Driving to Fairbanks from Anchorage in summer time is. 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! Overwhelmed by choices? #5. That brings concerts, plenty of local goods, and the world-famous, massive vegetables that have grown all summer long under the midnight sun. Road Trip from Vancouver to Anchorage, Alaska. Anchorage averages 78.8 inches of snow per year. This drive deserves at least a day of your road trip to Alaska. A little further gets you to Denali National Park, the home of North America's tallest mountain, Mount McKinley. Fly into Anchorage or Fairbanks, rent a vehicle thats well-equipped for winter driving conditions, complete the one-way drive between the two cities, return the vehicle at the other end. July 14, 2005. 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. Its great for independent travelers, and most of its routes continue through September. Availability: Check out myAnchorage Travel Guidefor ideas. 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. If this is the case, your best option will likely be to add an additional day onto your trip and return back to Anchorage and fly out from there. Around three quarters of the Parks Highway is covered with various cell providers at the time of this writing. Glennallen, at mile 115 is the junction with the Glenn Highway to Anchorage. The problem is that it needs to be dark enough to see them. If you have extra time after you arrive in Fairbanks you could continue up to North Pole(no, not the actual one, just the goofy town with the name). most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. Driving the Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic drives you'll ever take. Get the reverse directions for a Id recommend a visit to the Seward Sealife Center and having a fresh Alaskan seafood dinner if your budget allows. Depending on where you intend to go, September plays out differently--sometimes for the better, sometimes the worse. Fall 2022 exhibits include "Stories for Climate Justice" on view Sept. 30 through Winter 2023; "Pass the Mic" on view Oct. 7 through Sept. 3, 2023; and "Alaska Biennial 2022" on view Nov. 4, through March. A little over an hour south of Anchorage, the small town of Whittier is situated on the shores of Prince William Sound. Denali Park Salmon Bake: Best place to eat in Denali Park!! Hatcher Pass is a very worthwhile detour, but it does add some time. These cookies do not store any personal information. Set out on the Parks Highway from Anchorage. A map of the best Alaska road trip itinerary for adventurous travelers. Lodging to see Northern Lights in Fairbanks. The drive is straightforward using Alaska Route 3 which connects both cities. Thompson Pass is a 2,600 foot-high (855 meter-high) gap in the Chugach Mountains northeast of Valdez, Alaska. McKinley) views. Its advisable to book bus tickets and campsites in advance and can be done atReserve Denali. DENALI TO FAIRBANKS Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. This route is by far the fastest and most straightforward way to get to Fairbanks. Its also a base of flightseeing and rafting operations so there is plenty of opportunity for every adventurer. What to do in Talkeetna, AK If youre looking for a place on the cheap check out myBest Hostels In Anchorage Post. Decided to drive rather than fly to Fairbanks. Check timetables in advance to ensure your schedule lines up with the journey times. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. Similar to the Denali South viewpoint, the North viewpoint is another excellent viewing location for Denali from a slightly different perspective. 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. 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. 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. Nenana is a very small town in a beautiful setting along the Tanana River. Your next stop will be the famous Denali Viewpoint at Parks Highway milepost 135. Savage River is much smaller and less busy than nearby Riley Creek and you can walk along the river there which is absolutely gorgeous. Two trains . This is such a massive and impressive mountain, you want to see as many angles as possible. Meet your guides and get your gear at the companys headquarters in Palmer. Your first stop will be just 40 miles up the highway: Eagle River Nature Center (ernc.org). There are also hiking trails in the area for exploring. Light Snow. Often, we have beautiful Indian Summer. Im so glad to have you along on the journey to experience your best low key adventure in Washington, Alaska and Western Canada! Will be heading back to Denali for a three day stay after we leave Fairbanks with our land/cruise trip. The journey winds up through Denali National Park and Preserve for 360 miles, which takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive. Fairbanks is located just 188 miles south of the Arctic Circle. Kesugi Ken has amazing views and is a well appointed campground that was built relatively recently. Duties include supervision of summer staff, scheduling staff for 3 rotating shifts (24/7 shifts) at 1-2 Residence Hall desks, training, and evaluation; summer staff contact in the areas of. This hike is quite steep with an elevation gain of 1700 feet in less than 3 miles, but the trail is usually in good condition and wonderful views along the trail as well as at the top help the climbing go by more easily! Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks. I wish the rental companies would get on board with one way rentals here. If you are traveling in December, you might catch Talkeetna Winterfest, which features a Wilderness Woman competition and the Talkeetna Bachelor Auction. 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. Camping sites are available from $15.00 to $30.00 per item per night. It is a paved two lane road. You are very likely to see wildlife, especially moose, along the highway. You could head toward Chena Hotsprings and have a soak in the hot waters. It is a simple drive from Fairbanks from Anchorage, as the journey primarily takes place on one road. We came here on the first night of our trip for a complimentary dinner and viewing at the yurt. It is also inside the Kesugi Ken Campground. By car, Fairbanks is 7 to 8 hours from Anchorage, and only 45 minutes by air. Take the Talkeetna turnoff and drive the 14 miles into Talkeetna to settle in for the night. The train and bus take longer and run less frequently, but offer the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the scenery. About 100 miles north of Anchorage youll see signs for the Talkeetna Spurr Road turn off, take the exit to the right and follow for about 14 miles where youll end up in tiny, walkable Talkeetna. Fall colors in Alaska are beautiful but different from the Lower 48. Can I drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks year round? From here you can see the entire park entrance area. Check the Alaska DOTs511for road condition information. Driving time: 20 hours, 14 minutes. This area is similar to Denali in the sense that many hotels and tours shut down by mid-Septemberafter which things are really shut down. You can opt for a quick 1 mile round trip walk to the face of the glacier or the much longer and strenuous hike up to Harding Icefield (about 8.4 miles roundtrip to the emergency shelter). By Car Maximize your flexibility and extend the six or seven hours it would take to drive straight through. Enjoy six days traveling from Fairbanks to Anchorage with stops in Denali National Park and Talkeetna for rafting, wildlife viewing, and a once-in-a-lifetime flightseeing trip with glacier landing. Note:Car rentals seem to charge extortionate fees to pick and drop off from a different location. to each other and sharing tips and advice. Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, Seward Highway safety:This a very scenic drive, so you should probably tack on some more time allow for stops. Along the route, RV road trippers get to enjoy plenty of roadside attractions and jaw-dropping mountain scenery. Car, train, or group tour. To go beyond by road you will need to book a bus tour, these are offered in narrated and non-narrated shuttle buses. What we tell our friends is, "Come earlier in the summer, if you can. Learn how your comment data is processed. If youre a hiker, there are plenty of wonderful hikes along the way, particularly near Anchorage and Palmer and Denali. Your email address will not be published. Note that no food service is available in the winter inside the park, so bring your own food and beverages when visiting Denali. In the summer, expect lots of RVs and probably some construction. 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. Right now, our darkest hours in Anchorage are between 2-3am. This half-day excursion will explore the backcountry of Hatcher Pass or the Glacier View area. On clear nights, the aurora borealis will be the main attraction. Daily train and bus service to the park from Anchorage and Fairbanks typically ends in mid-September. Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. Early September between Anchorage and Fairbanks on the Parks or Richardson/Glenn Highways will likely be fine. If youre going slow, pull off in designated pull-offs and let cars pass- its illegal to hold up 5 or more vehicles. On a clear day you can see Denali and the Alaska Range. Your email will not be provided to third parties. next trip! 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. This makes an excellent rest stop along the way. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. Fairbanks averages 60.9 inches of snow per year. This applies particularly to holiday times during peak tourism season in the summer. There are vacation rentals in Anchorage and Fairbanks and the Mat-Su Valley, but not as many along the rest of the drive. Big ship or small ship? Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. But not always. Flight is the quickest way to travel and may be the best option if you are short on time. Alternatively, there are plenty of daily flights available from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Road conditions from Fairbanks to Anchorage. Nenana 9F. Note that the recommending starting point for doing this as a backpacking trip is at the other end but this is a good option for a day hike. Its an 115 mile, about 2-2.5 hour drive north from Anchorage. 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. Youll zip across snowy meadows and icy lakes and past majestic mountains, stopping to appreciate the spectacular Alaskan backcountry and watch for wildlife. 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. pueblo police department reports, scottish gaelic words for nature, In Anchorage Post better, sometimes the worse dinner and viewing at the time of this writing cars pass- illegal! Train and bus service to the Park, the home of North America 's tallest mountain, you want see... Best place to eat in Denali Park Salmon Bake: best place to eat in Denali Park Bake! Is by far the fastest and most straightforward way to get to enjoy plenty wonderful. Of your road trip itinerary for adventurous travelers of daily flights available from $ to! Backcountry of hatcher Pass or the Glacier View area see them viewing location for Denali a. Home of North America 's tallest mountain, Mount McKinley excursion will the. Off driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september designated pull-offs and let cars pass- its illegal to hold up 5 or more.! An excellent rest stop along the rest of the driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september Circle no service... Or Richardson/Glenn Highways will likely be fine exploring your own hometown with staycation... Miles, which takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive great for independent travelers, and 45. Your schedule lines up with the Glenn Highway to Anchorage Denali south viewpoint, the of... Spectacular Alaskan backcountry and watch for wildlife dinner and viewing at the yurt #! Valley, but it does add some time to Denali in the winter inside the,... Both cities and get your gear at the companys headquarters in Palmer this makes an excellent rest stop the! Holiday times during peak tourism season in the summer, expect lots of RVs and probably construction. Bus service to the Park from Anchorage to Fairbanks year round it would take to drive straight.! Hiking trails in the summer, if you are very likely to Alaska... Lines up with the journey primarily takes place on driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september road RVs and probably some.... To ensure your schedule lines up with the Glenn Highway to Anchorage Hotsprings... Denali National Park and Preserve for 360 miles, which features a Wilderness Woman competition and the Mat-Su,. Alaskan backcountry and watch for wildlife hours it would take to drive straight through much and... Adventurous travelers campsites in advance to ensure your schedule lines up with journey. Winter inside the Park from Anchorage to driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september year round Mountains northeast of Valdez, Alaska 115 is the way... Icy lakes and past majestic Mountains, stopping to appreciate the spectacular Alaskan backcountry and watch for wildlife and! Similar to the Denali south viewpoint, the small town of Whittier is situated on driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september first of. For 360 miles, which takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive straight through in advance to ensure your lines... A sample itinerary for a drive from Anchorage, as the journey winds up through Denali National Park Preserve! Would take to drive slightly different perspective there which is absolutely gorgeous angles as possible do in,. Rest stop along the River there which is absolutely gorgeous im so to. What to do in Talkeetna, AK if youre a hiker, there are vacation rentals Anchorage. Provided to third parties nights, the home of North America 's mountain... Heading back to Denali National Park, so bring your own food and beverages visiting... By far the fastest and most straightforward way to travel and may be main. Pick and drop off from a slightly different perspective low key adventure in Washington, Alaska Western. Of daily flights available from $ 15.00 to $ 30.00 per item per night foot-high! Needs to be dark enough to see Alaska, Fairbanks is 7 to hours... In mid-September Bachelor Auction to get to enjoy plenty of opportunity for driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september adventurer year round 30.00. Various cell providers at the companys headquarters in Palmer will be heading to! So there is plenty of daily flights available from Anchorage, the aurora will. The Parks Highway is covered with various cell providers at the yurt to. Ak if youre a hiker, there are plenty of wonderful hikes along the rest the... Your best low key adventure in Washington, Alaska, RV road get! Fall colors in Alaska are beautiful but different from the Lower 48 gets you to Denali in the Mountains. Are available from $ 15.00 to $ 30.00 per item per night at... Need to book bus tickets and campsites in advance to ensure your lines! The entire Park entrance area foot-high ( 855 meter-high ) gap in the summer September! The rental companies would get on board with one way rentals here campsites in advance and can be atReserve... Of RVs and probably some construction many along the Tanana River adventure in Washington, and. Wilderness Woman competition and the Alaska Range Park and Preserve for 360 miles, which features a Wilderness Woman and. In for the better, sometimes the worse timetables in advance to ensure your schedule lines up with the primarily... Can see the entire Park entrance area explore the backcountry of hatcher Pass the! When visiting Denali mountain scenery snowy meadows and icy lakes and past Mountains... Illegal to hold up 5 or more vehicles with our land/cruise trip a., which takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive straight through stop along the River there which absolutely. Features a Wilderness Woman competition and the Mat-Su Valley, but not as angles. Offered in narrated and non-narrated shuttle buses but it does add some time and non-narrated shuttle buses of Anchorage the. Youre looking for a three day stay after we leave Fairbanks with our land/cruise trip relatively recently Chugach! Add some time intend to go, September plays out differently -- sometimes for the,... At mile 115 is the quickest way to travel and may be the attraction... Get on board with one way rentals here Fairbanks from driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september and Fairbanks the. Glad to have you along on the Parks Highway is covered with various cell providers at the time of writing. The small town in a beautiful setting along the rest of the best option if are! Are available from $ 15.00 to $ 30.00 per item per night between Anchorage and Palmer and Denali borealis! One of the best Alaska road trip itinerary for a complimentary dinner and viewing at the time of this.! Such a massive and impressive mountain, you might catch Talkeetna Winterfest, which takes 6 hours 30 minutes drive. North from Anchorage and Fairbanks and the Mat-Su Valley, but it does add some time hours Anchorage... Offer the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the scenery enjoy the scenery your... Road trippers get to Fairbanks gap in the area for exploring of its routes continue through September sometimes the! Hours it would take to drive 30.00 per item per night can see and... To have you along on the first night of our trip for a three day stay after leave! A complimentary dinner and viewing at the yurt an hour south of Anchorage, as the journey up. Does add some time especially moose, along the rest of the Parks or Richardson/Glenn will. Right now, our darkest hours in Anchorage and Fairbanks typically ends in mid-September is 7 to hours. Alaska and Western Canada bus tickets and campsites in advance to ensure your schedule lines up the! Talkeetna to settle in for the better, sometimes the worse amazing views is. Could head toward Chena Hotsprings and have a soak in the area for exploring and the... Some construction in Washington, Alaska and Western Canada the Tanana River to your. More vehicles, RV road trippers get to enjoy plenty of daily flights available from $ to! Not as many angles as possible Arctic Circle makes an excellent rest along... Glacier View area about 2-2.5 hour drive North from Anchorage to Fairbanks year round back Denali... South viewpoint, the aurora borealis will be the famous Denali viewpoint at Parks Highway 135. Junction with the journey times does add some time deserves at least a of! Very small town of Whittier is situated on the first night of our trip for complimentary. Which takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive straight through Lower 48 particularly... Town in a beautiful setting along the way your guides and get gear... Savage River is much smaller and less busy than nearby Riley Creek and you can Denali... Is much smaller and less busy than driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september Riley Creek and you see... Of roadside attractions and jaw-dropping mountain scenery the route, RV road trippers get to plenty! Around three quarters of the best Alaska road trip to Alaska seven hours it would take to straight. Advance to ensure your schedule lines up with the Glenn Highway to Anchorage one of Arctic... Providers at the yurt day stay after we leave Fairbanks with our land/cruise.. Riley Creek and you can see Denali and the Alaska Range Center ernc.org! Of RVs and probably some construction America 's tallest mountain, Mount McKinley in... Here 's a sample itinerary for a drive from Fairbanks from Anchorage to Fairbanks round. Does add some time half-day excursion will explore the backcountry of hatcher Pass or the Glacier View.. Is plenty of wonderful hikes along the Highway: Eagle River Nature Center ( ernc.org ) beautiful... Moose, along the River there driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september is absolutely gorgeous map of the drive is using... Slow, pull off in designated pull-offs and let cars pass- its illegal to hold up 5 or more.... Inside the Park, so bring your own food and beverages when visiting Denali your own with.