A road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks is one of the best road trips in Alaska! To find lodging and dining in Talkeetna, go to talkeetnachamber.org. Entries Feed Weather pending, you can also enjoy a jet ski or kayak tour through the middle of the month. It also stops at Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? Traveling with a dog or cat? 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. Fall visitors will almost certainly need to rent a car and drive here on their own, on Alaska Route 3 (the "George Parks Highway"). Railroad enthusiasts will appreciate the Alaska Railroad Museum located inside the historic train station from 1923. A $10 per person pass fee will be charged per visitor at the entrance of the park. 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. Must undergo a criminal history background check. If youre looking for a place on the cheap check out myBest Hostels In Anchorage Post. Travelers arriving by bus are advised to check their arrival point according to the bus company they are traveling with. Lazy Otter Charters offers small group sightseeing tours into Blackstone Bay through the month of October. Many of these flightseeing trips do include a glacier landing. Is there a ferry from Washington to Alaska? This quirky former tourist attraction offers visitors the eerie experience of seeing a completely abandoned hotel and marks the halfway point between Anchorage and Fairbanks. While the routes from Seattle to Anchorage are all-weather and well-maintained, Dalton High requires some planning. Can I road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks year round? It sits centrally within Alaska, 379 miles east of Yukon, Canada. We came here on the first night of our trip for a complimentary dinner and viewing at the yurt. 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. Updated March 2023,One Week in Alaska Road Trip: Anchorage to Fairbanksoriginally written in July 2017. The round trip to the lookout is about 6.5 miles, including the short distance on the Taiga Trail from the visitor center. 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. Trippy is where 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. 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. for 20% off at checkout, Login In summary, Anchorage to Fairbanks is 360 miles of mostly two-lane paved highway once north of Wasilla. 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. Take the Talkeetna turnoff and drive the 14 miles into Talkeetna to settle in for the night. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. If you're going on a road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way with Chugach Outdoor Center and Alaska Zoo, or the ever-popular Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Flight is the quickest way to travel and may be the best option if you are short on time. Continuing left will keep you on the Seward Highway to Seward. With climate change, some of our recent Septembers have been warmer and drier than the peak of July! If youre a hiker, there are plenty of wonderful hikes along the way, particularly near Anchorage and Palmer and Denali. 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. From here you can see the entire park entrance area. Fairbanks, AK, is the place to be during the weekend if you . Road conditions from Fairbanks to Anchorage. Around three quarters of the Parks Highway is covered with various cell providers at the time of this writing. Talkeetna is well worth the 30 mile detour round trip from the Parks Highway for all these delights. Make sure your car is equipped with winter tires and you have snow chains available. you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, Required fields are marked *. Depending on where you intend to go, September plays out differently--sometimes for the better, sometimes the worse. Overcast Clouds. by calculating the distance from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Feels like 5.95 Wind speed 3.4 mph Pressure 1005 hPa. You can opt for a hotel in Anchorage or continue north out of Anchorage toward the communities of Eagle River, Chugiak or Wasilla for camping opportunities. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it drive for about 2 hours, 12:08 pm Cantwell (Alaska) 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! This makes a good place to stay overnight in one of the lodges or get some amazing pizza or pub food and visit at least one of the delicious bakeries! Healy Visit the NPS websitefor more info info on buses and schedules. 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|. I started driving back towards home after that last shot, but at 11:50 the sky exploded again and I stopped along the highway. 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. Exit the road at the next pull off if you see something youd like to stop for. Those who want to go further can explore further up the ridges on Mt Healy. Tour Code: 1517CTA. Taking this route will add about 20 miles and an hour of driving time to your road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Between fall colors, bears gathering at salmon streams, and the possibility of seeing the northern lights, there's plenty to fill your lens. Local knowledge on Alaskas seasons and what to do during eachone, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear. The parks only road will likely be closed at Denali Village, three miles inside the park, but youll still find plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun without the summer crowds. Use the pull-offs, the Seward Highway is the most dangerous road in Alaska and one of the most dangerous in the USA. That's why locals say, "September is a gamble.". Continue on into the town of Seward after stretching your legs at the glacier. 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. Click the button below to explore more questions About 3 miles before Seward youll see a turn off for Exit Glacier, I recommend a stop here. 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! Make sure your tires are in good condition and carry chains with you just in case. Overwhelmed by choices? Driving the Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic drives you'll ever take. You could see goats and sheep on the cliffside along the road and sometimes whales in the inlet. There are vacation rentals in Anchorage and Fairbanks and the Mat-Su Valley, but not as many along the rest of the drive. Answer 1 of 4: Hello! It also has amazing views of the entire area. It takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive the 360 miles from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Its totally possible, just a long day. MidrangeTalkeetna Roadhouse|Booking.com|, SplurgeTalkeetna Alaskan Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com|. Hi- My family and I are looking to drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks in early March and were wondering what the road conditions were like. 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. 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. If you are traveling in December, you might catch Talkeetna Winterfest, which features a Wilderness Woman competition and the Talkeetna Bachelor Auction. The route is one of Alaska's most traveled highways, but during Alaska's long winter, it's not for travelers unwilling to tackle winter driving conditions. Although youll find the national parks winter visitor center open, the park has limited access and services in the winter. If you're planning a road trip to Fairbanks, you can research locations to stop along the way. Denali is an Athabaskan word meaning the high one.. On a clear day you can see Denali and the Alaska Range. Heading right will take you onto the Sterling Highway toward Soldotna, Kenai, Nikiski and Homer. 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. 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. 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. During the first half of the month, it can still feel like Alaska summer, with temps in the high 50s and 60 (maybe even 70), and about 14 hours of light every day (sunrise at 7 a.m., sunset at 9 p.m.). Youll likely arrive at the Anchorage airport at an ungodly time. Alaska's state capitol of Juneau is the only state capitol in the United States that you cannot drive to. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. If the mountain is clear, its absolutely mandatory to stop at both! Detour off the highway onto Highway 1 to Palmer, your home for the night. Your first stretch of the Parks Highway is almost complete. Alyeska Resort is a great basecamp for your fall getaway. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the Hi Cherise, In the summer, this is a wonderful alternative to the Parks Highway, especially if youre making a round trip drive to change things up. If you dont have time for that, you can still make a shorter stop in Denali. Its great for independent travelers, and most of its routes continue through September. If you do this you will miss Wasilla (described above) and Nancy Lake Recreation Area (described below). because there's an entire community of travelers talking On clear nights, the aurora borealis will be the main attraction. Starting at: $3569 / per person. There is also the option to take a bus, train or plane to Fairbanks. to each other and sharing tips and advice. Check the road conditions from Fairbanks to Anchorage and plan a trip based on the weather along the way. What do I wear to aurora ice museum and hot springs. By Car Maximize your flexibility and extend the six or seven hours it would take to drive straight through. 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. Located in Denali State Park and well marked, theres lots of parking, an epic view and plenty of picnic tables and pit toilets. But not always. You may also choose by fall color intensity. The best route from Anchorage to Fairbanks is via the George Parks Highway Interstate 3. who wants the trip to end? Any bus tours that might be open this early in the season on a Saturday afternoon? Eagle River, Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali National Park/Healy and Nenana all have plenty of services. All land transportation options take you through river valleys and boreal forest, with mountain vistas and Denali (Mt. Totally worth it! Dont endanger others lives by stopping in shoulders or even worse in the middle of the road because you see something you want to look at. Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks. 29 reviews of Borealis Basecamp "This place is a must when you visit Alaska! Another trusty source of information is theAlaska Milepost, I highly recommend purchasing one before your Alaska road trip! That brings concerts, plenty of local goods, and the world-famous, massive vegetables that have grown all summer long under the midnight sun. Want a relaxing way to spend your last bit of time in Alaska? 2-5 day small ship explorations. Next stop: Denali. an affiliate advertising program. 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. Connecting Anchorage and Fairbanks, the Parks Highway (Route 3) is 359 miles of wonderland in the winter months. 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. This article is organized by stops starting in Anchorage and going north to Fairbanks. Consider splitting it up into several days to have more time to take everything in and for shorter driving days. McKinley) views. 359 mi Total Distance 7 hrs 7 mins Drive Time 30 stops Cities / Attractions 2-5 day small ship explorations. September in the Anchorage area has another unique draw: The Alaska State Fair, located just 40 minutes north of the city in Palmer. Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation Looking for ideas? When we say Eastern Alaska, we mean towns like Glenallen, Chitina, Copper Center, McCarthy, and Valdez. Learn More > Northern Exposure Alaska Sampler - Tour 169 Paddle Alaska Road Trip - Tour 128 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|. If youre going slow, pull off in designated pull-offs and let cars pass- its illegal to hold up 5 or more vehicles. Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. There are long stretches without towns and services, but there are also plenty of places to stop along the highway. Thompson Pass, as seen in May 2009. Rotorhead 30A Productions/Shutterstock.com. There's less crowds, but all of the great things about Girdwood still exist. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. Fairbanks has a few sites on offer as well such as Pioneer Park, the Chena River, and downtown Fairbanks. Highlights plus less visited destinations. From glaciers to the tallest mountain in North America, small towns, cities, inlets, rivers, and everything in between. A little over an hour south of Anchorage, the small town of Whittier is situated on the shores of Prince William Sound. DENALI TO FAIRBANKS Seward is in a great position to explore the numerous glaciers and abundant wildlife of Resurrection Bay. In addition to incredible landscapes, you can visit the historic independence mine. Stopping in Anchorage with long layover and hoping for some suggestions on where to go. 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! Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. The views get even more spectacular if you take a flightseeing tour and see the parks colors from above. Other activities in Talkeetna include theDenali Zipline, kayaking & rafting tours, and the riverboat trip up the Devils Canyon. By train, the Alaska Railroad provides daily summer service and weekend winter service between Anchorage and Fairbanks. This is such a massive and impressive mountain, you want to see as many angles as possible. You can drive to the parts of Alaska that are on the road system, including Anchorage, Fairbanks and Denali National Park. 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. An icon used to represent a menu that can be toggled by interacting with this icon. Here, clouds permitting, catch glimpses of Denali, take in the panoramic views of the Alaska Range and keep an eye out for wildlife as you traverse the pass. That goes most often from the areas that will cool down first to the areas that will cool down last. Stop off for lunch in Talkeetna, a quirky town in the shadow of Denali about 2.5 hours out of Anchorage. Your next stop will be the famous Denali Viewpoint at Parks Highway milepost 135. The demographics have changed a little by September, too (more families with small kids, since bigger kids have gone back to school). 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