Alaska is a land of unparalleled beauty and vast wilderness. With over 14,000 miles of public road, it's no wonder that Alaska is a paradise for road trippers. With communities separated by miles of towering mountains and cascading glaciers, a road trip in Alaska is unlike any scenic drive you’ve ever taken.
With so many miles to explore, it can be hard to pick which scenic drive to include on your Alaskan adventure. To help you in planning, we’ve created this comprehensive guide to some of the top scenic road trips in the state. So, buckle-up and grab your camera, as we dive into the most epic drives in the Last Frontier.
Top Scenic Drives
1. Seward Highway
Route Length: 127 miles
Best Season (when to travel): Summer
Starting Point: Anchorage
Ending Point: Seward
The Seward Highway is a picturesque journey that takes you from the bustling city of Anchorage to the charming coastal town of Seward. This highway is a National Scenic Byway and offers stunning views of mountains, glaciers, and coastal scenery. As you drive along, you'll be treated to panoramic vistas at Turnagain Arm, a body of water featuring the world's second highest tides, and the Chugach State Park, one of the largest state parks in the U.S. For a delicious seafood snack before your trip, stop by the Sourdough Mining Company in Anchorage. While you can do this drive in one long day with a return to Anchorage, consider staying overnight in Seward to take full advantage of the numerous sightseeing opportunities along the way and in this adorable town.
2. Denali Highway
Route Length: 135 miles
Best Season: Late Spring to Early Fall
Starting Point: Cantwell
Ending Point: Paxson
The Denali Highway is a rugged, mostly gravel road that offers magnificent views of the Alaska Range, tundra, and wildlife. It provides access to the majestic Denali National Park, home to North America's highest peak. This remote drive is best suited for sturdy vehicles and adventurous spirits – and double check with your rental agency to see if they permit vehicles on this road. If you do drive the road, be sure to also pack a spare tire, as flats are common .
Along the way, you might spot caribou, moose, and grizzly bears. For a quick bite, try the Alpine Creek Lodge in Cantwell, known for its hearty Alaskan fare. For overnight stays, Paxson offers several cozy lodges, providing a perfect base for exploring the surrounding wilderness.
3. McCarthy Road
Route Length: 60 miles
Best Season: Summer
Starting Point: Chitina
Ending Point: McCarthy
The McCarthy Road is a gravel road that winds through the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the largest national park in the U.S. This road leads to the historic town of McCarthy and the Kennecott Mines, a National Historic Landmark. Enjoy spectacular views of mountains, glaciers, and the Kennicott River Valley along the way. Rental agencies in Fairbanks provide specific rental cars to explore this road and the Dalton Highway, as not every rental car is allowed on unpaved roads. Be sure to stop at the Gilpatrick's Hotel Chitina for a snack or a night's rest. This charming hotel offers comfortable accommodations and a restaurant serving local cuisine.
4. Dalton Highway
Route Length: 414 miles
Best Season: Summer
Starting Point: Fairbanks
Ending Point: Prudhoe Bay
The Dalton Highway, also known as the North Slope Haul Road, is an epic adventure through Alaska's vast wilderness. This road takes you near the Arctic Circle and offers sweeping vistas of tundra, mountains, and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, one of the world's largest pipeline systems. Along the way, you'll cross the Yukon River and pass through the Gates of the Arctic National Park. For a meal, stop by the Yukon River Camp, a roadside eatery offering home-cooked meals. For overnight stays, consider the Prudhoe Bay Hotel, which offers comfortable rooms and a chance to dip your toes in the Arctic Ocean.
If you plan on traveling all the way to the ocean and not staying at the hotel, you will need to book a shuttle ticket from Prudhoe Bay or Deadhorse (just down the road). Due to this area being an active oil field, private vehicles are not allowed on the last 8 mile stretch of the road.
5. Glenn Highway
Route Length: 189 miles
Best Season: Summer
Starting Point: Anchorage
Ending Point: Glennallen
The Glenn Highway, another National Scenic Byway, showcases the beauty of the Chugach Mountains and the Matanuska Glacier, the largest accessible glacier in Alaska. The drive also provides access to the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and the Richardson Highway. Along the way, you'll pass through charming small towns and witness the stunning landscape of the Matanuska Valley. For a snack, try the Sheep Mountain Lodge for one of their delicious, homemade pies. For overnight stays, consider the Caribou Hotel in Glennallen, a rustic lodge with comfortable accommodations.
6. Haines Highway
Route Length: 155 miles
Best Season: Summer
Starting Point: Haines, Alaska
Ending Point: Haines Junction, Yukon (Canada)
The Haines Highway, a National Scenic Byway, offers captivating views of coastal mountains, pristine lakes, and lush forests. This highway connects Haines, Alaska, to Haines Junction, Yukon, passing through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, home to the world's largest concentration of bald eagles. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including bears and moose. For a meal, stop by the 33 Mile Roadhouse, a local favorite for burgers and pies. For overnight stays, consider the Kathleen Lake Lodge in Haines Junction, offering cozy cabins and stunning mountain views.
7. Top of the World Highway
Route Length: 127 miles
Best Season: Summer
Starting Point: Tok, Alaska
Ending Point: Dawson City, Yukon (Canada)
The Top of the World Highway lives up to its name. This remote road winds along mountaintops, offering panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. As you drive, you'll feel like you're on top of the world, with endless vistas stretching out in all directions. This highway is a unique adventure, as it includes a ferry ride across the Yukon River. For a quick bite, stop by Fast Eddy's Restaurant in Tok, known for its generous portions and excellent menu. For overnight stays, consider the Downtown Hotel in Dawson City, a historic hotel with modern amenities.
8. Steese Highway
Route Length: 161 miles
Best Season: Summer
Starting Point: Fairbanks
Ending Point: Circle
The Steese Highway traverses through the stunning Alaska interior, offering a glimpse into the state's gold mining history. As you drive north, you'll encounter rolling hills, boreal forests, and the rugged White Mountains. The highway ends in the historic town of Circle, once a bustling supply point for miners during the Yukon Gold Rush. For a meal, stop by the Chatanika Lodge, a historic roadhouse offering hearty Alaskan fare. For overnight stays, consider the Circle Hot Springs Resort, a historic resort with therapeutic hot springs.
Renting Cars in Alaska and Road Safety
Renting a car in Alaska is fairly simple if you're arriving at the Anchorage airport. Most of the rental agencies are connected directly to the terminal, so you don’t need to take a shuttle to reach your vehicle. Rental prices increase dramatically during the summer season, so consider taking a trip in May or September to avoid peak pricing. If you plan on traveling in the summer, Turo offers private car rentals at a discount and RV rentals are a great way to combine housing and transportation to cut costs. Keep in mind that some of the roads mentioned above are gravel and may require a sturdy vehicle that is allowed by the agency or owner to travel on these roads.
When embarking on these drives, remember to check road conditions, have a full tank of gas, and carry essential supplies. Some of these routes can be remote and less traveled. Always carry a map, a spare tire, an emergency kit, and an emergency beacon device, as cell service can be spotty in remote areas.
Alaska's weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for sudden changes. In winter, roads can be icy and daylight hours are limited. In summer, be aware of road construction which can cause delays. Also, remember that wildlife is abundant in Alaska, so drive cautiously and keep a safe distance from animals.
Embarking on Your Alaskan Adventure
Alaska's scenic drives offer an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the state's stunning natural beauty. Whether you're gazing at the majestic peaks of the Alaska Range, marveling at the shimmering glaciers, spotting wildlife in the lush forests, or soaking in the midnight sun, these road trips promise unforgettable experiences.
Each drive presents a unique adventure, allowing you to explore the diverse landscapes of Alaska, from the coastal regions to the interior wilderness, from the southern forests to the northern tundra. Along the way, you'll discover charming small towns, historic sites, and local eateries, adding to the richness of your journey.
Whether you're a seasoned road tripper or a first-time visitor, these scenic drives in Alaska will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination, so take your time, make frequent stops, and soak in the incredible views.
