Related: Denali National Park Planning Guide. you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, Each of the viewpoints have a different perspective on the mountain, which is also different from the angle you get inside the park or from the air. an affiliate advertising program. 5, 2023. Denalis entrance area has service. The program proved to be an enormous success due to the valleys rich soil, the midnight-sun growing season and the heartiness and determination of the farmers. It's often rainy, the crisp clear fall days are not to be missed. After all, two of the biggest attractions in Seward offer shelter from the elements: The exhibits of Seward SeaLife Center are mostly indoors, and all Seward day cruiseshave a heated cabin where you can warm up between photo ops out on the deck. Time needed: 7-10 days minimum. Connecting Anchorage and Fairbanks, the Parks Highway (Route 3) is 359 miles of wonderland in the winter months. The scenery provides plenty of reason to road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks, but if you have time to make some stops, there are some great places to stretch your legs, learn about something new, see even more amazing scenery and wildlife and grab a bite to eat. Get the reverse directions for a There are many campsites available as well as hotels for those less adventurous. Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions KC Barnette arrested after threatening Loss Prevention with an axe. There are many pull-offs along Turnagain Arm(Cook Inlet), Turnagain Pass, Kenai Lake, and more. Anchorage, Alaska. By Car Maximize your flexibility and extend the six or seven hours it would take to drive straight through. Accommodation: 14 nights. There are several B&Bs in the town of Healy (10 miles north of the park entrance) that stay open year round. Plus, our mosquitoes usually die off the first week in August, so they are long gone. Im so glad to have you along on the journey to experience your best low key adventure in Washington, Alaska and Western Canada! Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. Northern lights adventures with Northern Alaska Tour Company. Road Trip Conditions. Report inappropriate content Smokey Bloomington, Indiana Level Contributor 71 posts 240 reviews 234 helpful votes 2. You can borrow snowshoes free at the Murie Science and Learning Center. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. I started driving back towards home after that last shot, but at 11:50 the sky exploded again and I stopped along the highway. Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. ANCHORAGE TO TALKEETNA Posted August 28, 2007. This is one of those trips where the drive is just as important as the destination. Barbara from asked:What do I wear to aurora ice museum and hot springs (4 answers), Janet from Emerald Hills, Ca asked:Lodging to see Northern Lights in Fairbanks? These glaciers calve pretty regularly and youll have chances to see wildlife. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Use code ADVENTURESOFNICOLE Drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks 6h 41m $65 - $95 Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between Anchorage (ANC) to Fairbanks (FAI) flights The flight time between Anchorage (ANC) and Fairbanks (FAI) is around 1h 2m and covers a distance of around 262 miles. There usually comes a night by the second week of September when we'll wake up and see the mountain tops are coated in white, while the forest below still glows red and orange--a sight to see! Hatcher Pass is a very worthwhile detour, but it does add some time. Can you Drive to Gates of the Arctic National Park? Car, train, or group tour. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. Check out myDenali National Park Guide, BudgetCamping (tent & RV) in Denali National Park|Reservedenali.com|, MidrangeAurora Denali Lodge (Healy)|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, SplurgeMcKinley Creekside Cabins|Booking.com|Hotels.com|. It has a couple of surprisingly excellent museums for such a small town. In summary, Anchorage to Fairbanks is 360 miles of mostly two-lane paved highway once north of Wasilla. The longest summer day has over 21 hours at summer solstice, around June 21. It is also inside the Kesugi Ken Campground. Entries Feed Camping along the way? Visit the NPS websitefor more info info on buses and schedules. Feels like 1.99 Wind speed 3.4 mph Pressure 1006 hPa. Make a stop at the Iditarod Headquarters and check out the museum all about the epic dog sled race that travels 1000 miles across Alaska in March. Taking you from Anchorage to Fairbanks this road trip itinerary gives you a pretty good sampling of what the 49th state has to offer if you only have one week in Alaska. Kesugi Ken has amazing views and is a well appointed campground that was built relatively recently. Though there are many summertime shops, restaurants and hotels in the immediate area it is a two hour drive to get to a substantial town (Fairbanks) with full amenities. Weather pending, you can also enjoy a jet ski or kayak tour through the middle of the month. MidrangeTalkeetna Roadhouse|Booking.com|, SplurgeTalkeetna Alaskan Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com|. What to do in Talkeetna, AK Heading right will take you onto the Sterling Highway toward Soldotna, Kenai, Nikiski and Homer. Kesugi Ridge is one of the best backpacking trails in Alaska, but if youre not up for the multiday challenging hike you can absolutely do a day hike here too! Alaska 44 Rentals (alaska4x4rentals.com) and Alaska Auto Rentals (alaskaautorental.com), both Alaska-based companies, specialize in renting vehicles equipped for winter driving conditions, and both allow pick up in one city and drop off in the other. Travelers arriving by bus are advised to check their arrival point according to the bus company they are traveling with. Glennallen saw an influx of gold seekers headed for the Klondike Gold Fields in 1898. Answer 11 of 11: Hello! That said, the Alaska Department of Transportation makes a significant effort to keep the highway passable and safe. open-ended. The demographics have changed a little by September, too (more families with small kids, since bigger kids have gone back to school). And because many operators don't discount September, we advise you not to let saving a few bucks be the reason you come then. The Anchorage Museum showcases artful Alaskans and Arctic subjects, with exhibits rotating throughout the year. I've been a tour guide in both Alaska and Washington and I love to share the places I love with visitors, newcomers and my fellow locals. That brings concerts, plenty of local goods, and the world-famous, massive vegetables that have grown all summer long under the midnight sun. Overcast Clouds. Seward Highway safety:This a very scenic drive, so you should probably tack on some more time allow for stops. Big ship or small ship? Driving in Alaska: Alaska is different than the Lower 48 in many ways, which is why it requires more planning and preparation than other domestic vacations. Denali National Park is an obvious highlight on your road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks, and often is the reason people take this road trip in the first place! It also has amazing views of the entire area. Northwest Travel & Life Magazine represents trust and inspires a passion for Experiencing All Things Northwest., 2022 - Northwest Travel & Life Magazine, iditarod.com/resources/about/headquarters, Bellingham, Washington: Salish Sea Playground, A Craft Brew mecca: Kitsap Peninsula, Washington, Catch the Aurora Borealis in Fairbanks, Alaska. TALKEETNA TO DENALI This was the sky to the south and this was looking northwest. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Waking up near Denali brings a host of possibilities for the day, even in winter. Most of ours turn yellow and orange. The check in area even has a decent amount of seating and plenty of tourism guides to keep you occupied if there's a line. Whether you catch it under a blanket of snow or lit by the midnight sun, you're sure to find something to enjoy in this welcoming community. Day 1: Arrive In Anchorage, Drive To Seward, The Fairbanks Travel Guide + 12 Things To Do In Fairbanks, Hit The Highlights- Anchorage to Fairbanks, The Big Loop: Anchorage to Fairbanks & Back, The Best of Wrangell St. Elias and Prince William Sound, The Perfect Coastal Alaskan Winter Getaway: Between Beaches, Kesugi Ridge Hike in Denali State Park, Alaska, Free places to Ski & Snowboard Near Anchorage, The Best Way To Explore Kenai Fjords National Park: Major Marine Tours, The Rabbit Lakes Hike In Anchorage, Alaska, Fairbanks Travel Guide + 13 Things To Do In Fairbanks, Juneau Travel Guide + 19 Things To Do In Juneau. Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. Check out myAnchorage Travel Guidefor ideas. The arts community is active in the winter with concerts, plays and more at the towns Don Sheldon Community Arts Hangar. What are the road conditions like between Anchorage and Fairbanks? The lights are active year round due to the interaction of the earth's magnetic field with the solar wind BUT it needs to be dark enough to see them. to each other and sharing tips and advice. Fairbanks is 360 miles north of Anchorage, just north from the Denali National Park and Preserve. Find pet-friendly stops. At 12 hours (8:15 a.m. 8 p.m.), this is the longest train ride on the Alaska Railroad. When youre ready to say farewell to Talkeetna, backtrack to the Parks Highway and head north. In winter expect plenty of snow and ice. Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. Anchorage Depot: 411 West 1st Avenue, 99501 Fairbanks Depot: 1745 Johansen Expressway, 99701 Depart Anchorage: 8:20 AM . You could head toward Chena Hotsprings and have a soak in the hot waters. There are long stretches without towns and services, but there are also plenty of places to stop along the highway. As you drive onwards you'll pass the entrance of Denali National Park, home to America's highest peak as well as trails, untouched wildlife and open tundra. Fly into Anchorage or Fairbanks, rent a vehicle thats well-equipped for winter driving conditions, complete the one-way drive between the two cities, return the vehicle at the other end. Healy (4 answers) The views get even more spectacular if you take a flightseeing tour and see the parks colors from above. It's extremely convenient and easy to rent a car at Alaska airports. How Much Does It Cost To Travel In Alaska? By car, Fairbanks is 7 to 8 hours from Anchorage, and only 45 minutes by air. Your first stretch of the Parks Highway is almost complete. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. There are plenty of other campgrounds along the way, but those two are my favorite! Lodging to see Northern Lights in Fairbanks. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. From glaciers to the tallest mountain in North America, small towns, cities, inlets, rivers, and everything in between. The Nancy Lake Area is very popular with those who live in the Anchorage area, with plenty of cabins surrounding it. Anchorage averages 78.8 inches of snow per year. Where are the gas stations and other services? Our policy is here: https://www.ordinary-adventures.com/privacy-policy/. Continuing left will keep you on the Seward Highway to Seward. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. Maximize your flexibility and extend the six or seven hours it would take to drive straight through. But by the end of the month, temperatures are about 10 degrees lower overall , and daylight starts slipping away. On the left of the route is Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, which makes for expansive lake-filled scenery while driving. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, Its advisable to book bus tickets and campsites in advance and can be done atReserve Denali. If going into the backcountry you must obtain a backcountry pass at the visitor center- they are free. You can check them out on your own, or opt for a guided excursion or overnight experience. Or get a full Anchorage to Fairbanks flight plan. Decided to drive rather than fly to Fairbanks. May require a current valid driver's license, must meet UA safe driving requirements. Note:Car rentals seem to charge extortionate fees to pick and drop off from a different location. (See our How to Budget article for more tips on cutting costs). Availability: Fairbanks to Anchorage Road Trip Link two of Alaska's largest cities together in this 360-mile road trip from Fairbanks to Anchorage, with stops in Denali National Park, Talkeetna, and Eklutna along the way. ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks. If you do have a bit more time to budget for you Anchorage to Fairbanks itinerary, Id suggest spending a night over in Kayakers Cove to add an adventurous day on your trip. Talkeetna (6 answers) But that doesnt mean things are totally shut downand there are some nice upsides to September here. Make sure to book lodges and hotels far in advance for this very popular area, especially in the Denali National Park area which has very limited options. Fairbanks is a gateway to the great Alaskan wilderness on its doorstep, such as the trails and wildlife of the Chena River State Recreation Area. A little further gets you to Denali National Park, the home of North America's tallest mountain, Mount McKinley. Nenana 9F. We are arriving in Anchorage September 7th and planning to drive to Fairbanks. The scenes from the car window on this trip are unparalleled, from great lakes to the peak of Denali Mountain. The problem is that it needs to be dark enough to see them. While you can often see the northern lights from Fairbanks itself, many tour operators use Fairbanks as their main launching pad to take visitors beyond the Arctic Circle, which boosts your chances of seeing the lights. So, if you want to experience the entire park roadall the way to Kantishna and Wonder LakeSeptember is likely a no-go. Those who want to go further can explore further up the ridges on Mt Healy. Nauti Otter Inn & Yurt Village|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, SplurgeHarbor 360 Hotel|Booking.com|Agoda.com|, Seward Windsong Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com|. It is a simple drive from Fairbanks from Anchorage, as the journey primarily takes place on one road. Daily train and bus service to the park from Anchorage and Fairbanks typically ends in mid-September. Set out on the Parks Highway from Anchorage. Youll be traveling along the Parks Highway, or just The Parks as it is often called in Alaska. If you'd prefer not to travel by car, you can opt to take the bus or train from Anchorage. What is the snowiest city in Alaska? ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks. The Denali South (and North) viewpoint is one of the best places to see Denali, the High One anywhere in Alaska. Mt Healy is a great hike in Denali National Park near the entrance area that you can do without planning ahead and being on a bus trip. Talkeetna is as vibrant and quirky in the winter as it is in the more heavily traveled summer season, as the restaurants and shops stay open year-round. From there you'll head on to the town of Tok and can continue your journey north towards Fairbanks or south towards Anchorage. I recommend spending two nights in Denali if possible because you then get the full day to take the bus trip into the park. Plan on it taking at least 6.5 hours plus any stops you want to make. Rotorhead 30A Productions/Shutterstock.com. That's why locals say, "September is a gamble.". This section could be endless, so rather than trying to for 20% off at checkout, Login Labor Day is not the end of the tourist crowds in Alaska. If this is the case, your best option will likely be to add an additional day onto your trip and return back to Anchorage and fly out from there. Selected excursions, transportation (like the railroad), and lodges offer shoulder season pricing in September--but not all do. Home Tours Alaska Driving Tours Self-Drive All Alaska Classic Self Drive Tour. (You can find the same shoulder season pricing in late May or early June.) From mid-May to mid-September, trains depart north and south every day from Anchorage. Every twenty years or so, a freak early snow will surprise people, but the roads remain open. Right now, our darkest hours in Anchorage are between 2-3am. Overwhelmed by choices? Depending on the snow-level, this is a perfect spot for a trail hike or for some winter fun if you are traveling with snow shoes or cross-country skis. You are very likely to see wildlife, especially moose, along the highway. There is a visitor center and restroom at the trailhead. You also start seeing snow on the mountain tops, which we locals refer to as "Termination Dust." If you're a photographer, you may be interested in a fall foliage photo tour. In addition to incredible landscapes, you can visit the historic independence mine. We came here on the first night of our trip for a complimentary dinner and viewing at the yurt. Even though cloud cover and rain can affect visibility, its not a dealbreaker for any activities, assuming you have the appropriate gear and clothing (see our packing list). Who gets more snow Anchorage or Fairbanks? About 100 miles north of Anchorage youll see signs for the Talkeetna Spurr Road turn off, take the exit to the right and follow for about 14 miles where youll end up in tiny, walkable Talkeetna. What we tell our friends is, "Come earlier in the summer, if you can. That brings concerts, plenty of local goods, and the world-famous, massive vegetables that have grown all summer long under the midnight sun. You can even do a guided walk or hike here to learn even more about the natural history and beauty of Alaska. 2) Should I drive or take the bus ? The road conditions differ between the seasons, and winter in particular can be quite demanding on vehicles. We are planning to do a similar trip this coming summer, though we plan to return back to Anchorage because yikes the rental car fees are insane for dropping off at a different location. First time in Anchorage and looking for lunch and possible site see. You still have that increased chance of rain and clouds, so your shipboard views of the coastline could be shrouded in fog. The Adventures of Nicole is a participant in the That goes most often from the areas that will cool down first to the areas that will cool down last. However, if you are driving on to Canada you may need a passport to re-enter the US. Ive allotted two days here for exploring the park, but it can easily be done in a day for those only wanting a bus tour, or you could spend weeks or even months here depending on what you want to do. It is also home to the Nancy Lake Recreation Area, covering a large area with many small lakes. To go beyond by road you will need to book a bus tour, these are offered in narrated and non-narrated shuttle buses. These flights can range from $220 to $460 per person. Many services are closed in winter so its extra important to be prepared with very warm clothes, a sleeping bag and extra food in your car. In Alaska, very few trees turn red. Required fields are marked *. McKinley) views. Fly from Kailua-Kona on American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and more. *Note: the Denali flightseeing tour, as with any flightseeing tour is heavily weather dependent. Glennallen, at mile 115 is the junction with the Glenn Highway to Anchorage. Many of these flightseeing trips do include a glacier landing. There are several lodges near Trapper Creek and Talkeetna that make a good overnight stop. The tundra turns red in September and stretches for miles above the Knik Glacier. Your next stop will be the famous Denali Viewpoint at Parks Highway milepost 135. While only 144 miles (232km), you could drive it in just over 2 hours. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. Nenana is somewhat famous for being the location where President Harding drove the golden spike for the completion of the Alaska Railroad the same year. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Note that no food service is available in the winter inside the park, so bring your own food and beverages when visiting Denali. Im a fourth generation Seattleite who lived in Alaska for 7 years. most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. Make sure your tires are in good condition and carry chains with you just in case. There's a pretty good chance you'll see the Northern lights here (during the aurora borealis peak time between September and April) because it's far from the city and it's super dark. The highway is easy to follow, although it crosses rugged terrain. Alternatively, there are plenty of daily flights available from Anchorage to Fairbanks. On the other, the tundra can glow bright red--and smell fragrant beyond words. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. The roads seemed decent, although a bit scary going in and out of Fairbanks near the mountains/ hills. In the summer, expect lots of RVs and probably some construction. Highlights plus less visited destinations. There is a campground and several cabins owned by Alaska State Parks that you can reserve, making for a nice in between camping and hotel stay. If youre driving through in late winter or early spring, look for the black and white tripod set up on the river, which topples over and triggers a clock which marks the official time to declare a winner! The journey winds up through Denali National Park and Preserve for 360 miles, which takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive. Seward Ocean Excursions offers small-group custom charters year-round. Take the Talkeetna turnoff and drive the 14 miles into Talkeetna to settle in for the night. A much quieter southern sky over the Alaska Highway, with an 8-second exposure. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, View All Southcentral & Interior Towns on a Map, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. Miles: 1082. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. One interesting alternative that works for the whole month of September is the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry System (check their page for more details). Denali is an Athabaskan word meaning the high one.. Make the trip the epic road trip of a lifetime by driving all the way up to Fairbanks (Alaska's third city) in the heart of the state and then embark on the epic Dalton Highway. But you can stretch your legs at any time, enjoy all three meals in the dining car, and usually be able to take in the scenery from special domed rail cars. Recommend tours: Arctic Circle Day & Overnight Adventures, Aurora Pointe, Multi-Day Winter Northern Lights Tour, Northern Lights & Chena Hot Springs, Borealis Basecamp clear-roofed igloos & Aurora Ice Fishing. In winter, you can drive up to Hatcher Pass but the road is closed beyond there so you return back the way you came to rejoin the Parks Highway between Palmer and Wasilla. The Chena Hotsprings Resort is 62 miles northwest of Fairbanks and should take roughly 1 hour 15 minutes each way. After Denali and Healy, you are on the home stretch to journeys end at Fairbanks, about 110 miles up the Parks Highway. Walk the local trails, and dine at the local restaurants, like Jack Sprat. Must undergo a criminal history background check. or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world. Connecting Anchorage and Fairbanks, the Parks Highway (Route 3) is 359 miles of wonderland in the winter months. because there's an entire community of travelers talking I lived in Alaska for seven years and during that time (and many times since) Ive done this road trip and Im excited to tell you all about the best places to stop along the way. Taking this route will add about 20 miles and an hour of driving time to your road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks. 29 reviews of Borealis Basecamp "This place is a must when you visit Alaska! While youre in Talkeetna, you can apply what you learned at the Iditarod Headquarters by booking a two-hour sled dog tour and driving your own dog team with Iditarod Champion Dallas Seavey (dallasseavey.com/alaska-sled-dog-tours). This drive deserves at least a day of your road trip to Alaska. Sign up for our email newsletter to receive a current digital issue of the magazine, exclusive subscriber content, and access to special contests, discounts, and giveaways! You can easily do the drive in a day, but why would you when youd miss so many reasons for doing the trip along the way? For one thing, since this is more of a business hub than a tourist spot, hotels stay open year round, though they can offer better rates in September than you would find during the peak summer months. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The Parks Highway is well maintained throughout the year. Continue on AK-3 and take the Airport Way exit to arrive in Fairbanks. Around three quarters of the Parks Highway is covered with various cell providers at the time of this writing. Check the road conditions from Fairbanks to Anchorage and plan a trip based on the weather along the way. Fall is my favorite time of year to make this drive, most of the RV traffic is gone, there usually isnt ice yet and the fall colors are absolutely amazing! Exit the road at the next pull off if you see something youd like to stop for. You can opt for a quick 1 mile round trip walk to the face of the glacier or the much longer and strenuous hike up to Harding Icefield (about 8.4 miles roundtrip to the emergency shelter). The bus tour is totally worth it because not only do you get to go into the park for epic views, the opportunity for seeing wildlife is amazing, especially for bears. Alaska's state capitol of Juneau is the only state capitol in the United States that you cannot drive to. Denali National Park is a popular attraction, so you may encounter some traffic as you approach it. questions about Talkeetna: Its great for independent travelers, and most of its routes continue through September. Trails near the park entrance and winter visitor center are color-coded by difficulty level, so you can easily determine the snowshoe route thats best for you. Totally worth it! In the early 1930s, more than 200 Midwestern families were relocated to Palmer under the New Deal to create an agricultural settlement. It is advised to use winter tires, and to check conditions ahead of setting off. Railroad enthusiasts will appreciate the Alaska Railroad Museum located inside the historic train station from 1923. Along the route, RV road trippers get to enjoy plenty of roadside attractions and jaw-dropping mountain scenery. Pack your winter clothes and read on for our tips on how to get there and some of the amazing places to see en route. Services are operated by Alaska Airlines, Inc.. Is the road between there and Anchorage pretty much always open or does snow sometimes close it? Hatcher Pass is one of the most popular recreation areas near Anchorage year round! Search for RV campgrounds. All land transportation options take you through river valleys and boreal forest, with mountain vistas and Denali (Mt. Just up from the park is Healy, a friendly little town on the banks of the Nenana River. The benefit of having a car means that you can continue to explore the scenery surrounding the city once you arrive. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. DENALI TO FAIRBANKS The driving distance from Anchorage to Fairbanks is 360 miles. Id recommend a visit to the Seward Sealife Center and having a fresh Alaskan seafood dinner if your budget allows. Your email address will not be published. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. 7-10 days is the most common. Late August through mid-September is also the peak season for going polar-bear viewing in the Arctic, and those tours leave from Fairbanks, too. If the mountain is clear, its absolutely mandatory to stop at both! Logout It takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive the 360 miles from Anchorage to Fairbanks. There are plenty of places to camp as well as cabins an inn, and a hostel for rent in Talkeetna, and there are several little restaurants. The drive is straightforward using Alaska Route 3 which connects both cities. The route is one of Alaskas most traveled highways, but during Alaskas long winter, its not for travelers unwilling to tackle winter driving conditions. This hike is quite steep with an elevation gain of 1700 feet in less than 3 miles, but the trail is usually in good condition and wonderful views along the trail as well as at the top help the climbing go by more easily! Stop in at the Murie Science and Learning Center (the parks winter visitor center) to find out what organized activities are happening. Nenana is also famous throughout Alaska for the Nenana Ice Classic, a long tradition of betting on the date the ice will break up on the Tanana River in the spring. A.M. 8 p.m. ), popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National driving. And carry chains with you just in case tops, which takes 6 hours 30 to! Alaska Railroad tour, these are offered in narrated and non-narrated shuttle buses our picks for the.! You can borrow snowshoes free at the time of this writing area, which for! Of mostly two-lane paved Highway once north of Wasilla article for more tips on cutting costs ) calve pretty and. ( Route 3 ) is 359 miles of wonderland in the Anchorage Museum showcases Alaskans... This trip are unparalleled, from great lakes to the south and was. Tour, as with any flightseeing tour and see the Parks Highway and head north starts! Fairbanks and should take roughly 1 hour 15 minutes each way live in the Anchorage,! Guided walk or hike here to learn even more about the natural history and beauty of Alaska and only minutes! And drive the 360 miles from Anchorage to Fairbanks is easy to follow, although a bit scary going and... Relatively recently own hometown with a staycation day of your road trip from Anchorage, and only 45 minutes air. Anchorage year round pick and drop off from a different location more time allow stops... Fly from Kailua-Kona on American Airlines, United Airlines and more at the time of this writing Arm ( Inlet! After that last shot, but at 11:50 the sky to the Highway. Talkeetna, AK Heading right will take you onto the Sterling Highway Soldotna. Restaurants, and dine at the towns Don Sheldon community arts Hangar red in September but. Minutes by air your must-have activity guide + Map while in Alaska between Anchorage and Fairbanks typically in! Hours from Anchorage to Fairbanks flight plan your flexibility and extend the six or seven hours it would to. Who lived in Alaska least a day of your road trip from Anchorage to Denali Park! Basecamp & quot ; driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september place is a visitor Center ) to find what. Probably tack on some more time allow for stops car rentals seem to charge extortionate fees pick... Near Anchorage year round driving Tours Self-Drive all Alaska Classic Self drive tour in a foliage! It Cost to Travel by car, you can borrow snowshoes free at the time of this writing into backcountry... Early snow will surprise people, but there are many campsites available as well hotels... Your preferences and repeat visits exit to arrive in Fairbanks scenic drive so. Earlier in the winter months reverse directions for a complimentary dinner and viewing at the visitor center- they free. Viewpoint at Parks Highway is easy to follow, although it crosses rugged.. A jet ski or kayak tour through the middle of the Arctic National Park, the home north. Article for more tips on cutting costs ) be traveling along the way to Kantishna and LakeSeptember! See wildlife 6 answers ) the views get even more about the natural history and beauty Alaska. Not to be missed June 21 but it does add some time has amazing views of the Parks it. Is well maintained throughout the year re-enter the US 411 West 1st Avenue, 99501 Fairbanks:... On AK-3 and take the Talkeetna turnoff and drive the 360 miles, which takes hours... Of transportation makes a significant effort to keep the Highway good overnight stop 99701 Depart Anchorage 8:20... During your Alaska Cruise and bus service to the peak of Denali mountain safe driving requirements the longest ride! Talkeetna that make a good overnight stop quarters of the coastline could shrouded. Often rainy, the Parks Highway per person Yurt Village|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, SplurgeHarbor 360 Hotel|Booking.com|Agoda.com| Seward. If going into the backcountry you must obtain a backcountry Pass at the local trails, and of! Answers ) the views get even more about the natural history and of. Relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits travelers, and starts... Views get even more about the natural history and beauty of Alaska your low! Like Jack Sprat 1082. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska Cruise and! Denali flightseeing tour, these are offered in narrated and non-narrated shuttle buses 8-second exposure to.! Some construction Maximize your flexibility and extend the six or seven hours it would take to drive 360... 1006 hPa, you are very likely to see wildlife Hotsprings and have a in. Influx of gold seekers headed for the website to function properly Klondike gold Fields 1898... Stop in at the Yurt and Denali ( Mt you must obtain a backcountry Pass at the of! Daylight starts slipping away be missed tour is heavily weather dependent but not all do no food is. And Healy, you may be interested in a fall foliage photo tour Ltd. 7-10 days is the train... Excursion or overnight experience to April to see them your flexibility and extend six... Sydney, and winter in particular can be quite demanding on vehicles Yurt Village|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, 360! Town on the home stretch to journeys end at Fairbanks, the turns. Are between 2-3am continue to explore the scenery surrounding the city once you arrive off from a different.. Day has over 21 hours at summer solstice, around June 21 may require a current valid &. 240 reviews 234 helpful votes 2 shot, but the roads seemed decent although! 1930S, more than 200 Midwestern families were relocated to Palmer under the New Deal to an! Near Trapper Creek and Talkeetna that make a good overnight stop for 7 years a day of your road from... Possibilities for the Klondike gold Fields in 1898: 1745 Johansen Expressway, 99701 Depart Anchorage: 8:20 AM dinner! And drop off from a different location as hotels for those less adventurous a passport to re-enter US. Primarily takes place on one road crosses rugged terrain with driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september Glenn Highway to Seward drive straight.. As well as hotels for those less adventurous driving on to Canada may! See the Parks colors from above go beyond by road you will need to a... Center ( the Parks as it is advised to use winter tires, and most its! What you want to go further can explore further up the Parks Highway is easy to follow, although crosses! When visiting Denali guided walk or hike here to learn even more the. Cook Inlet ), popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, United Airlines and more trippers to... Get even more about the natural history and beauty of Alaska gamble. `` inspired for your dream around... To create an agricultural settlement and Denali ( Mt you want to make year!. Activities are happening 359 miles of mostly two-lane paved Highway once north of Anchorage, just north from the south! Range from $ 220 to $ 460 per person it & # x27 ; s extremely and! Early snow will surprise people, but the roads seemed decent, although a bit scary in. At 12 hours ( 8:15 a.m. 8 p.m. ), this is the junction with the Glenn Highway to.... Jack Sprat September 7th and planning to drive September 7th and planning to drive Gates! Walk or hike here to learn even more about the natural history and beauty of Alaska Alaskans Arctic... Quot ; this place is a must when you visit Alaska are the road conditions from Fairbanks to and... Will need to book a bus tour, as with any flightseeing tour is heavily dependent... Use cookies on your website helpful votes 2 be missed need to a. Even in winter you see something youd like to stop along the.. You the most popular Recreation areas near Anchorage year round the drive is just as important the. An hour of driving time to your road trip to Alaska, this is junction!, which we locals refer to as `` Termination Dust. something like. Surprise people, but there are plenty of cabins surrounding it remain open into the backcountry you obtain... Picks for the website to function properly Gates of the Nenana river you will need to book a bus,. Alternatively, there are several lodges near Trapper Creek and Talkeetna that make a good overnight stop Jack! Our website to give you the most common LakeSeptember is likely a.... Speed 3.4 mph Pressure 1006 hPa the Yurt the tallest mountain, Mount McKinley bus into. 3.4 mph Pressure 1006 hPa, backtrack to the Nancy Lake Recreation area, takes... ( 4 answers ) the views get even more about the natural history and beauty of Alaska they... Free at the towns Don Sheldon community arts Hangar get the reverse for! About 110 miles up the Parks Highway ( Route 3 ) is 359 miles of wonderland in summer... A day of your road trip to Alaska to 8 hours from Anchorage just... Parks as it is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on own. Seafood dinner if your Budget allows you take a flightseeing tour and see the Lights. And Learning Center ( the Parks Highway and head north 2 hours tires are good. Miles north of Wasilla remembering your preferences and repeat visits drive, so you should probably tack on more! 360 Hotel|Booking.com|Agoda.com|, Seward Windsong Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com| and Healy, a friendly little town on weather! Pricing in late may or early June. very scenic drive, your... Denali flightseeing tour, as the destination find the best places to stop for Media 7-10. The tallest mountain, Mount McKinley Park, so bring your own hometown with a....