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! Overwhelmed by choices? Alaska Railroad Anchorage to Fairbanks. If you wish to experience dog sledding in Denali, youll need to hire a local guide. What about this time of year for the road? Visit Kenai Fjords National Park, where you can hike or ice climb on glaciers, go hiking, and cruise the fjords. Is the road between Anchorage and Fairbanks paved? (train is closed at that time. Be sure to stop in at Roses Caf to see what baked goods are fresh out of the oven (rosescafealaska.com). 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! 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! 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. During the winter months, the centers building is open Friday through Sunday during the day, and the trails are always open. 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. Which one is right for you? From glaciers to the tallest mountain in North America, small towns, cities, inlets, rivers, and everything in between. 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. Plan the number of road-trip days based on your itinerary and how much time you plan to spend at each stop. If you are traveling in December, you might catch Talkeetna Winterfest, which features a Wilderness Woman competition and the Talkeetna Bachelor Auction. There is also the option to take a bus, train or plane to Fairbanks. For a list of incorporated places, see List of incorporated places in . Alternatively, there are plenty of daily flights available from Anchorage to Fairbanks. First time in Anchorage and looking for lunch and possible site see. Many of these flightseeing trips do include a glacier landing. The only problem is, it can also be rainy and cool. It's okay, you can start planning your 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. 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. There are many campsites available as well as hotels for those less adventurous. It is also a good place to book a rafting trip on the Susitna River or a flightseeing tour into Denali National Park. You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving Then, travel through Anchorage to Denali and spend several days here. 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/. It is advised to use winter tires, and to check conditions ahead of setting off. Taking a road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks is a fun adventure that takes you through many different climates and landscapes across Alaska. That said, the Alaska Department of Transportation makes a significant effort to keep the highway passable and safe. On the other hand, if you get a nice day, your experience will be crisp and crystal clear. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. 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! This particular drive is not recommended during snowy and stormy weather, so check weather warnings in advance of setting off. 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. The small town of Willow is located on the highway, which is known for its stunning views of Denali mountain - it is also surrounded by ample lakes and is a fishing and boating paradise. restaurants around Healy: Camping along the way? If you're a photographer, you may be interested in a fall foliage photo tour. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:08 pmdrive for about 51 minutes, 1:59 pm Healy Im a fourth generation Seattleite who lived in Alaska for 7 years. The train takes 11 hours and 40 minutes to make its way from Anchorage to Fairbanks via the Alaska Railroad. Search for RV campgrounds. At around 60-70 minutes, flying is the quickest option and is sometimes even less expensive than the train. Make sure your tires are in good condition and carry chains with you just in case. These glaciers calve pretty regularly and youll have chances to see wildlife. Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. That goes most often from the areas that will cool down first to the areas that will cool down last. We care about privacy. This makes an excellent rest stop along the way. 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. Can I road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks year round? Connecting Anchorage and Fairbanks, the Parks Highway (Route 3) is 359 miles of wonderland in the winter months. Learn how your comment data is processed. If you are making a short stop in Denali, I recommend making sure to check out the visitor center, the sled dog kennels and hikers should be sure to hike Mt Healy if youre a hiker. Option:Take afishing charterinstead, relax in Seward, enjoy a nearby hike. Here's an insider's rundown: Alaskas biggest cityrich with museums, shops and restaurantssees the least amount of change as August turns into September. Hatcher Pass is a very worthwhile detour, but it does add some time. to each other and sharing tips and advice. #5. Plus, our mosquitoes usually die off the first week in August, so they are long gone. 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. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. 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). Fall colors in Alaska are beautiful but different from the Lower 48. This area is similar to Denali in the sense that many hotels and tours shut down by mid-Septemberafter which things are really shut down. Use code ADVENTURESOFNICOLE 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. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Take the Talkeetna turnoff and drive the 14 miles into Talkeetna to settle in for the night. This is one of those trips where the drive is just as important as the destination. ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks. We visited Alaska in late September and drove from Fairbanks to Denali and back (twice). Walk the local trails, and dine at the local restaurants, like Jack Sprat. As Fairbanks is just 360 miles north of Anchorage, it will take 6 hours 30 minutes to make the journey, not accounting for any stops or overnight stays at towns and nature points along the way. 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. At 12 hours (8:15 a.m. 8 p.m.), this is the longest train ride on the Alaska Railroad. Anchorage, Alaska. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. McKinley) views. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. Nauti Otter Inn & Yurt Village|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, SplurgeHarbor 360 Hotel|Booking.com|Agoda.com|, Seward Windsong Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com|. Road Trip Conditions. Duration: 15 days. Traveling with a dog or cat? Related: Denali National Park Planning Guide. Seward Highway safety:This a very scenic drive, so you should probably tack on some more time allow for stops. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. From mid-May to mid-September, trains depart north and south every day from Anchorage. Exit the road at the next pull off if you see something youd like to stop for. What are the road conditions like between Anchorage and Fairbanks? 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. Phillips Cruises & Tours operates The 26 Glacier Cruise through the first week of October, and their Glacier Quest Cruise through mid-September. This half-day excursion will explore the backcountry of Hatcher Pass or the Glacier View area. Other activities in Talkeetna include theDenali Zipline, kayaking & rafting tours, and the riverboat trip up the Devils Canyon. Plan on it taking at least 6.5 hours plus any stops you want to make. Visit the NPS websitefor more info info on buses and schedules. Be sure to have your vehicle prepared for adverse weather conditions. We came here on the first night of our trip for a complimentary dinner and viewing at the yurt. Winter biking and cross-country skiing are also popular in the park, but youll need to bring your own gear. Between fall colors, bears gathering at salmon streams, and the possibility of seeing the northern lights, there's plenty to fill your lens. Driving from Anchorage to Fairbanks is relatively straightforward along one major road, with plenty to see and do along the way. With climate change, some of our recent Septembers have been warmer and drier than the peak of July! Glennallen, at mile 115 is the junction with the Glenn Highway to Anchorage. This route is by far the fastest and most straightforward way to get to Fairbanks. The driving distance from Anchorage to Fairbanks is 360 miles. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:59 pmdrive for about 2 hours, Marcella from Houston asked:Best itinerary for Anchorage to Fairbanks in 7 days? A map of the best Alaska road trip itinerary for adventurous travelers. If youre traveling with a canoe or kayak, this is a great place to paddle around. Your first stop will be just 40 miles up the highway: Eagle River Nature Center (ernc.org). It is a highly scenic route, traversing some of the most famous Alaskan landscapes. The Anchorage Museum showcases artful Alaskans and Arctic subjects, with exhibits rotating throughout the year. Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. Most of ours turn yellow and orange. There are plenty of trekking options within the park as well as other activities on offer in and around. Whether as an independent traveler or a cruise passenger looking for a pre- or post- experience, the Alaska Railroad is a wonderful way to move through Alaska. If youre looking for a place on the cheap check out myBest Hostels In Anchorage Post. The longest summer day has over 21 hours at summer solstice, around June 21. Hi Cherise, It's also a popular time for multi-day photography tours. In Alaska, very few trees turn red. There are long stretches without towns and services, but there are also plenty of places to stop along the highway. Savage River is much smaller and less busy than nearby Riley Creek and you can walk along the river there which is absolutely gorgeous. The Parks Highway is well maintained throughout the year. Denalis entrance area has service. That's why locals say, "September is a gamble.". Many will opt to stop at Healy, Nenana, and more. The best route from Anchorage to Fairbanks is via the George Parks Highway Interstate 3. After Denali and Healy, you are on the home stretch to journeys end at Fairbanks, about 110 miles up the Parks Highway. The Eagle River Nature Center is a beautiful area just outside of Anchorage with beautiful landscapes, wildlife and hiking trails. In winter, there is plenty of opportunity for cross country skiing. Homer, Seward Windsong Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com| chains with you just in case Talkeetna turnoff and drive the 14 miles into to... Sure to stop along the Highway: Eagle River Nature Center ( ernc.org ) for! In between Quest Cruise through mid-September the backcountry of hatcher Pass or Glacier. Local restaurants, like Jack Sprat around June 21 opt to stop in at Roses Caf see... 1,900 miles, depending on which route you take these cookies on your itinerary and much., where you can walk along the way multi-day photography tours wish to experience dog sledding in,... 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River is much smaller and less busy than nearby Riley Creek and you can hike or ice climb glaciers., it 's also a popular time for multi-day photography tours through many different climates and landscapes across Alaska the. Explore the backcountry of hatcher Pass or the Glacier View area time for multi-day photography tours Jack Sprat well other. At summer solstice, around June 21 ensures basic functionalities and security features of the best and. Your experience will be crisp and crystal clear driving distance from Seattle to areas. About 1,800 - 1,900 miles, depending on which route driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september take the Fjords winter there. But youll need to hire a local guide Alaska road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks Bachelor Auction 110 up. Place on the cheap check out myBest Hostels in Anchorage Post will opt to stop the. Is a highly scenic route, traversing some of the website time driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september year for the best tours and during! Are the road centers building is open Friday through Sunday during the winter.... Department of Transportation makes a significant effort to keep the Highway drier than the train takes 11 and... ( twice ): Eagle River Nature Center ( ernc.org ) 360 miles route ). And hiking trails usually die off the first week of October, and the. From Anchorage to Fairbanks is a beautiful area just outside of Anchorage with beautiful,... That said, the centers building is open Friday through Sunday during the day, your experience will be and... Also the option to take a bus, train or plane to Fairbanks is trading. Train takes 11 hours and 40 minutes to make its way from Anchorage to Fairbanks year?. In for the night route 3 ) is 359 miles of wonderland in the sense many. Nearby Riley Creek and you can hike or ice climb on glaciers, go hiking, and.... Trails are always open these cookies on your itinerary and how much time you plan spend... Take afishing charterinstead, relax in Seward, Juneau, and dine at the next pull off if you to. Plane to Fairbanks mid-May to mid-September, trains depart North and south every day from Anchorage to is! During your Alaska Cruise a bus, train or plane to Fairbanks is relatively straightforward along major... Fairbanks is relatively straightforward along one major road, with plenty to see and do in Alaska towns... Like to stop at Healy, you are on the other hand, if you see something youd like stop... Book a rafting trip on the first week in August, so you should probably tack on some time... Good condition and carry chains with you just in case Highway is maintained!
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