denali Highway from Paxson to Cantwell is the perfect place to be. The Denali Highway is nothing short of an adventure for those who aren't afraid of "roughing it" for a day or two.

The majority of the Denali Highway is gravel road, so visitors will need to rent a vehicle before taking this road trip. Once people set out on this road trip, they'll see endless views of rolling countryside, the Alaskan Range, rivers, and lakes from every angle. Travelers should be sure to stop at the mileposts that are clearly marked along the way to see scenic viewpoints and take plenty of pictures.

• Distance: 135 miles
• Road Trip Length: 5 hours
• Major Stops: Wrangell Mountain Viewpoint, Maclaren River, Summit Lake

The Denali Highway is closed every winter from October to mid-May because of weather conditions.

Anchorage To Homer (Kenai Peninsula) - Alaska's Wild Frontier

This adventure invites travelers to unplug from daily life and enjoy the wildlife of the kenai peninsula..

From Alaska's cultural Anchorage to the "Halibut Fishing Capital of the World," this road trip through the Kenai Peninsula boasts its remarkable wildlife, mountain ranges, forests, and glaciers. This 222-mile road trip is the perfect blend of off-the-grid adventure and fun cities to explore.

This road trip can easily be done in a weekend, or it can be an exciting week-long trip with stops in towns like Girdwood, Seward, Hope, and eventually Homer at the southern end of the peninsula. Travelers can also extend their trip by spending a weekend in Homer, Alaska , which offers small-town charm and plenty of fun things to do.

• Distance: 222 miles
• Road Trip Length: 4 hours 8 minutes
• Major Stops: Seward Highway Falls, Hope, Seward, Ninilchik

Related: Destination Alaska: 10 Best Mountains For Those Seeking Great Heights

Anchorage To Denali - Once In A Lifetime Alaskan Adventure

This beautiful alaskan road trip is perfect for travelers looking to satisfy their inner adventurer..

It's impossible to get enough of Denali! This epic road trip from Anchorage to Denali surrounds travelers with incredible mountain ranges, glaciers, historical parks, and unforgettable memories by the end.

2 days are recommended for this particular road trip, which gives travelers plenty of time to make stops and enjoy multiple activities. Guests can go hiking at Thunderbird Falls Trail near Anchorage, visit Alpine Historical Park in Sutton-Alpine, and of course visit Denali National Park .

• Distance: 237 miles
• Road Trip Length: 4 hours 3 minutes
• Major Stops: Butte, Talkeetna, Cantwell, Fairbanks, Thunderbird Falls

There are two routes to take from Anchorage to Denali. The direct route is 4 hours, and the Fairbanks route takes 11 hours .

Fairbanks To Valdez (Richardson Highway) - Witness Alaska's Stunning Wilderness

Perfect for a weekend getaway, driving the richardson highway from fairbanks to valdez guarantees mountain backdrops, state parks, and fun activities..

The scenic Richardson Highway runs a total of 363 miles between Fairbanks and Valdez with plenty of scenic stops along the way. Whether travelers want to make this a weekend or a week-long road trip, there are definitely some must-sees that they should put on their itinerary.

On the way south from Fairbanks, travelers should first stop in Delta Junction where the Alaskan Highway officially ends. Here, travelers will find some cozy farmer's markets, museums, and several recreation sites. Onward to Gakona and Glennallen, travelers will have the chance to see the incredible Matanuska Glacier and Copper River.

• Distance: 363 miles
• Road Trip Length: 6 hours 27 minutes
• Major Stops: Delta Junction, Glennallen, Willow Creek, Gakona

Tok To Eagle - The Ultimate Small-Town Road Trip

Experience the "last frontier" close to the canadian border and the charm of alaskan small towns..

The 168 miles from Tok to Eagle, Alaska stretch up north near the Yukon - Charley Rivers National Preserve and the Canadian border. From one small town to the other, there's nothing but open wilderness and wildlife.

About halfway from Tok to Eagle is a small town called Chicken. Chicken is well-known for its extensive gold-mining history and will even let tourists pan for gold and visit the operating gold mine. This town is truly a hidden gem- pun intended.

• Distance: 168 miles
• Road Trip Length: 5 hours 20 minutes
• Major Stops: Jack Wade, Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge , Chicken, Fort Egbert

How to Drive from Seattle to Alaska: Your Ultimate Road Trip Guide

• 10 May 2023

Are you ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime and take a road trip from Seattle to Alaska? If so, you’ve come to the right place!

In this blog post, we present “How to Drive from Seattle to Alaska: Your Ultimate Road Trip Guide.” We’ll explore the breathtaking routes, must-see attractions, and practical tips to ensure a smooth and memorable journey as you traverse the magnificent landscapes of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. From preparation and planning to the most scenic stops along the way, we’ve got you covered.

So, buckle up and join us as we guide you through this extraordinary expedition from the bustling city of Seattle to the awe-inspiring wilderness of the Last Frontier, Alaska!

Planning your road trip to Alaska

Planning an Alaskan road trip requires proper preparation and research to ensure a smooth journey. Understand the best route, weather conditions, budgeting, necessary documentation and any emergencies that may arise.

Driving from Seattle to Alaska offers a breathtaking experience, but it’s important to note that the best time for travel is between May-September when the roads are not covered in ice. Budgeting also plays an essential role in planning this trip as Alaska is known for being quite expensive.

It’s key to note that cell phone coverage may be limited in areas along the way and emergency services may not be immediate. Taking advantage of rest stops, fuel stations, and stocking up on supplies will go a long way on this journey.

Fun Fact: As per TomTom’s Choose wisely, the Alaskan winter may freeze your car and your spirits.

Choosing the best time of the year to drive to Alaska

When planning a road trip from Seattle to Alaska, Don’t miss exploring the state’s unique glaciers, mountains, and forests. Misty weather at the Alaskan coast region is one of the most charming wonders of nature. These decide your journey time. So plan accordingly.

Although summer is the most popular time for travel, it can bring high traffic and limited accommodation space. Mid-May through mid-September offers better accessibility but avoid peak season(June-August). Shoulder seasons, such as May-June or August-September has fewer crowds and higher chances for wildlife sightings with cooler temperatures.

Did you know that northern lights in Alaska are visible year-round? They are mostly intense during winter nights with full moon days bringing softer views – National Geographic .

Overall, while driving from Seattle to Alaska, pick an ideal travel time based on your top preferences such as wildlife viewing or pleasant temperatures. Choose off-beaten paths with scenic sceneries which offer a lifetime experience!

Get ready for a breathtaking ride as you pass through stunning landscapes on your way from Seattle to Vancouver – just don’t get too distracted by the view and forget to stay on the road!

Seattle to Vancouver: The scenic route

The highway drive from Seattle to Vancouver is a masterpiece of nature, featuring breathtaking scenery and unique moments for travelers. The route takes you through towering trees of the Olympic National Park, sparkling waters of Puget Sound, and picturesque farm towns. As you enter Canada, you get to explore mountain vistas, isolated islands, and pristine coastlines.

The journey from Seattle to Vancouver is full of scenic viewpoints that provide magnificent views for photography enthusiasts. The landmark spots like Deception Pass Bridge , Fort Casey Historical State Park , and North Cascades Highway offer captivating sights to behold along the way. Moving ahead from Seattle leads visitors on a trip to beautiful waterfronts where they can stop by for boat rides or ferry service.

While driving from Seattle to Vancouver along this gorgeous route, do not miss the Snoqualmie Falls Park’s natural beauty, including its gift shops and hiking trails. Head towards Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park to have an excellent view of several waterfalls that leave lasting impressions on your memories.

Are you planning a trip to Seattle soon? Make sure not to miss out on this incredible journey between two spectacular cities – Seattle and Vancouver – famous for their gorgeous landscapes and sceneries. Start packing now and hit the road!

Crossing the US-Canada border: Where you pray that the border officer has a sense of humour and doesn’t find your stash of Kinder Surprise eggs .

Crossing the US-Canada border

When entering Canada from the US, ensure all required documents are available, such as a valid passport and visa . Be ready to answer questions regarding your travel details, including your final destination in Canada and how long you plan to stay. At the border crossing, it’s important to declare all items that may be subject to duties.

To ease the process, avoid traveling with prohibited items such as firearms or animals that could spread diseases . Be patient during busy times like summer months and holidays. Plan ahead for what you will need for an extended period of driving through Canada.

Remember that each country has its customs regulations when it comes to bringing food products into their country. Avoid bringing restricted food items across the border and find out more about these regulations before departing.

Cross-border transportation was slow before WWII mainly due to poor roads transport infrastructure within most parts of North America however this dramatically changed post-war after construction and reconstruction of new highways across both countries.

You’ll encounter more wilderness than civilization while driving the Alaska Highway – but hey, at least you won’t have to worry about rush hour traffic!

Driving the Alaska Highway: The ultimate road trip experience

Embark on the Most Memorable Road Trip: Driving from Seattle to Alaska

Experience an exhilarating journey filled with breathtaking scenery, wildlife sightings and unique cultural discoveries. The drive from Seattle to Alaska offers ultimate road trip adventures that cannot be replicated elsewhere. As you traverse through the rugged terrain of Canada’s Yukon Territory and the beautiful landscapes of Alaska , witness nature’s true beauty at its finest. Indulge in outdoor activities like hiking, camping and fishing, or enjoy the scenic drives while listening to your favorite tunes.

Traveling along this highway means venturing deep into uncharted territories with sparse populations of people living there. The route is laden with treacherous twists and turns; hence it is not just a road trip but an expedition. Be prepared for long hours of driving, as cellular service may be difficult to find in some regions -carry appropriate gear and equipment. But don’t let those factors deter you from embarking on this journey of a lifetime.

As you traverse through some of the sparsely populated areas throughout Canada’s Yukon Territory and Alaska , keep an eye out for wildlife such as bears, moose, caribou, mountain goats & other fascinating creatures that call these areas home – a naturalists’ paradise indeed!

The history behind the “Alaska Highway,” constructed by U.S. Army men hastily during World War II to create a connected roadway linking mainland US to up north/military contingent in Alaska has evolved into one of America’s most sought-after road trip destinations globally. The Alaskan Way Viaduct which was replaced by city-light rail known as Pike Place Market recently added more value making your visit extra special.

Remember, the wilderness may be beautiful, but it won’t hesitate to eat you alive if you’re not prepared.

Navigating through the wilderness: Tips for staying safe on the road

Navigating the Wilderness: Essential Road Trip Safety Tips

Whether you’re planning a long road trip from Seattle to Alaska or just heading out for a weekend adventure, navigating through the wilderness requires adequate preparation and attention to safety. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind while on the road.

• Stay alert and focused while driving
• Ensure your vehicle is in good condition before setting out
• Carry all necessary gear such as spare tires, first aid kit, water etc.
• Closely monitor weather reports and be prepared for extreme conditions
• Plan your route carefully and study maps of the areas you will be visiting
• Be aware of wildlife on the roads especially during dusk and dawn hours.

As much as it’s important to prepare well for your road trip, don’t forget to take note of unique details that can impact your safety . Be mindful of remote locations where help may not be readily available should anything go wrong.

Don’t let fear of missing out (FOMO) hold you back from experiencing this incredible adventure. With proper preparation, a sense of adventure and a commitment to safety, you can have an unforgettable journey through the wilderness. Happy trails! Experience the great outdoors and small-town charm as you drive from Seattle to Alaska, just be sure to pack your sense of adventure and plenty of bug spray.

Best stops along the way: Exploring charming small towns and exploring nature

Exploring the Best of Small Town Charm and Natural Wonders on your Drive from Seattle to Alaska

Embarking on a road trip to Alaska is an exciting adventure that allows you to witness the serene beauty of nature and small-town life along the way. During your journey, take some time to explore charming small towns and indulge in outdoor activities amidst beautiful natural landscapes.

Here are 4 must-visit stops along the way:

• Port Townsend – a picturesque town with Victorian architecture, quaint shops, and a rich maritime history
• Whidbey Island – a peaceful island known for its stunning beaches, hiking trails, and vibrant art scene
• Ketchikan – a bustling Alaskan city where you can enjoy kayaking or go in search of bald eagles and bears
• Denali National Park – Home to North America’s highest peak, this park offers scenic drives, wildlife spotting opportunities, hiking trails, and camping facilities.

To make your trip more memorable:

• Take a stroll through Friday Harbor’s historic district
• Try some fresh Alaskan seafood at one of Juneau’s seafood markets
• Go fishing at Soldotna.

Don’t miss out on experiencing all these small-town charm sites as well as the beautiful wonders of nature! Plan ahead and add these places to your itinerary – your adventure awaits!

Whether you’re roughing it or living it up, we’ll help you find the perfect place to rest your weary traveler’s head.

Camping or lodging? Finding the best accommodations for your trip

When planning a road trip from Seattle to Alaska, choosing between camping or lodging can be a tough decision. To help you find the best accommodations for your trip, consider the following:

• For nature lovers and those on a budget, camping is an excellent option. There are many campsites available along the way, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and pristine lakes. Make sure you bring your own gear and supplies.
• If you prefer more comfort and convenience, opt for lodging instead. Along the route, you’ll find various accommodation options such as hotels, motels, cabins, and lodges. Prices may vary depending on the location and season.
• Another option is to mix it up by camping some nights and staying in lodges other nights. This allows you to experience both worlds while keeping costs down.

A tip to keep in mind when deciding where to stay is to make reservations ahead of time during peak seasons. Many popular locations fill up quickly.

When staying at a campsite or lodge, be respectful of nature and your surroundings. Follow guidelines for food storage and waste disposal to minimize negative impacts on wildlife.

In addition to traditional accommodations, some unique experiences can be found along the route such as staying in an igloo hotel or booking a yurt rental . Explore these options if you’re feeling adventurous.

Lastly, I recall traveling with my family when we stumbled upon a charming bed & breakfast run by a lovely couple in Homer, Alaska. We enjoyed homemade breakfasts while taking in stunning views of Kachemak Bay from their cozy porch – an unforgettable memory on our journey!

Before hitting the road, make sure to stock up on supplies like snacks, water, and a shovel – because you never know when you might need to dig your way out of a snowbank.

Stocking up for the road: Essential items to bring on your journey

For those embarking on a long road trip, it’s important to bring some essential items to ensure a comfortable and safe journey. Whether you’re driving from Seattle to Alaska or any other destination, make sure you stock up before hitting the road.

• Water and Snacks : Keep yourself hydrated and energized with plenty of water and healthy snacks.
• Emergency Kit : In case of any unforeseen circumstances, pack an emergency kit that contains a first-aid kit, flares, flashlight, blankets, and other necessary items.
• Navigational Tools : Ensure you have a GPS device or maps to help you navigate your way through your journey.
• Clothes : Pack clothes based on weather conditions in the areas you’ll be traveling through. Bring extra layers as temperatures can change rapidly.
• Entertainment Options : Long hours spent behind the wheel can become extremely monotonous. So pack some books or e-books, music playlists or audio books to keep yourself entertained throughout the journey.

Moreover, carry a spare tire along with you and don’t forget to check all fluids levels – engine oil, transmission fluid/brake fluid/power steering fluid/windshield washer fluid because they’re critical for your car’s performance.

It’s important to remember that these are just basic suggestions for essential items. Depending on various factors such as your travel distance/time frame/how many passengers will be traveling with you – some things might need more adaptations.

Facts have shown that nearly 90% of US travelers who choose Alaska do so via cruise ship since its popular cruises which package attractions like Alaskan wilderness hiking tours/etc.

Bear witness to beauty and danger as you explore Alaska’s must-visit attractions, where the only thing colder than the weather is the reality of Mother Nature’s power.

Making your journey unforgettable: Must-visit attractions in Alaska

Alaska’s Top Attractions for the Ultimate Journey

Alaska is a destination of unparalleled natural wonders, cultural experiences, and adventure activities . Travellers can make their journey to the state unforgettable by exploring some of its incredible must-visit attractions.

• Witnessing the stunning Northern Lights that create a mesmerizing kaleidoscope across Alaska’s night sky
• Navigating through towering glaciers on a cruise along Prince William Sound or witnessing the landscape from high above in a helicopter tour
• Exploring Alaska’s Gold Rush past and taking in captivating views on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
• Capturing wildlife moments by observing bears, whales and various bird species at Kenai Fjords National Park or Denali National Park
• Experiencing a unique culture by attending the annual Iditarod event or visiting small villages to explore Alaskan Native heritage and way of life.

Travellers should not miss out on stunning beaches, metropolitan cities, national parks like Glacier Bay, Tongass, and Misty Fjords . These are unique experiences that will truly make Alaskan tours unforgettable.

You might also want to try hiking in Anchorage’s Chugach State Park or go fishing along salmon-filled rivers.

Returning back: Tips for a smooth drive back to Seattle.

When driving back to Seattle from Alaska, it’s important to ensure a smooth and safe journey. Here are some tips for the return drive:

• Check the weather forecast before leaving and plan accordingly.
• Take regular breaks if you feel tired or fatigued.
• Monitor your fuel levels and top up as needed.
• Be aware of wildlife on the road – they may pose a hazard to drivers.
• Reduce speed and increase following distance in wet or icy conditions.
• Observe speed limits and traffic rules at all times.

In addition to these tips, it’s recommended that drivers have an emergency kit with them, including extra food, water, warm clothing, a flashlight and basic tools .

As you make your way back to Seattle, keep in mind that there may be different routes available depending on your preferences. Consider taking a different route for a change of scenery or to explore new sights along the journey.

During one return trip from Alaska, we encountered road closures due to heavy snowfall. This experience highlighted the importance of staying flexible and being prepared for unexpected situations while on the road. Always prioritize safety above everything else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best time of year to drive from Seattle to Alaska?

A: The best time to drive from Seattle to Alaska is between May and September when the roads are clear of snow and the weather is warmer.

Q: Do I need a special type of vehicle to make the drive?

A: While a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for any road trip, it is not required for this drive. However, it is important to make sure your vehicle is prepared for the long journey.

Q: Are there any dangerous roads to watch out for?

A: The Dalton Highway, also known as the “Haul Road,” can be treacherous due to its steep inclines and unpaved surface. It is important to plan ahead and be prepared for any potential hazards.

Q: What are some must-see attractions along the way?

A: Some popular stops on the Seattle to Alaska drive include the picturesque town of Banff, the breathtaking Glacier National Park, and the charming city of Anchorage.

Q: How long does the drive take?

A: The drive from Seattle to Alaska can take anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks depending on how many stops you make along the way.

Q: What should I pack for this road trip?

A: Essential items to pack for the Seattle to Alaska road trip include warm clothing, a first-aid kit, plenty of food and water, a map or GPS, and a camera to capture all of the beautiful scenery.

In this article:

Post written by: Lets Eat and Wander

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23 Incredible Road Trips in the U.S.

Whether you’re looking for sweeping views of the pacific ocean or a multiday adventure through national parks, these road trips provide plenty of opportunities to explore the united states..

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Glacier National Park is one of many scenic places you can visit on an American road trip.

Photo by Zack Frank / Shutterstock

In a country as large as the United States, there’s no shortage of destinations and detours to explore by car . Whether your idea of the perfect American road trip entails an epic, cross-country journey or a shorter jaunt through a few of its most iconic national parks , your options are as large and varied as the country itself.

Even if you don’t have the time to drive cross-country, there are plenty of road trip routes (ranging from three days to a week or longer): classic California itineraries , New England routes that shine especially well in the fall, scenic East Coast adventures, and a variety of Midwest journeys for folks farther from the coasts.

No matter your mode of transportation—be it van, RV, motorcycle, or four-door sedan—these are 21 of the best road trips in the nation to consider.

Plan your next Route 66 trip around thirst-quenching stops.

Photo by Peek Creative Collective/Shutterstock

There are many ways to do a cross-country road trip in the USA, but these two itineraries will take you through some truly iconic American places.

1. Chicago to Los Angeles: A Whiskey Road Trip on Route 66

It doesn’t get more American than a 2,000-mile drive along the entirety of Route 66. There are endless ways to take this legendary trip (including an EV version —but to take your cross-country road trip to the next level, we recommend exploring another American pastime: whiskey.

Starting in Chicago and ending in L.A., you’ll stop by some of the leading craft distilleries in the United States, like Few Spirits in Chicago, Still 630 in St. Louis, and Red Fork Distillery in Tulsa. In between tastings, make time for detours to natural attractions, like the Grand Canyon, and quirky roadside curiosities, like Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. Just remember to drink responsibly—this is a road trip after all.

Plan your trip

The full itinerary: Put a New Twist on Route 66—Make It an American Whiskey Road Trip

No cars are allowed on Mackinac Island, so you need to park before taking the ferry to this spot.

Photo from Shutterstock

2. Bangor, Maine, to Seattle, Washington: The Great Northern on U.S. Route 2

Covering both the U.S. and Canada, a cross-country trip along U.S. 2 is ideal for anyone who wants to experience the vast diversity and expansiveness of North America. This drive runs the entire top border of the U.S. and showcases otherworldly natural wonders like Acadia National Park in Maine, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin, and Mackinac Island in Michigan. The route also passes through Canada, taking road-trippers through Ontario into Quebec—this route may focus on nature, but you won’t want to miss a stop in Montreal or Ottawa.

You’ll also get to explore Montana and Glacier National Park ( reservations may be required ) before passing the Columbia Plateau and ending in the Pacific Northwest’s largest city, Seattle. Don’t miss spending time in the Olympic Peninsula (home to Olympic National Park) for a peek at one of the most scenic places on the West Coast.

3. Dana Point to San Francisco: Driving California’s Pacific Coast Highway

The seemingly endless views of the Pacific Ocean along Highway 1 (also known as the Pacific Coast Highway) are what road trip dreams are made of, and exactly what makes this California road trip so popular. However, with so many stops along the 655-mile stretch, we pulled together a list of the ones well worth pulling over to view. Don’t miss the perfect surfing waves in Santa Cruz, seasonal cuisine in Malibu, an afternoon a the boardwalk in Santa Monica, or a night in Big Sur as you drive between Dana Point (just south of Los Angeles) and San Francisco.

• The full itinerary: The Best Stops for a Road Trip on the Pacific Coast Highway
• The AFAR Guide to San Francisco

The seaside town of Monterey was the setting for John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row .

Photo by Denise Lett/Shutterstock

4. Big Sur to Mono County: A Literary Road Trip Through Northern California

Yes, this itinerary requires you actually put down your book to drive, but seeing some of the pivotal places that shaped American authors will be so worth it. Follow in the footsteps of writers like Jack Kerouac, Maya Angelou, and Amy Tan on this road trip that takes you through literary landmarks in Northern California, such as Caffe Trieste, a meeting place for Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Alan Watts, and other bohemian writers and thinkers. This 12-stop itinerary is perfect if you live in the San Francisco Bay Area because you’ll be able to stay make these trips in one or two days.

The full itinerary: The California Road Trip All Book Lovers Should Take

Arizona may take its nickname from the Grand Canyon, but the state has far more natural wonders than just that one.

Courtesy of Shutterstock

5. Phoenix to the Grand Canyon: An Iconic Arizona Road Trip

This 240-mile Arizona road trip takes travelers along some of the state’s most iconic highlights, including its most famous one, the Grand Canyon. A great itinerary for first-time visitors and returning travelers alike, it offers plenty of opportunities for scenic drives, hiking, and biking—as well as tasty food along the way. Hike the 2,704-foot-tall Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale or take in the beautiful red rocks of Sedona on a hike to Cathedral Rock while exploring the Grand Canyon State.

• The full itinerary: The Classic 5-Day Arizona Road Trip
• Grand Canyon guide: The First-Timer’s Guide to the Grand Canyon
• Where to eat in Phoenix: A Chef’s Guide to the Best Restaurants
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Arizona ; The Best Airbnbs in Sedona

The Delicate Arch living up to its name in Utah’s Arches National Park

Photo by tusharkoley / Shutterstock

6. Zion to Grand Canyon: A National Parks Road Trip in the Southwest

If you’re looking to visit as many national parks as possible in one road trip, this southwestern itinerary is for you. This journey through Utah and Arizona lets you hike Angel’s Landing in Zion, feel tiny under Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, explore Fairyland Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon, and, of course, raft down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Most visitors to the Grand Canyon remain on the rim, but take at least four days to venture within the canyon and take advantage of the trails and river rafting.

• The full itinerary: The Ideal Road Trip Through U.S. National Parks
• Utah’s 8 Best National Parks and Monuments
• 10 Best National Parks and Monuments in Arizona
• The First-Timer’s Guide to the Grand Canyon

Stop and admire the winding roads of the San Juan Skyway.

Photo by Anh Luu/Shutterstock

7. San Juan Scenic Skyway Road Trip: An Adventure Through Southwestern Colorado

This Colorado trip takes you along the 232-mile loop of the San Juan Scenic Skyway, where you will see plenty of alpine forests, mining towns, and craggy peaks. And for anyone looking to enjoy refreshments after a long day of driving, this route features many opportunities to stop at some of the best breweries in Colorado , such as Ska Brewing Co. in Durango.

• The full itinerary: The Ultimate Southwestern Colorado Road Trip
• Five Classic Colorado Road Trips To Take This Year

In small-town Buena Vista, the riverfront Surf Hotel offers front-row seats to Colorado-style adventure seekers.

Courtesy of the Surf Hotel

8. Denver to Montrose: A 420-Mile Road Trip Through Colorado

Want to explore even more of the Centennial State? Head out on this weeklong road trip where you can fish for salmon in Colorado’s largest reservoir, visit numerous small towns, like Paonia and Crawford, with thriving art scenes along the Colorado Creative Corridor , and explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, one of the least visited national parks in the nation.

• The full itinerary: Art Stars, High-Altitude Wines, and a Remote National Park: The Ultimate Colorado Road Trip
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Colorado
• The AFAR Guide to Denver

Portland may be Oregon’s largest city, but with a population of some 652,000 (or 2.5 million in the larger metropolitan area), it isn’t intimidatingly large.

Photo courtesy of Travel Portland

9. Portland to Astoria: An Oregon Coast Road Trip for Outdoor Lovers

If you love the outdoors, then this six-day road trip along the coast of Oregon is for you. After driving to Coos Bay from Portland, travelers will meander along Oregon’s dramatic, rocky coastline, discovering some quintessentially Pacific Northwest vistas along the way: evergreen forests, seaside dunes, and marine ecosystems. Between stops, there are ample opportunities to stretch your legs hiking, kayaking, or strolling around the region’s small towns—like the historic old town in Florence.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an Oregon road trip without a stop (or three) at a craft brewery, such as Fort George Brewery in Astoria, or cozy coffee shop, like Bread & Roses in Yachats.

• The full itinerary: An Outdoor Lover’s Road Trip on the Oregon Coast
• The AFAR Guide to Portland

The State Capitol Building in Nashville marks the end of this road (trip).

Photo by photo.ua / Shutterstock

10. Seneca Falls, New York, to Nashville, Tennessee: Follow the Path of the Women’s Suffrage Movement

Starting in New York’s Finger Lakes region and ending at the State Capitol Building in Nashville, this road trip traces the route of the national women’s suffrage movement. Highlights include stops at the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House ; Union Square in New York City, which was the site of the first suffrage march; and the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument in Washington, D.C.

• The full itinerary: Celebrate Women’s Suffrage on an Epic, Self-Guided Road Trip
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Nashville
• The AFAR Guide to Nashville
• The AFAR Guide to Washington, D.C.

Asheville is one must-stop on a North Carolina road trip.

Courtesy of ExploreAsheville.com

11. Charlottesville to Asheville: A Scenic Road Trip Through Virginia and North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the country. Beginning in the soft hilly meadows of the Appalachian Mountains from Shenandoah National Park down into the Blue Ridge Mountains, then into the Great Smoky Mountains, this five-day road trip is best done at a slower pace, which is perfect for admiring the dramatic outlooks and green plateaus. This eclectic itinerary features stops at an art museum, a dairy farm, and plenty of hiking trails.

• The full itinerary: The Ultimate Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip
• Where to stay: 12 Dreamy Blue Ridge Mountain Cabins You Can Rent on Airbnb and Vrbo
• 8 U.S. National Park Road Trips to Take in Your Lifetime

Dowa:kwe dance group from Zuni Pueblo in 2019

Courtesy of Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

12. Albuquerque to Las Cruces: Discover New Mexico on This Three-Day Road Trip

This route steers you away from New Mexican tourist hot spots like Taos and Santa Fe and instead takes you on a three-day adventure with places that teach you about Pueblo history. You’ll stop at Indian Pueblo Kitchen (formerly known as Pueblo Harvest), a restaurant inside the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center that features Indigenous cuisine ; pick up peppers at Three Brothers in Hatch; and slide down the dunes in White Sands National Park.

• The full itinerary: This New Mexico Road Trip Is the Perfect Introduction to the Land of Enchantment

Historic Fort Martin Scott is one of the places travelers can visit to learn about Fredericksburg’s history.

Photo by Mark König/Unsplash

13. A Five-Day Scenic Road Trip Through Texas Hill Country

This Texas road trip starts and ends in San Antonio with stops in small towns like Bandera, Boerne, and consider a stop in Fredericksburg, which is one of AFAR’s best places to go in 2024 ). Over five days, you’ll find opportunities to stroll in a Japanese tea garden in San Antonio, relax along the Sabinal and Frio Rivers by inner tube, and eat as many tacos as you want. Seriously: You could eat tacos for every meal on this road trip and not get tired of them.

• The full itinerary: Tree Houses, Tubing, and Tacos: The Ultimate Texas Hill Country Road Trip

Mount McKinley looms large on a drive through Denali National Park.

Photo by warnsweet / Shutterstock

14. A Weeklong Road Trip Through Alaska’s Most Majestic Sights

This weeklong drive in Alaska starts and ends in Anchorage. You travel along four scenic byways; explore Wrangell–St. Elias wilderness, the largest U.S. national park; catch sight of Denali, the tallest peak in North America; and enjoy the surprisingly stellar food scene of McCarthy, a one-road town with only a couple dozen residents.

• The full itinerary: Glaciers, Mountain Peaks, and Organic Farms: The Ultimate Alaska Road Trip
• Which Alaska National Parks Should You Visit?

More than geothermal pools, Kirkham Hot Springs features a piping-hot waterfall.

Courtesy of Idaho Tourism

15. Boise to Sun Valley: Explore Idaho’s Scenic Byways

Even a short road trip can be packed with adventure, good food, and scenery, which is exactly what this trip from Boise to Sun Valley along Idaho’s Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway offers. Although the drive only takes six hours, we recommend taking a few days to explore all the stops and detours along the way. One can’t-miss spot is the Kirkham Hot Springs , where you can stand under a waterfall that will splash you with 135-degree mineral water year-round.

• The full itinerary: The Little-Known Idaho Road Trip You Need to Drive
• Things to do: The Best Outdoorsy Things to Do in Idaho

Grand Portage State Park is the only state park jointly managed by a state and a Native American band.

Photo by Shutterstock/QZ

16. Duluth to Grand Portage State Park: A Scenic Minnesota Sampler

Although there are many appealing road trips throughout the Midwest, this 143-mile, three-hour circuit, which starts and ends in Duluth, Minnesota, is worth keeping in mind. Meandering north on MN-61 with this itinerary, you will enjoy prime views of Lake Superior and towns like Grand Marais, as well as Grand Portage State Park, home to waterfalls, hiking trails, and opportunities to learn about the Ojibwe community who occupy the land today. Once back in Duluth, enjoy a beer at Canal Park Brewing Company before checking into the waterfront Canal Park Lodge nearby.

• The AFAR Guide to Minnesota

Wind your way through colorful foliage in New Hampshire.

Photo by Shutterstock

17. Kancamagus Highway: A Quintessential New England Drive

Yes, you can take a road trip in New England at any time of the year , but this region shows off its best colors in the fall, when locals and tourists alike head out into the country to view the changing colors of the trees. Join other admirers of fall foliage on this popular, 34.5-mile road trip along New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway, colloquially known as the “Kanc,” for picturesque ponds, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks.

• Plan Your Fall Getaway With This Peak Foliage Prediction Map

Ogunquit is home to the small, postcard-perfect harbor of Perkins Cove.

Photo courtesy of QualityHD / Shutterstock

18. Maine’s “Lobster Trail”: Travel Route 1 Along the Coast

Traveling Route 1, affectionately known as “the lobster trail,” along Maine’s jagged coastline is an exercise in indulgence. Sample lobster dishes in all forms—buttered, steamed, on a roll, or even in a decadent mac-and-cheese.

The trip starts in the quaint small town of Ogunquit , with its rare (for the area) 3.5 miles of white-sand beach. Make your first lobster of the journey count, steamed with a side of drawn butter at Barnacle Billy’s in picturesque Perkins Cove harbor. Stop at Big Daddy’s for a cone on your way to the shipbuilding center—and summer home of George H. W. Bush—Kennebunkport. Stay at the recently redesigned 150-year-old classic White Barn Inn , and consider a sailing trip for an afternoon. With lobsters cooked in ocean water, the legendary lobster roll at the Clam Shack is a must.

• 8 Scenic East Coast Road Trips to Take This Year

Throughout North Carolina’s Piedmont region, innovative restaurants, shops, and restaurants like Leah & Louise in Charlotte, above, are creating a buzz.

Photo by Peter Taylor Photography

19. Raleigh to Charlotte: A 4-Day Trip Through North Carolina’s Reinvented Core

North Carolina’s Piedmont region extends from the coastal plain to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and includes farmland and rolling wooded hills, especially on the 1-40 stretch near Hillsborough. Starting in Raleigh, drive the short distances to Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte to see how these cities are innovating through art, food, and a celebration of the past. Take your time—four days should do—to experience downtown arts districts, James Beard Award–winning restaurants, and civil rights museums that speak truths. Plan your trip

• A Road Trip Through North Carolina’s Reinvented Core

Scenic South Walton is part of the Emerald Coast of Florida.

20. Scenic Highway 30A: A Sunday Drive Through South Walton, Florida

Florida is full of places to cruise with the top down, but it’s hard to beat a Sunday (or any day) drive along Scenic Highway 30A through northwest Florida, home to a postcard-perfect stretch of seaside towns known as South Walton.

The roughly 28-mile route through South Walton County kisses the coast for nearly all its length, taking you through gorgeous residential Gulf-front communities like Rosemary Beach, Grayton Beach, and Blue Mountain Beach . Roll down the windows and let the emerald-hued views in.

Pull over to explore, too—maybe to admire the New Urbanism architecture in Alys Beach or to swim in the clear waters at Grayton Beach State Park . (The beach here has been lauded among the best in the world.)

• The full itinerary: The Florida Road Trip You’ve Been Missing

Stand-up paddleboarding is just one way to enjoy a Florida Keys sunset.

Shutterstock

21. The Florida Keys: An Island-Hopping Getaway

For a sunny road trip itinerary in Florida, skip Miami and head farther south. Beginning in Key Largo and ending in Key West, the Florida Keys Scenic Highway is often overlooked for more well-known routes up north, but it is well worth going out of your way to experience.

As the name suggests, this route is very scenic, so plan to spend at least a few days exploring it and numerous stops along the way. Some highlights include driving across the impressive Overseas Highway, stopping to admire art in the town of Islamorada, and enjoying the historic sites, food, and (of course) beaches in the city of Key West.

• The full itinerary: How to Road Trip in the Lesser-Known Florida Keys

Sun Studio in Memphis was the site of the famous Million Dollar recording session that brought together Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash.

Photo by f11photo on Shutterstock

22. Memphis to Bristol, Tennessee: A Music-Driven Adventure

If you have about a week to spare and a deep appreciation for music, take a road trip from one side of Tennessee to the other, starting in Memphis and ending in Bristol. The eastbound trip spans genres, including rock ( Graceland ), blues ( Beale Street) and, of course, country (did you really go to Tennessee if you didn’t go to Dollywood ?). Nashville serves as the halfway point on your journey—so consider penciling in an extra 48 hours to fully explore the state capital’s greatest hits.

• The full itinerary: 5 Great American Road Trips For Music Fans

The stunning coastline near Cueva del Indio has been the backdrop of star-studded films.

Photo by Alexsf.gr/Shutterstock

23. Arecibo to Condado, Puerto Rico: A Lesser-Known Side of a Well-Loved Island

In the minds of many, trips to Puerto Rico bring images of stunning beaches , delicious foods , and maybe a bioluminescent bay or two . But there’s plenty of history to be found here, too, as Puerto Rico was home to an Indigenous population known as the Taino, a heritage many Puerto Ricans embrace. That history can be explored via a road trip. Starting in the northern town of Arecibo, travel south to Ponce, then back north to Condado—along the way you’ll encounter petroglyphs, Indigenous sites, and breathtaking natural spots.

• The full itinerary: A Puerto Rico Road Trip That Puts Indigenous Culture First

Additional road trip planning resources Picking the route for your road trip is only one part of your planning. From what snacks to pack to which podcasts to listen to, these additional resources will help you prepare for your next adventure:

• Best road trip snacks
• Road trip planning apps
• Podcasts and audiobooks to download
• What to pack for a road trip

This article originally appeared online in August 2020. It was most recently updated on April 4, 2024, to include current information. Additional reporting by Jessie Beck, Erika Owen, Ray Rogers, Terry Ward, and Sheryl Nance-Nash.

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Car camping in Haines May 2024 - Haines Forum

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Car camping in Haines May 2024

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5 replies to this topic

The ones that are marked no trespassing are private property.......It is okay to camp at any of the other pull outs out near Lutak before you get to the Chilkoot River Bridge.......just not on the other side of the bridge which is also private property.......

Did you travel south on Mud Bay Road towards the cannery ?.......Several pull outs there with terrific waterfront views, also close to Sunshine spring on the mountain side of the road.......

Another thought.......the Eulican return up the Chilkoot River during early May........if that is happening when you are here, you might want to avoid the Chilkoot area,,,,,,,very popular with locals harvesting the fish, fun to watch but it may be too crowded to find a quiet camping place......

The Mud Bay pull outs at Letnikov may be a better choice then........you can also hear the sea lions roaring from that location as they are feasting on the small fish.......

Thank you for that information. We are actually going to watch the sea lions as they feast on the eulican!

It is okay to camp along the road by Letnikov.......many do......I think there is a limit of a week or two and then you need to move to a different site.......

Both Chilkoot and Chilkat River will be one grand party during the Eulicon run !!......I can hear it from our house and look forward to it every year !!,,,,Bring binoculars if you have them.......

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