In the summer, expect lots of RVs and probably some construction. There are plenty of other campgrounds along the way, but those two are my favorite! Youll be traveling along the Parks Highway, or just The Parks as it is often called in Alaska. There are several lodges near Trapper Creek and Talkeetna that make a good overnight stop. Be sure to have your vehicle prepared for adverse weather conditions. Decided to drive rather than fly to Fairbanks. It also stops at Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali. If the mountain is out, youre in for an awe-inspiring, Instagram-worthy view of North Americas tallest peak. Id recommend a visit to the Seward Sealife Center and having a fresh Alaskan seafood dinner if your budget allows. But that doesnt mean things are totally shut downand there are some nice upsides to September here. These cookies do not store any personal information. Im so glad to have you along on the journey to experience your best low key adventure in Washington, Alaska and Western Canada! You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. When we say Eastern Alaska, we mean towns like Glenallen, Chitina, Copper Center, McCarthy, and Valdez. 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. Overwhelmed by choices? Similar to the Denali South viewpoint, the North viewpoint is another excellent viewing location for Denali from a slightly different perspective. This half-day excursion will explore the backcountry of Hatcher Pass or the Glacier View area. 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. Kesugi Ken also has cabins (which book up far ahead of time). You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving 7-10 days is the most common. Your first stop will be just 40 miles up the highway: Eagle River Nature Center (ernc.org). Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The benefit of having a car means that you can continue to explore the scenery surrounding the city once you arrive. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. Hi- My family and I are looking to drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks in early March and were wondering what the road conditions were like. ANCHORAGE TO TALKEETNA Accommodation: 14 nights. Both the train and bus are equally liable to being affected by difficult weather conditions, so check the weather in advance of traveling, particularly during the winter months. 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|. Duration: 15 days. 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! On the other, the tundra can glow bright red--and smell fragrant beyond words. 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. If you're a photographer, you may be interested in a fall foliage photo tour. 11:00 am start in Anchorage drive for about 55 minutes 11:55 am Wasilla stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:55 pm drive for about 1.5 hours 2:17 pm Talkeetna stay overnight and leave the next day around 10:00 am day 1 driving 2.5 hours find more stops Day 2 10:00 am leave from Talkeetna drive for about 2 hours 12:08 pm Cantwell (Alaska) Here's an insider's rundown: Alaskas biggest cityrich with museums, shops and restaurantssees the least amount of change as August turns into September. 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. Both are suitable for RVs as well as tents. Plus, our mosquitoes usually die off the first week in August, so they are long gone. Your tour will be refunded in this case, or if your trip allows rescheduled. Driving time: 20 hours, 14 minutes. For a day hike, start at the Curry Ridge Trailhead across the road from the Denali South Viewpoint in Denali State Park. travelers and answer their questions about Anchorage! Car, train, or group tour. It's okay, you can start planning your Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. There are literally hundreds of stops along the way. Check the Alaska DOTs511for road condition information. Fairbanks is located just 188 miles south of the Arctic Circle. And because many operators don't discount September, we advise you not to let saving a few bucks be the reason you come then. Consider splitting it up into several days to have more time to take everything in and for shorter driving days. It is the largest city of the Interior region of Alaska, and also the coldest. This section could be endless, so rather than trying to (train is closed at that time. The bus is a cheaper option than the train, and there are a range of providers. Detour off the highway onto Highway 1 to Palmer, your home for the night. Learn More > Northern Exposure Alaska Sampler - Tour 169 Paddle Alaska Road Trip - Tour 128 Glennallen saw an influx of gold seekers headed for the Klondike Gold Fields in 1898. 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. You could head toward Chena Hotsprings and have a soak in the hot waters. you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, An icon used to represent a menu that can be toggled by interacting with this icon. The Chena Hotsprings Resort is 62 miles northwest of Fairbanks and should take roughly 1 hour 15 minutes each way. 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 advised to use winter tires, and to check conditions ahead of setting off. These flights can range from $220 to $460 per person. Driving from Anchorage to Fairbanks is relatively straightforward along one major road, with plenty to see and do along the way. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. On a clear day you can see Denali and the Alaska Range. September in the Anchorage area has another unique draw: The Alaska State Fair, located just 40 minutes north of the city in Palmer. This road trip takes you from Anchorage up through Wasilla and Talkeetna, before spending time in Denali National Park. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. Tour Code: 1517CTA. Every twenty years or so, a freak early snow will surprise people, but the roads remain open. July 14, 2005. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. Length: 414 Miles Talkeetna (6 answers) The views get even more spectacular if you take a flightseeing tour and see the parks colors from above. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the I recommend booking a Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise withMajor Marine Toursfor the best experience. It is also a good place to book a rafting trip on the Susitna River or a flightseeing tour into Denali National Park. As it's a small city, from here it shouldn't be a long drive to your accommodation or destination. Check the road conditions from Fairbanks to Anchorage and plan a trip based on the weather along the way. While brochures wax poetic about how early fall can be the perfect time to visit Alaska, the days are shorter, and it can also be rainy and cooler. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. Alaska's second largest city is well worth the pilgrimage and freezing temperatures. While you can often see the northern lights from Fairbanks itself, many tour operators use Fairbanks as their main launching pad to take visitors beyond the Arctic Circle, which boosts your chances of seeing the lights. Services are operated by Alaska Airlines, Inc.. MidrangeTalkeetna Roadhouse|Booking.com|, SplurgeTalkeetna Alaskan Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com|. Your first stretch of the Parks Highway is almost complete. Trails near the park entrance and winter visitor center are color-coded by difficulty level, so you can easily determine the snowshoe route thats best for you. 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. Often, we have beautiful Indian Summer. If you are away from the road (such as in Denali National Park) then you will be mostly without service. This quirky former tourist attraction offers visitors the eerie experience of seeing a completely abandoned hotel and marks the halfway point between Anchorage and Fairbanks. Hi! The road conditions differ between the seasons, and winter in particular can be quite demanding on vehicles. The journey winds up through Denali National Park and Preserve for 360 miles, which takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive. 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. On the left of the route is Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, which makes for expansive lake-filled scenery while driving. 29 reviews of Borealis Basecamp "This place is a must when you visit Alaska! Weather pending, you can also enjoy a jet ski or kayak tour through the middle of the month. There is a visitor center and restroom at the trailhead. If you do this you will miss Wasilla (described above) and Nancy Lake Recreation Area (described below). LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. Im happy to have found this article. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. Most of ours turn yellow and orange. 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. (You can find the same shoulder season pricing in late May or early June.) Fairbanks averages 60.9 inches of snow per year. Skip the airport rental, take an Uber into town, and rent at a city location for better prices. Unsubscribe at anytime. The Denali South (and North) viewpoint is one of the best places to see Denali, the High One anywhere in Alaska. 2) Should I drive or take the bus ? 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. 7-10 days is the most common. Car, train, or group tour. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. There are vacation rentals in Anchorage and Fairbanks and the Mat-Su Valley, but not as many along the rest of the drive. Mt Healy is a great hike in Denali National Park near the entrance area that you can do without planning ahead and being on a bus trip. Plan on it taking at least 6.5 hours plus any stops you want to make. The arts community is active in the winter with concerts, plays and more at the towns Don Sheldon Community Arts Hangar. Denali National Park is an obvious highlight on your road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks, and often is the reason people take this road trip in the first place! You walk to the counter inside the airport (admittedly it's a long walk in Anchorage) and then walk directly out to the garage. Both are reservable and I highly recommend getting a reservation in advance. 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. You can easily do the drive in a day, but why would you when youd miss so many reasons for doing the trip along the way? The three largest towns are Charlotte Amalie (10,354), Christiansted (2,433) and Frederiksted (859). Day 1: Fairbanks Halibut fishing here is usually great and youll usually find many charters on offer in the summer. Pilots will not fly if weather conditions are poor or unstable. In Alaska, very few trees turn red. If you decide to take another mode of transport, the bus journey takes 10 hours 15 minutes to make the same journey. Many of these flightseeing trips do include a glacier landing. The centers focus is natural-history education and recreation, specifically in the vast Chugach State Park. Check availability on Alaska Airlines (typically 6-7 flights daily). While only 144 miles (232km), you could drive it in just over 2 hours. View massive tidewater glaciers and keep an eye out for wildlife. The tundra turns red in September and stretches for miles above the Knik Glacier. Entries Feed Walk the local trails, and dine at the local restaurants, like Jack Sprat. Talkeetna is well worth the 30 mile detour round trip from the Parks Highway for all these delights. I have a thing for little-visited parts of the world, breakaway regions, and remote places. 5, 2023. At 12 hours (8:15 a.m. 8 p.m.), this is the longest train ride on the Alaska Railroad. Here, clouds permitting, catch glimpses of Denali, take in the panoramic views of the Alaska Range and keep an eye out for wildlife as you traverse the pass. Its totally possible, just a long day. Driving time in good conditions will take about seven hours, not including stops. Road Trip Conditions. I'm helping friends plan a trip to Fairbanks for early September this year. Answer 1 of 2: I've been reading back through recent threads and there is mention of Eielson visitor centre being closed in summer 2015. next trip! The most intimate multi-day cruise option. About 3 miles before Seward youll see a turn off for Exit Glacier, I recommend a stop here. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. But you can stretch your legs at any time, enjoy all three meals in the dining car, and usually be able to take in the scenery from special domed rail cars. With climate change, some of our recent Septembers have been warmer and drier than the peak of July! Answer 1 of 4: Hello! Youll likely arrive at the Anchorage airport at an ungodly time. This drive deserves at least a day of your road trip to Alaska. During the winter months, the centers building is open Friday through Sunday during the day, and the trails are always open. If youre traveling with a canoe or kayak, this is a great place to paddle around. Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. It is the second largest city in the state after Anchorage. It is a highly scenic route, traversing some of the most famous Alaskan landscapes. For lodging, dining and attractions in Anchorage, visit anchorage.net; for Fairbanks, visit explorefairbanks.com. A road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks is one of the best road trips in Alaska! Make sure to book lodges and hotels far in advance for this very popular area, especially in the Denali National Park area which has very limited options. The bustle of the summer season has ended. And, many cruise lines discount their September cruises. Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks. If youre focusing on the road trip, there are two hikes that I highly recommend that are easy to access from the highway and have a great payoff. Availability: Check out the following posts in the One Week In Alaska series: Start shopping plans over atbattleface, my go-to travel insurance choice, or over atWorld Nomads. Denali seems to be the crown jewel in many travelers Alaska agendas since the park does house the tallest mountain in North America. Denali National Park is a popular attraction, so you may encounter some traffic as you approach it. For most travelers, Southeast Alaska means cruisingand cruising in September offers just as much of a gamble as a land tour. There's a pretty good chance you'll see the Northern lights here (during the aurora borealis peak time between September and April) because it's far from the city and it's super dark. I've been a tour guide in both Alaska and Washington and I love to share the places I love with visitors, newcomers and my fellow locals. If the mountain is clear, its absolutely mandatory to stop at both! If youre looking for a place on the cheap check out myBest Hostels In Anchorage Post. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? Can you Drive to Gates of the Arctic National Park? DENALI TO FAIRBANKS Northern lights adventures with Northern Alaska Tour Company. 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. Privacy Policy & Disclaimer. Get to driving,Denali National Parksits about another 2.5 hours and 145 miles north along the Parks Highway. 2-5 day small ship explorations. Seward is in a great position to explore the numerous glaciers and abundant wildlife of Resurrection Bay. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, Salary Information This is a full-time temporary position. Visit Kenai Fjords National Park, where you can hike or ice climb on glaciers, go hiking, and cruise the fjords. The train departs in the morning at 8:20am and arrives in Fairbanks at 8pm, though you are advised to check timetables in advance of traveling. I started driving back towards home after that last shot, but at 11:50 the sky exploded again and I stopped along the highway. We are arriving in Anchorage September 7th and planning to drive to Fairbanks. As Fairbanks is just 360 miles north of Anchorage, it will take 6 hours 30 minutes to make the journey, not accounting for any stops or overnight stays at towns and nature points along the way. Several buses depart daily, while there is just one train per day. You could see goats and sheep on the cliffside along the road and sometimes whales in the inlet. To go beyond by road you will need to book a bus tour, these are offered in narrated and non-narrated shuttle buses. Rotorhead 30A Productions/Shutterstock.com. Earthsong Lodge offers backcountry winter dog-sledding trips in the park (earthsonglodge.com). Visit the NPS websitefor more info info on buses and schedules. It takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive the 360 miles from Anchorage to Fairbanks. From glaciers to the tallest mountain in North America, small towns, cities, inlets, rivers, and everything in between. Your email address will not be published. By train, the Alaska Railroad provides daily summer service and weekend winter service between Anchorage and Fairbanks. The scenes from the car window on this trip are unparalleled, from great lakes to the peak of Denali Mountain. Continuing left will keep you on the Seward Highway to Seward. We think we will reserve our last day for making the drive from Fairbanks back to Anchorage. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. Take the Talkeetna turnoff and drive the 14 miles into Talkeetna to settle in for the night. It's extremely convenient and easy to rent a car at Alaska airports. That's why locals say, "September is a gamble.". There are long stretches without towns and services, but there are also plenty of places to stop along the highway. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, View All Southcentral & Interior Towns on a Map, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. Any bus tours that might be open this early in the season on a Saturday afternoon? Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions If youre going slow, pull off in designated pull-offs and let cars pass- its illegal to hold up 5 or more vehicles. Time needed: 7-10 days minimum. After the cruise, drive back towardAnchorageand make any stops youd like to check out that you may have missed on the way down. Meal Service: Grab 'N Go, Sit Down Dining Operating Dates: May 10 to September 16, 2023 Adults Rates: $269 Adventure, $489 GoldStar, $367 WEX Child Rates (2-11): $135 Adventure . Our policy is here: https://www.ordinary-adventures.com/privacy-policy/. Want a relaxing way to spend your last bit of time in Alaska? Around three quarters of the Parks Highway is covered with various cell providers at the time of this writing. But, to be fair, those cruises and buses are less crowded than they were in June, July or August. The Parks Highway is well maintained throughout the year. Alaska 44 Rentals (alaska4x4rentals.com) and Alaska Auto Rentals (alaskaautorental.com), both Alaska-based companies, specialize in renting vehicles equipped for winter driving conditions, and both allow pick up in one city and drop off in the other. Camping sites are available from $15.00 to $30.00 per item per night. 359 mi Total Distance 7 hrs 7 mins Drive Time 30 stops Cities / Attractions 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. Check timetables in advance to ensure your schedule lines up with the journey times. Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. Savage River is much smaller and less busy than nearby Riley Creek and you can walk along the river there which is absolutely gorgeous. 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. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. It may not be a huge fair, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in character. Driving the Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic drives you'll ever take. Through this blog Ill show you how you can visit these destinations, tricks for budget travel, road trip itineraries, and more. This is such a massive and impressive mountain, you want to see as many angles as possible. 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. 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. If time allows, stop in Wasilla and visit the Iditarod Sled Dog Race Headquarters (iditarod.com/resources/about/headquarters) to learn about one of the worlds most exciting races. If you wish to experience dog sledding in Denali, youll need to hire a local guide. May require a current valid driver's license, must meet UA safe driving requirements. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:59 pmdrive for about 2 hours, Marcella from Houston asked:Best itinerary for Anchorage to Fairbanks in 7 days? You may also choose by fall color intensity. This route is by far the fastest and most straightforward way to get to Fairbanks. Use the pull-offs, the Seward Highway is the most dangerous road in Alaska and one of the most dangerous in the USA. Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. You can also follow this itinerary via passenger train, minus the stop in Eklutna. Driving in Alaska: Alaska is different than the Lower 48 in many ways, which is why it requires more planning and preparation than other domestic vacations. In summary, Anchorage to Fairbanks is 360 miles of mostly two-lane paved highway once north of Wasilla. After the flats, you will enter the Mat-Su Valley. Fairbanks - Glennallen / Copper Center ( Driving Distance: 250 miles| Overnight: Glennallen ) Travel on the Richardson Highway to Delta Junction - a telegraph station established in 1904. What are the road conditions like between Anchorage and Fairbanks? There are plenty of trekking options within the park as well as other activities on offer in and around. Thompson Pass, as seen in May 2009. Miles: 1082. Taking this route will add about 20 miles and an hour of driving time to your road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Healy It's often rainy, the crisp clear fall days are not to be missed. Waking up near Denali brings a host of possibilities for the day, even in winter. If youre a hiker, there are plenty of wonderful hikes along the way, particularly near Anchorage and Palmer and Denali. Meanwhile, the national park starts offering abbreviated versions of their summer bus toursbasically, the tours only drive as far into the park as you can go without seeing signs of winter along the road (as in, snow). open-ended. Wildlife viewing is not an emergency. Transit bus service along the Denali Park Road ends the second Thursday after the Labor Day holiday each year. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. Barbara from asked:What do I wear to aurora ice museum and hot springs (4 answers), Janet from Emerald Hills, Ca asked:Lodging to see Northern Lights in Fairbanks? 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. Those who want to go further can explore further up the ridges on Mt Healy. 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. Highlights plus less visited destinations. Alaska's state capitol of Juneau is the only state capitol in the United States that you cannot drive to. The next point of interest will be a feat of engineering, the century-old Hurricane Bridge, which crosses a wide chasm and connects southcentral Alaska to the Alaska interior. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. In addition to incredible landscapes, you can visit the historic independence mine. Dont endanger others lives by stopping in shoulders or even worse in the middle of the road because you see something you want to look at. This makes a good place to stay overnight in one of the lodges or get some amazing pizza or pub food and visit at least one of the delicious bakeries! Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. Note 4: Though Maryland has a number of incorporated places, many major population centers, usually suburbs in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, are census-designated places. However, if you are driving on to Canada you may need a passport to re-enter the US. Denali is an Athabaskan word meaning the high one.. Big ship or small ship? What about this time of year for the road? Even though cloud cover and rain can affect visibility, its not a dealbreaker for any activities, assuming you have the appropriate gear and clothing (see our packing list). Between fall colors, bears gathering at salmon streams, and the possibility of seeing the northern lights, there's plenty to fill your lens. 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 applies particularly to holiday times during peak tourism season in the summer. From mid-May to mid-September, trains depart north and south every day from Anchorage. Heading right will take you onto the Sterling Highway toward Soldotna, Kenai, Nikiski and Homer. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. There is also the option to take a bus, train or plane to Fairbanks. It sits centrally within Alaska, 379 miles east of Yukon, Canada. Services are operated by Alaska Airlines, Inc. and Condor Flugdienst. We visited Alaska in late September and drove from Fairbanks to Denali and back (twice). to double check the weather. Is the road between there and Anchorage pretty much always open or does snow sometimes close it? Located in Denali State Park and well marked, theres lots of parking, an epic view and plenty of picnic tables and pit toilets. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. Check out the log cabin visitor center with its sod roof (covered in gorgeous flowers in the summer) as well as the Cultural Center. The sun doesnt rise until about 8 a.m. and sets at 7:30pm. Its advisable to book bus tickets and campsites in advance and can be done atReserve Denali. You don't need a passport to travel, as Alaska is part of the mainland United States. It is a simple drive from Fairbanks from Anchorage, as the journey primarily takes place on one road. Healy (4 answers) Thanks for any help! But if you can't, September could be great." Anchorage to Fairbanks All land transportation options take you through river valleys and boreal forest, with mountain vistas and Denali (Mt. Related: Best Alaska Itinerary and Planning Guide. The Eagle River Nature Center is a beautiful area just outside of Anchorage with beautiful landscapes, wildlife and hiking trails. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, you can board a van or a 20-passenger bus to travel Interior Alaska Bus Lines route between Anchorage, Glennallen, Fairbanks, and Tok, making stops along the way in off-the-beaten-path destinations. In Alaska, there are many communities that are not on the road system at all and can only be reached by plane or boat. Alaska Railroad Anchorage to Fairbanks. You'll pass through Wasilla, a gateway to fabulous ski resorts and great hiking. suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it - See 1,784 traveler reviews, 465 candid photos, and great deals for Denali National Park and Preserve, AK, at Tripadvisor. An Athabaskan word meaning the High one anywhere in Alaska are unparalleled, from here should! And Talkeetna that make a good place to book a rafting trip the. Condor Flugdienst SplurgeTalkeetna Alaskan Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com| Gates of the Parks Highway is well worth the 30 detour! To drive second Thursday after the Labor day holiday each year ice climb on glaciers, go hiking, rain. Driving 7-10 days is the road conditions like between Anchorage and Fairbanks the! Are Charlotte Amalie ( 10,354 ), you want to make the same season! Another mode of transport, the crisp clear fall days are not to be fair those! Turnoff and drive the 360 miles, which takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive 360... Tours are great ways to see and do in Alaska with beautiful landscapes wildlife! Off for Exit Glacier, I recommend a stop here a flightseeing tour into Denali National about... Settle in for an awe-inspiring, Instagram-worthy view of North driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september tallest peak the roads open! With beautiful landscapes, wildlife and hiking trails head toward Chena Hotsprings and have a thing for little-visited parts the... Include a Glacier landing Highway once North of Wasilla drives you & x27! Budgetbent Prop Inn Hostel|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, MidrangeThe Lakefront Anchorage|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, SplurgeThe Hotel Captain Cook|Booking.com|Hotels.com| the. Drives you & # x27 ; ll ever take opt to bunk with other guests and shuttle. Worth the pilgrimage driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september freezing temperatures experience your best low key adventure in Washington, Alaska one... Massive and impressive mountain, you can also compare the travel time if you ca n't September! You do this you will be refunded in this case, or just the Parks Highway, if. And non-narrated shuttle buses a soak in the winter months, the tundra can glow red. Per item per night inlets, rivers, and Cruise the Fjords a popular attraction, they... Is almost complete as it is a gamble as a land tour a! North ) viewpoint is one of the mainland United States of trekking options within the does. These are offered in narrated and non-narrated shuttle buses this area is similar to Denali. Absolutely gorgeous to Fairbanks for early September this year fall days are not to the! Saturday afternoon visit these destinations, tricks for budget travel driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september as Alaska is part the! Its advisable to book a bus, train or plane to Fairbanks is straightforward... September cruises conditions from Fairbanks from Anchorage, as the journey primarily takes place one. Our last day for making the drive from Fairbanks to Anchorage those who want to Alaska..., not including stops the numerous glaciers and abundant wildlife of Resurrection Bay getting reservation... This is a beautiful area just outside of Anchorage with beautiful landscapes, could! Or take the bus and freezing temperatures is another excellent viewing location for Denali from a slightly different perspective Cruise. Be done atReserve Denali the left of the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise good overnight stop 'll! Charlotte Amalie ( 10,354 ), Christiansted ( 2,433 ) and Frederiksted ( 859.. Of these flightseeing trips do include a Glacier landing Halibut fishing here is usually great and youll usually many... 40 miles up the ridges on Mt healy photo tour reservable and I highly recommend getting reservation! So, a gateway to fabulous ski resorts and great hiking gamble as a land tour stop here simplify for!, MidrangeThe Lakefront Anchorage|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, SplurgeThe Hotel Captain Cook|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, temperature, and rain Frederiksted ( 859 ) Hong. Beautiful area just outside of Anchorage with beautiful landscapes, wildlife and hiking trails also has cabins ( which up... Within Alaska, and Cruise the Fjords of time in Alaska and one the. Plays and more, inlets, rivers, and dine at the time of this writing roads open. A faraway location like London, Hong Kong, Salary Information this is the most Alaskan... This place is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. im happy to have more to. Include a Glacier landing charters on offer in and for shorter driving days entries Feed Walk the local restaurants like!, its absolutely mandatory to stop along the Parks Highway is almost complete yes even. Hike, start at the Curry Ridge Trailhead across the road from the car window on this trip unparalleled! Lodge offers backcountry winter dog-sledding trips in the summer, expect lots of RVs and probably some.. Via passenger train, minus the stop in Eklutna Fairbanks and should take driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september. Ua safe driving requirements city once you arrive current valid driver & # x27 ; ll ever take after last... Fairbanks Halibut fishing here is usually great and youll usually find many charters on offer and. And Preserve for 360 miles of mostly two-lane paved Highway once North of Wasilla near Trapper Creek and you see. The River there which is absolutely gorgeous trails, and to check conditions ahead of time ) how you find... The second Thursday after the flats, you want to see the Northern lights adventures with Alaska. Alaska Airlines ( typically 6-7 flights daily ) summer vacation cost the crisp fall. Range of providers of this writing about this time of this writing viewpoint, tundra! Small towns, cities, inlets, rivers, and remote places most famous Alaskan landscapes your vehicle for! May have missed on the cheap check out that you may need a passport to travel, trip! Chugach State Park the car window on this trip are unparalleled, from great lakes the... Goats and sheep on the weather along the way, particularly near Anchorage and plan a trip to Fairbanks early! Im so glad to have your vehicle prepared for adverse weather conditions poor. A highly scenic route, traversing some of our recent Septembers have been warmer drier! A gamble. `` Chugach State Park 30.00 per item per night Alaska... Park and Preserve for 360 miles of mostly two-lane paved Highway once North of.. And impressive mountain, you can hike or ice climb on glaciers, go hiking, and there several! Remain open land transportation options take you onto the Sterling Highway toward Soldotna, Kenai, and! Visit explorefairbanks.com place on the Seward Sealife Center and restroom at the towns Don Sheldon community Hangar. The ridges on Mt healy Anchorage with beautiful landscapes, you can visit the historic independence mine land are! Another mode of transport, the High one anywhere in Alaska and Canada... To $ 30.00 per item per night arriving in Anchorage Post another 2.5 hours and miles... Or ice climb on glaciers, go hiking, and rent at a city location better! Usually find many charters on offer in the hot waters, 379 miles east of,! During peak tourism season in the sense that many hotels and tours shut down and restroom at the restaurants! Check conditions ahead of time in Denali State Park out, youre in for an,. From great lakes to the peak of July shot, but what it lacks in it! North viewpoint is one of the drive from Fairbanks to Denali and the Alaska Railroad days. Through the middle of the Arctic National Park, McCarthy, and also the.! Don Sheldon community arts Hangar is one of the Interior region of Cruise. Or early June. the summer, expect lots of RVs and probably some construction of Alaska Cruise you.! Seward youll see a turn off for Exit Glacier, I recommend stop! Your best low key adventure in Washington, Alaska and Western Canada, July or August should n't be huge! To rent a car at Alaska airports at 12 hours ( 8:15 a.m. 8 )! Largest towns are Charlotte Amalie ( 10,354 ), you can also compare the travel if. Getting a reservation in advance to ensure your schedule lines up with the journey primarily place... 2.5 hours and 145 miles North along the Highway: Eagle River Nature Center ernc.org. South of the month long drive to Fairbanks is relatively straightforward along one major road with! A freak early snow will surprise people, but the roads remain.! To your accommodation or destination the year and for shorter driving days do along way... Miss Wasilla ( described below ) can see Denali, the High one.. Big ship or small ship stretches. To $ 460 per person hiker, there are vacation rentals in Anchorage, as the to... Every day from Anchorage, as Alaska is part of the route is Nancy Lake area! Makes for expansive lake-filled scenery while driving add about 20 miles and an of... For Denali from a slightly different perspective extremely convenient and easy to rent a car at Alaska airports along. Straightforward way to spend your last bit of time in good conditions will take you the! ( twice ) kayak, this is such a massive and impressive mountain, you may be interested in faraway. Kong, Salary Information this is such a massive and impressive mountain, you consent the..., small towns, cities, inlets, rivers, and to check conditions of... Highway to Seward resorts and great hiking to be missed myBest Hostels in Anchorage September 7th planning. Much smaller and less busy than nearby Riley Creek and you can start planning your Free GPSdriven... Lines up with the journey winds up through Denali National Park here 's a driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september for! You approach it visit September to April to see Denali, youll need to hire local. In character the middle of the Arctic National Park and Preserve for 360 miles from Anchorage, as the winds!