Alaska is a land of expansive landscapes, incredible wildlife, and unforgettable experiences. From towering mountains to pristine lakes, the state’s scenery begs to be explored by road. The freedom of an Alaska road trip promises memories that will last a lifetime. Here’s a guide to the top five stops on an Alaska road trip!
1. Anchorage – The Perfect Start
Kick off your adventure in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city. Anchorage is an ideal mix of city life and wild nature, with plenty of options for exploring. Spend a day checking out the Anchorage Museum, learning about Alaska Native culture, and sampling some incredible seafood. For a quick outdoor adventure, head to nearby Flattop Mountain or Potter Marsh, both offering accessible hiking and wildlife viewing.
Anchorage also serves as a gateway to the rest of your journey, with numerous rental options for vehicles and outdoor gear to help you tackle Alaska’s rugged terrain.
2. The Matanuska Glacier – Ice Adventures Await
Head northeast from Anchorage to reach the awe-inspiring Matanuska Glacier, a 27-mile-long river of ice nestled in the Matanuska Valley. Here, you can join a guided tour to trek across the ice or even try ice climbing if you’re feeling adventurous. As Alaska’s largest road-accessible glacier, it’s the perfect way to experience Alaska’s raw beauty up close. The drive along Glenn Highway offers sweeping mountain views that are just as thrilling as the glacier itself.
3. Denali National Park and Preserve
No Alaska road trip is complete without a visit to Denali National Park. Home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali, the park covers over six million acres and provides ample opportunities for spotting grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and more. Whether you choose a guided bus tour or hike into the wilderness, the park’s stunning vistas are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Plan to stay overnight at one of the campgrounds to experience Alaska’s summer “midnight sun” or, if visiting in late summer, possibly catch the northern lights.
4. The Denali Highway – Alaska’s Most Scenic Drive
The Denali Highway (AK-8) is a 135-mile road connecting Paxson and Cantwell and is one of Alaska’s most scenic yet underrated highways. This remote, gravel road was once the original route to Denali National Park before the Parks Highway opened, and today, it’s a treasure trove of Alaska’s raw beauty.
On the Denali Highway, you’ll experience the true wilderness, surrounded by the Alaska Range, glacial rivers, and vast tundra landscapes. As you drive, you’ll find excellent spots for camping, fishing, and taking in the view. Denali Jeep Excursions offers Jeep tours on the Denali Highway, providing an exhilarating way to experience this route’s rugged beauty.
5. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park – America’s Largest National Park
Wrangell-St. Elias is a true wilderness destination and the largest national park in the U.S., boasting 13 million acres of glaciers, volcanoes, and towering peaks. Located in the southeastern part of Alaska, this park offers a unique perspective on Alaska’s rugged beauty.
Take a scenic drive on the McCarthy Road to reach the historic town of McCarthy and the nearby Kennecott Mines. The abandoned copper mines offer a fascinating look into Alaska’s mining history. From here, adventurers can hike on Root Glacier or even join a flightseeing tour to take in the full scale of Wrangell-St. Elias’ breathtaking landscapes.
Final Tips for an Alaska Road Trip Adventure
When planning an Alaska road trip, be prepared for unpredictable weather, remote locations, and limited cell service. The remoteness is part of the allure, though! The sense of isolation and the expansive wilderness make an Alaska road trip a unique journey into the Last Frontier. So pack your gear, prepare for adventure, and set off to discover some of the most breathtaking places on Earth.
Whether it’s the iconic Denali Highway, the mighty Matanuska Glacier, or the expansive Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska will leave you with incredible memories and a sense of awe at nature’s raw beauty.