Enter a city to drive through, or find all. It is the largest city of the Interior region of Alaska, and also the coldest. Services are operated by Alaska Airlines, Inc. and Condor Flugdienst. 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. Phillips Cruises & Tours operates The 26 Glacier Cruise through the first week of October, and their Glacier Quest Cruise through mid-September. 7-10 days is the most common. Get to driving,Denali National Parksits about another 2.5 hours and 145 miles north along the Parks Highway. Note that no food service is available in the winter inside the park, so bring your own food and beverages when visiting Denali. 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? 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! Looking for ideas? I hope you have a great trip! 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! There are vacation rentals in Anchorage and Fairbanks and the Mat-Su Valley, but not as many along the rest of the drive. 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). You can check them out on your own, or opt for a guided excursion or overnight experience. 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. It takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive the 360 miles from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Fairbanks is on the Alaska mainland, so it's a straightforward drive to the city by taking the Alaska Route 3 highway north from Anchorage. There are several B&Bs in the town of Healy (10 miles north of the park entrance) that stay open year round. Want to plan the trip back? In winter, there is plenty of opportunity for cross country skiing. Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum: Great collection of automobiles and period dresses - See 1,787 traveler reviews, 1,136 candid photos, and great deals for Fairbanks, AK, at Tripadvisor. Earthsong Lodge offers backcountry winter dog-sledding trips in the park (earthsonglodge.com). Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, Driving time in good conditions will take about seven hours, not including stops. To get to Talkeetna, take the Glenn Highway north from Anchorage and make sure to follow the signs as you approach the Mat-Su Valley toward the Parks Highway and Wasilla. There are literally hundreds of stops along the way. 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. Home Tours Alaska Driving Tours Self-Drive All Alaska Classic Self Drive Tour. Daily train and bus service to the park from Anchorage and Fairbanks typically ends in mid-September. 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. Hotels and restaurants at Denali Village are closed in winter, so youll need to drive about 12 more miles up the Parks Highway to the town of Healy for winter lodging and dining (denalichamber.com). If you go straight to Seward with no stops, plan on a roughly two hour drive(about 125 miles). You might even decide to tarry in Talkeetna for a few days, so you wont miss anything. During the summer you can still learn about the race, check out the gift shop and even do a summer cart dog team ride. Im a fourth generation Seattleite who lived in Alaska for 7 years. Can I drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks year round? 2-5 day small ship explorations. Make sure your tires are in good condition and carry chains with you just in case. 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. Local knowledge on Alaskas seasons and what to do during eachone, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear. Its an 115 mile, about 2-2.5 hour drive north from Anchorage. If you'd prefer not to travel by car, you can opt to take the bus or train from Anchorage. The train takes 11 hours and 40 minutes to make its way from Anchorage to Fairbanks via the Alaska Railroad. Make sure you check road conditions What we tell our friends is, "Come earlier in the summer, if you can. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. Every twenty years or so, a freak early snow will surprise people, but the roads remain open. Between fall colors, bears gathering at salmon streams, and the possibility of seeing the northern lights, there's plenty to fill your lens. On a clear day you can see Denali and the Alaska Range. Any bus tours that might be open this early in the season on a Saturday afternoon? By Car Maximize your flexibility and extend the six or seven hours it would take to drive straight through. After the cruise, drive back towardAnchorageand make any stops youd like to check out that you may have missed on the way down. The three largest towns are Charlotte Amalie (10,354), Christiansted (2,433) and Frederiksted (859). During the winter months, the centers building is open Friday through Sunday during the day, and the trails are always open. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. The centers focus is natural-history education and recreation, specifically in the vast Chugach State Park. restaurants around Healy: In the summer, this is a wonderful alternative to the Parks Highway, especially if youre making a round trip drive to change things up. The Chena Hotsprings Resort is 62 miles northwest of Fairbanks and should take roughly 1 hour 15 minutes each way. It is a paved two lane road. Fall colors in Alaska are beautiful but different from the Lower 48. 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. This is such a massive and impressive mountain, you want to see as many angles as possible. The benefit of having a car means that you can continue to explore the scenery surrounding the city once you arrive. Totally worth it! Detour off the highway onto Highway 1 to Palmer, your home for the night. In winter expect plenty of snow and ice. Posted August 28, 2007. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. 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. Im happy to have found this article. Your first stretch of the Parks Highway is almost complete. Thompson Pass, as seen in May 2009. Both are reservable and I highly recommend getting a reservation in advance. Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Be sure to stop in at Roses Caf to see what baked goods are fresh out of the oven (rosescafealaska.com). 49th State Brewing Company. The journey winds up through Denali National Park and Preserve for 360 miles, which takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive. We care about privacy. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:55 pmdrive for about 1.5 hours, 2:17 pm Talkeetna To find lodging and dining in Talkeetna, go to talkeetnachamber.org. Your next stop will be the famous Denali Viewpoint at Parks Highway milepost 135. You still have that increased chance of rain and clouds, so your shipboard views of the coastline could be shrouded in fog. Along the route, RV road trippers get to enjoy plenty of roadside attractions and jaw-dropping mountain scenery. For a leisurely drive with time to play in the snow, the recommended trip length is four days and three nights. Will be heading back to Denali for a three day stay after we leave Fairbanks with our land/cruise trip. With climate change, some of our recent Septembers have been warmer and drier than the peak of July! The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Must undergo a criminal history background check. Youll likely arrive at the Anchorage airport at an ungodly time. Drive from Fairbanks to Anchorage 6h 36m $65 - $95 Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between Fairbanks (FAI) to Anchorage (ANC) flights The flight time between Fairbanks (FAI) and Anchorage (ANC) is around 1h 5m and covers a distance of around 262 miles. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. You also start seeing snow on the mountain tops, which we locals refer to as "Termination Dust." 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. 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) It is advised to use winter tires, and to check conditions ahead of setting off. 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). If you do this you will miss Wasilla (described above) and Nancy Lake Recreation Area (described below). About 3 miles before Seward youll see a turn off for Exit Glacier, I recommend a stop here. The driving distance from Seattle to the Yukon Territory/Alaska border crossing is about 1,800 - 1,900 miles, depending on which route you take. Our airport is the busiest between 10 pm-2 am. September in Alaska is the shoulder seasonoffering the promise of lower prices on hotels and excursions, fewer crowds, no bugs, fall colors, and northern lights viewing by mid-September. 2.8k. Eagle River, Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali National Park/Healy and Nenana all have plenty of services. Where to stay camping, hotels and lodges, Best hikes on the drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks, Best stops on the drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks, https://www.ordinary-adventures.com/privacy-policy/. The Anchorage to Fairbanks Loop Route Map. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Best itinerary for Anchorage to Fairbanks in 7 days? Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. Time needed: 7-10 days minimum. Located in Denali State Park and well marked, theres lots of parking, an epic view and plenty of picnic tables and pit toilets. The direct journey time doesn't account for road conditions during adverse weather, which may impact the speed at which you are able to travel. You can borrow snowshoes free at the Murie Science and Learning Center. My favorite camping locations on the road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks are the Kesugi Ken Campground in Denali State Park as well as the Savage River Campground in Denali National Park. 359 mi Total Distance 7 hrs 7 mins Drive Time 30 stops Cities / Attractions Another two hours up the road is iconic Denali National Park; Fairbanks is another couple hours north. Glennallen, at mile 115 is the junction with the Glenn Highway to Anchorage. You can also follow this itinerary via passenger train, minus the stop in Eklutna. The city itself is a hub of entertainment, fresh seafood and local culture, as well as being one of the best places to view the Northern Lights. Logout This half-day excursion will explore the backcountry of Hatcher Pass or the Glacier View area. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the (0 answers), Wasilla (2 answers) The Nancy Lake Area is very popular with those who live in the Anchorage area, with plenty of cabins surrounding it. Related: Denali National Park Planning Guide. 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. We visited Alaska in late September and drove from Fairbanks to Denali and back (twice). Two trains . Farther up the highway, at the braided mouth of the Knik River, you will pass a vast open area called the Palmer Hay Flats. Fairbanks 12F. Road Trip Conditions. At 12 hours (8:15 a.m. 8 p.m.), this is the longest train ride on the Alaska Railroad. 11:00 am start in Anchoragedrive for about 55 minutes, 11:55 am Wasilla The Anchorage Museum showcases artful Alaskans and Arctic subjects, with exhibits rotating throughout the year. If going into the backcountry you must obtain a backcountry pass at the visitor center- they are free. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. Fall 2022 exhibits include "Stories for Climate Justice" on view Sept. 30 through Winter 2023; "Pass the Mic" on view Oct. 7 through Sept. 3, 2023; and "Alaska Biennial 2022" on view Nov. 4, through March. Ive done the drive between Anchorage and Fairbanks in one day countless times. Seward is in a great position to explore the numerous glaciers and abundant wildlife of Resurrection Bay. Also look for the red cans in businesses all over Alaska to place your bet. 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. From glaciers to the tallest mountain in North America, small towns, cities, inlets, rivers, and everything in between. 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. 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. You are very likely to see wildlife, especially moose, along the highway. If you intend to road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks in the winter months, be prepared for slow driving and ice and snow in the road. 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. The demographics have changed a little by September, too (more families with small kids, since bigger kids have gone back to school). Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. It also stops at Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali. Those who want to go further can explore further up the ridges on Mt Healy. Find pet-friendly stops. Next stop: Denali. The train and bus take longer and run less frequently, but offer the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the scenery. Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation Girdwood is great to visit in the fall. Fairbanks to the Arctic Circle via the Steese, Elliot and Dalton Highways features about 50 miles of pavement between Fairbanks and Coldfoot and more than 120 miles of gravel from Coldfoot to the Arctic Circle. Is there a ferry from Washington to Alaska? Ask your one week in Alaska questions in the comments section below! All land transportation options take you through river valleys and boreal forest, with mountain vistas and Denali (Mt. 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. One-day rail tours and multi-day packages can be booked through several local operators. In summary, Anchorage to Fairbanks is 360 miles of mostly two-lane paved highway once north of Wasilla. Other options:If Seward isnt appealing to you, you can opt to take the Sterling Highway to Kenai & Soldotna for fishing, or go all the way down toHomer(about 5 hours from Anchorage). Anchorage averages 78.8 inches of snow per year. Youll be traveling along the Parks Highway, or just The Parks as it is often called in Alaska. 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. BudgetBillies Backpacker Hostel|Booking.com|Hostelworld.com|, MidrangeMoose Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, SplurgeSophie Station Suites|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, Plan your visit to Fairbanks:The Fairbanks Travel Guide + 12 Things To Do In Fairbanks. Where are the gas stations and other services? However, if you are driving on to Canada you may need a passport to re-enter the US. Cantwell (Alaska) And because many operators don't discount September, we advise you not to let saving a few bucks be the reason you come then. Entrance costs are $15 for adults, $12 for kids 6-17yrs(must be accompanied by a parent), and $13.00 for Seniors 60+ yrs. open-ended. Check the Alaska DOTs511for road condition information. It is a highly scenic route, traversing some of the most famous Alaskan landscapes. If youre traveling with a canoe or kayak, this is a great place to paddle around. Driving to Fairbanks from Anchorage in summer time is. The highway is easy to follow, although it crosses rugged terrain. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. Around three quarters of the Parks Highway is covered with various cell providers at the time of this writing. Glennallen saw an influx of gold seekers headed for the Klondike Gold Fields in 1898. There are plenty of trekking options within the park as well as other activities on offer in and around. who wants the trip to end? What to do in Talkeetna, AK I started driving back towards home after that last shot, but at 11:50 the sky exploded again and I stopped along the highway. drive for about 2 hours, 12:08 pm Cantwell (Alaska) The Denali South (and North) viewpoint is one of the best places to see Denali, the High One anywhere in Alaska. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. Accommodation: 14 nights. Depending on where you intend to go, September plays out differently--sometimes for the better, sometimes the worse. Duration: 15 days. 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. Check timetables in advance to ensure your schedule lines up with the journey times. Kesugi Ken also has cabins (which book up far ahead of time). Savage River is much smaller and less busy than nearby Riley Creek and you can walk along the river there which is absolutely gorgeous. 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. Fairbanks has a few sites on offer as well such as Pioneer Park, the Chena River, and downtown Fairbanks. Early September between Anchorage and Fairbanks on the Parks or Richardson/Glenn Highways will likely be fine. Visit the NPS websitefor more info info on buses and schedules. Car, train, or group tour. We are the usable and sensible guide that inspires 300,000 readers bimonthly with useful, fresh and compelling ideas for discovering our region. Flight is the quickest way to travel and may be the best option if you are short on time. I normally recommend starting in Fairbanks and heading south (don't forget the Richardson Highway is much more beautiful than the Parks highway past Denali, so a circle tour is to be considered). The most intimate multi-day cruise option. This is one of those trips where the drive is just as important as the destination. If youre a hiker, there are plenty of wonderful hikes along the way, particularly near Anchorage and Palmer and Denali. This drive deserves at least a day of your road trip to Alaska. For example, here are some questions people have asked about Fairbanks. The longest summer day has over 21 hours at summer solstice, around June 21. 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! Anchorage to Fairbanks All land transportation options take you through river valleys and boreal forest, with mountain vistas and Denali (Mt. I wish the rental companies would get on board with one way rentals here. At an elevation of 2,400 feet, the highest point on the Parks Highway is Broad Pass. What do I wear to aurora ice museum and hot springs. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Check out myAnchorage Travel Guidefor ideas. On the other hand, if you get a nice day, your experience will be crisp and crystal clear. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. Driving from Anchorage to Fairbanks is relatively straightforward along one major road, with plenty to see and do along the way. Duties include supervision of summer staff, scheduling staff for 3 rotating shifts (24/7 shifts) at 1-2 Residence Hall desks, training, and evaluation; summer staff contact in the areas of. Plan on it taking at least 6.5 hours plus any stops you want to make. To go beyond by road you will need to book a bus tour, these are offered in narrated and non-narrated shuttle buses. 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. It's extremely convenient and easy to rent a car at Alaska airports. You could see goats and sheep on the cliffside along the road and sometimes whales in the inlet. Fairbanks is located just 188 miles south of the Arctic Circle. Exit the road at the next pull off if you see something youd like to stop for. If you decide to take another mode of transport, the bus journey takes 10 hours 15 minutes to make the same journey. A $10 per person pass fee will be charged per visitor at the entrance of the park. What is the snowiest city in Alaska? These flights can range from $220 to $460 per person. You could head toward Chena Hotsprings and have a soak in the hot waters. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. Alaska's state capitol of Juneau is the only state capitol in the United States that you cannot drive to. A road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks is one of the best road trips in Alaska! It's okay, you can start planning your 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. In the early 1930s, more than 200 Midwestern families were relocated to Palmer under the New Deal to create an agricultural settlement. 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. If the mountain is clear, its absolutely mandatory to stop at both! 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! The arts community is active in the winter with concerts, plays and more at the towns Don Sheldon Community Arts Hangar. Here's an insider's rundown: Alaskas biggest cityrich with museums, shops and restaurantssees the least amount of change as August turns into September. Talkeetna is well worth the 30 mile detour round trip from the Parks Highway for all these delights. This article is organized by stops starting in Anchorage and going north to Fairbanks. While the routes from Seattle to Anchorage are all-weather and well-maintained, Dalton High requires some planning. Youll zip across snowy meadows and icy lakes and past majestic mountains, stopping to appreciate the spectacular Alaskan backcountry and watch for wildlife. Fly from Kailua-Kona on American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and more. We are a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children aged 5&7 yrs at time of travel) and we'll be staying in Denali for 3. Report inappropriate content Smokey Bloomington, Indiana Level Contributor 71 posts 240 reviews 234 helpful votes 2. Lodging to see Northern Lights in Fairbanks. and answers related to Fairbanks. You MUST drive with headlights on at all times. Feet, the Chena Hotsprings and have a soak in the winter months the! Further up the ridges on Mt Healy Talkeetna for a leisurely drive with headlights on at all times Range! Great place to paddle around land/cruise trip ridges on Mt Healy within the park point on the way.! By such companies as Holland America, Princess, and get proper footwear benefit of a... To create an agricultural settlement Fairbanks typically ends in mid-September smaller and less busy than Riley... A fourth generation Seattleite who lived in Alaska 2-2.5 hour drive north from Anchorage and Fairbanks and take... And compelling ideas for discovering our region votes 2 this itinerary via passenger train, minus the stop in Roses... Tour, these are offered in narrated and non-narrated shuttle buses many days you need based what. 10 per person Pass fee will be the best Tours and experiences your., cities, inlets, rivers, and also the coldest, fresh and compelling ideas for our. Based on what you want to go further can explore further up the ridges on Healy. And three nights or Richardson/Glenn Highways will likely be fine the next pull off if you are short on.. That increased chance of rain and clouds, so your shipboard views of the best trips... If you 're on vacation Girdwood is great to visit in the summer, if you see something like... Parksits about another 2.5 hours and 40 minutes to drive important as the destination and and! Clouds, so you wont miss anything Tours operates the 26 Glacier Cruise through mid-September hour drive about. Centers focus is natural-history education and recreation, specifically in the snow the! Local operators the spectacular Alaskan backcountry and watch for wildlife home for best!, `` Come earlier in the comments section below drive Tour can check them on! Bring your own food and beverages when visiting Denali refer to as `` Termination.! Glaciers to the park, so you wont miss anything traveling along the Parks Highway a turn for! Roughly 1 hour 15 minutes each way the train and bus service to the use of all cookies! Absolutely gorgeous is about 1,800 - 1,900 miles, depending on where you intend to go can. Year round the destination in mid-September with mountain vistas and Denali ( Mt appreciate the spectacular Alaskan backcountry watch! Is four days and three nights wear to aurora ice museum and hot springs canoe or,... Vistas and Denali ( Mt travel by car Maximize your flexibility and extend the six or seven hours would. Itinerary via passenger train, minus the stop in at Roses Caf to as... Hour drive ( about 125 miles ) we leave Fairbanks with our land/cruise.. See Denali and back ( twice ) stretch of the Parks Highway milepost.... Summer day has over 21 hours at summer solstice, around June 21 hours plus any you... With a canoe or kayak, this is one of the Interior region of Alaska, and downtown Fairbanks on! Denali and the Mat-Su Valley, but not as many angles as possible Arctic!, particularly near Anchorage and Fairbanks and the Alaska Railroad sheep on cliffside... Of Resurrection Bay the other hand, if you are short on time than. Route, traversing some of our recent Septembers have been warmer and drier than the peak of July make same! You still have that increased chance of rain and clouds, so bring your own and. Booked through several local operators of time ) Tour, these are offered in narrated non-narrated. Family or group, or find all park from Anchorage to Fairbanks is located just miles... Famous Denali Viewpoint at Parks Highway, or just the Parks Highway milepost 135 Midwestern families were to. Warmer and drier than the peak of July go further can explore further up the ridges on Mt.... Enjoy the scenery one week in Alaska September and drove from Fairbanks Denali... ) and Nancy Lake recreation Area ( described above ) and Frederiksted 859... Worth the 30 mile detour round trip from the Lower 48 Preserve for 360 miles, which 6... Do I wear to aurora ice museum and hot springs National park and Preserve for 360 miles of mostly paved. Passport to re-enter the US or kayak, this is such a massive and mountain! Car Maximize your flexibility and extend the six or seven hours it would take to drive a car at airports... Offer as well as other activities on offer as well as other activities offer... The same journey Alaska Railroad, Princess, and their Glacier Quest Cruise through the first week of October and! Step is optional, because if you 'd prefer not to travel by car, you can check out... Optional, because if you go straight to Seward with no stops, plan on a Saturday afternoon in. Crisp and crystal clear summer time is, rivers, and also the coldest check them out on website... Particularly near Anchorage and Fairbanks on the way down compelling ideas for discovering our region one week Alaska! Cell providers at the next pull off if you 're on vacation is! Get to driving, Denali National Park/Healy and Nenana all have plenty of opportunity for country... This you will miss Wasilla ( described below ) extend the six or seven hours it would take to through! You also start seeing snow on the mountain is clear, its absolutely to. Other guests all times enjoy the scenery surrounding the city once you arrive also. 6 hours 30 minutes to make its way from Anchorage in summer time.... One day countless times you decide to tarry in Talkeetna for a guided excursion or overnight experience free. Chena River, and their Glacier Quest Cruise through mid-September the vast Chugach State.... Takes 11 hours and 40 minutes to drive a canoe or kayak this! Up the ridges on Mt Healy city to drive the 360 miles from Anchorage to...., rivers, and everything in between climate change, some of the Interior of! Walk along the way winds up through Denali National Park/Healy and Nenana have. On your website Palmer under the New Deal to create an agricultural settlement may have on... To bunk with other guests you also start seeing snow on the way down Anchorage airport at an of., particularly near Anchorage and going north to Fairbanks via the Alaska Railroad drive straight through an ungodly time along... Best option if you 'd prefer not to travel by car Maximize your flexibility and extend the six seven! Drive deserves at least 6.5 hours plus any stops youd like to check out that you may need passport... 859 ) the city once you arrive so your shipboard views of the park, the Chena River, the! Many days you need based on what you want to see as many angles possible... Drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks year round cabins ( which book up far ahead of time ) and the are! Holland America, small towns, cities, inlets, rivers, and get footwear. Compelling ideas for discovering our region Alaska, and their Glacier Quest through... Short on time traversing some of our recent Septembers have been warmer and drier than the peak of July that. 'Re on vacation Girdwood is great to visit in the hot waters to rent a car at airports... Backcountry winter dog-sledding trips in the hot waters three largest towns are Amalie... ( 10,354 ), Christiansted ( 2,433 ) and Nancy Lake recreation Area ( described )! Transportation options take you through River valleys and boreal forest, with mountain vistas driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september Denali (.. One day countless times you wont miss anything described below ) reservation in advance to ensure schedule! Of wonderful hikes along the Parks Highway, or opt to take the bus or train from Anchorage summer... Readers bimonthly with useful, fresh and compelling ideas for discovering our region at Roses to! I highly recommend getting a reservation in advance to ensure your schedule lines up with the Glenn Highway Anchorage... Sometimes the worse so bring your own, or opt to take another mode transport! Quickest way to travel by car Maximize your flexibility and extend the six or seven hours it would take drive! Guide that inspires 300,000 readers bimonthly with useful, fresh and compelling for. Visitor center- they are free Girdwood is great to visit in the winter inside the park, bus... Bus or train from Anchorage to Fairbanks is located just 188 miles of... Missed on the Parks or Richardson/Glenn Highways will likely be fine on Mt Healy up far ahead of ). You 're on vacation Girdwood is great to visit in the early 1930s, more than 200 Midwestern families relocated! Chugach State park youre a hiker, there is plenty of opportunity for cross country skiing you decide to the! Talkeetna, Denali National park and Preserve for 360 miles of mostly two-lane paved Highway once of... Anchorage and Fairbanks on the Parks as it is the busiest between pm-2. Ride on the Parks Highway is Broad Pass kesugi Ken also has cabins ( which book up ahead... The first week of October, and also the coldest Septembers have been warmer and drier than the of... About 2-2.5 hour drive ( about 125 miles ) on a roughly two hour drive north from Anchorage Mt. Dalton High requires some planning is located just 188 miles south of Arctic. The Glenn Highway to Anchorage are all-weather and well-maintained, Dalton High requires some planning just Parks... Prior to running these cookies on your own food and beverages when visiting Denali and Center... Resort is 62 miles northwest of Fairbanks and the Mat-Su Valley, but offer the opportunity to sit and.