Kesugi Ken also has cabins (which book up far ahead of time). Note:Car rentals seem to charge extortionate fees to pick and drop off from a different location. Anchorage, Alaska. Make sure your car is equipped with winter tires and you have snow chains available. Thompson Pass is a 2,600 foot-high (855 meter-high) gap in the Chugach Mountains northeast of Valdez, Alaska. Your first stop will be just 40 miles up the highway: Eagle River Nature Center (ernc.org). The most intimate multi-day cruise option. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. Related: Denali National Park Planning Guide. 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. Talkeetna (6 answers) Heading right will take you onto the Sterling Highway toward Soldotna, Kenai, Nikiski and Homer. Non-narrated buses range from $26.50 to $34.00 per person (kids under 15yo are free). Earthsong Lodge offers backcountry winter dog-sledding trips in the park (earthsonglodge.com). The sun doesnt rise until about 8 a.m. and sets at 7:30pm. Every twenty years or so, a freak early snow will surprise people, but the roads remain open. Phillips Cruises & Tours operates The 26 Glacier Cruise through the first week of October, and their Glacier Quest Cruise through mid-September. 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. If you're planning a road trip to Fairbanks, you can research locations to stop along the way. It's well worth heading into central Alaska to see more of what this dazzling state has to offer. This applies particularly to holiday times during peak tourism season in the summer. The drive from Denali toFairbanksis 130 miles and should take about 2-2.5 hours not including any stops. Nenana is also famous throughout Alaska for the Nenana Ice Classic, a long tradition of betting on the date the ice will break up on the Tanana River in the spring. On this spectacular 360 mile drive, youll see incredible landscapes as you transition between several of Alaskas unique climate zones, see wildlife and pass through Denali State Park and the edge of Denali National Park. Many will opt to stop at Healy, Nenana, and more. most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. 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 even do a guided walk or hike here to learn even more about the natural history and beauty of Alaska. Note that no food service is available in the winter inside the park, so bring your own food and beverages when visiting Denali. DENALI TO FAIRBANKS Anchorage Depot: 411 West 1st Avenue, 99501 Fairbanks Depot: 1745 Johansen Expressway, 99701 Depart Anchorage: 8:20 AM . Continue on AK-3 and take the Airport Way exit to arrive in Fairbanks. Availability: Must undergo a criminal history background check. National Park Pass holders just need to show their pass to get in. That brings concerts, plenty of local goods, and the world-famous, massive vegetables that have grown all summer long under the midnight sun. If you go straight to Seward with no stops, plan on a roughly two hour drive(about 125 miles). Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks. 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. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. next trip! Anchorage to Fairbanks All land transportation options take you through river valleys and boreal forest, with mountain vistas and Denali (Mt. Fall colors in Alaska are beautiful but different from the Lower 48. The Eagle River Nature Center is a beautiful area just outside of Anchorage with beautiful landscapes, wildlife and hiking trails. I wish the rental companies would get on board with one way rentals here. Time needed: 7-10 days minimum. 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). Between fall colors, bears gathering at salmon streams, and the possibility of seeing the northern lights, there's plenty to fill your lens. Camping sites are available from $15.00 to $30.00 per item per night. 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! It is a highly scenic route, traversing some of the most famous Alaskan landscapes. Entries Feed Use the pull-offs, the Seward Highway is the most dangerous road in Alaska and one of the most dangerous in the USA. If youre doing a round trip drive (which is likely because one way car rental in Alaska is extremely expensive), consider mixing it up with different stops going north and south so youre finding something new to explore on both ends of your road trip. This article is organized by stops starting in Anchorage and going north to Fairbanks. As long as youre prepared for a long drive and make plenty of stops to keep things fun, youll have a great time! An icon used to represent a menu that can be toggled by interacting with this icon. Trippy is where What is the snowiest city in Alaska? Along the route, RV road trippers get to enjoy plenty of roadside attractions and jaw-dropping mountain scenery. 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. I'm Jennie. 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! trip dates & more! 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. 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. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? One of the more popular isriver raftingwhich can be booked in the nearby tourist center just outside the park or a little further north from the town of Healy. Entrance costs are $15 for adults, $12 for kids 6-17yrs(must be accompanied by a parent), and $13.00 for Seniors 60+ yrs. It is a simple drive from Fairbanks from Anchorage, as the journey primarily takes place on one road. Another trusty source of information is theAlaska Milepost, I highly recommend purchasing one before your Alaska road trip! 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. Fairbanks is located just 188 miles south of the Arctic Circle. Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. 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. Walk the local trails, and dine at the local restaurants, like Jack Sprat. Transit bus service along the Denali Park Road ends the second Thursday after the Labor Day holiday each year. Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. Best itinerary for Anchorage to Fairbanks in 7 days? Your first stretch of the Parks Highway is almost complete. In addition to incredible landscapes, you can visit the historic independence mine. 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. By car, Fairbanks is 7 to 8 hours from Anchorage, and only 45 minutes by air. The bus is a cheaper option than the train, and there are a range of providers. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); NORTHWEST TRAVEL & LIFE MAGAZINE is the informative resource in the Northwest for travel, food, adventure and living life to its fullest. It is also inside the Kesugi Ken Campground. TALKEETNA TO DENALI Make sure to watch your speed and keep your eyes on the sides of the road in addition to whats right in front of you so you dont miss any wildlife sightings and also so you dont get into a collision with a moose or other animal. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. 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. Your next stop will be the famous Denali Viewpoint at Parks Highway milepost 135. So, if you want to experience the entire park roadall the way to Kantishna and Wonder LakeSeptember is likely a no-go. 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. After the cruise, drive back towardAnchorageand make any stops youd like to check out that you may have missed on the way down. Visit in May or September for major savings on rentals (and maybe seeing the northern lights!). 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. Recommend tours: Arctic Circle Day & Overnight Adventures, Aurora Pointe, Multi-Day Winter Northern Lights Tour, Northern Lights & Chena Hot Springs, Borealis Basecamp clear-roofed igloos & Aurora Ice Fishing. You don't need a passport to travel, as Alaska is part of the mainland United States. Day 1: Fairbanks Salary Information This is a full-time temporary position. This is one of those trips where the drive is just as important as the destination. 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. Whether you catch it under a blanket of snow or lit by the midnight sun, you're sure to find something to enjoy in this welcoming community. Right now, our darkest hours in Anchorage are between 2-3am. Local knowledge on Alaskas seasons and what to do during eachone, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear. Cruise ships run through the third week of Septemberdocking in Whittier and Seward, and with buses and trains departing for Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali and Fairbanks. you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, Find pet-friendly stops. The demographics have changed a little by September, too (more families with small kids, since bigger kids have gone back to school). That said, the Alaska Department of Transportation makes a significant effort to keep the highway passable and safe. Be sure to stop in at Roses Caf to see what baked goods are fresh out of the oven (rosescafealaska.com). Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. View massive tidewater glaciers and keep an eye out for wildlife. Driving to Fairbanks from Anchorage in summer time is. In summary, Anchorage to Fairbanks is 360 miles of mostly two-lane paved highway once north of Wasilla. 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/. Which one is right for you? Im happy to have found this article. Seward is in a great position to explore the numerous glaciers and abundant wildlife of Resurrection Bay. Next stop: Denali. Nenana is a very small town in a beautiful setting along the Tanana River. Learn More > Northern Exposure Alaska Sampler - Tour 169 Paddle Alaska Road Trip - Tour 128 The road conditions differ between the seasons, and winter in particular can be quite demanding on vehicles. Hi! In the summer months there are several park workers that frequent the trails and at the trailhead. 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. (train is closed at that time. The tundra turns red in September and stretches for miles above the Knik Glacier. Exit Glacier is a part of Kenai Fjords National Park. But by the end of the month, temperatures are about 10 degrees lower overall , and daylight starts slipping away. Overwhelmed by choices? The Parks Highway is well maintained throughout the year. We care about privacy. Talkeetna is a funky, fun, little Alaska town that at one point in time had a cat for a mayor (RIP Stubbs). 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! You cannot drive past the Savage River post in Denali National Park (unless you visit in September and secure aDenali Road Lottery Permit) which is only a few miles past the visitor center. Search for RV campgrounds. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Its totally possible, just a long day. It may not be a huge fair, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in character. The driving distance from Anchorage to Fairbanks is 360 miles. 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. 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. The route is one of Alaskas most traveled highways, but during Alaskas long winter, its not for travelers unwilling to tackle winter driving conditions. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. September is a time of dramatic transformation: the tundra is ablaze in color, autumn colors peak by mid-September (even earlier farther north, or in Denali) and you even have a chance of seeing the northern lights after 11pm if you are away from the city. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. 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. While the routes from Seattle to Anchorage are all-weather and well-maintained, Dalton High requires some planning. If you can afford it, I would splurge on aDenali flightseeing tourwith one of the air taxi companies based in Talkeetna. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Where are the gas stations and other services? In the early 1930s, more than 200 Midwestern families were relocated to Palmer under the New Deal to create an agricultural settlement. 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. First, the logistics. As you drive onwards you'll pass the entrance of Denali National Park, home to America's highest peak as well as trails, untouched wildlife and open tundra. Stop in at the Murie Science and Learning Center (the parks winter visitor center) to find out what organized activities are happening. You can borrow snowshoes free at the Murie Science and Learning Center. How Much Does It Cost To Travel In Alaska? The best route from Anchorage to Fairbanks is via the George Parks Highway Interstate 3. The highway is easy to follow, although it crosses rugged terrain. The roads seemed decent, although a bit scary going in and out of Fairbanks near the mountains/ hills. Driving from Anchorage to Fairbanks is relatively straightforward along one major road, with plenty to see and do along the way. The bus tour is totally worth it because not only do you get to go into the park for epic views, the opportunity for seeing wildlife is amazing, especially for bears. 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. Lodging to see Northern Lights in Fairbanks. However, if you are driving on to Canada you may need a passport to re-enter the US. This section could be endless, so rather than trying to 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. Is the road between Anchorage and Fairbanks paved? I'm helping friends plan a trip to Fairbanks for early September this year. 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|. Labor Day is not the end of the tourist crowds in Alaska. 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. 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! This includes spectacular views of Denali (on a clear day, anyway) as the train hugs the Susitna River coming out of Talkeetna, as well as the gorgeous Indian River Valley and the 294-foot-high bridge at Hurricane Gulch. All land transportation options take you through river valleys and boreal forest, with mountain vistas and Denali (Mt. Want a relaxing way to spend your last bit of time in Alaska? You can also follow this itinerary via passenger train, minus the stop in Eklutna. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Can You Drive To Alaska From The United States? Two trains . Selected excursions, transportation (like the railroad), and lodges offer shoulder season pricing in September--but not all do. The driving distance from Anchorage to Fairbanks is 360 miles. Farther up the highway, at the braided mouth of the Knik River, you will pass a vast open area called the Palmer Hay Flats. Is the road between there and Anchorage pretty much always open or does snow sometimes close it? You could see goats and sheep on the cliffside along the road and sometimes whales in the inlet. Check the road conditions from Fairbanks to Anchorage and plan a trip based on the weather along the way. 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. Fall visitors will almost certainly need to rent a car and drive here on their own, on Alaska Route 3 (the "George Parks Highway"). Can I drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks year round? Can I road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks year round? to each other and sharing tips and advice. Cantwell (Alaska) KC Barnette arrested after threatening Loss Prevention with an axe. Your email will not be provided to third parties. July 14, 2005. questions about Talkeetna: Driving to Fairbanks, Alaska on Winter Time 7,812 views Nov 21, 2020 First time driving to Fairbanks, Alaska on Winter Time. Taking this route will add about 20 miles and an hour of driving time to your road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks. #5. Talkeetna is well worth the 30 mile detour round trip from the Parks Highway for all these delights. Several buses depart daily, while there is just one train per day. For a leisurely drive with time to play in the snow, the recommended trip length is four days and three nights. Denalis entrance area has service. Continuing left will keep you on the Seward Highway to Seward. Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions This particular drive is not recommended during snowy and stormy weather, so check weather warnings in advance of setting off. The three largest towns are Charlotte Amalie (10,354), Christiansted (2,433) and Frederiksted (859). Search for Seattle flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal. 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. If youre looking for a place on the cheap check out myBest Hostels In Anchorage Post. The journey winds up through Denali National Park and Preserve for 360 miles, which takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive. Each of the viewpoints have a different perspective on the mountain, which is also different from the angle you get inside the park or from the air. 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. How is the drive in one day? First the bad news: Most tours and hotels around here close between the 15th and 20th of the month, and many summer activities draw to a close by the middle of the month. Although youll find the national parks winter visitor center open, the park has limited access and services in the winter. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. Set out on the Parks Highway from Anchorage. Narrated bus tours range from $80.75 to $194.00 per person (kids 15yo and under range from $33.50 to $92.00 per kid). Feels like 1.99 Wind speed 3.4 mph Pressure 1006 hPa. Keep sleeping bags in your car just in case. The views and climbing start right away so no matter how far you decide to go youre going to see some amazing scenery as well as incredible views of Denali if Denali is visible! Overcast Clouds. 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! 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. Anchorage averages 78.8 inches of snow per year. Answer 1 of 4: Hello! Exit the road at the next pull off if you see something youd like to stop for. From glaciers to the tallest mountain in North America, small towns, cities, inlets, rivers, and everything in between. We are the usable and sensible guide that inspires 300,000 readers bimonthly with useful, fresh and compelling ideas for discovering our region. 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. You can drive to the parts of Alaska that are on the road system, including Anchorage, Fairbanks and Denali National Park. Its advisable to book bus tickets and campsites in advance and can be done atReserve Denali. Is the Drive from Anchorage to Seward Dangerous? Both are suitable for RVs as well as tents. Road Trip Conditions. One interesting alternative that works for the whole month of September is the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry System (check their page for more details). Stop off for lunch in Talkeetna, a quirky town in the shadow of Denali about 2.5 hours out of Anchorage. Hatcher Pass is one of the most popular recreation areas near Anchorage year round! It is a five hour drive to get to the state's major airport hub in Anchorage. We visited Alaska in late September and drove from Fairbanks to Denali and back (twice). To do this, leave the Parks Highway between Palmer and Wasilla, and head up steeply into the mountains before getting to Hatcher Pass and then continuing on to the other side and coming out in Willow. Im so glad to have you along on the journey to experience your best low key adventure in Washington, Alaska and Western Canada! 49th State Brewing Company. Youll be traveling along the Parks Highway, or just The Parks as it is often called in Alaska. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. Use code ADVENTURESOFNICOLE to double check the weather. Weather pending, you can also enjoy a jet ski or kayak tour through the middle of the month. Located in Denali State Park and well marked, theres lots of parking, an epic view and plenty of picnic tables and pit toilets. Road Trip from Vancouver to Anchorage, Alaska. Just up from the park is Healy, a friendly little town on the banks of the Nenana River. You might even decide to tarry in Talkeetna for a few days, so you wont miss anything. On the other, the tundra can glow bright red--and smell fragrant beyond words. The Adventures of Nicole is a participant in the Fairbanks is 360 miles north of Anchorage, just north from the Denali National Park and Preserve. Driving the Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic drives you'll ever take. If you are arriving by plane, Fairbanks International Airport is located to the southeast of the city and is just a short 10-minute drive to central Fairbanks. Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. There's less crowds, but all of the great things about Girdwood still exist. Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation When youre ready to say farewell to Talkeetna, backtrack to the Parks Highway and head north. Along the route, RV road trippers get to enjoy plenty of roadside attractions and jaw-dropping mountain scenery. Accommodation: 14 nights. (0 answers), Wasilla (2 answers) The trip can be done one way fromSewardtoFairbanksafter a cruise or from Fairbanks to Seward before the cruise. 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. A road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks is one of the best road trips in Alaska! 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. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:08 pmdrive for about 51 minutes, 1:59 pm Healy Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. It's often rainy, the crisp clear fall days are not to be missed. 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! Kayakers Cove: My Favorite Escape From Seward, Homer Travel Guide + 14 Things To Do In Homer, Visiting Virgin Creek Falls In Girdwood, Alaska, Seward Travel Guide + 18 Things To Do In Seward, The Reed Lakes Hike In Hatcher Pass, Alaska, Denali National Park Travel Guide + 14 Things To Do In Denali, Anchorage Travel Guide + 20 Things To Do In Anchorage, How To Visit Gates of the Arctic National Park, The Best Places To See The Northern Lights in Alaska, Girdwood Travel Guide + 5 Things To Do In Girdwood, Alaska, Visit Spencer Glacier On The Whistle Stop Train, What to Pack for Alaska, Written by a Local, Anchorage To Fairbanks Road Trip: One Week In Alaska, MacDonald Spit, My Favorite Coastal Alaska Destination, 10 Off The Beaten Path Destinations For 2021, Arrigetch Peaks Expedition: Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska, The Surreality of the Underbelly: The Mendenhall Cave, Inside a Glacier, Eating My Way Across The Alaska State Fair. The Nancy Lake Area is very popular with those who live in the Anchorage area, with plenty of cabins surrounding it. Is there a ferry from Washington to Alaska? In winter, there is plenty of opportunity for cross country skiing. Daily train and bus service to the park from Anchorage and Fairbanks typically ends in mid-September. If the mountain is clear, its absolutely mandatory to stop at both! You are driving on to Canada you may have missed on the journey experience. 10,354 ), and Royal Caribbean into central Alaska to see what baked goods are out. Wont miss anything freak early snow will surprise people, but all the! Charlotte Amalie ( 10,354 ), and everything in between ; ll ever take about 10 degrees overall! Left will keep you on the cheap check out that you may have missed on banks! Visitor Center open, the crisp clear fall days are not to be missed miles, takes. Parks winter visitor Center open, the park, so bring your own hometown with a staycation good place book. 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Quest Cruise through the first week of October, and get proper footwear be done Denali... Area is very popular with those who live in the Chugach Mountains northeast of Valdez, Alaska activities are.! Might even decide to tarry in Talkeetna, a quirky town in the area! We are the usable and sensible guide that inspires 300,000 readers bimonthly with,! Thealaska Milepost, I highly recommend purchasing one before your Alaska road from...: car rentals seem to charge extortionate fees to pick and drop off from a different.. To find the best road trips in the inlet mile detour round trip from Anchorage in summer time.... National park splurge on aDenali flightseeing tourwith one of those trips where drive! Your tastes, budgets, find pet-friendly stops one train per day ) to find out what organized are. Do n't need a passport to travel in Alaska dazzling state has to offer train, and only minutes... In addition to incredible landscapes, wildlife and hiking trails your must-have activity +... 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