4 Best Scenic Drives In Alaska – Plan Alaska by Road Trip

Scenic drives in Alaska offer breathtaking views of glaciers, mountains, and wildlife, providing a unique opportunity to experience the state’s rugged and pristine natural beauty. These road trips in Alaska showcase diverse landscapes and remote wilderness, creating unforgettable adventures in America’s last frontier.

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Scenic Drives in Alaska – Alaska Road Trip

Let’s check out the must-do scenic drives in Alaska, including scenic route details, things to do, stopovers, and overnight stays.

Seward Highway: Anchorage to Seward

Starting in Anchorage, the Seward Highway stretches 127 miles south to the coastal town of Seward. The Seward Highway provides stunning views of Turnagain Arm, with opportunities to see beluga whales and dramatic tidal changes. The drive takes you through the Chugach Mountains, past glaciers, and into the picturesque town of Seward, making it a visually rewarding journey with diverse natural attractions.

Things to Do:

• Beluga Point: A popular spot to observe beluga whales in the Turnagain Arm. It’s also a great place to take in the stunning scenery.
• Girdwood: Home to the Alyeska Resort, where you can take a tram up the mountain for panoramic views. The town also offers hiking trails, local eateries, and shops.
• Portage Glacier: Visit the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center for a closer look at the glacier and learn about the area’s natural history.
• Kenai Fjords National Park: In Seward, take a boat tour to see glaciers, wildlife, and breathtaking fjords.

Scenic Stopovers:

• Turnagain Arm: Frequent pull-offs allow for photo opportunities and wildlife spotting.
• Bird Point: Offers panoramic views of Turnagain Arm and interpretive displays about the area’s geology and wildlife.

Overnight Stay: Hotel Seward is located in downtown Seward, it offers comfortable rooms with a touch of Alaskan charm and easy access to local attractions.

Pro Tip: Start your journey early in the morning to avoid traffic and maximize your chances of spotting wildlife.

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Denali Highway: Paxson to Cantwell

The Denali Highway is a 135-mile gravel road connecting Paxson and Cantwell. It offers remote and rugged Alaskan wilderness views and provides a glimpse into Alaska’s heartland, with stunning mountain ranges, rivers, and tundra. It’s an excellent route for nature lovers.

Things to Do:

• Tangle Lakes Archaeological District: Explore prehistoric sites and the beautiful Tangle Lakes.
• Maclaren River Lodge: Stop for a meal or stay overnight and enjoy activities like fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
• Denali National Park: From Cantwell, take a detour into Denali National Park for hiking, wildlife viewing, and the chance to see North America’s highest peak, Denali.

Scenic Stopovers:

• Summit Lake: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and is an excellent spot for fishing or a picnic.
• Susitna River: Several pull-offs along the highway provide opportunities to enjoy the river’s scenery and spot wildlife.

Overnight Stay: Maclaren River Lodge is a rustic yet comfortable lodge offering cabins and meals, providing an authentic Alaskan experience.

Pro Tip: Ensure your vehicle is well-equipped for gravel roads and carries extra fuel and supplies, as services are limited along this remote route.

Haines Highway: Haines to Haines Junction

The Haines Highway, a 146-mile route, begins in Haines and travels north to Haines Junction in Canada’s Yukon Territory. This drive offers stunning vistas of glaciers, rivers, and mountain ranges. The Haines Highway offers a mix of coastal and mountainous scenery, crossing international borders and providing access to diverse ecosystems.

Things to Do:

• Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve: Near Haines, this preserve is home to the world’s largest concentration of bald eagles.
• Klehini River: An excellent spot for fishing and wildlife viewing.
• Kluane National Park: In Haines Junction, explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and visiting the visitor center to learn about the park’s natural and cultural history.

Scenic Stopovers:

• Three Guardsmen Pass: Offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
• Dezadeash Lake: A beautiful spot for a picnic and photography, with views of the lake and surrounding peaks.

Overnight Stay: Captain’s Choice Motel: Located in Haines, it offers comfortable accommodations and stunning views of the Lynn Canal and surrounding mountains.

Pro Tip: Bring your passport, as this route crosses into Canada. Be prepared for variable weather conditions and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes leisurely.

This route showcases Alaska’s and Canada’s natural beauty, making it a unique and varied drive.

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Glenn Highway: Anchorage to Glennallen

The Glenn Highway extends 189 miles from Anchorage to Glennallen, offering a mix of urban and remote Alaskan scenery, including the Matanuska Glacier and the Chugach and Talkeetna Mountains.

Things to Do:

• Matanuska Glacier: Stop at the glacier for a guided hike on the ice and enjoy stunning views.
• Eklutna Lake: A great spot for kayaking, hiking, and picnicking.
• Wrangell-St. Elias National Park: From Glennallen, you can explore the largest national park in the U.S. with opportunities for hiking, flightseeing, and visiting historic mining towns.

Scenic Stopovers:

• Matanuska River: Numerous pull-offs provide scenic views of the river and glacier.
• Sheep Mountain Lodge offers a great place to stop for a meal and enjoy the scenery.

Overnight Stay: Caribou Hotel: Located in Glennallen, it provides comfortable accommodations and easy access to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

Pro Tip: Carry a good map or GPS, as cell service can be limited in remote areas. Plan your stops to fuel up and take breaks, as services can be sparse along the highway.

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Best Time to do Alaska Road Trip – Alaska Scenic Drives

The best time to embark on scenic drives in Alaska is during the summer months, from mid-May to mid-September. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions, longer daylight hours for extended exploration, and optimal wildlife viewing opportunities, ensuring a safe and memorable road trip experience.

FAQs – Road Trips in Alaska

Let’s check some frequently asked questions for beautiful road trips in Alaska.

• Do I need a particular vehicle for Alaska’s scenic drives?

While many scenic drives can be done with a standard vehicle, some routes, like the Denali Highway, are gravel and may require a more rugged vehicle with good ground clearance. It’s also advisable to carry a spare tire and emergency supplies.

• Are there gas stations and services available along these routes?

Services can be limited along some of Alaska’s more remote scenic drives. It’s important to fill up your gas tank whenever you can and carry extra fuel, especially on routes like the Denali Highway.

• Is it necessary to make hotel reservations in advance?

Yes, booking accommodations in advance is highly recommended, especially during the peak summer months, as hotels and lodges can fill up quickly due to limited availability.

• Are there any entry fees for national parks along these scenic drives?

Some national parks, such as Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park, may charge entry fees. Check the park websites for the most up-to-date information on fees and passes.

• Can I see wildlife on these scenic drives?

Yes, Alaska’s scenic drives offer excellent opportunities to see wildlife, including moose, bears, caribou, and bald eagles. Always observe wildlife safely and follow guidelines to avoid disturbing them.

• What should I pack for a scenic drive in Alaska?

Pack layers of clothing for varying weather conditions, sturdy footwear, a camera, binoculars, maps or a GPS device, a first aid kit, extra food and water, and emergency supplies like a spare tire and tools.

• Are there any restrictions or permits needed for these drives?

Most scenic drives do not require special permits. Still, it’s important to check for any road closures or restrictions, especially if you plan to visit national parks or cross international borders, as with the Haines Highway into Canada.

• How long does it take to complete these scenic drives?

The duration varies by route. For example, the Seward Highway from Anchorage to Seward can be driven in about 2.5 hours without stops, while the Denali Highway may take a full day due to its length and road conditions. Allow extra time for sightseeing and activities along the way.

Exploring Alaska scenic drives offers a unique way to experience the state’s stunning landscapes and wildlife. Whether you choose the Seward Highway’s coastal views, the Denali Highway’s remote wilderness, the Haines Highway’s cross-border journey, or the Glenn Highway’s glacier views, each route promises unforgettable experiences and adventures.

I hope you loved reading about scenic drives in Alaska and will indeed plan a beautiful Alaska road trip. Explore amazing Alaska by road trip.

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