Id recommend a visit to the Seward Sealife Center and having a fresh Alaskan seafood dinner if your budget allows. Posted August 28, 2007. Length: 414 Miles This is one of those trips where the drive is just as important as the destination. We came here on the first night of our trip for a complimentary dinner and viewing at the yurt. You might even decide to tarry in Talkeetna for a few days, so you wont miss anything. #5. for 20% off at checkout, Login Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. Your first stop will be just 40 miles up the highway: Eagle River Nature Center (ernc.org). Check out the following posts in the One Week In Alaska series: Start shopping plans over atbattleface, my go-to travel insurance choice, or over atWorld Nomads. Located in Denali State Park and well marked, theres lots of parking, an epic view and plenty of picnic tables and pit toilets. While brochures wax poetic about how early fall can be the perfect time to visit Alaska, the days are shorter, and it can also be rainy and cooler. The round trip to the lookout is about 6.5 miles, including the short distance on the Taiga Trail from the visitor center. It's also a popular time for multi-day photography tours. In winter expect plenty of snow and ice. I recommend booking a Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise withMajor Marine Toursfor the best experience. Once you are well-rested, grab a quick brunch(BearstoothandSnow Cityare some of my faves), and run by a store to grab any supplies youll need before heading south on the Seward Highway. 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. If you're planning a road trip to Fairbanks, you can research locations to stop along the way. Trippy is where Non-narrated buses range from $26.50 to $34.00 per person (kids under 15yo are free). If you go straight to Seward with no stops, plan on a roughly two hour drive(about 125 miles). Exit Glacier is a part of Kenai Fjords National Park. The road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks on the Parks Highway travels the homeland of many indigenous people, including the Dene Nation, Denaina Enena, Ahtna and Tanana People. Our airport is the busiest between 10 pm-2 am. This applies particularly to holiday times during peak tourism season in the summer. Logout Fairbanks is 360 miles north of Anchorage, just north from the Denali National Park and Preserve. Note that no food service is available in the winter inside the park, so bring your own food and beverages when visiting Denali. Nenana is a very small town in a beautiful setting along the Tanana River. But there's still more daylight than many places in the U.S. see during this same time of year, or even during their summer. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. Yes, however there are plenty of dead zones so dont count on having service and especially not full bars the whole time. 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. Visit in May or September for major savings on rentals (and maybe seeing the northern lights!). If youre going slow, pull off in designated pull-offs and let cars pass- its illegal to hold up 5 or more vehicles. (0 answers), Wasilla (2 answers) If you wish to experience dog sledding in Denali, youll need to hire a local guide. Alaska Railroad Anchorage to Fairbanks. 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. 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. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. On the left of the route is Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, which makes for expansive lake-filled scenery while driving. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. Use the pull-offs, the Seward Highway is the most dangerous road in Alaska and one of the most dangerous in the USA. (See our How to Budget article for more tips on cutting costs). The Chena Hotsprings Resort is 62 miles northwest of Fairbanks and should take roughly 1 hour 15 minutes each way. There are literally hundreds of stops along the way. 2) Should I drive or take the bus ? Miles: 1082. By train, the Alaska Railroad provides daily summer service and weekend winter service between Anchorage and Fairbanks. Travelers arriving by bus are advised to check their arrival point according to the bus company they are traveling with. If time allows, stop in Wasilla and visit the Iditarod Sled Dog Race Headquarters (iditarod.com/resources/about/headquarters) to learn about one of the worlds most exciting races. Highlights plus less visited destinations. Meanwhile, the national park starts offering abbreviated versions of their summer bus toursbasically, the tours only drive as far into the park as you can go without seeing signs of winter along the road (as in, snow). Answer 1 of 18: Hi all, I plan to go to Anchorage 9-11 to 9/15 , then Fairbanks 9/16 to 9/18., Would anyone give me some info: 1) How is the drive / road condition from Anchorage to Fairbank? Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. Thanks for any help! It takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive the 360 miles from Anchorage to Fairbanks. 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.. One-day rail tours and multi-day packages can be booked through several local operators. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. The Anchorage Museum showcases artful Alaskans and Arctic subjects, with exhibits rotating throughout the year. Driving from Anchorage to Fairbanks will give you a feel for Alaskas vast landscapes and at stops along the way you can enjoy hikes, views, picnics and get to know what Alaska is like! Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. This drive deserves at least a day of your road trip to Alaska. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions Its an 115 mile, about 2-2.5 hour drive north from Anchorage. The drive is straightforward using Alaska Route 3 which connects both cities. 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). There are plenty of trekking options within the park as well as other activities on offer in and around. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. Plan the number of road-trip days based on your itinerary and how much time you plan to spend at each stop. To get started, head to the visitor center and start on the Taiga Trail for about half a mile until you reach the well signed Mt Healy overlook trail and head up from there. There are many campsites available as well as hotels for those less adventurous. Im so glad to have you along on the journey to experience your best low key adventure in Washington, Alaska and Western Canada! On a clear day you can see Denali and the Alaska Range. In the summer, expect lots of RVs and probably some construction. On clear nights, the aurora borealis will be the main attraction. 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! 2.8k. Eagle River, Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali National Park/Healy and Nenana all have plenty of services. You can even do a guided walk or hike here to learn even more about the natural history and beauty of Alaska. What we tell our friends is, "Come earlier in the summer, if you can. Accommodation: 14 nights. Learn More > Northern Exposure Alaska Sampler - Tour 169 Paddle Alaska Road Trip - Tour 128 First, the logistics. 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. Those who want to go further can explore further up the ridges on Mt Healy. 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! At around 60-70 minutes, flying is the quickest option and is sometimes even less expensive than the train. Seward is compact and easily walkable. Pick up yourrental carand head to your hotel room for a few hours of sleep before heading off on the road. Its great for independent travelers, and most of its routes continue through September. DENALI TO FAIRBANKS Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. If going into the backcountry you must obtain a backcountry pass at the visitor center- they are free. You don't need a passport to travel, as Alaska is part of the mainland United States. 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. Otherwise here are a few options: BudgetBent Prop Inn Hostel|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, MidrangeThe Lakefront Anchorage|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, SplurgeThe Hotel Captain Cook|Booking.com|Hotels.com|. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. By car, Fairbanks is 7 to 8 hours from Anchorage, and only 45 minutes by air. The roads seemed decent, although a bit scary going in and out of Fairbanks near the mountains/ hills. July 14, 2005. Denali is an Athabaskan word meaning the high one.. This one week Anchorage to Fairbanks road trip can be a great addition for people taking an Inside Passage Cruise up to Alaska from Seattle or Vancouver. Make sure your tires are in good condition and carry chains with you just in case. But by the end of the month, temperatures are about 10 degrees lower overall , and daylight starts slipping away. Local knowledge on Alaskas seasons and what to do during eachone, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear. You also start seeing snow on the mountain tops, which we locals refer to as "Termination Dust." Through this blog Ill show you how you can visit these destinations, tricks for budget travel, road trip itineraries, and more. In winter, there is plenty of opportunity for cross country skiing. Find dining and lodging in Palmer by visiting the valleys tourism website at alaskavisit.com. Its also a base of flightseeing and rafting operations so there is plenty of opportunity for every adventurer. Thompson Pass, as seen in May 2009. The Parks Highway is well maintained throughout the year. How Much Does It Cost To Travel In Alaska? Halibut fishing here is usually great and youll usually find many charters on offer in the summer. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, The 9 Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse! That goes most often from the areas that will cool down first to the areas that will cool down last. Enjoy six days traveling from Fairbanks to Anchorage with stops in Denali National Park and Talkeetna for rafting, wildlife viewing, and a once-in-a-lifetime flightseeing trip with glacier landing. Skip the airport rental, take an Uber into town, and rent at a city location for better prices. Tour Code: 1517CTA. You can check them out on your own, or opt for a guided excursion or overnight experience. 11:00 am start in Anchorage drive for about 55 minutes 11:55 am Wasilla stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:55 pm drive for about 1.5 hours 2:17 pm Talkeetna stay overnight and leave the next day around 10:00 am day 1 driving 2.5 hours find more stops Day 2 10:00 am leave from Talkeetna drive for about 2 hours 12:08 pm Cantwell (Alaska) Visit the NPS websitefor more info info on buses and schedules. Get to driving,Denali National Parksits about another 2.5 hours and 145 miles north along the Parks Highway. It is the second largest city in the state after Anchorage. Home Tours Alaska Driving Tours Self-Drive All Alaska Classic Self Drive Tour. Northern lights adventures with Northern Alaska Tour Company. After the flats, you will enter the Mat-Su Valley. What about this time of year for the road? who wants the trip to end? 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! These flights can range from $220 to $460 per person. 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. by calculating the distance from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Check out the log cabin visitor center with its sod roof (covered in gorgeous flowers in the summer) as well as the Cultural Center. Big ship or small ship? - See 1,784 traveler reviews, 465 candid photos, and great deals for Denali National Park and Preserve, AK, at Tripadvisor. There are long stretches without towns and services, but there are also plenty of places to stop along the highway. Keep sleeping bags in your car just in case. Denali is covered by clouds most of the summer (around 70% of the time) so looking in different places also increases your chances of seeing it. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, We care about privacy. During the winter months, the centers building is open Friday through Sunday during the day, and the trails are always open. an affiliate advertising program. The bustle of the summer season has ended. Taking a road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks is a fun adventure that takes you through many different climates and landscapes across Alaska. Construction and RV traffic can cause significant delays in places during the summer and winter driving can make it slow in winter depending on the conditions. Big ship or small ship? 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. Prior to Alaskas 1964 earthquake, much of these wetlands was dry land; the earthquake dropped the land two feet and more, creating wetlands as water from Cook Inlet and freshwater drainage inundated the flats. travelers and answer their questions about Anchorage! National Park Pass holders just need to show their pass to get in. ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks. Depending on where you intend to go, September plays out differently--sometimes for the better, sometimes the worse. Plan on it taking at least 6.5 hours plus any stops you want to make. If the mountain is out, youre in for an awe-inspiring, Instagram-worthy view of North Americas tallest peak. While the routes from Seattle to Anchorage are all-weather and well-maintained, Dalton High requires some planning. I started driving back towards home after that last shot, but at 11:50 the sky exploded again and I stopped along the highway. Connecting Anchorage and Fairbanks, the Parks Highway (Route 3) is 359 miles of wonderland in the winter months. From glaciers to the tallest mountain in North America, small towns, cities, inlets, rivers, and everything in between. You could head toward Chena Hotsprings and have a soak in the hot waters. Make sure your car is equipped with winter tires and you have snow chains available. Set out on the Parks Highway from Anchorage. to each other and sharing tips and advice. Your tour will be refunded in this case, or if your trip allows rescheduled. Savage River is much smaller and less busy than nearby Riley Creek and you can walk along the river there which is absolutely gorgeous. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. Fall visitors will almost certainly need to rent a car and drive here on their own, on Alaska Route 3 (the "George Parks Highway"). A much quieter southern sky over the Alaska Highway, with an 8-second exposure. Make sure you check road conditions Find pet-friendly stops. Girdwood is great to visit in the fall. Every twenty years or so, a freak early snow will surprise people, but the roads remain open. From mid-May to mid-September, trains depart north and south every day from Anchorage. Many of these flightseeing trips do include a glacier landing. Last updated: [wpautoterms last_updated_date]If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. 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. We locals call these early snows Termination Dust, as in signaling the end of summer and that old man winter is just around the corner. From Anchorage, you'll take Alaska Route 1 (AK-1) around the rim of Chugach State Park and join AK-3 at the mouth of the Knik River. Map while in Alaska 's Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska travel in Alaska 's passage. From $ 220 to $ 34.00 per person intend to go, plays. Town, and only 45 minutes by air having service and weekend winter service Anchorage... Dangerous road in Alaska 's Inside passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, Homer,,. 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