An Alaska road trip is one of the most adventurous journeys you can take in North America. With its vast wilderness, glaciers, wildlife, and remote highways, the state feels like a final frontier. Driving through Alaska gives you the freedom to stop at small towns, camp near rivers, and take detours into national parks you’d otherwise miss.
This guide shares an actual Alaska road trip route — a loop that combines famous highlights like Denali with off-the-beaten-path gems.
Starting Point: Anchorage
Most Alaska road trips begin in Anchorage, the state’s largest city and main flight hub.
- Why start here: Anchorage has car rentals, RV rentals, outdoor outfitters, and grocery stores. It’s the most practical place to stock up before heading into remote regions.
- What to do before hitting the road:
- Walk the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for views of Cook Inlet and (on clear days) Mount Susitna.
- Visit the Anchorage Museum to understand the state’s history and native cultures.
- Explore the Alaska Native Heritage Center if you want a deeper look at the traditions of Alaska’s Indigenous peoples.
- Stop at a local restaurant for reindeer sausage or fresh salmon.
Anchorage itself isn’t the star of the trip, but it’s the perfect launch pad.
Stop 1: Denali National Park
- Distance from Anchorage: About 240 miles, 4–5 hours by car.
- Why visit: Denali National Park is Alaska’s crown jewel, with sweeping tundra valleys, towering mountains, and a chance to spot North America’s tallest peak at 20,310 feet.
Things to do in Denali:
- Park bus tours: Private vehicles can only drive the first 15 miles of the park road. Beyond that, shuttle buses take you deep into the wilderness. Wildlife sightings are common — grizzly bears, moose, Dall sheep, and caribou.
- Day hikes: Near the entrance are short trails like Horseshoe Lake and Savage River Loop. For more challenging hikes, ranger-led programs go off-trail into the tundra.
- Visitor centers: Learn about Denali’s ecosystems and climbing history at the Denali Visitor Center.
Tips: Book bus tickets early, as spots sell out in summer. Weather changes quickly, so pack layers.
Recommended stay: 2–3 nights.
Stop 2: Fairbanks
- Distance from Denali: About 120 miles, 2 hours.
- Why visit: Fairbanks is Alaska’s second-largest city, a cultural hub, and a gateway to the Arctic.
Things to do in Fairbanks:
- Museum of the North: Part of the University of Alaska, it’s one of the best museums in the state.
- Chena Hot Springs: Soak in outdoor hot pools surrounded by forest. In winter, this is a northern lights hotspot, but even in summer, it’s relaxing.
- Riverboat Discovery Tour: Learn about Alaska’s history with riverboats, dog mushing, and Athabascan culture.
- Pioneer Park: A quirky mix of historic cabins, museums, and family attractions.
Extra option: If you’re curious about the Arctic, Fairbanks is a base for day trips across the Arctic Circle by plane or bus.
Recommended stay: 1–2 nights.
Stop 3: Richardson Highway to Valdez
Leaving Fairbanks, head south along the Richardson Highway toward Valdez. This stretch is one of the most scenic in the state.
Highlights along the way:
- Delta Junction: The official end of the Alaska Highway.
- Gulkana River: A popular fishing and rafting spot.
- Worthington Glacier: Right off the highway, with trails to viewpoints.
- Thompson Pass: Known for deep winter snow, in summer it’s lush and green with waterfalls tumbling down the cliffs.
Valdez:
A small port town framed by fjords and mountains.
- Activities:
- Take a glacier cruise into Prince William Sound, where massive tidewater glaciers calve into the sea.
- Go sea kayaking among icebergs.
- Visit the Valdez Museum to learn about the town’s history and the Exxon Valdez oil spill.
- Atmosphere: Valdez feels like a fishing village at the edge of the wilderness, with plenty of charm.
Recommended stay: 2 nights.
Stop 4: Wrangell–St. Elias National Park
- Distance from Valdez: About 120 miles to Chitina, then 60 miles along the gravel McCarthy Road.
- Why visit: This is the largest national park in the United States, bigger than Switzerland. It’s wild, remote, and full of history.
Things to do in Wrangell–St. Elias:
- Kennecott Mines: Explore the red wooden mill buildings of this historic copper mine, abandoned in the 1930s.
- Root Glacier Hike: Trek across blue ice with crampons and guides.
- Flightseeing tours: See jagged peaks, icefields, and braided rivers from above.
Travel note: The McCarthy Road is gravel and rough. Drive carefully and allow plenty of time. Many travelers leave their car in Chitina and take a shuttle.
Recommended stay: 2–3 nights.
Stop 5: The Kenai Peninsula
Returning south, the Kenai Peninsula offers some of Alaska’s best road trip highlights.
Seward
- Why visit: Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park.
- Activities:
- Boat tours to see whales, puffins, and calving glaciers.
- Exit Glacier trails or the full Harding Icefield hike.
- Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center for a close look at marine wildlife.
- Stay: 2 nights.
Homer
- Why visit: Known as the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World,” Homer also has a thriving arts scene.
- Activities:
- Walk along the Homer Spit, a long stretch of land filled with shops, seafood shacks, and tour operators.
- Book a bear-viewing flight to Katmai National Park, where grizzlies gather at Brooks Falls.
- Visit local art galleries and cafés.
- Stay: 2–3 nights.
Cooper Landing and Kenai River
- Why visit: Great for fishing and rafting.
- Activities:
- Float trips on the turquoise Kenai River.
- Salmon fishing in season.
- Stay: 1 night.
Stop 6: Return to Anchorage
After exploring the Kenai Peninsula, return to Anchorage for your departure. Depending on your schedule, you might add one last hike in Chugach State Park or a meal at a local brewery.
Road Trip Logistics
Vehicle choice:
- Car: Best for travelers staying in lodges or Airbnbs.
- RV: Comfortable for camping and self-sufficiency, though harder to park and drive on gravel roads.
Gas and supplies:
- Always fill up when you can, even if your tank is half full. Distances are long and gas stations sparse.
- Stock up on groceries in Anchorage, Fairbanks, or larger towns. Rural areas have limited choices.
Road conditions:
- Highways are mostly paved, but gravel roads like McCarthy Road or Denali Highway require slow, cautious driving.
- Watch for moose or bears crossing the road, especially at dawn and dusk.
Camping:
- Campgrounds are plentiful in summer, but some fill quickly. Reservations are available in national parks.
- Dispersed camping is allowed on much public land if you practice Leave No Trace.
Best Time for an Alaska Road Trip
- June–August: Long days, warmer weather, and wildlife at its most active. Expect crowds in popular areas.
- May: Quieter, with fewer mosquitoes, but some trails and roads may still be closed.
- September: Crisp air, fall colors, fewer tourists, and good chances of early northern lights.
Winter road trips are possible but require experience with snow driving and limited daylight.
Pros and Cons of an Alaska Road Trip
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Freedom to explore at your own pace | Long distances and many hours of driving |
| Access to remote towns and national parks | Lodging and tours can be expensive |
| Wildlife encounters and stunning scenery | Weather can change quickly |
| Affordable if camping and cooking | Gravel roads require careful driving |
Suggested 14-Day Itinerary
- Day 1–2: Anchorage sightseeing and supply run
- Day 3–5: Denali National Park
- Day 6–7: Fairbanks
- Day 8–9: Richardson Highway and Valdez
- Day 10–11: Wrangell–St. Elias (Kennecott/Root Glacier)
- Day 12–13: Seward and Kenai Fjords
- Day 14: Homer or Cooper Landing, then return to Anchorage
This loop balances iconic parks with unique small towns.
Conclusion
Driving through Alaska is about more than reaching destinations. It’s about the freedom to stop when a moose wanders onto the road, to linger at a glacier overlook, or to share stories with locals in a roadside café. The vast landscapes, the wildlife, and the sheer sense of space make an Alaska road trip unforgettable.
If you’re looking for a route that balances famous sites with hidden gems, this loop offers the perfect combination. Take your time, respect the wilderness, and enjoy the ride.
FAQs
How long do you need for an Alaska road trip?
At least 10–14 days for a full loop. With less time, focus on either Denali and Fairbanks or the Kenai Peninsula.
Is it safe to drive in Alaska?
Yes, but roads are remote. Always carry supplies, watch for wildlife, and prepare for sudden weather changes.
What’s the best month for an Alaska road trip?
July is warmest, but June and August are great too. September offers fewer crowds and fall colors.
Can you camp anywhere in Alaska?
Dispersed camping is allowed on public lands, but use designated campgrounds in national parks.
Do you need a 4WD vehicle?
Not for most highways. However, gravel routes like McCarthy Road or Denali Highway are easier with a high-clearance vehicle.
