road trip to alaska from florida

Road Drive Florida To Alaska: Planning And Preparation

On a recent road trip from Florida to Alaska, my husband and I learned a lot about planning and preparing for a long-distance drive. In this blog post, we’ll share what we learned, from the initial planning stages to making the actual journey.

Whether you’re planning your cross-country road trip or just curious about what it entails, we hope our tips will be helpful!

Table of Contents

Why driving to Alaska is the best road trip?

Driving to Alaska is the best road trip for several reasons.

• First, it is an opportunity to see some of the most beautiful scenery in North America. The journey takes you through mountain passes, lush forests, and expansive plains, all with the possibility of seeing wildlife along the way. 
• Second, it is a chance to experience a different culture. Alaska is known for its unique Native American heritage , and visitors can learn about this history while also enjoying the state’s modern amenities. 
• Finally, driving to Alaska is an adventure that you will always remember. The long days of driving and the feeling of being so far from home make for an unforgettable experience. 

So if you are looking for an amazing road trip, make sure to add Alaska to your list.

The best time to drive from Florida To Alaska

If you want to avoid winter weather, then mid-May to early September is the best time to go. However, this is also the busy season, so you may have to contend with increased traffic levels.

If you don’t mind braving the cold, then late September to mid-April can be a great time to hit the road. Some routes may even be closed due to snowfall during this time of year, but you’ll often have the roads to yourself.

Ultimately, there is no wrong time to drive from Florida to Alaska – it all comes down to personal preference.

What to see along the drive from Florida To Alaska?

There are so many amazing places to see it can be hard to know where to start. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Check out my list of the top five places to see on your road trip from Florida to Alaska. You won’t regret it!

1. The Everglades

The Everglades is a large subtropical wetland in southern Florida that is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life. Visitors can take an airboat tour through the wetlands to see alligators, turtles, and a variety of bird species.

2. Big Cypress National Preserve

Big Cypress National Preserve is located just north of the Everglades and is known for its cypress trees, which can grow up to 100 feet tall. The preserve is also home to a variety of wildlife, including panthers, alligators, and deer.

3. Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park is located just south of Miami and is made up of four distinct ecosystems: mangrove forests, coral reefs, seagrass beds, and hardwood hammocks.

The park is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including manatees, dolphins, and over 500 species of fish.

4. Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is located about 70 miles west of Key West and is made up of seven small islands. The park is known for its clear blue waters, which make it a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Visitors can also take a ferry ride out to see the historic Fort Jefferson.

5. Apalachicola National Forest

Apalachicola National Forest is located in the Panhandle region of Florida and is the largest national forest in the state. The forest is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including black bears, alligators, and bald eagles.

Numerous hiking trails throughout the forest offer views of the Gulf of Mexico.

6. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is located in southern Georgia and is made up of over 400,000 acres of swamp land. The refuge is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including alligators, snakes, turtles, and over 200 species of birds.

Visitors can take boat tours through the swamp to see alligators up close or hike along one of the many trails throughout the refuge.

7. Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park is located in central South Carolina and is made up of over 26,000 acres of forested wetlands. The park is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including deer, bobcats, otters, and over 50 species of birds.

Numerous hiking trails throughout the park offer views of the Congaree River.

How to prepare your car To drive From Florida To Alaska

There are a few simple steps you can take to prepare your car for the long journey ahead. 

• First, make sure that your tires are in good condition and inflated to the proper pressure. You can take the car air pump with you.
• Second, check your fluid levels and top off any that are low. Third, get your car serviced to ensure that everything is in working order. 
• Finally, pack an emergency kit  with flares, a  first-aid kit ,  and a  map of the United States . 

By taking these simple precautions, you can rest assured that your car will be able to handle the rigors of the trip and get you safely to your final destination .

Packing for the trip drive Florida To Alaska

Are you getting ready for a long road trip? If so, make sure you pack the right items to make your journey more enjoyable. Here are some tips on what to bring with you when driving from Florida to Alaska.

When packing for a road trip, it is important to choose clothes that are comfortable and easy to care for. Road trips can be long and dusty, so it is best to avoid delicate fabrics that will require frequent washing.

Instead, opt for  casual cloth  for men and women made from natural fibers such as cotton or linen. If you plan on doing any hiking or  camping , be sure to pack appropriate clothing and footwear.

2.  Toiletries

Be sure to pack all of the  toiletries  you will need for the trip, including soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and sunscreen. It is also a good idea to bring along any medications you take regularly.

If you are traveling with young children, don’t forget to   pack diapers,  wipes , and other  travel essential kit  items.

3. Food and drink

One of the best parts of a road trip is the food! Be sure to pack plenty of  snacks  and drinks for the journey. If you are traveling with young children, it is also a good idea to bring along some easy-to-prepare meals such as pasta or sandwiches.

If you are planning on doing any  camping , be sure to pack enough food and water for everyone.

4. Maps and directions

Before setting out on your road trip, be sure to  map  out your route and make copies of any important maps or directions. It is also a good idea to have a GPS or phone app that can provide turn-by-turn directions in case you get lost along the way.

If you are traveling through unfamiliar territory, it is also a good idea to bring along a road atlas.

5. Emergency supplies

It is always a good idea to be prepared for emergencies when embarking on a road trip. Be sure to pack a  first-aid kit ,  flares , jumper cables , and a   spare tire .

You should also have a plan for what to do if your car breaks down or you get stranded in an unfamiliar place.

6. Entertainment

A road trip can be long and boring if you don’t have anything to keep you entertained. Be sure to pack books, magazines, game gadgets like  Nando switches , music hand-free or iPod , and movies for the journey.

If you are traveling with young children, don’t forget to bring along some  travel toys   and activities to keep them occupied.

Where to stay along the way drive Florida To Alaska

Are you planning to road trip from Florida to Alaska? The good news is that there are plenty of places to stay and explore along the way. Here are some tips on where to stay while making this epic journey.

1. Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale is a beautiful city located in southeastern Florida. The city is known for its beaches, nightlife, and boating culture.

There are a variety of hotels and resorts to choose from in Fort Lauderdale, so you can find one that fits your budget and needs.

2. Orlando, Florida

Orlando is a popular tourist destination located in central Florida. The city is home to several theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.

There are also many hotels and resorts to choose from in Orlando, so you can find one that suits your needs.

3. Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is the capital of Georgia and is located in the northwestern part of the state. The city is a major transportation hub and is home to several businesses and attractions.

There are plenty of hotels and resorts to choose from in Atlanta, so you can find one that meets your budget and needs.

4. Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is the capital of Tennessee and is located in the central part of the state. The city is famous for its music scene, as it is home to several country music stars.

There are plenty of hotels and resorts to choose from in Nashville, so you can find one that meets your budget and needs.

5. Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville is the largest city in Kentucky and is located in the western part of the state. The city is known for its bourbon industry, as it is home to several distilleries.

There are plenty of hotels and resorts to choose from in Louisville, so you can find one that meets your budget and needs.

6. Indianapolis, Indiana

 Indianapolis is the capital of Indiana and is located in the central part of the state. The city is a major transportation hub and is home to many businesses and attractions.

There are plenty of hotels and resorts to choose from in Indianapolis, so you can find one that meets your budget and needs.

How many days does it take to drive from Florida to Alaska?

It takes at least four days to drive from Florida to Alaska, not counting the time it takes to cross the border into Canada. The journey is long and arduous, but it’s worth it for the stunning views of mountains, forests, and rivers.

The trip can be broken up into smaller segments so that you can enjoy the scenery and take your time.

What is the best time of year to drive to Alaska?

The best time to drive to Alaska is during the summer months. The days are longer, and the weather is warmer. This makes it the perfect time to explore all that Alaska has to offer.

If you are planning on driving to Alaska, you will need to take the Canadian Rocky Mountains into account. The Canadian Rockies are one of the most scenic routes in North America.

They are also one of the most challenging to drive through.

Is a road trip to Alaska worth it?

A road trip to Alaska is worth it! The scenery is breathtaking, and the people are friendly. The journey up the Alaska Highway is an adventure in itself, and there’s so much to see and do once you reach your destination.

North Dakota may not be the most glamorous state, but it’s a great place to start your road trip. You can’t go wrong with a road trip to Alaska!

About The Author

Iram Shahzadi

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Planning Your Perfect Alaska Road Trip Itinerary (2021 Edition)

December 9, 2021 December 28, 2019 | Christopher Harvey

Last Updated on December 9, 2021 by Chris and Lindsay

If you plan to drive to Alaska you have a lot of options for your Alaska road trip itinerary. Alaska is known as the Last Frontier. So getting there is an adventure in and of itself!

Most of Alaska is inaccessible by vehicle. This means you have to plan to get around via plane or boat.

But depending on your level of adventure, funds and Bucket List, you probably don’t need to worry about trying to reach all of those more difficult places.

In fact, if your goal is to travel to Alaska in an RV, then you’re likely looking to explore the part of the state you can reach by vehicle.

(If you just plan to tent camp or stay in hotels you can use our suggested itineraries. You just may need to plan your accommodations differently.)

Fortunately, most activities you would want to do in Alaska are close enough that you can drive to them.

Before we get into a few sample Alaska road trip itineraries let’s cover a few factors that will impact your drive in Alaska.

The Ideal Alaska Road Trip Itinerary

We believe that your ideal Alaska itinerary should include the following information.

Timeframe : 6-8 weeks

Time of Year : June – August

Starting Location : Glacier National Park, MT (or no further west than Spokane, WA)

Ending Location : Seattle area, WA

Key Places To Visit : Banff & Jasper National Parks (Canada), Alaska Highway, Fairbanks, Talkeetna, Kenai Peninsula, Homer Spit, Seward, Valdez, Haines, Cassiar Highway and Hyder.

Key Things To Do : Drive the Dalton Highway (special advise required), see Mt. Denali in Talkeetna, play with reindeer in Palmer, camp on the beach at Homer Spit and Seward , go halibut fishing in Homer, watch sea lions, otters and bald eagles catch salmon in Valdez, search for grizzly bears in Haines and eat at “the bus” in Hyder.

Total Miles : Approx. 6,000 miles

Read on for more specific information to help you plan your perfect road trip to Alaska!

Factors That Impact Your Alaska Road Trip Itinerary

Planning your Alaska road trip itinerary can be daunting. Just reaching Alaska from the Lower 48 will take days and cover thousands of miles.

One you’re there, where do you go? Where CAN you go? What do you do? Where do you stay? For how long do you stay?

Understanding how the following points impact your Alaska road trip will help you craft your perfect trip!

Starting/Ending Location.

Our Alaska road trip itineraries are going to assume that you will begin your journey in the continental United States (Lower 48) in the northwestern half of the country (Montana, Idaho, Washington areas).

If you’re coming from Florida (as we did) or Maine, then add on extra time accordingly.

Our itineraries will be based on “border-to-border” starting and ending locations.

This means we’re guiding you from a US border crossing into Canada (say, from Glacier National Park in Montana) to a return US border from Canada (say, Seattle area).

We believe this is your best opportunity to see the best parts of British Columbia and the Yukon Territory on your way to/from Alaska.

Amount of time you have.

Alaska road trip itineraries are dependent on your time table.

Whether you’re trying to see Alaska during your two-week vacation, two-month summer vacation or retirement makes a big difference!

If you’re making the “border-to-border” drive to Alaska then we’d recommend no fewer than 6 – 8 weeks .

But it is possible to make the trip in 4 weeks if that’s all the time you have.

Further, our Alaska road trip itineraries are for travelers who will leave/return to the US and not those who will fly to Alaska and rent an RV there.

(Note: We do have a few sample itineraries in that case)

You’re going to want to decide how much time you have (if you even have time limits) before you decide all of the things you want to pack into your Alaska itinerary.

Specific places you want to see

Have you always wanted to see the Arctic Ocean? Maybe you’ve wanted to just see the Arctic Circle? Or what about visiting Mt. Denali National Park?

There are lots of places to see in Alaska. If you hash out a general list then that is a great place to start!

Need help hashing out a list? We’ve got suggestions for you!

If there are places you do and do not want to see, this will greatly impact the amount of time you need to complete your Alaska road trip.

For instance, we LOVE Hyder and think you should stop by to see Jim and Diana and have a fresh halibut sandwich at The Bus . But Hyder is a little out of the way if you are short on time.

Get started on that list!

Important things you want to do

Do you want to watch a grizzly bear catch a salmon in its mouth? What about hooking on to a 100-pound halibut? Maybe you’ve just wanted to be one of the few (10% or less!) who get a clear view of Mt. Denai?

These things also impact your Alaska road trip itinerary. Again, get started on that bucket list!  

Your limits on driving time/distance

Alaska is… well, it is HUGE! Driving distances and times are substantial – especially when you consider the “border-to-border” roundtrip.

Determining how far or how long you want to drive each day is important.

This will help you determine not only the important details of where to stay and when to refuel but also how much time you will spend in any given place.

Our ideal Alaska road trip itineraries are based on a comfortable 4-5 hour drive.

If you feel that’s not comfortable, or you want to get to/from Alaska faster or slower then we have a few options for you too!

Other extenuating factors

Do you have any upcoming appointments or important life events coming up like weddings or medical treatment?

Are you closing on the sale or purchase of a house in the near future?

We wouldn’t tell you to call off your Alaska adventure because of these things.

Just be aware that they might impact your Alaska road trip itinerary.

For example, Lindsay travels with Crohn’s Disease . At the time we drove to Alaska we only had 7 weeks.

This is because every 8 weeks she received an IV infusion to treat the disease. As such we left Washington state the day after her infusion and returned two days before her next one.

We would love to have spent more time in Alaska. But extenuating circumstances like these will impact your itinerary as well.

Alaska Road Trip Itineraries

After you’ve answered some of those questions to help you understand the who, what, where, when, why and how of your road trip to Alaska, check out some sample itineraries that we have put together.

You already figured out, every itinerary is subject to change. Either you’ll change it. Or your circumstances will!

But at least you can get started on planning your perfect Alaska road trip itinerary!

Note: ALL of our itineraries include the following places: Alaska Highway, Fairbanks, Denali National Park, Talkeetna, Palmer/Anchorage, Kenai Peninsula (Turnagain Arm, Anchor Point, Homer , Seward ), Valdez, Haines and Hyder.

The only location we exclude in some itineraries is the infamous Dalton Highway. This drive is not for the faint of heart (or unprepared). You can find more information about driving the Dalton Highway here .

• 4 Week Alaska Road Trip Itinerary
• 6 Week Alaska Road Trip Itinerary
• 8 Week Alaska Road Trip Itinerary

While we are trying to prepare you to be able to drive from “border-to-border,” we do understand that you might be planning to fly to Fairbanks/Anchorage to rent an RV.

If this is the case, you likely have less time than those of us driving from the Lower 48.

Here are a few sample itineraries for your journey:

• 3 Week Alaska Road Trip Itinerary (from Fairbanks/Anchorage)
• 4 Week Alaska Road Trip Itinerary (from Fairbanks/Anchorage)
• 5 Week Alaska Road Trip Itinerary (from Fairbanks/Anchorage)

Tips / Things To Know About Driving In Alaska

Now that you have an idea of your Alaska road trip itinerary, here are a few tips that are going to help you enjoy the drive more.

We had a few. You might too. These greatly change things. Depending on your vehicle/RV and your ability to fix it on the fly, your itinerary will change during a breakdown.

We spent more time in some places we never heard of and less time in others because of break downs. But that’s OK. It all worked out as part of our journey!

NOTE: Breakdowns are inconvenient, stressful and potentially dangerous. We had the policy to help everyone we could when we saw a broken down vehicle and encourage you to do the same.

Wildlife is, well, wild. Would you want it any other way?

On your drive to Alaska you will see moose, bear (black and grizzly), bison, elk, deer, fox and porcupine among dozens of other species.

But mind you, they don’t mind the roads.

Sadly you will likely see their carcasses scattered across the highway with accompanying brake marks in the road.

Be aware, even when there are no signs for wildlife there is always the possibility for it.

Hitting a moose will likely end your great Alaska road trip.

Frost Heaves

Sure they sound cute. But once you get into Alaska you will soon grow weary of them.

Frost heaves are subtle bumps, rolls, ridges and dips in the road that change your pace and make you pucker.

They are formed in the road when the ground freezes and the highway lifts up as the ice expands.

Don’t be afraid of them. But be aware. We drove with both hands on the wheel nearly every mile in Alaska because one sudden jolt by a frost heave could be enough to drive you off the side of the road.

Speed Limits

Most drivers forget that speed limits are “limits” and not “mandatories.” When you drive in Alaska, especially in an RV, you are likely not going to be driving at the speed limit (see Frost Heaves above!).

However, just because everyone around you might be zipping past you do not have to drive excessively fast. In fact, just make sure you are safely traveling over the minimum speed limits (sometimes posted).

Or, just drive at the pace you feel comfortable.

But do note that Alaska actually has a law that states that you must pull over if cars are piling up behind you. We did this frequently, especially along the Turnagain Arm on our way to the Kenai Peninsula.

Don’t be a jerk. Especially if there is a highway patrol officer behind you!

About Author

Christopher Harvey

Christopher Harvey is the co-founder and main copywriter for Called To Wander. His passion is to create content that engages and informs readers and helps them to pursue the Abundant Life on the Road. Aside from writing, he also edits videos for the YouTube channel. He has freelanced for a variety of publications and consults with different brands on SEO and content strategy.

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Can You Drive From Florida To Alaska? What’s The Best Route?

I was recently on vacation down in Portland and was asked to show my ID during a credit card transaction.

After seeing that I was from Alaska, she said, “You know, I’ve always wanted to make it up there with my parents, but my dad hates flying and my mom gets seasick. I wish we could just drive up.”

My response was much too short since there was a line of people behind me and I wanted to get back to the hotel before dark, but thankfully, that isn’t a problem here and I can give you the full and complete response.

Can You Drive from Florida to Alaska?

Absolutely you can! Now, granted, you can’t drive to every city in Alaska, as many are on islands or otherwise have no road access, like Juneau , the state’s capital.

However, the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry System does allow you to take a vehicle or even a bicycle onto the boat and will take you to almost any community you’d like to visit in Southeast Alaska.

There are options, however, for driving to Anchorage, Fairbanks, Skagway , Hyder , and many other cities within the state.

We’ll use Florida as our starting point since it’s the farthest away you can get. Specifically, I’m going with Tallahassee because it’s in the panhandle.

Best Routes

Part i: tallahassee florida to fort worth, texas.

The first segment on our route is an east-to-west route since it’ll be easier than driving diagonally across the US, although I suppose you could do that as well.

This will be the most frantic portion of the journey, as it’s mainly on the Interstate Highway System. I’m not a big of freeways because even though I like getting to my destination faster, they also make me terribly nervous.

From Tallahassee, take I-10 West, then I-65/US Route 98, then finally I-30 will take you to Fort Worth. This is around 900 miles, depending on where in Tallahassee you start.

I skipped a few steps there, but because of potential road construction and detours, I recommend using GPS software during the drive, either Apple Maps, Google Maps, or an app like Waze.

If you don’t prefer interstates, there are several US and state highways you can take instead. The important part is getting to Fort Worth from Tallahassee.

Part II: US Highway 287

The route I chose specifically includes the entirety of US Highway 287 for several reasons.

I like it because it’s not an interstate, so there are fewer 18-wheel trucks and other drivers traveling 75 miles per hour around you.

Second, it’s probably the second-most famous highway in the United States behind Route 66. Perhaps third, if you want to count “life” as a highway, like the famous Tom Cochrane song.

It also gives you a great opportunity to visit Yellowstone National Park, which offers camping, great views, and Old Faithful, a geyser that erupts nearly every hour and ten minutes.

The route also works because it covers nearly the entire south-to-north portion of the drive through the United States, as it runs from Port Arthur, Texas, to Choteau, Montana, 100 miles south of the Canadian border.

This route’s portion of 287 runs about 1,500 miles or three days, depending on how long you’d like to stay in Yellowstone National Park.

Part Three: Montana to Seattle to British Columbia

This is the easiest and fastest portion of the trip, as well as the most straightforward. Just a few miles before US Highway 287 ends in Choteau, it runs through Helena, Montana.

From Helena, take I-90 West to Seattle. It’s just under 600 miles, but it’s Interstate all the way, so you should be able to get it done in less than six hours.

Once you reach Seattle, head north to the Canadian border. After passing through customs, you’ll arrive in the Canadian province of British Columbia.

Once you get to Canada, there are two options for roads to Alaska: The Stewart Cassiar Highway and the Alaska-Canadian Highway.

What are the Differences Between the Cassiar and the Alaska Highway?

The Alaska Highway, also known as the Alaska-Canadian Highway or the AlCan, and the Stewart Cassiar Highway serve mostly the same purpose and travel along similar stretches of Canada.

There are three main differences between the two highways and you’ll have to decide which one you choose.

First, the Alaska Highway is better maintained than the Stewart Cassiar, which has a few sections that have, to be polite, seen better days. That’s not to say that the Cassiar is dangerous or shouldn’t be driven on, however.

Second, the Cassiar Highway is shorter and more scenic. It offers many great viewing points for wildlife, including black bears, which often appear in the spring.

The Alaska-Canada Highway is longer, but offers more services and gas stations, although it does also offer some amazing views as well.

Finally, the Stewart-Cassiar Highway gets you closer to Hyder, Alaska. The “Stewart” part of the name refers to Stewart, British Columbia, which is two miles away from Hyder.

For those looking for a quicker journey into Alaska, Hyder is one of the few Southeast Alaska communities accessible by road, although only from British Columbia.

Part Four: Getting to Alaska

Since I’ve just mentioned Hyder, I need to back up and say that there are three points of access to Alaska from Canada, which serve three different purposes and allow visitors to choose which one best serves their needs.

As mentioned, Hyder is the southernmost of the three options, which lies just a little short of 1,000 miles from Seattle.

Visitors who just want to say they drove to Alaska, want to view bears at the Forest Service viewing platform north of town and those with a limited amount of time might choose Hyder for the convenience factor.

Border crossing number two is a few miles outside of Skagway, which is just a tick over 1,600 miles from Seattle.

This is the perfect choice for a visit to Southeast Alaska, as the Alaska Marine Highway System ferry docks downtown Skagway and offers service to over a dozen cities in Southeast Alaska.

Most importantly, it also offers ferry service to Prince Rupert, British Columbia, or Bellingham, Washington for visitors who would prefer to take a few days off from driving and enjoy the sights during the three or four-day ride to Washington.

The final access point is through the interior, at the Alcan Junction/Beaver Creek Border Crossing, which lies 1,860 miles (taking the Cassiar shortcut) or 2,062 miles strictly via the Alaska-Canadian Highway from Seattle.

This is the perfect crossing for visitors wishing to see Anchorage, the state’s largest city, or Fairbanks, which is a prime location to view the Northern Lights .

How Long Will All This Take?

The journey from Florida to Alaska can definitely be done, although I recommend having a good car that won’t break down on the Cassiar Highway 50 miles from the nearest service station.

How long it takes is a tricky question to answer, however, because it depends on how long you want to spend in various locations, whether you want to stop by Yellowstone, which port of entry into the US you want, and how many miles you want to drive per day.

As for the length of the trip in miles, that’s a bit easier to figure out. The first portion, Tallahassee to Seattle, is about 3,000 miles. If you drove for 10 hours a day averaging 60 miles per hour, you’d arrive in five days.

For the Seattle to Alaska portion, it’s about 1,000 miles to Hyder, 1,600 to Skagway, or 2,000 to the interior, plus nearly 300 miles to Fairbanks or 400 to Anchorage.

Using our 60 mph for 10 hours estimate from earlier, that gives us about two days to Hyder, three days to Skagway, or four days to Anchorage to Fairbanks.

You could reasonably drive from Tallahassee, Florida, to Anchorage, Alaska, in about nine days.

If you spent three days in Anchorage and took nine to return to Tallahassee, you could be back in about three weeks. If you’d prefer a shorter trip, Tallahassee to Hyder can be done in only two weeks.

No matter which route you take or how long you stay, Alaska will give you amazing views and a great experience !

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Driving To Alaska [Complete Guide Based On Our Experience]

• By Traveling Anne
• March 24, 2024
• In Alaska Travel

171 Comments

Dreaming of driving to Alaska?

Imagine embarking on a journey through the wilderness, encircled by stunning landscapes teeming with moose and the occasional grizzly bear, embracing total freedom and experiencing the adventure of a lifetime.

But is it safe?

Concerns about safety naturally arise. Embarking on a lengthy drive to the Last Frontier, surrounded by wildlife, raises questions. What if the gas runs out, the car breaks down, or encounters with wildlife become too close for comfort?

First, take a moment to breathe.

Let me show you just how incredibly fantastic - and safe! - this road trip can truly be! We drove to Alaska from Los Angeles - and back! - in the summer of 2017. It was:

The experience of a lifetime - for real.

And I want you to take that awesome road trip, too! So, in this post, I'm going to share with you everything that I've learned about the ultimate road trip - to Alaska and back.

I learned by doing tons of research AND by taking the trip ourselves. If you're new to this blog and wondering who we are, check out this page .

This post is long. I'm going to talk about a lot of things. We'll start with an overview of the routes to Alaska (via Canada), then talk about the dangers of driving to Alaska and how to avoid (or mitigate them).

That would include information about the type of vehicle you need, cell coverage, and, yes... bear safety.

I'm also going to walk you through the technical stuff like passports and costs. Finally, we'll talk about possible itineraries for driving to Alaska from various points of origin in the Lower 48.

Oh, and I'll share our drive-lapse videos and photos, too!

Whew! Sounds like a lot to take in? It is!

But then again, if you're going to take the ultimate road trip to Alaska, you need to know what you're doing (and exercise your patience muscles, too - this is going to be a long road trip, so you better be able to take in reading a long blog post 😉 ).

Driving Through Canada (You Have To If You Want To Reach Alaska By Land)

Yes, I know, this is pretty obvious. You have to look at the map to see that there's this HUGE chunk of Canada between the Lower 48 states and Alaska.

Depending on where you're driving from in the US, you could end up spending most of your trip in Canada.

It really is that big.

Your route is bound to take you through the Canadian province of British Columbia as well as the Yukon (which isn't a province per se but a Canadian territory).

At this point, you may be wondering:

Where Does The Route Go Through In Canada?

These days, drivers have two options:

• The Alaska Highway via Dawson Creek.
• The Stewart-Cassiar Highway via Prince George.

As you can see, the Stewart-Cassiar joins the Alaska Highway as you're leaving British Columbia and entering the Yukon.

You can choose one of the two routes between the southern Canada-US border and the Yukon Territory. Once in the Yukon, the roads converge into one.

The Alaska Highway

This is the main route from the Lower 48 into Alaska.

Some technical information:

• The Highway begins at Dawson Creek, British Columbia, and ends at Delta Junction, Alaska.
• Length: 1,387 miles
• The Alaskan Highway is paved in its entirety and open all year long.

The Alaska Highway is legendary. Let me tell you the story of this Highway in a nutshell. Feel free to skip the short history lesson in the colored blocks below.

Let's go back in time to the early 1940s. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the US was at war with Japan, putting Alaska under threat. Alaska is a faraway state that is unreachable by land.

That's a problem when you have a war going on and you need to mobilize forces. What do you do? You make a road. Fast. The problem? There's this other large country right where you need your road to go.

So, the Americans passed along a request to the Canadians, asking for their permission to get their army into Canada and start paving the road.

The U.S. and Canada had been discussing the construction of a road to Alaska since before the war, recognizing its strategic importance. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the urgency increased.

Both governments quickly agreed to the project, and thousands of U.S. troops arrived in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to begin work on one of World War II's most ambitious construction projects . The agreement included a stipulation that the Canadian portion of the highway would be turned over to Canada six months after the end of the war.

Building a road through northern Canada was a huge challenge. This was truly a heroic feat, as the Army Corps of Engineers worked between March and October 1942 to complete a road all the way between British Columbia and Alaska.

History lesson over.

Today, the Alaska Highway is an established road paved all along the route. Driving the Alcan is still the ultimate road trip in North America, for its sheer length and the fact that it goes through a mostly empty country.

Here's a timelapse (or drivelapse) we shot of a section of the road between Junction 37 and Whitehorse.

This is a short sample - about two minutes long. No sound. You can get a good gauge of the excellent road conditions on the Alcan, traffic density, and how quickly the weather keeps changing on a summer day (this was taken on August 12th).

Should You Drive The Stewart-Cassiar Highway On Your Way To Alaska?

The traditional route to Alaska was along the entire Alaska Highway, from Dawson Creek in British Columbia to Alaska. In the map above, that's the route on the right.

The Stewart-Cassiar route on the left is relatively new. Also known as Highway 37, the  Dease Lake Highway, and the  Stikine Highway , this road was established in the 1970s and was not paved in its entirety until recent years.

How about now?

We drove the Stewart-Cassiar Highway in the summer of 2018. It was fully paved but also fairly narrow and curvy in parts. Please take a look at this short drive-lapse we made while driving the Stewart-Cassiar to Alaska.

I included clips that show you how difficult it is to bypass other vehicles. Also, note the last section in the video where we had to drive on gravel. That actually happens on both roads occasionally - but clearly, this one is a narrower road.

If you're considering driving to Alaska via Highway 37, here are my pros and cons.

Pros Of Driving The Stewart-Cassiar Highway To Alaska

• This route is a little bit shorter , saving you 120 miles (or 210 kilometers).
• The route takes you through a different and beautiful part of Canada. In terms of scenery, expect to see more mountains and green forests.
• You can take a short detour from the road to watch some bears in Hyder . To whet your appetite, here's a short clip from our visit to Hyder:

Cons Of Driving The Stewart-Cassiar Highway To Alaska

• The road is generally narrower (compared to the Alaska Highway) and has no shoulder in some parts.
• It can be harder to take over slow vehicles.

So, what's the bottom line?

Both roads are worth traveling through. We did exactly that last summer and enjoyed it both ways. The Cassiar is a gorgeous area, and I'm not sorry, but we took the road less driven.

That said, having visited once, I'm pretty sure our future drives to Alaska will be via the Alaska Highway just because it's easier to drive and is probably a bit safer in that sense.

Which brings me to the next topic.

Is Driving To Alaska Dangerous?

Traveling through a vast wilderness with no cell coverage, surrounded by wildlife and the elements...

Isn't this a dangerous road trip ?

Well, yes and no.

Yes, this is an adventure. We are road trip veterans (including traveling coast-to-coast three times via various routes). Driving to Alaska was by far the wildest of our road trips.

There were risks along the way, yes, but we knew what we were going (or driving) into. We were as prepared as we could be without going overboard with unnecessary measures.

I want to help you be prepared and feel relaxed .

This is what this blog post is all about. So, let's talk about the risks you could be facing while on the road and how to avoid or mitigate those risks.

The Dangers Of The Road Itself

Whether you follow the Stewart-Cassiar Highway or the Alcan all through, these roads need to be treated with respect. Both are fully paved and generally are kept in very good condition.

When we were driving in August, we only encountered the famous frost heaves and potholes along a short section of the Alaska Highway west of Whitehorse. But they were massive.

Driving earlier in the season, you're likely to come across more road issues. The harsh winter in these areas takes its toll on the asphalt, and road repair takes time.

There is also the danger of animals on the road.

Many road sections are generally empty, with vehicles passing by sporadically, once every few minutes. That means animals - including large ones - see no problem with feeding on grass near the road or even getting on the road.

This is even more of a problem during cool days when the road can be warmer than the surrounding areas.

The real scary part?

Realizing that if anything were to happen - you're on your own. There is no way for anyone to call 911. There is no cell coverage and no phones by the side of the road.

You'll have to wait for the next driver to see what happened and then drive on to look for help. And the nearest hospital could easily be a 10-hour drive from where you are. Crazy, I know.

What can you do? I've put together a list of tips based on our own experience and that of other travelers.

Safety Tips For Driving To Alaska

• Stay alert - don't be lulled into a false sense of security just because you don't see other vehicles on the road. If you're getting tired, pull over and do what you need to freshen up.
• Slow down when you don't have a good line of sight . If there's a moose on the road around the next curve, will you be able to press the brake on time? If the answer is in the negative, then slow down.
• We found that the Canadians were really good at marking the large potholes by placing little flags on both sides of the road. When you see those flags - slow down and watch for potholes.
• Avoid driving in the dark . That's when the road is truly empty, and large animals are more likely to be on the road, enjoying the warmth of the asphalt.  Dawn and Dusk are also riskier, so keep your eyes on the sides of the road and slow down. People really do hit moose in these areas. Often.
• Watch the weather forecast, especiall y if you're driving in spring or fall. There can be fresh snowfall on the highway as late as May and as early as late September. And if temperatures drop under the freezing point at night, the roads could be icy as well.
• Just drive safely . Don't pass the vehicle in front of you unless it's safe to do so, even if it's a slow RV.

The main risk with this road trip is that of an accident on the road. Whether due to animals, the weather, potholes, or just getting too tired and sleepy.

Now that we've covered road accidents let's talk about the other challenges - and potential dangers - of driving to Alaska.

There Is No Cell Coverage On The Way To Alaska.

At least, there is none along long stretches of the road north of Prince George or Dawson Creek. We couldn't get a signal in many of the small settlements along the way either.

We used AT&T with a plan that included Canada, so that may have had something to do with that. They say that T-Mobile is better for when you're in Canada. Either way, don't count on reception, especially not data reception, while on the Alaska Highway.

This changes once you cross the border to Alaska, by the way.

We picked a signal pretty much as soon as we crossed into Alaska. We had coverage as good as - and sometimes better than - what we had in most US states.

So What If Your Car Breaks Down?

There are services along the road (at least during the summer months). If your car breaks down, you'll have to hitch a ride with another motorist and get to the nearest town.

You should be able to find a mechanic there who could drive you back to your vehicle and either fix or tow it into their garage. It probably won't be cheap because of the distance. Depending on how reliable your car is, you may consider budgeting for an emergency like that.

Unlike past years, you don’t need two or more spare tires to survive this road trip. One would be enough. Most new vehicle models have an extra tire. If that’s the case, you don’t have to bother looking for another full-size spare.

Is Personal Protection Necessary?

When planning a road trip through remote areas, such as the journey from the Lower 48 to Alaska, travelers often consider various means of personal protection, given the wilderness and wildlife encounters expected along the way.

The question of whether to carry items for self-defense arises, particularly for those unfamiliar with the rugged terrain and potential wildlife encounters in these regions.

In the context of this journey, it's important to understand that while personal safety is paramount, the need for protective devices is not universally necessary.

The preparation for such a trip involves not just packing and planning routes but also considering the legal and practical aspects of carrying any form of protection across international borders, specifically through Canada, which serves as a significant portion of the route to Alaska. Here's a link to the Canadian guide relevant to this topic.

Do I Need Bear Spray?

This is a reasonable question.

During our road trip to Alaska and back, we encountered numerous bears, most of which were Grizzly (or Brown Bears as they are called in Alaska). Some of these bear sightings were not just from the roadside.

We visited certain locations specifically to observe bears, such as Hyder and Haines.

The bears spotted alongside the road were completely harmless, of course. There is no risk to you when viewing a bear from inside your vehicle. However, there is some potential risk to the bear itself.

Let me explain.

I read an article in a local newspaper in Whitehorse (the capital of the Yukon) about their bear problem. It was late August, and the local authorities had already shot over 50 bears dead because these bears had ventured into people's backyards.

Once a bear loses its fear of humans and starts seeking food in residential areas, there is a real danger of a bear encounter escalating into an attack. Consequently, these bears must be put down to prevent them from harming someone.

What does that have to do with you?

According to the article, part of the problem stemmed from tourists getting too close to bears. Upon spotting a bear by the roadside, people would not only stop to observe but also get out of their vehicles and gradually approach the bear to capture better photographs.

This behavior contributes to the bear becoming accustomed to human presence. Such bears would be more likely to venture into local neighborhoods in search of food, having lost their natural fear of humans.

Back to the bear spray.

During our Alaska trip, we visited Haines, AK, one of the reasons being to observe bears feeding on salmon in Chilkoot Lake. And we did indeed witness this.

At one point, a young Grizzly appeared on the bank across from us. For 15 minutes, that bear was jumping from one small island to another, catching and devouring large, fat salmon, occasionally pausing to eat its prey.

The bear continued island hopping and eventually ended up on our side of the river. It then proceeded to catch fish along the bank, moving towards us. At one point, the bear was less than 20 feet away, happily occupied with searching for fish in the water.

The bear then lifted its face, looked at us (I swear it seemed surprised!), and then continued fishing, passing right by us.

This was the most exciting and memorable bear-viewing experience we ever had.

And it was also scary.

I was glad to have bear spray with me, and for the first and only time during our travels across North America, I actually took it out of its belt pouch. Here's the video so you can see for yourself just how close that bear got to us.

Now, the bear didn't attack, and all was well. Would the bear spray have helped us in case of an attack? It's hard to say. We do know how to use it and have gone through several bear safety lectures. Still, it was a scary situation.

So, I'm not saying you should get bear spray, but I'm also not saying you shouldn't. I think, at the very least, it helped me feel more secure.

Tip : You can carry bear spray across the border between Canada and the US, but it must be labeled as bear spray.

What Kind Of Vehicle Do You Need To Drive To And From Alaska?

Virtually ANY vehicle in good condition can make the journey to Alaska. You could drive around in a sedan without any issues, as the roads are suitable for such vehicles.

During our trip, we rented an SUV, and if we were to go again, we would probably opt for an SUV or a truck. This preference isn't because 4WD is necessary but because having a heavier vehicle can be advantageous in the following scenarios:

• You encounter an animal on the road (if you were to hit a moose, for instance, it would be better to be in a heavy-duty truck with a substantial grille).
• There is snow or ice on the road (4WD can provide added traction in such conditions).

While a sedan is certainly capable of making the trip, a larger and heavier vehicle can offer additional safety and peace of mind, particularly when dealing with potential wildlife encounters or adverse weather conditions along the way.

Is Driving To Alaska Hard?

The driving itself is not overly difficult, but the journey is mostly long and awesome.

While some sections of the road are winding and narrow - especially the part where you're crossing the Canadian Rocky Mountains - it's not any more challenging than typical mountain driving in the western regions.

In fact, certain stretches are surprisingly easy to navigate. The roads are well-paved, with more than one lane and very little traffic. During these portions, you can engage cruise control and remain alert for any animals that may cross the road.

The real challenge lies in the sheer distance you'll be covering rather than the driving itself. However, the journey is incredibly scenic and awe-inspiring, making the long stretches of driving more than worthwhile.

While the winding mountain roads require attentiveness, overall, the driving conditions are manageable for an experienced driver, allowing you to focus on enjoying the breathtaking landscapes along the way to Alaska.

When Is A Good Time Of The Year To Drive To Alaska?

As mentioned earlier, the Alaska Highway is open throughout the year, which means you could technically drive to Alaska even in wintertime if necessary.

However, I would advise against attempting the drive during winter months, especially if you lack experience with extreme winter driving conditions.

Winter driving to Alaska is not for the faint of heart or those unfamiliar with such challenges. While the road is regularly cleared of snow, if you happen to be caught in a blizzard, you'll have to pull over and wait for hours – possibly longer – for the snow-plowing vehicles to arrive before you can follow them very slowly to the next town.

And the situation can become even more precarious:

Let's say your vehicle breaks down on the road. During summertime, while inconvenient and costly, someone will eventually come along, and you won't be in any actual danger.

In winter, however, a breakdown can become a life-threatening situation. Without a way to keep warm while waiting for rescue, which could take an extended period, a simple car problem can potentially turn deadly.

Therefore, it is highly recommended that you plan your drive to Alaska during the warmer summer months when the weather is more predictable, and assistance is more readily available should any issues arise along the way.

What Do You Need For Your Trip?

Driving to Alaska is an extensive, long road trip.

There are approximately 3,000 miles between Los Angeles and the Alaskan border, and more like 4,000 miles if you're aiming for Fairbanks or Anchorage (which you likely will be, as there's not much point in just reaching the border and turning back).

Here's the perspective:

The iconic coast-to-coast road trip from Los Angeles to New York City is about 2,700 miles. Driving to Alaska from most locations in the contiguous United States can be nearly double that distance.

So, as mentioned, it's a lengthy road trip, and you should pack accordingly.

How Many Days Does It Take To Drive From Los Angeles To Alaska?

Our journey from Los Angeles to Fairbanks took us three weeks, but we made some scenic detours and stopped frequently for sightseeing.

According to Google Maps, the total driving time is approximately 60 hours. If you were to drive 10 hours a day, you could potentially cover the distance in a week (allowing for some stops).

The duration clearly affects your packing requirements. You'll need to bring enough clothes, medications, and everything else necessary for an extended time away from home.

If you plan to travel to Alaska for a while and then drive back, as we did, the packing demands increase further.

Our entire road trip lasted nine weeks:

• Three weeks for the drive to Alaska
• Three weeks spent in Alaska
• Three weeks for the return drive

Your packing list should include everything you'll need for the length of your stay, keeping in mind that there will be days when you won't have access to a pharmacy or even a store larger than a gas station convenience store.

Once in Whitehorse in the Yukon, you can purchase any necessary supplies. The same applies once you reach Alaska. However, it's important to be prepared for the remote stretches along the way.

Do You Need A Passport?

Canada is a different country. When you cross the border, you are, in fact, crossing an international border. In my experience, both American and Canadian border authorities take their jobs very seriously. All vehicles are stopped for questioning, and you need to present proper documentation.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs , Americans entering Canada need to present one of the following:

• A passport book (i.e., a regular passport that gets stamped at international airports).
• A passport card - a valid passport document without pages, which Americans can use when crossing into Canada, Mexico, and a few other destinations, but it is not accepted for international air travel.
• A Nexus card - a special "trusted traveler" card that can be used to enter Canada.

If you're not a U.S. citizen, you'll need a passport to enter Canada or the U.S., so it's essential to have your passports on hand whenever you cross the border - which could happen more frequently than you might expect.

What do I mean by this?

There are several points along the route where you could be crossing between Canada and the U.S. For example, on our trip, we crossed the border at these points:

• Entry into Canada in Montana
• Entry into US territory at Hyder, AK
• Back in Canada at Stewart, BC
• Entry into Alaska from the Yukon
• Back in Canada
• Entry into Alaska again to visit Haines
• Finally, re-entry back into the U.S.

That's a total of 8 border crossings.

Do You Need Gas Cans For Extra Gas, Another Spare Tire, Or Motor Repair Equipment?

No, you don't need these items.

A few decades ago, people used to carry all of these along with them. The road conditions were rougher back then, and there were fewer services along the route.

These days, it won't take you longer than 200 miles to find another gas station on any stretch of the road to Alaska. Just be sensible and refuel when you hit the mid-tank mark, and you should be fine.

What Wildlife Will I See On The Way To Alaska?

Oh yes, let's discuss the exciting aspects! Remember, this is meant to be a FUN road trip.

You are bound to encounter wildlife along the route. The animals we spotted included:

• Brown (Grizzly) bear
• Dall sheep (from a distance in Kluane National Park)

The optimal times for animal sightings are early morning and late afternoon. However, please exercise utmost caution, as animals can unexpectedly jump onto the road.

I once narrowly avoided hitting a deer in Idaho, so I understand how swiftly a large animal can surprise you by leaping onto the road from seemingly nowhere. This experience has made me extra vigilant.

In the northern regions, we're dealing with larger animals like moose, which is even more alarming. In fact, while driving along the Glenn Highway in Alaska, a vehicle in front of us collided with a moose, killing the animal instantly.

Fortunately for the humans involved, it was a young female moose, and the driver managed to swerve in such a way that only the animal's head struck the vehicle.

The humans were also fortunate to be in a large Ford truck. Even so, the impact of the moose's head alone on this sizable truck caused extensive damage.

The entire windshield was shattered, one mirror was torn off, and the side of the vehicle sustained damage. The bottom line?

Be cautious so that you can observe animals safely without risking a collision.

How Much Does Driving To Alaska Actually Cost?

Planning a road trip to Alaska involves understanding the costs, which can be significant. This includes expenses for both reaching Alaska and the return journey.

Gasoline prices are higher in Canada, particularly in remote areas of northern British Columbia and the Yukon. Travelers should budget for fuel costs to be 25-50% higher than usual. Considering the trip can cover 3000-4000 miles each way, gas expenses will accumulate.

Here it is: How much does a trip to Alaska cost (along with 11 proven money-saving tips!)

Accommodation is another major cost. Prices vary, but on the route to Alaska, expect to pay around $100-$120 per night for a family of four sharing a room. In Alaska, especially close to popular spots like Denali National Park, hotel rates can range from $150-$250 per night.

For detailed insights on expenses and tips for saving money on your Alaska road trip, it's best to consult up-to-date travel guides and resources. These can provide the latest information on accommodation and gas prices, helping you budget more effectively for your trip.

Where To Stay Along The Way?

When planning overnight stops on your road trip to Alaska, you'll mainly find two types of accommodations:

• Towns : Such as Whitehorse, Watson Lake, or Fort Nelson. These are small communities, with Whitehorse being the largest, housing fewer than 30,000 people. They offer various accommodations, including motels and RV campgrounds, with some chain motels providing amenities like WiFi.
• Small Hamlets : These are essentially service hubs around a gas station, offering basic lodging options. Accommodations here are more traditional motels, meant for a night's stay without the frills of chain motels. Don't expect modern amenities like gyms, pools, or even WiFi.

Pricing for accommodations varies. In Whitehorse, for example, room rates for four start at around $140, making it slightly pricier than other locations. However, in most towns and hamlets, finding more affordable options is generally possible.

This leads to the following considerations:

Should You Book Your Room In Advance?

Booking accommodations in advance for a trip to Alaska? In Alaska itself, it's a definite yes. Early booking is advised due to high demand and rising prices. Securing your stay ahead of time can lead to significant savings.

In Alaska, distances between locations are manageable, and good cell service facilitates easy planning and adjustments to your itinerary.

However, the situation differs for the journey towards Alaska. Many smaller lodgings along the way may not have an online presence or easy internet access, making advance online bookings less feasible.

These establishments typically expect travelers to arrive without prior reservations, especially late in the afternoon and often have rooms available.

Two main reasons suggest why reservations might not be ideal for this part of the trip:

• Predicting Daily Travel Distance : It's challenging to estimate how far you'll drive each day, making fixed reservations potentially restrictive. Lack of cell service further complicates the ability to cancel or change bookings, potentially forcing you to stop too early or drive longer than safe or comfortable to reach a pre-booked location.
• Flexibility : On the journey to Alaska, adopting a more flexible approach, such as planning potential stops without making firm reservations (except in key locations like Whitehorse for longer stays), allows for greater spontaneity and adaptation to the day's progress.

It's crucial to research and note potential overnight stops, ensuring awareness of options along your route. This strategy avoids being caught in long stretches without a clear destination for the night.

As part of route planning, consider resources like The Milepost, which can offer invaluable guidance on accommodations and stops throughout Alaska, enhancing your travel planning.

For those spending time in Alaska, exploring resources on budget-friendly and feature-specific accommodations, such as hotels with pools in Anchorage or affordable options in Fairbanks, can also enhance your stay in the state.

Just a quick shoutout first to two posts about accommodations in Alaska itself: Cheap(ish) hotels in Fairbanks and Anchorage hotels with pools . Assuming you'll be spending time in Alaska itself, I thought they might come in handy.

Considering whether to invest in The Milepost for your drive to Alaska?

The Milepost isn't just any book; it's an essential travel companion for those journeying to and from Alaska. It's often referred to as the "bible" for Alaska-bound travelers, providing exhaustive details on every road leading to the state.

View on Amazon

The question of whether to purchase The Milepost, especially considering the move towards digital reading platforms, may arise. With the vast amount of information available online and the convenience of e-readers, the utility of a large, physical travel guide could seem outdated.

Despite these considerations, the decision to buy The Milepost proved invaluable. Its comprehensive coverage of routes, including the Alaska Highway and the Stewart-Cassiar Highway, became indispensable in areas without cell service or internet access.

The guide allowed for efficient planning, offering up-to-date details on stops for meals, grocery shopping, and overnight lodging with remarkable accuracy.

It's crucial to ensure you have the most recent edition, as it is updated annually by a dedicated team to maintain its accuracy and relevance.

An unexpected yet delightful benefit of The Milepost was its ability to entertain and educate during long stretches of driving without internet access. Reading aloud from the guide not only helped pass the time but also provided an educational experience reminiscent of browsing an offline Wikipedia.

In summary, acquiring The Milepost can significantly enhance your Alaska road trip experience, providing reliable information and serving as an engaging travel companion.

Alaska Road Trip Itineraries

Wow, this is a lengthy post. I hope you've made it this far. Now comes the exciting part (at least for me).

Having road-tripped across the US (45 states and counting!), I'm going to suggest itineraries for driving to Alaska from four main locations in the US:

• Los Angeles
• New York City
• Miami (yes, Miami!)

This is a section where you can absolutely skip ahead, depending on your starting point for driving to Alaska.

What I'm about to propose are itineraries from your point of origin to the beginning of the Alaska Highway. Once on the Alaska Highway, the route is essentially the same, so that I won't go into detail there. However, I recommend reading my post about what to see and do along the Alaska Highway.

There, you'll find not only a list of places to visit along the road but also our trip report detailing what we did while driving the Alcan (Alaska-Canadian Highway) in 2017. These routes all end at Delta Junction, AK, where the Alaska Highway terminates. From there, you can choose whether to visit Fairbanks or explore Anchorage and the surrounding area first.

Here's the deal:

These itineraries are highly flexible. I'm assuming that your goal is to travel to Alaska and enjoy the road trip experience. This means you'll be passing through some pretty awesome places en route without giving them nearly enough time – if any at all.

That doesn't mean I think this is the right way to appreciate these areas – far from it. If you have the time and inclination, by all means, make longer stops and spend more time enjoying the places along the way.

These itineraries are basically suggested routes that you can elaborate on to create your own unique Alaska Road Trip.

Driving To Alaska From Seattle

Seattle is the largest American city, and it is nearest to the border with British Columbia. If you're flying in from overseas and wish to focus on a road trip from the Lower 48 to Alaska, Seattle should be your point of origin. Fly into SeaTac airport and rent a vehicle there to start your journey.

Now, from Seattle, you can opt to drive the Stewart-Cassiar Highway on your way to the Yukon territory. In this case, your route will look like this:

My suggested itinerary would be (each item represents one day):

• Drive to Hope, British Columbia (3-4 hours) and visit the Othello Tunnels . Take it easy on this day as you have your first border crossing here.
• Drive to Prince George (8-9 hours) and visit Hell's Gate on the way there.
• Continue on your way and stop at Smithers to hike to Twin Falls. Then, see the Moricetown Canyon viewpoint further down Highway 16. It's beautiful, and if you arrive in August – like we did – you'll get to see lots of salmon there. By this point, your daily driving time would be 5-6 hours. Depending on whether you hike or not, you can either spend the night at New Hazelton or push on all the way to Stewart, your next destination. Driving from Prince George to Stewart in a day would mean 9-10 hours of driving.
• Arrive at Stewart and see the bears at Hyder . Spend the night in Stewart and take your time with the bears. They usually show up early in the morning and then again in the late afternoon, so give it time and be patient.
• Get back on Highway 37 and keep driving north. You can stop on the way at Dease Lake (a great little grocery store!) and Jade City (basically a large store selling local jade). Finally, you'll reach Junction 37, which is where you join the Alaska Highway. You can find accommodation in the hamlet of Nugget City, which would give you a total of 11-12 driving hours for this day.
• Drive west on the Alcan. Rancheria Falls makes for a lovely stop, as does the town of Teslin (we really enjoyed the local George Johnston museum!). Then, continue driving to the capital of the Yukon - Whitehorse . Whitehorse is well worth stopping for at least one full day. We spent four days here and were never bored. Here's a list of things to do in Whitehorse .
• This day is dedicated to driving through – and visiting – Kluane National Park in Canada. The scenery is stunning, and you should include a short hike or two. Please stop at the Visitor Center at Haines Junction, where they can help you make the most of your time in the park. Even so, you can definitely make it all the way into Alaska on this day. Total driving time to Delta Junction from Whitehorse is 9-10 hours. Alternatively, you could stay overnight at Tok, AK, if you prefer to stop earlier.

Alternate Routes From Seattle To Alaska

If you're only driving one way and prefer to take the Alaska Highway, you can definitely do so. It doesn't even add too much additional driving time.

Basically, follow the previous itinerary to Prince George and then keep heading north all the way to Dawson Creek. Here's a quick overview of that itinerary:

• Prince George
• Dawson Creek
• Fort Nelson
• Waston Lake
• Delta Junction, AK

For more information on these stops, see my post on what to see and do along the Alaska Highway .

Driving to Alaska from Los Angeles

If you're coming from LA, you have two options:

• Drive up the coast to get to Seattle and then follow the itinerary detailed above for driving to Alaska from Seattle.
• Head out east and go up the Rocky Mountains ridge.

We did both during our last trip. We drove up north via the Rockies and then returned via the coast.

Driving Up The Coast

The shortest route is via the I-5. This is the main highway connecting the west coast states. It's easy to drive fast, and you actually get some very nice scenery in northern California and southern Oregon.

Total driving time is 18-20 hours, so you should be able to complete this section within a couple of days.

If you have more time , you can choose an alternative – and far more scenic – route.

You could take the mountain route, taking in Sequoia National Park, Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, Lassen National Park, Crater Lake, Bend , and the northern Cascades, including Rainier National Park.

Your total driving time will be in the 30-hour range, but with so much to see and do, you should give this route a minimum of one week, preferably even longer.

Your other alternative route is to stick to the coastline. Drive Highway 1 all the way from California, through Monterey, San Francisco, and then the gorgeous section of the road north of San Francisco to Fort Bragg.

There, you'll join the 101 for a tour of the Redwood National Park area and the magnificent Oregon coast. You could even visit the Olympic National Park on your way. This would take you at least 40 hours of driving time (not just because of the distance but also because of slower driving on the narrow, curvy roads).

Take a minimum of one week – preferably two – to cover this route (and that's just for reaching Seattle!).

Driving Through The Rockies

Driving from Los Angeles to the starting point of the Alaska Highway doesn't have to be through Seattle or the coast. In fact, the shortest route is quite special, too, taking you through the vast open spaces of Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana.

That's what we did in August 2017, and it was a pretty awesome route. I loved how these areas have so much wide-open space. It's a great prelude to the wilderness that surrounds the Alaska Highway.

Driving straight from LA to Dawson Creek takes roughly 35 hours (Google Maps tends to underestimate, so I always add 10% to their estimates). Again, this route has some awesome places you could easily spend several days visiting each.

You could take small detours to drive through Yellowstone National Park and even the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park.

And if you have just a couple of days to spare, do just that! Of course, once in Canada, you'll be going through the Canadian Rockies - totally worth adding a few more days to your trip.

Our stop at the Canadian Rockies was absolutely worth it!

If you take these detours, your driving time alone will come to almost 50 hours.

This is what your trip will look like:

That's why writing a skeleton itinerary for this route is really hard for me. So, I've added suggestions for spending extra days in more than one location along the way. Give yourself ample time.

While you could technically do this in 4-5 days, you should really give it at least one full week. 10 days to two weeks would be fantastic.

Here's an overview of the itinerary:

• Los Angeles to Salt Lake City (Yes, Las Vegas is on the way so you can break this into two days for an evening in Vegas).
• Drive to Jackson, Wyoming, and visit the Grand Tetons National Park (which is close to town). If you enjoy hiking, you could definitely add a day here. In fact, you could even without hiking...
• Yellowstone National Park - At the very least, drive through the park, stop to see Old Faithful erupt, drive through Hyden Valley, and take a look at Yellowstone Canyon. See this post for the top 10 things to see in Yellowstone . Definitely add a day or two here if you can.
• Drive from Yellowstone to the eastern side of Glacier National Park. If you have time, drive into the Mani Glacier area when you arrive. Check the roadside for bears - lots of them in this park! More on what to do in Glacier National Park . If you enjoy hiking, definitely add a day to take a long hike in the Mani Glacier area.
• Drive the Going to the Sun Road in Glacier and continue to Canada via Kootenay National Park. You could make it all the way to Banff today or spend more time in Glacier and stop earlier.
• Banff National Park - definitely worth adding a couple of days here! Read about the four natural wonders in Banff  if you don't believe me. Or you could keep on driving along the amazing Icefields Parkway to Jasper.
• Jasper National Park is well worth another couple of days' stops. (I did say this was a problem route, but it was way too beautiful!)
• Finish the drive from Jasper to Dawson Creek. You'll be leaving the mountains for the plains, making for an easier (if not as pretty) drive.

Driving to Alaska from New York City (Or Chicago)

Well, you're in for a long drive! It's totally doable, though. I'm going to assume that you're not interested in sightseeing out east. Places like Gettysburg or Cuyahoga Valley National Park are easily accessible at any other time. You're heading west.

That's why I'm assuming that if you're starting from NYC, you'll take the I-80/I-90 route to Chicago.

What's next, though?

The shortest route between NYC and Dawson Creek - the starting point of the Alaska Highway - will take you through the Canadian province of Saskatchewan.

You're basically driving from one major American city to another, all the way to North Dakota, and then crossing over to Canada, where your route takes you through two local Canadian cities - Saskatoon and Edmonton - directly to Dawson Creek.

It's a total of 45-50 hours of driving, so you should be able to cover the distance in 3-5 days and get on the Alaska Highway.

Perfectly reasonable.

However, if you have an additional week and want to make the most of your time in the west, I would suggest taking the longer route and driving through Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota and then Glacier National Park.

You're going to add six hours of driving time to your road trip, but you'll gain access to several awesome places of interest:

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is well worth a day's visit, and so few people visit it. That's where we saw not only bison but also more than one herd of wild mustang horses! Glacier National Park is probably the most beautiful of all American national parks.

Check out my post about the park and see our photos to judge for yourself. And then you have the amazing Canadian Rockies. If you've never been to these places and you're embarking on your ultimate once-in-a-lifetime road trip to Alaska and back from New York, I say add a week and visit them too.

This is what your itinerary might look like:

• Drive from NYC to Cleveland
• Cleveland to Madison, WI
• Madison to Bismark, ND (You can choose to do these three days at a slower pace and stop at other locations)
• Visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park for the day and stay in nearby Medora, or keep driving west for a bit longer.
• Arrive at the Mani Glacier area in Glacier National Park ( great spot to stop for one additional full day if you can and do some hiking )
• Drive the Going to the Sun Road and do some hiking in the Logan Pass area - end the day at Whitefish or make the border crossing into Canada.
• Drive through Kootenay National Park in Canada and arrive at Banff ( another great spot to take an additional full day for Banff National Park )
• Drive the Icefields Highway to Jasper and visit Jasper National Park ( Yes, red again - take another day to appreciate Jasper NP if you can ).
• Continue from Jasper to Dawson Creek

So we're talking at least nine days for this route of driving to Alaska from New York. If you can make it a couple of weeks, you'll be able to slow down more often and appreciate the stunning places you'll be visiting.

Driving To Alaska From Florida (Yes, Florida!)

Wow, you do realize you'll be driving the entire stretch of the map? It's probably the longest possible road trip in North America.

I would absolutely do this! And I hope to do it actually, someday, when we get our RV. I hear Florida is a great state to buy them, and we're definitely returning to Alaska.

If you make a beeline to Dawson Creek from Miami, that's only about 55 hours of driving (remember that you still have another 30+ hours drive to Anchorage!)

Since I'm not entirely sure there's anyone as adventurous as us out there, I won't be adding a detailed itinerary here. I'll say that if you've never been out west, make your route go through Yellowstone, Glacier, and the Canadian Rockies. That's going to add about 10 additional hours to your driving time, but it will be so worth it.

Show Of Hands, Who's Still Reading?

This is officially the longest post I have ever written in my life.

I wonder who's still reading. Leave me a comment if you are 😉

Seriously, leave me a comment and let me know if this helped and if you have any other questions about Driving to Alaska. I always reply to comments and would love to share more information based on our vast experience road-tripping across the US and Canada - including driving to Alaska and back.

It's taken me several days to write this post, so if you could lend me a hand in getting it out there, I would really appreciate it. Share it on Facebook or Pinterest, or if you're a travel blogger, mention it on your blog.

Oh, and before you head out, check my 37 road-tripping tips (based on more than a year and a half of amazing road trips in the US and Canada!

Thank you for your sharing, I read it all. Learn a lot from your experiences

Yes, still readingLOL! Loved the blog. Planning to make this trip in May 2024. Once in a lifetime trip. NC to out west and then up to Alaska, then back east to Maine by August before returning to NC. The information you gave us is just amazing. Thank you. I am a CC Holder and I need more information about crossing Canada and BC with a fire arm. Butch and Ruth

I read til the end. This is perfect! We took an 8 week trip out west from North Carolina in our RV in 2022. We have family in Alaska and we’ve actually talked about making this drive one day. Your experience is very helpful, thank you. And I hope you make it to Florida. The Keys is definitely one of my favorite destinations. Wishing you and your family traveling mercies 🙏🏼 Lisa Pruitt Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Thank you for writing this. I found it extremely interesting! I’m afraid we will never drive to Alaska, although we have dreamed about this. Good luck to everyone else and enjoy your trip. We have been as far north as Jasper N.P., Canada. We drove from Southern CA through Grand Tetons N.P., Yellowstone N.P., Glacier N.P. and into Canada. We have made this trip on four different occasions and we do not get tired of it! There is so much beauty! We spent four weeks on our trip last summer (2022). We love Yoho N.P, Banff N.P. and Jasper N.P. Those Canadian Rockies are something else!!! We hope to go again next summer (2024).

I thoroughly enjoyed your post! I am a skimmer and I read every word! Thank you for that. Btw i am from Palm Beach, 35 minutes north of Miami, and I would totally love to do that drive too!! RV of course, especially with kids. I scrolled getting my hopes up and was a little bummed to not see the Miami itinerary but I knew it wouldn’t be there, that is way too much work! Your route advice through the west is helpful enough! Happy journeys!

We are planning a trip up the Alaskan Highway this June from Alberta through Dawson Creek up to at least Delta Junction as we covered Alaska from Anchorage to Fairbanks to Delta Junction previously. I just got finished reading your blog and am impressed with the information that you put in it. It must have been a long process but one that a lot of people will use. I know we will use it on our trip as we will be coming back through B.C. on the Stewart Cassiar highway. My wife and I have driven in every state of the united States including Hawaii and Alaska but not the Alaskan Highway. We intend to remedy that this year. Thanks for the blog and the information.

I haven´t read that much since highschool LOL. Thanks for all the tips and routes and checkpoints and experiences you share in this post. Im from Mexico City and Im driving my motorcycle all the way to Prudhoe bay starting on summer. Hope to come back and have the energy to write and share as you did.

Thanks again for sharing

Yes, I’m still reading. Just beginning the planning for this trip from Maryland to Anchorage. Thank you for all of the good intel. What a huge help and is getting me amped up for this trip!

Not too sure if you still read these comments as it’s 2023. We are headed up that way in July. Plan on spending four weeks or so in Canada and Alaska. Entering at Idaho, going to Fairbanks along with many stops you suggested, driving down to Anchorage then catching the ferry back down. Thanks for all the info!!!!!

Hi Penny, Sounds like an awesome road trip! Good luck!

Thank you so much for taking the time to put this all together, so very appreciated!! I read through the whole thing as my boyfriend and I will be heading up to AK in February for a travel physical therapy contract I’ve driven across country but never through Canada, so these tips/resources were awesome. Definitely will be reading some other links you’ve provided. Thanks again!

Great article and so helpful! My wife and I, and our 15-year-old pug Cecil, are planning on driving to Anchorage from Mesa, Az. We have friends living in the area and are planning a fishing trip in June 2023. We were worried about such a long trip pulling a fifth-wheel trailer on a road with few services, but after reading your post, we feel confident we can make the trip. Definitely going to buy the latest version of the Milepost before we leave. Thank you for the great info and keep up the good work!

Yes, it is the longest post I ever read, but it is also the best one (and I have been reading and searching for months now). Thank you so much for taking the time to put it together. I still have much more reading to do with all the links you provided. I will be heading to Alaska this coming June through the Stewart-Cassiar Highway and coming back through The Alaska Highway. I left October 2nd the State of NY for a year of travel with my car (Mazda CX-5). I converted my car into a mini camper and combined camping and Airbnb. It would be greatly appreciated if, by any chance, we can have a phone conversion? I am still a bit intimidated by this part of my journey.

Hi Gila, Sounds like quite the adventure! I’m not sure how much we can help considering it’s been a few years since our trip, but I’ll reach out to you via email

Thanks for the blog. Very helpful for me. My wife and I are driving our rv from ga to Alaska in 2023. Our only time limits are weather. Definitely want to check out the sights you mentioned. Can’t wait.

Glad you liked it, Michael! I was telling my husband we need to repeat the road trip, just so we can update this post!

Just got back from Land & Cruise for 13 days to Alaska. Now want to plan my road trip. Really appreciate the time and effort you put into this blog Glynn T

Great Post, My Wife wants to see Whales in Alaska, part of her bucket list. Thought it would be great to drive there, do you have any info on the best place to see whales in Alaska? Please don’t say the ocean, I already knew that. I heard it was Juneau, but can’t confirm.

Vancouver Island, British Columbia – the orcas are going through (north) right now.

Great find and easy read, thank you for the time and great detail. Going from Miami and was excited only to read and well atleast the tips will be extremely helpful. Leaving this comment before going to see if maybe you posted since then and you’ve now made the trip from Miami, yes Miami to Alaska. Thank you again.

Great information! I found this on Pinterest. I’m heading there summer of 2023 from Sacramento. (Heading to Europe 2022). I have a nissan p/u 4×4 but will be taking the trip starting June. One question I have which you may have answered; are there any rest areas/stops on the alcan?

I actually drove from Alaska to Texas a couple of years ago. It was a GREAT trip. Since I have two dogs and didn’t know if I could stay in a hotel every night (pet policy), bought a tent and we camped the whole way. Slept in rest areas or campgrounds. Canadians were great. Every morning I was brought a full breakfast. Guess they felt sorry for a 65 year old lady with dogs. Canadian terrain was beautiful!!! It is well worth the long driving time. Can’t remember exactly how long it took, maybe 8 or 9 days,

Hi Anne, what a fantastic & informational read! I love, love it! We just purchased a trailer & planning on a 6 month trip to AK from Los Angeles in the next year or 2. I saved your article on my home page so we can read your tips when the time comes. Thank you for sharing & safe travels to you & your family! ~Roxi

HELLO JUST WANTED TO GIVE YOU A BIG THANK YOU. LOVED YOU POST. MY 2 SISTERS AND MY SELF WANT TO DRIVE TO ALASKA IN AN RV . I LIVE ABOUT 50 HOURS AWAY THEY WILL HAVE MORE TRAVEL TIME AS ONE LIVE IN PENNSYLVANIA AND ONE IN NEVADA WE PLANE TO START FROM MY HOME IN BLUE LAKE CA ITS BEEN A DREAM FOR A LONG TIME THANK YOU SO MUCH YOUR INFO HAS HELP A LOT JUANITA

Hi Juanita, I’m so glad you found this guide helpful! Just be mindful that we took the trip back in 2017. The general advice should still hold true, but any specifics, including budget estimates, you should probably follow up on to make sure they hold. And of course, there are covid regulations now to take into account as you travel into Canada. I do hope you’ll get to do this! It’s an awesome road trip!

Thank you for taking multiple days to gather all your info and thoughts to write it all out for us! It’s been a dream of mine to move to Alaska since my first brutal summer in the South. Now that the sweet spawn are baby adults spreading their wings, Mama is making plans to high tail it outta here before everyone finishes school, gets married, and sweet grandies start showing up. Hubs and I are flying to Anchorage in June for what I call “our reconnaissance trip” because we are making plans to move there the following year (June 2022) after much planning and preparing in the time between. I’m sending this fantastic source to him to read over. I appreciate your candidacy and details. They will soothe his frazzled nerves.😊 We’re Oklahomans so I’ve read up on the transportation of all our various types of firearms. It’s the house cats that have to make the very long trip that I’m concerned about…I’m open for any and all suggestions you and your readers may have. (Finding new homes for them is out of the question for Hubs. They are extremely attached to him and follow him like dogs.) I have not looked into flying them to us once we are settled. Maybe that’s a possibility if they could be sedated? I will look into it as I would not want to take any chances harm could come to them. Thank you again for your super post.

Hi Sam, What an exciting move! As for the kitties, it’s definitely a concern, but I think that for them flying would be better than having to join you guys in the vehicle. You can ask for suggestions at TheCatSite.com’s forums . I’m sure the members there will have some ideas.

I really appreciate your post as I have been on several road trips to and from Alaska in my day. Originally my parents drove our family of seven at the time from Pensacola FL to Anchorage in December 1960. We went via NC and RI visiting grandparents briefly before the long cross-Canada trip in January. Six years later we did almost the same trip in reverse crossing Canada and visiting the grandparents again only after NC we continued across the SE states all the way to San Antonio TX. That trip was just short or 7000 miles. I have since driven the Alcan Hwy twice myself the last time being 1977. It was always beautiful, adventurous and exciting. Thanks for your blog and reminding me of those good times.

I plan to drive a Toyota Sienna Mini Van in the next two or 3 years for a summer trip from Central CA to Alaska. As I plan to remove the center seats in favor of a mattress, is it unheard of to sleep in a car some nights? Seems like a convenience and cost savings with hotel stays every other or 3rd night for showers, conveniences, etc. Thanks

Hi Tom, Not an expert on this, but as far as I know, sleeping in your car isn’t always legal. Some towns/counties/states may not allow it. That isn’t to say that people aren’t doing just that, but that you should be prepared to either research each location, or for being asked by the police to move your car at 2am.

Hi Anne, Read your post with some sweet memories. I have been to AK 4 times, driving three. The first time was by motorcycle. We did the Ultimate Coast-to-Coast. Key West, FL to Dead Horse, AK. Your description of the AlCan was spot on. I could add that usually there was no high test gas available in rural CA or AK. If your vehicle needs high test, you can bring bottles of octane booster with you. The only time I reserved a room was in Coldfoot and Dead Horse above the Arctic Circle where lodging was truly limited. I really enjoyed the opportunity to relive my trip. 16,000 miles in 5 weeks!

Hi Dale, Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Dale! Key West to Dead Horse sounds amazing. Hopefully, we’ll get to do that too someday!

You did an awesome job on this post! Thank you! We have been to Alaska twice and are going again to take a friend. Unfortunately, she does not have nearly enough time to drive it. But one day WE would like to do that! So this is wonderful and I will be saving this spot. Thank you again for sharing such wonderful tips and instructions and ideas.

Hi Marilyn, So glad you liked the post! I really hope we’ll be driving up and back again someday. We had 2022 in our sights, but our family plans have changed due to covid-19 situation, so we’ll see when that will happen.

Thank you!!!!

After pandemic restrictions ends, we are planning to drive to Fairbanks.

Thanks for taking time to let others your experience.

Thanks, Helson! I hope we can put the pandemic behind us soon enough and that you’ll have a fantastic trip to Fairbanks!

Hi great info. I am taking my daughter to school in Fairbanks in august an was looking for things to see along the way. We are leaving from Denver and so were looking for routes. Her Father is worried about her disappearing ( were divorced so guess I don’t count.) Some I am doing so research . I have already ordered the Mill post and am getting excited. Thanks again for the info.

You’re very welcome, Karen. That sounds like a fantastic road trip! Have fun and stay safe!

Thanks for the many tips. We plan on RVing from South Bend to Anchorage this May.

We really appreciate the information you have provided in this blog. I’ll be ready your others regarding driving to Alaska as we are planning our trip for this year. Probably head out from our home in New Mexico mid-late May pulling our 5th wheel trailer. Really looking forward to the trip and your blog makes it sound like we are in for a real treat around each bend in the road.

This was an awesome read! I’m spending my quarantine time daydreaming about future trips, and this definitely kept the inspiration alive. Thank you for sharing this amazing information! Someday, I hope to drive from my little Manhattan apartment all the way to Alaska. 🙂

That’s awesome, Heather. I think it’s great to plan future trips now. Makes it easier to keep sane while in lockdown.

Thank you so much for this very informative post. I am flying to anchorage with my daughter. We are picking up my other daughter and the three of us are driving her car with her two dogs back to Michigan’s upper peninsula.

Hi Nikki, That sounds like a great road trip! Stay safe and have fun!

This post has been very helpful! We have family in Alaska (Anchorage area) and we plan on driving there next summer (2021) and spending a month or so with them (they’ve invited us), then driving back to Kentucky. My husband would only have enough vacation time to drive one-way with us, spend 7-10 days there, then fly the other way. Which would mean that I would be doing most of the driving one way while my 20 yo daughter would be with me to help drive as well. Is this crazy? I do worry about the safety aspect of me, my daughter, and 15 yo son taking on this adventure. The kids have grown up doing long road trips with us (we’ve driven out West several times) and we did Amtrak to Seattle last year. But nothing of this magnitude. I’m still debating on how best to approach this. I’ve read this entire post, now I’ll go check out your links. Thanks again!

Hi Jeana and thanks for stopping by! Sounds like a good plan to me. The driving itself was very easy, so with two drivers, I think you should be ok. I have to say, we’ve never felt unsafe while traveling there. The “scariest” thing was the fact that you have no cell reception in some areas. What you could do to offset that is to invest in a satellite phone. I would wait a year, to see what kind of technologies are available by then. Good luck!

Loved this article. Thanks so much. Hoping to make the drive in June of this year. Camping along the way and using it as a great opportunity to social distance for the summer. Thoughts on pulling a pop up camper the whole way? Also, I’ve heard lots of people find a pull off and just camp anywhere they can find. Did you see alot of that on your travels?

Very helpful. Planning on going from Florida to Homer. Wonderful info. Now all we need is for the border to open.

Fingers crossed that people can get back to road tripping soon!

Super helpful information! We are moving to Alaska this summer and will absolutely utilize your itineraries! Thank you so much!

Hi April, Thanks for leaving a comment! Enjoy your trip!

Very interesting and helpful. Great way to pass the c-19 quarantine

Thanks, Bob! Gotta keep the travel dreams alive! We will get through this and get back to traveling someday!

Enjoyed reading about your trip, it has helped a bunch for our plans (driving July 2020, leaving from KC). After reading several blogs I haven’t noticed anyone mention health insurance while traveling through Canada. Did you purchase a short term plan for your trip?

Hi Jo, Great question! Since we’re not American, we always travel to North America with full travel insurance. Our plan covered us for the US and for Canada as well. Past experience has shown us that it’s particularly important when on US soil 😉 According to this blog , visitors aren’t eligible to free medical care in Canada, so if this is something you have in the US, you probably need travel insurance.

I loved this post! This summer I drove from Washington DC to Seattle with a friend and it was so amazing–we passed through tons of national parks including Tetons and Yellowstone! I really want to go to Alaska soon and we joked about driving there from Seattle–but now from reading this it definitely seems like a real possibility! Thank you for all the helpful info 🙂

Hi Cami, DC to Seattle sounds like a fantastic road trip! We had four coast-to-coast road trips so far and they were all amazing. I’m so glad you’re considering driving to Alaska! I’m sure you’ll enjoy that very much!

Read it all Anne.. Flying into Seattle out of Boston and heading to Denali with my 18 year old son May 30th. Looking at renting a car for almost 3 weeks.. I have a feeling my son will fly home from anchorage after we do Denali.. two weeks is about his breaking point. I’ll drive the rental back to Seattle.. the one way drop charge is $1200.. Great ino. Will stop in Banff and Jasper.. Been to Banff before..just beautiful! Too early for the salmon run so no watching the bears feed I am guessing.. But I am sure we will see out fair share in Denali. Thanks again!

I’m sure you’ll have a great time, Jon! I would make reservations ahead of time for the Canadian Rockies. When we were last there (September), it was really super crowded and we couldn’t find a place to stay in Jasper.

Enjoyed the post very much. 50 years ago in June we drove from MacDill AFB, Tampa Florida to Elmendorf AFB, Anchorage Alaska. God willing we plan on driving the highway this June however not going to start in Florida.

Read the whole thing! Really liked the read and made me want to make the drive even more. I’ve been to 49 states and only have Alaska left! Thank you for taking the time to write this and for sharing your stories and videos! That bear was SO close!!

Hi Stephen, Thanks for your feedback! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post and I hope that you complete your list of all 50 states soon! And yes, that bear was close!

Of all the articles I’ve come across thus far, this is the most detailed yet – very nice and well worth reading. We did the drive from Washington to the Kenai Peninsula during the summer of 2017 as well, and intend to do so this summer. The Liard Hot Springs and Sign Post Forest were a couple of our highlights besides the variety of wildlife. Thank you for helping other prospective travelers in this regard.

Hi Don, So glad you enjoyed the post. How awesome that you’ll get to drive there again! We hope to be doing the same in the summer of 2021 or 2022.

Hi Anne! This post was a great read! I am sending this along to my boyfriend to hopefully calm his nerves about driving to Alaska. I’m a travel nurse, been traveling about 5 years now and was in Alaska 4 years ago (flew and rented a car when I got there). Today I found out that I will be going back from March to September and this time I’m definitely driving. Unfortunately we will only have 8-9 days to drive there but I can’t wait!! Thanks for the great read and the tips!!!

Hi Macie, What an interesting job you have! I think driving up there in March is going to be interesting – watch out for the mud, possible snow and potholes. Stay safe and enjoy the adventure!

We are going from Central Florida to Fairbanks. What route do you suggest, Anne? We are going over the summer. Thank you for your post. It is the best one I read so far on driving to Alaska!

Hi Eliana, Cool road trip! The route would largely depend on several things – 1. Where you’ve already been in the US and Canada 2. Your timing for leaving Florida 3. How long do you have for sightseeing along the way? You mentioned summer, so I’ll assume you won’t be leaving before April. April-May (and to some extent even June) could be too early for some high elevation areas up north. The shortest route will take you via Tennessee, Minnesota, and Saskatchewan, before joining the Alaska Highway at Dawson Creek. The more scenic route IMO will be to drive to Yellowstone National Park, and then go up the Rockies via Glacier National Park and the Canadian Rockies . It would mean more driving time, including mountain driving (could be an issue early in the season, or if you’re RV’ing). There are countless other options, of course. It really depends on the three factors I mentioned above. Have fun and stay safe!

Thanks for the info. I have had this on my bucket list for a long time, Now it seems even more doable and I need to find someone to ride along with me.

Hi Monica, This is one road trip where having someone along with you for the drive is both helpful and safer than going solo. I hope you find an awesome trip partner soon!

Thanks for all of your work in putting this together. Looking at retirement in the RV shortly, and I threw Alaska out to my Wife as a Bucket-List Item of places to go. A yes came in a blink of the Eye with absolutely no hesitation.

That’s awesome, David! We’re looking at the RV retirement option as well. Who knows, we may meet someday in a campground en route to Alaska!

We are leaving Fort Myers Fl end of March 2020, thru New England, after catching the Cherry Blossoms in DC, To Quebec, visit family, across Canada to Alaska, return thru Colorado areas on sout getting back home Around October. So I read all the way and a big THANK YOU for all the helpful insights😊

Hi Abby, What a fantastic road trip! Enjoy and stay safe!

As a retired teacher with my RN wife living in Southeastern CT we have been camping vagabonds since the early 70’s from tear-drop campers to canvas and recently with a folding Rockwood Hardside A-Frame we have criss-crossed the USA multiple times and are now looking forward to a 50th Anniversary “Adventure of a Lifetime” We are planning a 6 month road trip out west and up through Canada to Alaska. Your fascinating blog has be very inspiring and helpful on so many levels. Thanks for the effort you put into writing it and to the insight it contains.

Thanks so much for stopping by and letting me know, David & Ramona. I hope you have a fantastic adventure!

Thanks for taking the time to share this information. I am planning on doing this trip this coming year. This was a great start to my research. Thank You Randy

Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment, Randy! Have an awesome drive to Alaska!

Thank you for this article! I want to drive from Seattle (home) to Alaska. My husband thought the roads to Alaska were dirt roads in the major part. Is it very expensive to rent a car?

Hi Patty, There are some roads in Alaska that are unpaved, but you definitely don’t have to take them, either while driving to Alaska or while sightseeing there. Renting a car in Alaska is more expensive than it is in the Lower 48. You can read more here about the cost of visiting Alaska (including car rentals) .

WOW! What an article! Thanks for sharing! I have been looking for a travel trip for a family of four. I’ll start planning for next year’s summer from Dallas, TX to AK.

I’m moving from Tampa, Fl to Alaska next august! We’re camping in the bed of our Toyota Tacoma. With a 3 year old and a dog! 😬 So many great tips! Especially the Milepost. Definitely gotta get myself one! 😈 Thanks for sharing!

Hi Sophia, that’s quite the adventure! Have fun!

Hi Anne, I enjoyed reading “Driving To Alaska’. Lots of good advice for the uninitiated. My wife and I made the trip in 2013. We are planning another in 2020. In 2013 we caravanned with friends, unfortunately they can’t make it this time. We are hoping to assemble a 2, 3, or 4 rig group for the 2020 trip. Safety is our main concern. If you and your family, or any of your readers are interested in a spring and summer 3 month or so trip in 2020, we would enjoy hearing from you/them. Thank You.

Hi Dave, So glad you enjoyed the post! 2022 or 2023 might be in the stars for us for an RV drive to Alaska but 2020 is probably too soon. Hopefully, someone else will see this and get in touch.

I am actually planning to drive to Alaska from Palm Beach County Florida in a Class C RV and would love to have the trip plan you suggest. I have from Mid December to make it to Alaska in June and spend June July & August before heading back to warmer easier driving. Any Suggestions? Marilyn Ocean

Sounds fantastic, Marilyn! I’m sure you’re going to have a blast! For an RV, I would suggest getting the boondocking apps because I hear that’s a great option in Alaska.

I realize that the focus of this piece was on driving to Alaska, but we are considering taking the Alaska Marine Highway and loading our small fiberglass camper on the ferry and going one way via the Inside Passage to Whittier and then driving back via the Alcan. Any thought on this plan from anyone who has done it would be very much welcomed.

Hi Russell, Hopefully, someone who did will chime in. I do think it’s a great plan. We did look into it before our trip but the cost for a family of four + vehicle was too high for us. Good luck – I’m sure it’ll be awesome!

Excellent article. As having driven the Alcan several years ago I can attest to its accuracy. In fact, leaving from Ventura next week to do it again. First time in an SUV with my wife, this time towing our trailer with a friend (My wife would rather baby sit grandkids). I am glad to see that there is far less gravel on the Stewart/Cassiar than when we went. Then about 100 miles. We plan blasting up I-15 to Helena then Calgary and Edmonton. I travel this route a lot since we have a house in MT. After Whitehorse we plan on hitting Dawson City, Chicken, Fairbanks, Denali (reservations at Teklanika River Campground) and then back on the Stewart Cassiar to our house in MT. Again excellent article.

So glad you liked it, Mike! Fantastic road trip ahead of you again, next week. I’m totally jealous! Stay safe and enjoy your trip!

I enjoyed reading your post and I have bookmarked it. We are the crazy ones that will be doing Florida (Orlando) to Alaska. We hope to make the trek summer of 2020. Our winter project 2019 will be converting a van into our custom RV. Nothing fancy but everything we need. We have tent camped Southwest US many times and Alaska has been our bucket list for sometime. Our ultimate goal is a 3 to 4 month trip, no hurry just enjoy as much as possible. I will re-read this post again many times before our trip. Thanks again

That sounds super cool, Brent! I’m so glad the post helped! Would love to hear from you after your return – safe travels!

Hello! I will also be making the trek from Florida (Saint Augustine) to Alaska during May of 2020. A friend and I are moving to Anchorage and have decided to make the trip with a truck. I would love to chat with you @Brent about your plans and any research you’ve found helpful about making that drive! Please feel free to email me, [email protected] . Thanks!

PS. Thank you Anne Moss for the post!! Super informative.

June – August 1982…I drove 17,000 miles by myself in a Ford Granada, visited 23 states, 3 provinces of Canada & Mexico…By far my best experience was driving to Alaska, I entered Canada via Montana….A Milestone is a must…I had a CB radio, no sell phones back then…Road said paved – their idea & mine differed greatly…lol….gravel road with craters for potholes plus BIG chunks of gravel…NEVER drove @ night, besides animals – no signage back then to warn of twists & turns – this was deeper into Canada…I did see wild horses, got out of car to take photos – you didn’t have to worry about traffic – could drive for miles & meet no one…also semis with trailers turned over in ditches…I always topped off my tank @ EVERY gas station…what a hardy bunch of folks running a business on big generators out in the middle of nowhere – some stayed open year around…in the event of an emergency, unless a helicopter can fly in – you are no doubt doomed…I either slept in my car, a two person tent – in a campground or sprung for a room…your WONDERFUL article brought back so many memories !!! I flew to Alaska in 1989, still fantastic but nothing can compare to driving !!! @ 67, I wouldn’t try it alone now tho…lol…ps…I have completed the biggest item on my bucket list – have done extensive traveling to all 50 states…

Wow, thank you so much for sharing your story, KimmySue!

I really enjoyed your blog on your journey . My wife and I are planning this trip for next summer from Salem Oregon so the Seattle route. We are going in a Class C RV and my question to you is were there plenty of camping spots along the way. We are self contained so not worried about power just sewer once a week or so. Thanks again for your narrative about your trip. We will take the western route up and then the east rout when we come back. Retired now so we will finally take our time and enjoy the animals and flowers.

Hi Darrell, We haven’t looked for camping spots specifically, but I do know that many RV’ers make the journey to Alaska and back every year. We shared the road with some huge rigs, on both routes. I am certain there are dumping stations and campsites at least every 4-5 hours of driving time. I would suggest getting the Milepost for your trip, as it will provide you with all the info you’ll need regarding dumping, fuel and camping sites. Good luck!

THANK YOU for this absolutely incredible post, the links, the videos…I read it all. I live in Oregon but have made many trips across the US due to marrying a man from Maryland, so the other routes interested me! Loooong road trips are in my blood now! Driving the Al-Can Hwy is a bucket list dream for me. My hope is to accomplish it when I retire. So I am researching and planning now. I am printing this out, putting Mile Post on my Amazon Christmas wish list and someone’s camper-van idea in a comment sounds like a perfect idea! Thank you for all your time spent on this…excellent work! Now to find your blog!!!!! Karen in Oregon!

So glad you liked the post, Karen! Thanks for leaving me a comment. And if you’re interested in RV’ing, do check out another site that I have: VEHQ.com for more information on RV life.

Well, I am totally crazy. I live in Miami, Florida and I plan to drive ro Fairbanks. My dream trip. I have done many, many road trips, but this one would be the ultimate. I got so exvited when you mentioned Miami in your blog, but you didn’t pist an itinerary. Do you have one that you can share?

Hi Isora, We originally wanted to do just that – cross the US across what must be the longest possible path! I think it all depends on how long you have for the drive. If you want to spend most of your time in the Yukon and Alaska, then I guess the shortest route that Google Maps suggests would be it (via North Dakota). If you have time to spare, I would take the scenic route via Denver, Yellowstone and then up the Canadian Rockies – here’s a link to the route in Google Maps . It adds not only driving time but also time you’ll need to do sightseeing along the way. I would say, at least an additional week to your itinerary altogether. Have a great trip!

Hi Anne, Thanks so much for the post!! I read the whole thing…well written.

I am a adventurous type of a person as well. However my trip from Denver to Anchorage will be for a position with a new company. So I have options, but the one I am leaning on the most is to drive a uhaul with a trailer to carry my SUV! Strange probably, but I want go carry my belongings that I just can’t part with and a newer vehicle that I prefer not to add extra miles. With that being said, Do you have any suggestions for someone who will be driving by themselves with towing a vehicle behind a uhaul? I will be leaving Denver Co towards Wyoming, Montana, Canada then final destination Anchorage Alaska

Hi Brenda, The only thing I would suggest is learning as much as you can about safe towing. You need to figure out the weight of your SUV, the hitch and overall payload, and make sure that you’re getting the right tow vehicle for the job and get the right tongue weight for the hitch as well. I would also look into prices, once you know what kind of tow vehicle you need. It could very well be that the depreciation in value for your SUV from those added miles won’t be that costly compared to the towing option. I have another site that’s dedicated to RV’s and has quite a lot of information about towing travel trailers . Check that out as a lot of that advice pertains to towing any type of trailer. Good luck and safe travels!

Brenda Edwards:

According to me , your best option is to drive yourself in a UHaul and send your Newer SUV via a car transporter service .

This is a great source of information and so glad that I came across it. I am planning on heading up to alaska in October 2019 from cape cod ma. My goal is to be back in the lower 48 by thanksgiving (probably san francisco). And then start another trip throughout the western states trying to cover as many IKON ski areas that I can. I’ll be coming back to this post as I prepare for the trip. Once question — i will be bringing two dogs with me. Do you have anhy info on what I need to have regarding paperwork. Hopefully there is not a quarantine period. Regards Thom

Hi Thom, Sounds like a fantastic plan! I don’t know about dogs but I did find this page by the Canadian Government . You can check there to see what kind of papers you need if any. It does say there’s no quarantine period, so that’s good news.

Just returned from Alaska. Drove from Virgina, through Portal ND to get into Canada, and onto Alaska. Saw your post after I returned. Your article is well written, and spot on with your information! I recommend those that are adventurous try the drive it was well worth it!!! Took us 6 days to get to Anchorage area… but we were enjoying the sights… we did come across some major road construction that required one to wait (20 minutes) for pilot cars, and about 20 miles from the Alaska border there was a fire on both sides of the highway, there were pilot cars to follow to help people get through the thick smoke. Anyone scared of heights might have an issue with Hatcher Pass, my advice would be remember the speed limit is safe for the road and there are pull offs. The drive is incredible and well worth it!!

That sounds fantastic! Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Amy!

My husband and I are planning this road trip from Chicago in August of 2020. Your blog is amazing! Thank you for posting it!

Thank you, Christine! I hope you have a fantastic trip!

Thank you so much for this. It was very helpful. My mom and I are leaving July 5th, from Sequim and going to Fairbanks. I am the navigator and now I am sure we will be on the right roads. Happy travels.

That’s great to hear, Janet! Safe travels!

What a well written and fully informative post. Read it to the end. Thank you for sharing. Leaving in a couple of weeks to do a month in Alaska. As we haven’t been sure if this year or in 2020 it is a short sighted plan…but here we go. Taking our jeep and doing motels and as such not a lot of long term plans or reservations. What kind of issues do you see with just grabbing a motel here and there without long term reservation plans. Thanks and if you do write a book about your trips please include.me in a buyer’s list. Cheers Charlie

Thank you so much for your kind words, Charlie! I think you’ll have no issues finding accommodation along the way. The exception would be places like Banff and Jasper in the Canadian Rockies. If at all possible, tour them during the day and plan on staying in the towns before and after the parks. Also, once in Alaska, accommodation tends to be pricier. That’s where finding cheap places a long while in advance can help. I’m sure you’ll find places there without a problem, but it could be expensive. I have a post about the cost of traveling to Alaska which discusses that in more detail.

Thank you for taking the time to share all this information. Loved the bear video!. We are heading up from Colorado for just over a month in July. We are going up the Cassiar and are looking forward to Banff and Jasper and all the other parks on the way to Alaska. We are taking the ferry back to Bellingham to add to our adventure. We have done lots of traveling, but this one is special–it is our 40th anniversary trip. Any secrets you discovered in the parks would be appreciated. I also agree 100% that Glacier and Yellowstone wonderful!

Hi Kristy, You’re going to have a fantastic trip! My tips about all of the parks up until (and including) the Jasper area is to book your accommodation in advance and be prepared for everything to be super busy. That would mean parking down the road from some places like Johnston Canyon or areas in Yellowstone and walking for half a mile sometimes until you reach the spot itself. For places like Lake Louise or Lake Morraine, try and get there as early as you can to beat the crowds or be prepared to take the rather expensive bus shuttle. There are hidden gems in all parks that aren’t as crowded but you’d have to hike for about an hour to get there. That’s why they’re not as busy. If you’re up for that, a couple of places that we’ve tried and enjoyed were Silverton Falls and Sherbrooke Lake. You can use Google Maps to see where the trails begin. Have fun!

Sure read to the very last word! Such enjoyable big help. For us it sure is one in a life time adventure , specially for me that soon I will run into, incredibly well preserved, eighties. My friend and professional driver is as enthusiastic as me. We come all the way from Spain and have a month to get from Chicago to Alaska. We will miss so much!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart

So glad you found this helpful! Safe travels!

Hi, Anne! During the past 5 years, we have been traveling twice each year across the US from our home in South Carolina, and have visited every state, sometimes multiple times. We’ve also driven across the entire length of Canada, with the exception of British Columbia, which we will see this summer. The eastern part of Canada was our favorite! We enjoyed your blog and are planning our own trip of a lifetime to Alaska the first of July. That is the last state we have not yet visited. We plan to be gone about 2 1/2 months. Thanks for sharing your Alaskan experiences and traveling tips!

Thank you for sharing that, Jerry and Karen! We still need to get to the eastern part of Canada ourselves, so I’m thrilled to read your opinion. It’s great to have something to look forward to in future adventures!

Hello! We loved reading your trip details- you should write/sell a book! Thank you so much for taking all the time to post.We have driven to Alaska in a camper twice ( from Iowa) but have not taken the Cassiar Highway. We will be going May 11. Our big question, and it looks like you will be able to answer candidly, where do you think we will see more wildlife- Cassiar or Alaskan Highway?

Hi Beth, So glad you enjoyed the post! I am actually toying with the idea of writing an e-book about the experience. Sounds like you could write your own book too!

To answer your question – Driving the Cassiar later in the season (maybe on your way back?) you can stop at Hyder. From mid-July till September, if you stop for a full day and spend either early morning or late, you’re pretty much guaranteed great bear viewing. They’re still closed in May though I thought I’d mention it in case you’re considering driving back later in the summer.

Other than that, animal sightings require some luck! We’ve seen roadside bears on the Cassiar and on the section of the Alaskan Highway that’s further up north from Whitehorse (i.e. the one both roads merge into). We’ve seen the wood bison on the Alaskan Highway and I understand they’re pretty much a regular feature there. We didn’t actually see moose on either route – only in Alaska itself. So, overall, I don’t think one road offers more animal sightings than the other. I would definitely check road conditions on the Cassiar Highway before making the final decision. I have a feeling they may be slower to fix that road when spring hits, just because the Alaska Highway is the commercial route for trucks. Good luck!

Yes, I kept reading though given that we are coming from northern California I skipped the irrelevant parts like Miami routes. Very thorough and well thought out. Thank you for the effort! The lack of cellphone coverage will scare the dickens out of my wife. She just revealed that while we were driving through New Hampshire from Vermont to Maine, she got scared as evening was coming on, the road was lonely, and we had no service (plus got mildly lost after missing a turn). On the upside, I’m guessing there is very little way to get lost on that highway!

Hi Michael,

Navigating the route is definitely easy. I can relate to your wife’s concern. We’ve traveled through many long and lonely stretches of roads in the US without cell reception though. The overall distance is longer across the Alcan but there’s actually more traffic than you’d be seeing on some roads in Montana, North Dakota or Nevada. I hope you make the trip – enjoy the adventure and stay safe!

Can you give an idea of how mountainous these two routes are? I will be driving a Honda Odyssey and towing a small camper trailer. Steep climbs and descents would be a problem for my rig.

Hi David, There are a couple of passes along the Alaska Highway, mostly where you’re going through the Canadian Rockies. I Googled it and looks like you’ll need to traverse these two – Summit Pass (el. 1,305 m or 4,281 ft) Muncho Lake Pass (el. 1,095 m or 3,593 ft) There were sections of the road with inclines on both routes, I remember as much, but nothing too dramatic in terms of the West (we’ve driven pretty much through all the big mountain passes in previous trips). However, we traveled in an SUV and without towing anything so that probably was super easy on our vehicle. I’m not sure what the towing capacity for a Honda Odyssey is or what your trailer weighs so I can’t say if these would be an issue for you. I hope this helps.

Hi, Thanks for your article and info. I just bought a bus, lol, 1979 MCI. Question, it weighs about 38,000 lbs. Did you notice any LOW bridges or weight limits on the ones you saw ? I have a concealed carry permit, would canada accept that ? Cape Cod to Alaska is in the playbook. Thanks again for your nice details

Hi John, Wow, sounds like quite the adventure! Huge trucks frequently go on the Alaska Highway, so I doubt you’ll have any issue with bridges. I’m no expert on weapons but from what I’ve Googled concealed weapons are not allowed in Canada in general, so my guess is you can’t conceal the weapon. From what I’m reading, you can take your gun through Canada but there are forms to be filled in at the border crossings. Maybe look for gun owner forums and ask there?

We did a brief trip into Canada a few years ago with family members who both have CCWs. Rather than fuss with the handguns, we left them back in the US and just did day trips across the boarder. The relatives said Canada was more accepting of long guns than hand guns and so they didn’t want to fuss with it. We were traveling in a motor home at the time, so just unhooked the towable and used that.

Amazingly Helpful. Been planning to FLY to Alaska, but both Hubby and I shrugged and ughed at that. Your BLOG put our love for road trips in perspective making it real and doAble to get to ALASKA. THanks a TON WanderLust love from MICHIGAN ROAD TRIP 2021

Hi Pat! You really made my day with your comment! So glad you’re going to be driving to Alaska – stay safe and have tons of fun!

You have given a great account of every possible “adventure”, good and bad, for the journey. After reading your post I feel like I have made the trip. We plan to fly to British Columbia from VA, rent an RV and take the Highway. Tossed around the idea of a cruise but don’t want to be that confined to an itinerary, we’re more freelancers. Thanks so much for the advice and safe travels.

Hi Helen, thanks so much for leaving me such a kind comment! So glad this helps and safe travels to you too! By the way, I have a new blog about RV’s here . I wrote about renting RV’s there as well. RV’ing is next on our list of things to do (planning on buying a 5th wheel at some point), so I’m researching the topic in depth.

Great website and info. Planning to go summer 2020, after retirement. Talking this up, I’ve got 3 vehicles now going…2 I can depend on, and a neighbor that’s a little hard to pin down. Other truck camper owner is my college buddy now living in the Bay Area, we are originally from Maine. your blog is informative and inspiring, Thank You !

Hi Gene, Sounds like a cool adventure! IMO, as long as you’re not going during winter, you shouldn’t have a problem driving without company in tow. But having friends along is more fun, for sure.

We are in the beginning stages of even “thinking” about driving to Alaska when we came upon your blog. Thanks for this. We too, want to travel with our dog; however, will have to research Canada’s restrictions/requirements prior to. We know Denali allows pets, but not on any trails, just the roads and bike paths. I am still researching pet friendly hotels in the area. We are also contemplating taking our travel trailer with us…Thanks for this blog as I now know there IS a Highway that is open year-round to Alaska, I didn’t know this before.

Hi Stephanie, Yup, the Alaska Highway is open year-round, but it could get blocked by snow in winter time. I talked to a friend who used to live in Fort Nelson and he said they plow the road within hours. Definitely not a good situation to be stuck in if you’re in a car though, especially at night. I imagine a travel trailer, stocked up with enough fuel for the generator would be ok though. Would need a four-season rig too, just for the added insulation as these areas are so cold during winter! Good luck with your trip – sounds like you’ll be going on a real adventure!

Thank you for all the great information, tips & pics. We must be crazier (or as crazy?!?!?) – we plan to drive from Daytona Beach, FL to Alaska this year. We will be camping in a 5th wheel the entire time. Yes – crazy!

I think it’s an awesome plan! That’s actually my retirement plan – to buy a 5th wheel in the US and travel all over, possibly from Florida to Alaska too! Enjoy your travels!

We wanna fly to Anchorage then rent a car to drive in alaska

Hi Sherrill, Sounds good. I would take two or three weeks to do that. Check out my Alaska Bucket List post to see my favorite spots.

Yes..I read the whole article. Even viewed the videos. Very interesting and useful. My goal is to travel to Alaska the Spring/Summer of 2019. I’m in the process of purchasing a new truck (my Silverado has over 310,000 miles) and putting in a slide-in camper. As my plans are for camping, fishing and gold panning in Alaska. I need to research more info regarding camping through Canada. You didn’t get into it much. Also, I’m bringing my dog, so will read up on requirements for crossing the border with a pet. Otherwise, I’m preparing for the trip a lone with my dog. I want to be around to enjoy the northern lights too and I’ve heard they’re better at certain times of the year. I have all the time I’ll ever need….Alaska is my final state to visit. (Can’t drive to HI so I’ll never go) Thanks for all the useful information. Alaska tourism sent me some great maps and information on places to visit. The GPAA has gold claims where I can camp and pan. I’ll check out a gun show to purchase a handgun. My CC permit covers me in Alaska. I’m totally ready for my best adventure yet. Pen and paper and camera ready.

That sounds absolutely amazing, Phyllis! We did get to see the Northern Lights on our trip, and it was actually in Canada, en route from Alaska. I have a post about the best times to view the Aurora in Alaska , including our own experience with that. Have a great time – I hope you’ll be back to leave more comments as you travel!

Hi Phyllis, I’m hoping to do the trip myself, but READ UP on PETS. Many years ago I was hoping to travel to Canada with my dog, and the information I got was that he would have to spend several days in quarantine at the border. It just wasn’t doable on the schedule I needed to keep (and I was only going to Toronto from New England). I eventually gave up on that trip. I’m actually going to try leaving Colorado in early spring, maybe taking some risks weather-wise.

The description of the road as one with few services makes me think we should upgrade our tow vehicle (04 Suburban with 220K on it) before attempting the trip, just in case. It’s been a mechanical superstar the last 15 years, but for that long of a haul with so few services, we’d be better off to make this summer our Florida drive rather than try to replace a dead tow vehicle in Canada. Alaska might have to wait one more year.

The Suburban is a great vehicle but I agree, I too would prefer a newer ride for this kind of trip.

Ball park, how much would you budget from Portland Oregon to alaska for my daughter and I. We toad trip a lot. This would be a dream vacation. Would you ferry back? Thank you for this information.

Hi Catherine, It really depends on how long the trip will be and what you plan on doing in Alaska. The ferry is pretty expensive when you board with a car but it’s not a bad option, allowing you to rest and take a break from all the driving. This really is ball park, but I would say $150 for each day you intend to spend on the way + $200 for each day in Alaska (accommodation is expensive there). There are ways to bring the prices down though, depending on how far in advance you can plan this. I’ve posted about the cost of a trip to Alaska here . The post includes my tips for bringing those costs down.

AwEsOmE!!!! Thank you so much for this article!!!

Glad you liked it! Safe travels!

Yup, read the whole post. Excellent info for what has become my dream road trip/vacation. Unlikely I will ever get the wife on board, but a guy can dream! For me this reeks of the perfect trip for my brother and I to conquer before we are too old to make it.

Thanks for sharing your story and insights. Best of luck on your future travels.

Thank you, Jeremy! I hope you get to take that trip – it truly is a very special experience!

I have a similar situation. My wife is on board then not, then on board then not. This has been my dream since high school (turning 71 in March). Did make it up there in 2010 and 2017 by flying to Anchorage for short visits. But, the draw of driving is and always will be there. Looking into taking ferry from Prince Rupert to Haines to reduce some driving and stress on my wife. I have a Grand Caravan that I want to fix up for making the trip. Good luck on making the trip.

OMG this was gr8, when hubby and I decide this we will be going from Florida!!

So glad you liked it, Kelley! When we started planning our trip, I actually thought about doing this from Florida and back 😀 We’ve visited 45 US states so far and still haven’t been to Florida, and I thought it would be cool to get both Florida and Alaska into the same road trip 😀 Ended up doing it from California and saving Florida for a separate trip, possibly in 2019!

Thank you for your excellent blog post. We are planning to drive from Sacramento, CA to Alaska summer of 2020 and your post has given me lots of great ideas.

So glad to hear that! I’m sure you’ll have a terrific time – it really is a road trip of a lifetime!

Great article. Researching drive out of deep concern for family member who has a half baked plan to move his family to Alaska. He is in his probably early to mid 30’s has 6 small kids and a wife and not lots of money. He bought plane tickets for his wife and youngest child to Anchorage where my son lives with his sister and their child in a 3 bedroom rental. He didn’t ask them prior to if they could stay or let them know of this crazy ” plan”. He then intends to drive up alone with the other 5 small kids from OKC in Aug or Sept and get a job in Homer at a canning factory. As my son pointed out, that’s seasonal work and they are not hiring anyone this year. He has no assured employment or housing and I have no idea what type of vehicle he drives or its condition. Being a fairly seasoned traveler myself, a planner, and an outdoorswoman, you can understand my concern. I would never consider this trip without another adult, let alone with 5 small kids in tow. He doesn’t want his family back home to be told of his plans. I feel a moral obligation to inform them so they could at least offer to care for the kids until, if ever, he attains the means to transport them there with greater safety. My son, a programmer, with the backup of homeowners in Anchorage, spent 3 years planning, saving and gaining employment before making this move. He responsibly went alone and then sent for his family after he was settled. This may be the longest response I’ve ever written so I hope you read it and weigh in with your advice. Thanks so much. Adrienne Daily

Hi Addrienne, I do share your concerns. This is not an easy trip to make, for sure. I hope your relative will choose a reliable large vehicle for the trip and will keep safe. Why not send him a link to this post too?

How do I get a copy of your book?

Hi Nancy, I think you mean the Alaska Milepost? It’s not my book, I’m afraid but it’s the one we have used when we traveled there. Here’s the link again .

Loved the article – my sister and I are planning a trip in June 2019 so we’re prepping now. I’m a teacher and she’s retired, so we don’t really have a time limit. Driving to Alaska has always been a bucket list trip for us, and we’re not getting any younger! Last year I spent 2 weeks in India, so I think I can handle it! Plus, I like to drive.

Planning a trip July 2019 Los Angeles to Alaska. Curiosity what did your trip cost?

Hi Eddie, I actually have a long and detailed post about this very topic! Check it out here . It includes many tips on how to lower the costs, based on our experience. Have an awesome trip!

We (hubby, 6 year old, and dog) are planning a 4 week rv trip from Illinois to Alaska next summer (July 2019). We are very excited and I’m having fun researching! Your post was very helpful!

Hi Jen, I guess 4 weeks is one-way? I bet you’re going to have a wonderful time! I can’t wait to do the same in an RV too.

Read to the end. Only skipped the from and to of NY, FL and LA. We are planning a camping road trip with another couple (two vehicles-van conversion and truck camper) the summer of 2019. I found your blog very interesting, smart and informative. Thanks for all the time and attention you devoted to this. We are very excited to visit Alaska and have already started researching. We did a van camping trip through British Columbia and Alberta a few years back. Breathtaking scenery!! Thanks. 6/2018

Oh, you’re going to have such a wonderful trip! I’m researching into RV’ing too, seems like so much fun and since you can basically legally boondock in most places in Alaska, I have a feeling it can really lower the cost too.

My Name is Paul Corrado yup I read this and wI’ll reread it I’m leaving next week after final inspections I’m doing on my car. I’m going alone unfortunately because none of my friends have the guts to do this in a plane let alone a CAR but I love roadtrips and I LOVE TO DRIVE. Your post is amazing and I learned alot about the trip to alaska I’m leaving from LOS ANGELES San Fernando valley Area. I realize the amount of time I’ll need to see alot but I won’t get all of it this time I KNOW one thing I’ll learn about this trip and even plan a better one in the not so distant future. But if I can just see from the road between here and Alaska the natural beauty of the world I’m happy just to stay on the road and drive through it. Thanks again for the article

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment, Paul! I’m so glad you found the post helpful! If you have any questions whatsoever about driving to Alaska, just let me know. I’m sure you’ll have a fantastic road trip!

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How to Drive to Alaska: Everything you need to Know

Last Updated on April 9, 2024

If you’re ready for the epic road trip adventure of a lifetime, then a drive to Alaska on the Alaska Highway just might be for you! I’ve driven the Alaska Highway many times along with the access roads in British Columbia and the Yukon and nearly every highway in Alaska. I’m also a road logger for the Milepost and my colleagues and I drive the Alaska Highway and the other highways in Alaska to keep the Milepost updated, so you know you’re getting only the best advice and information here. This article will tell you everything you need to know to decide if this road trip is right for you and everything you need to know to plan your trip. I’ve also included a few of my favorite stops and side trips along the way.

There’s lots of information in this article. If you’re looking for something specific, use these links to find what you’re looking for quickly. Grab a copy of my Alaska Highway Planner and Workbook to keep everything organized and make sure you don’t miss a thing.

• Is driving to Alaska worth it?
• Interview with Alaska highway travelers Pete and Kathleen
• When is the best time to drive to Alaska?
• What parts of Alaska can you drive to?
• How much does it cost to drive to Alaska?
• Can you drive to Alaska without going to Canada?
• How long does it take to drive to Alaska?
• What’s the best route to take?
• What are road conditions like?
• Is there cell phone service on the drive to Alaska?
• Where can you sleep along the way (including camping)?
• Wildlife you might see
• The best stops and things to do on your road trip to Alaska
• Preparing your vehicle
• What to pack for your road trip to Alaska

Is Driving to Alaska Worth it?

Driving to Alaska MIGHT be worth it, or it might not. It is certainly a beautiful scenic drive and epic road trip adventure ! It is also a long drive that takes a lot of time.

A few questions to ask yourself to help you decide if driving to Alaska is worth it or not for you:

• Do I love road trips? Like REALLY love them. If so, then you’ll probably love this Canada and Alaska road trip adventure!
• Do I love Canada? Or do I want to find out if I love Canada? Most of the drive will be through Canada!
• Do I need my car while I’m in Alaska? This might be the situation if you are moving to Alaska, moving there for seasonal work, or if time is not an issue on your trip but money is. Driving your car to Alaska may be cheaper than renting a car when you arrive, especially for a longer trip. Car rental is expensive in Alaska. If you have the time, you may be able to save money if you travel in your own car.
• Am I adaptable and do I have a sense of adventure? This is a road trip where things won’t always go as expected. You might need to change your plan about where you’re staying or how many days you are on the road.
• Do I have at least a month for my trip? I only recommend driving to Alaska if you have at least a month for your trip. Possibly 2-3 weeks if you can share the trip with someone else and have each of you drive one way. For a shorter trip, fly and rent a car!
• Am I considering the drive to Alaska part of the trip? If you think of the drive as part of your trip, it’s wonderful! If you are just going fast to try to get there, it’s a long, difficult slog.

Listen to Pete and Kathleen’s story of driving to Alaska from Pennsylvania and back on the Alaska Uncovered Podcast

When is the best time to drive to alaska.

The short answer is, whenever you have time! The highway is open all year, though there can be significant delays in winter and not everything is open. You also need to be very self sufficient and prepared for extreme cold in winter. I’ll assume for this article you’re planning to drive during the summer (June-August) or the shoulder season (mid April through May or September).

You can encounter snow and ice as late as mid May and as early as early September, so keep this in mind if you’re driving during those months.

Almost everything along the highway is open from mid May through early September .

Construction happens all summer and shoulder season, so you can’t really avoid that unless you’re driving in the winter. Bugs will be most intense in June and July, though you may encounter them earlier in the summer as well, and possibly later depending on how dry and cold the late summer is.

If you want to see the Northern Lights on your trip, then plan your drive to Alaska for late August or September , when it’s dark enough to see them!

In most of Alaska, the Yukon and Northern BC, it doesn’t get dark at night in May, June, July or early August. The further south you go, the more darkness there is.

What parts of Alaska can you Drive to?

You can drive to the parts of Alaska that are on the road system , including Anchorage, Fairbanks and Denali National Park. 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’s state capitol of Juneau is the only state capitol in the United States that you cannot drive to . You can bring a car to Juneau, but you would need to drive to Skagway or Haines and take the ferry to Juneau. The Alaska Marine Highway System (the Alaska state ferry) serves many towns in the Inside Passage of southeast Alaska as well as Southwest and Southcentral Alaska.

You can bring a vehicle on the ferry with a reservation. You can also take the ferry from Bellingham in Washington State as far as Haines or Skagway to meet up with the road system.

How much does it cost to Drive to Alaska?

The cost of driving to Alaska can vary quite a bit based on:

• The type of vehicle you are driving and it’s gas mileage
• Whether you camp or stay in roadhouses or hotels along the way (or a mixture of the two)
• The exchange rate between the Canadian and US Dollar

Expect to pay more for gas in Canada than in the US and even more for gas in remote areas . You”ll be paying at least 20% more for gas. If you’re in a remote part of British Columbia as much as 50% more. In Canada, gas is sold by the liter (instead of gallons) and you’ll be paying in Canadian dollars. Between these two, it can be difficult for an American to figure out how much they’re actually spending. The most important thing is to budget enough for gas that you don’t get tempted to drive on to find cheaper gas. This might result in you running out of gas, which is no fun!

When you budget for your trip, the most important part will be how much time you’re spending in Alaska and where you are staying. This post has all my recommendations for saving money on a trip to Alaska , including how to budget.

You can save money by camping along the way if you’re a camper. I like to camp but I have usually split my nights between camping and hotels. Setting up camp in a new location each day takes a lot of time. If you’re taking your time camping each night will be no problem. The sleeping section below has more information on camping, roadhouses and hotels.

Can you Drive to Alaska without going through Canada?

You will definitely be driving through Canada if you drive to Alaska. In fact, most of your drive will be in Canada . Your drive includes British Columbia and the Yukon as well as Alberta if you are coming from further east. It is your responsibility to research the most up to date rules regarding entry to Canada and Canadian road rules. A few of the important things to know include:

• You will need a passport . If you are a US Citizen and resident of Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York or Vermont you can get and use an enhanced driver’s license to cross the land border between the US and Canada in a car. You can also use a NEXUS pass if you have one.
• There are some items you cannot transport across the border , or are restricted. It is your responsibility to research this and declare any items that require it (such as alcohol and fresh produce, among others).
• Canada requires proof of vaccination against COVID and documentation of this at the border as well as in advance on the ArriveCAN app. Some travelers may also be tested at the border.
• If you are traveling with a pet , you will need a current health certificate including proof of an up to date rabies vaccine.
• If you are traveling with a child , but both parents are not present, have a letter from the other parent stating it is ok to cross the border with a child
• US Citizens with Driving Under the Influence convictions and some other convictions may be denied entry into Canada.
• Prices in Canada will be in Canadian Dollars . Many places will take American money, but you will get change in Canadian Dollars. The best way to handle this is to stop at a Canadian ATM and get some Canadian cash. You can also use your debit or credit card (check with your bank about foreign transaction fees that may be charged).
• Gas in Canada is sold by the liter , not the gallon
• Speed and speed limits are in kilometers per hour , not miles per hour
• Distances are listed in kilometers , not miles.
• There is a one hour time change between Alaska and Canada.
• Check with your insurance company to make sure you are covered while driving in Canada.

How Long Does it Take to Drive to Alaska?

I recommend spending a week to drive to Alaska from Seattle . Even longer if you want to spend some time at any places along the way or if you’re coming from further away in the United States. This trip is long, over 2200 miles from Seattle! If you’re not going to make the journey part of your trip, I highly recommend flying there instead and renting a car. For comparison, this is about the same distance as driving from Seattle to Indianapolis or Edmonton to Ottawa.

The drive to Alaska is not fun if you’re just trying to get there as fast as possible! There are a few things that make this road trip slower than most and more fun if you’re taking your time, including

• Construction – you will run into places with delays sometimes of an hour or more in construction zones
• Two lane road – The Alaska Highway is in good condition, however it’s a two lane road and there can be a lot of RVs on it in the summer which tend to be driving a bit slower. Passing lanes and safe passing areas are around, but some sections don’t have as many
• Wildlife – you’ll want to stop and spend a few minutes when you see wildlife, but you also need to watch your speed and follow the speed limit which will help you avoid a collision with wildlife which is extremely dangerous for both you and them (especially with moose).
• Frost heaves – one of the reasons there’s lots of construction along the Alaska Highway is because the harsh winters are hard on the roads. In Northern BC, the Yukon and Alaska you can hit sudden frost heaves, which are like speed bumps but less predictable. Hitting them too fast can damage your vehicle.
• Stopping at some of the interesting and beautiful places along the way (see more on this below)

I also recommend building in an extra day or two, in case you need any vehicle repairs, tires or just want to take a break or spend more time checking something out.

What is the Best route to take to Drive to Alaska?

There are three primary access routes when you drive to Alaska . They all converge in the southern part of Canada’s Yukon Territory, near the town of Watson Lake. Between Watson Lake and Tok, Alaska, there is really only one way to go . This section will talk about the different access routes and then the different places you can go once you hit the Alaska border. The things to do section later in this article discusses highlights and what not to miss on each section of the drive to Alaska.

Make sure that you get your copy of the current year’s Milepost to give you all the details about every single road in Alaska, the Yukon and most in British Columbia. Don’t count on having a phone signal!

If you are driving both ways, consider going one way on the Cassiar and the other through the Canadian Rockies for variety.

Cassiar Highway

This route is the shortest distance to drive to Alaska from Seattle and Portland (about 100 miles shorter than the west access route described below). It is likely to take longer however, since the Cassiar Highway is slow and very remote. There are very limited services along this highway.

This route is best for those who want to get away from it all. It’s also excellent for seeing wildlife. Make sure you are comfortable driving in very remote areas without services.

To take this route to drive to Alaska, start in Seattle and follow the Trans Canada Highway (Highway 1) east around Vancouver. Follow the Trans Canada Highway as far as Cache Creek. At Cache Creek, continue north on Highway 97 towards Prince George. In Prince George, take the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) west towards Prince Rupert. The Cassiar Highway takes off to the right (north) as Highway 37 between Smithers and Terrace. Take the Cassiar Highway through Northern BC’s beautiful wilderness until you meet up with the Alaska Highway just after crossing the border into the Yukon Territory, just west of Watson Lake.

Total driving distance from Seattle to the BC/Yukon border on the Cassiar Highway Route is just over 1300 miles .

West Access Route and Alaska Highway

This is the best route for anyone coming from the West Coast of the US who prefers to avoid the more remote Cassiar Highway in favor of the still-remote-but-less-so road.

This route is the same as above as far as the town of Prince George in Northern British Columbia. Continue beyond Prince George on Highway 97. If you don’t care about the sign that tells you you are at the start of the Alaska Highway, take the cut off and save 25 miles. Otherwise, continue into the town of Dawson Creek, the official start of the Alaska Highway . You’re still on BC Highway 97, but now you’re officially on the Alaska Highway!

Total driving distance from Seattle to where the Cassiar meets the Alaska Highway on this route is just under 1400 miles .

East Access Route and Alaska Highway through the Canadian Rockies or Calgary

If you’re coming from the Rocky Mountain West, the Midwest, the South or the East Coast, then the best route for you is to come through the Canadian Rockies or Calgary, Alberta.

You have a few options here. The fastest way is to take the shortest route to Calgary, then the Red Deer Expressway north of the Canadian Rockies National Parks to meet up with the start of the Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek, British Columbia.

Many people like to include a trip to Glacier National Park and the Canadian National Parks of Banff and Jasper on to their drive to Alaska. It’s a little more out of the way if you’re coming from the West Coast, but it’s almost on the way for those coming from the rest of the US. You can visit those parks (along with the less visited but my personal favorite, Canada’s Kootenay National Park ) and then head north from Jasper to Grand Prairie to meet up with the start of the Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek.

Total driving distance from Missoula, MT to where the Cassiar meets the Alaska Highway on this route is about 1500 miles . The distance going through the parks is about the same, but it takes longer.

Alaska Highway through the Canada’s Yukon Territory to Tok, Alaska

This part of the drive to Alaska is very straightforward because you’re on the Alaska Highway and there’s really only one way to go (unless you take some side trips like up to Dawson City , which is awesome but you might not have time for!).

You’ll drive through the southern part of the Yukon Territory, including Whitehorse. If you’re heading to Southeast Alaska, you’ll turn off sooner (see below) than if you’re headed to Anchorage or Fairbanks. For Anchorage or Fairbanks, keep heading up the Alaska Highway, passing by Kluane National Park and entering Alaska at Beaver Creek.

Total Driving distance from Watson Lake, Yukon to Tok, Alaska is about 650 miles.

Whitehorse to Southeast Alaska (Skagway and Haines)

If you’re heading to Skagway, you’ll head south on the Klondike Highway in Whitehorse. If you’re going to Haines, you’ll head south on the Haines Highway from Haines Junction. Both Skagway and Haines are wonderful places to visit and you can also catch the ferry to take your car to other parts of Southeast Alaska that are not accessible by road. Learn more about riding the Alaska ferry here .

Tok to Anchorage or Fairbanks

Once you arrive in Tok, you’ll go a different direction to go to Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula than Fairbanks and Denali National Park . By the way, you can make a loop driving the Parks Highway between Anchorage and Fairbanks.

For Anchorage , you’ll head south and west from Tok towards Glennallen and the Glenn Highway, taking you to Anchorage in about 320 miles.

For Fairbanks , you’ll head north and west through Delta Junction for about 200 miles. If you’re heading to Denali National Park , head to Fairbanks and then south on the Parks Highway for another 120 miles.

Check out my Alaska itineraries for independent travelers for ideas on how to build your road trip once you are in Alaska!

What are Road Conditions Like on the Alaska Highway?

Overall the road conditions along the drive to Alaska are pretty good for such a remote location. The Alaska Highway is all paved and even some of the secondary roads are too. There are occasionally small sections of gravel where a washout repair has happened recently, which could be up to a couple hundred yards. Some roads are gravel and in general are very well maintained.

In construction zones there may be many miles of gravel where the road is being repaired or upgraded. Usually in these sections one direction of cars will go at a time behind a pilot car. There can be a long wait at times for the pilot car.

In addition to construction, watch out for wildlife (especially moose) and watch your speed to avoid a collision. Frost heaves and potholes pop up at times and are usually marked with temporary orange signs in Canada.

If you’re in the habit of going a little bit further for cheaper fuel, break that habit before you drive to Alaska! Fuel is more expensive and gas stations and not as frequent as they are in other areas. Fuel will be cheaper in bigger towns, so always fuel up in towns when you pass even if you don’t need to stop . Don’t count on being able to check your phone for the next fuel stop, use the Milepost for this instead.

Is there Cell Phone service along the Alaska Highway?

For the most part, you will be driving out of cell coverage when you are not in a town . Some small towns also do not have cell phone service. This is true in British Columbia (especially the further north you go), the Yukon and Alaska.

Another important note is that the majority of your drive will be in Canada, so contact your cell phone provider to find out how much it will cost to use your phone there, including data charges . This is important as it can be very expensive! I have T-Mobile, which does not charge for roaming in Canada or Mexico (fantastic perk!). You may also be able to get a temporary international plan through your provider, but make sure to make a plan for this in advance! Also check with your provider about specific locations where cell phone service is available.

If you’re Canadian, you’ll need to check the same for travel in Alaska and if your provider has cell coverage and how much it costs.

Where can I Sleep or Camp on the Drive to Alaska?

While it is VERY important to have reservations for lodging once you arrive in Alaska arranged well before your trip, it’s fine to call ahead for reservations along the highway a day or two in advance. Often you can find a place even without a reservation, but it’s nice to know you for sure have a place to land at the end of the day if you’re staying in a hotel, motel or roadhouse.

Do not count on having the internet to look up your options on yelp. You need The Milepost to be your guide and let you know what lodging or camping is available along the way.

If you prefer vacation rentals or chain hotels, these are available in the bigger towns along the Alaska Highway and access routes, such as Prince George and Whitehorse. If you’re looking to stay in vacation rentals or chain hotels in bigger towns then a reservation is important. This is a good way to go if you want to have wifi and cell phone service and be in towns at night (don’t assume your vacation rental has wifi or cell phone service if it’s outside a town).

My perferred way to drive to Alaska is to do a combination of camping and roadhouses . I love camping and it’s the least expensive lodging along the Alaska Highway but moving camp every night for several days in a row is a drag. Roadhouses are a really fun, affordable and unique way to spend your nights along the drive. More on this below.

Roadhouses along the Alaska Highway

Roadhouses are my favorite way to spend the night if I’m not camping along the drive to Alaska. Road houses in Alaska, the Yukon Territory and Northern British Columbia are generally small, family run establishments. Sometimes there are in or near a town, other times they are out on their own far from the nearest town. They often do not have wifi or cell phone service and are usually in stunning locations. They always have a unique and welcoming atmosphere and usually terrific food. Typically there will be a restaurant and some rooms. Occasionally there are also cabins or camping on site. Some are more like rustic lodges and others more like motels.

A couple of my all time favorites include the quirky Toad River Lodge and the perfectly located Liard Hot Springs Lodge. Although I haven’t stayed there personally, I know people rave about the Northern Rockies Lodge at Muncho Lake. The Northern Rockies Lodge is the most beloved lodge along the Alaska Highway.

Camping along the Alaska Highway

Camping is an affordable way to travel the Alaska Highway and gives you a lot of flexibility in where you stop for the night. If you’re planning on camping, read my guide to camping in Alaska which is good advice for the drive to Alaska too! Make sure that you secure all food and toiletries in your vehicle or in bear bins if the campground provides them when they are not in use. Bear safety is necessary when camping anywhere in Alaska, British Columbia, the Yukon and Alberta.

Plan on stopping early for the night to make sure you get a spot, especially further south in British Columbia and Alberta. There are a variety of camping options ranging from British Columbia Provincial Parks to Yukon Territory Parks to Alaska State Parks and recreation areas. In addition, there are many private campgrounds and RV parks that welcome tents as well. Some private campgrounds and RV parks offer showers and laundry.

A few of my favorite campgrounds include Muncho Lake Provincial Park, Liard River Provincial Park and Kathleen Lake Campground (note this is about half an hour off the highway in Kluane National Park near Haines Junction – but it’s worth it!). The Congdon Creek Campground along Kluane Lake is a favorite of several friends who drive the Alaska Highway every year.

What Wildlife will I see along the Alaska Highway?

The Alaska Highway is a wonderful place to see wildlife, particularly moose and bears. Keep your eyes out and watch your speed, especially around moose!

For moose viewing, keep your eyes out along the sides of the road, especially when there are marshy or brushy areas or lakes near the road. Northern British Columbia, the Yukon territory and Alaska are all places where you may see moose.

If you’re interested in bear viewing , I recommend taking the Cassiar Highway. The Cassiar Highway is the place where I have seen the most bears on the drive to Alaska. Even if you take a different route, you have a good chance of seeing a bear. Bears inhabit all of British Columbia, the Yukon Territory and Alaska. It is important that you follow all recommended bear safety procedures , especially when camping or hiking. Follow all post signs and warnings related to wildlife. The most important thing is to never, ever leave food out when you are not actively eating it. Keep it locked in your vehicle.

There are also different kinds of wild sheep that you may see, as well as many birds and other mammals such as foxes and maybe even a lynx.

The Best Things to do on the Alaska Highway

There are so many fun and quirky things to do along the Alaska Highway ! Way too many to list in this article. This is one reason why taking your time makes it a lot more fun. Make sure to have the Milepost with you as it will have literally every single thing you might want to stop for. There are lots of opportunities while you’re driving to see wildlife and incredible scenery too. These are a few of my favorite stops and side trips on the drive to Alaska that are worth building into your trip from the beginning:

Sea to Sky Highway (West Access Route side trip)

• Where it is: The Sea to Sky Highway is the drive from Vancouver BC to Whistler BC (a side trip from the West Access Route to the Alaska Highway)
• Why it’s awesome: This is one of the most beautiful stretches of road I’ve ever driven on! Drive up narrow Howe Sound to the charming town of Squamish, stopping at waterfalls and the gondola along the way.

Hells Gate Tram/Fraser River Canyon (West Access Route)

• Where it is: On the Trans Canada Highway north of Hope, British Columbia
• Why it’s awesome: Canada seems to be full of trams and gondolas and I’ve never met one I didn’t like! Even if you don’t stop, this section of the drive through the narrow Fraser Canyon is beautiful. The tram is a wonderful way to get out of the car and view the scenery from above

British Columbia Wineries (West Access Route)

• Where it is: There are lots of wineries throughout the central part of British Columbia, which has a similar climate to Washington’s wine country. Pull off the road whenever you see one!
• Why it’s awesome: British Columbia has some wonderful wines and I love to stop when I’m ready for a break and try some. Wineries in BC never fail to have a fun outdoor tasting area and sometimes food too. Most towns in British Columbia also have wonderful farmer’s markets. Try to drive through this area on a Saturday so you can catch some delicious local produce to enjoy for a picnic with your wine!

Icefields Parkway (East Access Route, Canadian Rockies)

• Where it is: The Icefields Parkway is a spectacular scenic drive between Banff and Jasper National Parks in Canada
• Why it’s awesome: Incredible scenery including massive mountains and glaciers you can see from your car! There are also lots of hiking opportunities along this corridor.

Miette Hot Springs (East Access Route)

• Where it is: Miette Hot Springs is in Jasper National Park
• Why it’s awesome: A bit more mellow (though still super busy!) than Banff’s Hot springs, what’s not to love about a hot springs soak? If you’re a hot springs lover, consider adding a trip on BC’s hot springs route (west of Banff). Visit in the morning for less crowds.

Prince George (West Access Route)

• Where it is: Prince George is at the junction of the Yellowhead Highway and BC Highway 97. If you’re taking the West Access Route or the Cassiar Highway you will pass through Prince George.
• Why it’s awesome: This is a good town to resupply and try some of their wonderful restaurants like the Salted Cracker (house made soup and sandwiches), the Makerie (coffee and art) and Crossroads Brewing (good food too!). Cottonwood Island Park is a wonderful place to stretch your legs on some beautiful forested trails with charming wood carvings along the way.

Stewart, BC, Hyder, AK and Bear Glacier (side trip from the Cassiar Highway)

• Where it is: Stuart and Hyder are across a very narrow fjord from each other
• Why it’s awesome: This side trip will take half a day (an hour each way plus exploring) but it’s well worth it to see this super unique place! Stewart and Hyder are both tiny and right next to each other. These unique small towns straddling the border are situated in a deep and narrow fjord of the inside passage. The Bear Glacier is a mandatory stop along the way.

Tumbler Ridge

• Where it is: Tumbler Ridge is about an hour south of Dawson Creek at the beginning of the Alaska Highway.
• Why it’s awesome: This two hour round trip detour is well worth it, especially for geology fans! This UNESCO world heritage site has many hiking trails that lead you to 90+ million year old dinosaur tracks, fascinating boulders and stunning waterfalls. This is well worth a couple day detour.

Milepost 0, Dawson Creek

• Where it is: Right in the middle of the town of Dawson Creek, at the beginning of the Alaska Highway!
• Why it’s awesome: It’s a cheesy photo stop, but you gotta do it!

Tetsa River Lodge

• Where it is: Alaska Highway Historic Milepost 375, between Fort Nelson and Muncho Lake
• Why it’s awesome: If you’ve heard of the legendary cinnamon rolls of the Alaska Highway, this is the place! Stop in and try one for yourself.

Toad River Lodge

• Where it is: Toad River is between Fort Nelson and Muncho Lake on the Alaska Highway.
• Why it’s awesome: The Toad River Lodge is one of my favorite roadhouses along the Alaska Highway. It’s quirky, friendly and has great roadhouse food. The bar is full of hats, the kind of quirky bar decor you often see in the far north!

Muncho Lake

• Where it is: Between Toad River and Liard Hot Springs on the Alaska Highway
• Why it’s awesome: Muncho Lake is beautiful with lots of recreation opportunities. Great place to stop for lunch or camp for the night.

Liard River Hot Springs

• Where it is: Between Muncho Lake and Watson Lake along the Alaska Highway in Northern BC
• Why it’s awesome: This gorgeous and developed hot springs is a must stop on the drive to Alaska! It’s located inside Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park and has camping as well as a road house nearby. I highly recommend staying the night here which gives you the most soaking opportunities. In addition to the hot springs, there is plenty of opportunity to see an interesting mix of plant life that is able to survive in this otherwise harsh climate because of the hot water. This is a good place to see moose!

Watson Lake Sign Post Forest

• Where it is: In the town of Watson Lake, Yukon, on the Alaska Highway just after you cross the border from British Columbia into the Yukon.
• Why it’s awesome: This is the kind of quirky, interesting sight you will only see along the Alaska Highway! This is a massive collection of signposts that is colorful and highly photogenic, and fun to run around in.

Atlin (Side trip from the Alaska Highway near Whitehorse)

• Where it is: Atlin is located in Northern British Columbia, about 60 miles south of the Alaska Highway between Teslin and Whitehorse
• Why it’s awesome: If you’re going to make the side trip to Atlin (about 2.5 hours round trip), I highly recommend staying at least one night. Atlin is one of my absolute favorite places because of it’s stunning beauty and it’s remote setting far off the beaten track. It’s also an excellent place for fishing!

Skagway (Side trip from Whitehorse)

• Where it is: 100 miles south of Whitehorse on the South Klondike Highway
• Why it’s awesome: I spent three summer in Skagway so I can’t help but recommend this side trip to Skagway! An incredible scenic drive through multiple climate zones in a very short time, you’ll land at the head of the Inside Passage and bustling town during the Klondike Gold Rush. Skagway has fun history and many wonderful hikes that leave right from town. Skagway is served by the Alaska Marine Highway and it is possible to take a ferry from here to Bellingham, WA .

Miles Canyon

• Where it is: near Whitehorse
• Why it’s awesome: Miles Canyon is beautiful canyon created millions of years ago by lava flow. More recently, it’s been the site of a First Nations Fishing Camp as well as a site of harrowing travel by gold rush prospectors in homemade boats. You can drive there or do a 9 mile loop trail from downtown Whitehorse along the Yukon River.

Yukon Beringia Centre

• Where it is: Whitehorse
• Why it’s awesome: The Yukon Beringia Centre is a great place to learn about the natural and human history of the subcontinent of Beringia (what is now parts of Russia, Alaska and the Yukon). Here you can learn about the animals of the ice age as well as the landscape and people who first came to North America through Beringia, as well as modern First Nations.

Kluane National Park and Reserve

• Where it is: Kluane National Park borders the Alaska Highway along Lake Kluane is the Yukon, between Whitehorse and the Alaskan border.
• Why it’s awesome: This spectacular Canadian National Park is vast and doesn’t have a ton of visitors due to it’s remote location. The mountain and lake landscapes are just incredible. This is home to Mt Logan, Canada’s highest peak as well as Canada’s largest ice field. You can’t help but get a taste of Kluane driving the highway, but it’s fully worth it to spend some time here. There is a campground near the Alaska Highway and another at Kathleen Lake (a very worthwhile side trip). There are plenty of hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities in Kluane National Park as well.

How to Prepare Your Vehicle to Drive to Alaska

Any reliable road worthy vehicle will be totally fine to drive to Alaska . Its overall reliability is much more important than any specific capabilities (like 4 wheel drive or all wheel drive). This is a long road trip with long distances between services and more construction than a typical road trip, but the road itself does not require anything in particular from your vehicle. I have driven the Alaska Highway in a Honda Accord, a Chevy Astro minivan, a Toyota 4 Runner and a Ford F-250. All of them were just fine.

There are a few things you can do to help you and your vehicle be ready:

• Accept that this trip will be hard on your vehicle – you are likely to get windshield ding s and paint chips so it might not be ideal for a brand new vehicle!
• Make sure you have excellent tires . If there’s any doubt, get new tires before your trip. This will greatly reduce the odds of getting a flat.
• If possible, carry a full size spare tire . Make sure you have a spare tire and the equipment to change it (refer to your car’s manual)
• Get an oil change before you leave
• Mentally prepare to fuel up whenever you have the opportunity , regardless of cost. If you think this may be difficult for you, consider bringing a gas can. A gas can is not necessary, unless you try to push on too many times for cheaper fuel!
• Make sure your car insurance will cover you while in Canada
• Carry extra food, water and warm clothing and blankets in case of a breakdown. This will help you stay safe and comfortable if you need to wait for help. This is also helpful if you find yourself waiting a long time for road construction delays.

What if my car breaks down?

First of all, don’t panic! Breakdowns happen and people will help you. I’ve had several breakdowns on the Alaska Highway and have always been able to get help safely.

If you’re in a place with cell service, you can call for AAA Roadside assistance (which also exists in Canada). They will help you get help and to a shop that can fix your vehicle.

If you’re not in an area with cell phone service, put your hood up and someone will stop and see what you need. You may be able to get a ride to the nearest town, or you may be able to stay with the vehicle and someone will send help.

I know this sounds scary, but this is a place where strangers will help you. Mechanics even in very small towns will do everything they can to help you get back on the road. Even though it’s stressful, I’ve always been able to get back on the road in a few hours or by the next day, even when I was by myself.

What do I need to Bring to Road Trip to Alaska?

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The most important thing you need to bring on your trip is the latest edition of the Milepost . This comprehensive guide is critical and includes all the access roads and all the roads in Alaska, the Yukon and most of British Columbia and Alberta. Get the latest edition because it’s updated every year, and things change! You can’t rely on your phone to look up information on this road trip. Trust me, you need this!

I recommend checking out my complete road trip packing list and my packing list for Alaska . A few things to call out specifically:

• Personal items including an prescriptions and over the counter medications – you’ll be in remote areas so make sure you have what you need
• Plenty of food and water – in a remote area it’s important to carry food and water with you since you won’t be able to stop just anywhere. A cooler is also helpful to give you the option of having fresh food! Stop at the first big town once you enter Canada to stock up (you can’t bring fresh produce across the border)
• Spare tire and tire changing equipment – the Alaska Highway is no longer the tire destroying road it once was, but there’s still a decent chance you’ll need to change a tire and the distances to finding someone who can help may be long. I’ve changed a tire at some point on most of the trips I’ve made on the Alaska Highway! I also recommend a paper copy of your vehicle’s manual if it’s not already in your glove box.
• Analog Entertainment – make sure to download those audio books, podcasts and playlists since you’ll be in long stretches of road with no cell phone signal. I also love to bring my Kindle for reading at night. Art supplies and games are fun additions too.
• Clothing for all kinds of weather – be ready for rapidly changing weather, hot days, wet and chilly days and downright cold (especially in May and September). My Alaska packing list has lots of suggestions!
• An awning and camp chairs for stops – this is completely not necessary but also completely amazing! The awning can protect you from rain and sun (you can even get a bug tent to strap on it) and the chairs are super handy.

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5 Best Alaska Road Trip Routes (Ultimate Planning Guide!)

So, you’re thinking of venturing out on an Alaska road trip? The state isn’t nicknamed ‘The Last Frontier’ for nothing. The stark mountains, frigid winter climate, and vast miles of land uninhabited by humans give way to its off the map nature.

If you’re looking to cruise alongside stunning scenery and embark on some incredible new adventures, all while enjoying the comforts of civilization along the way, an Alaska road trip is certainly the way to go.

It’s hard to know where to start when planning your own expedition like this, so we’ve done some of the legwork for you. Read on for all of the best routes and must-sees along the way when you embark on your journey through the Last Frontier.

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Alaska (Travel Guide)

How many miles is it to Anchorage, Alaska from:

Table of Contents

• Seattle, Washington to Anchorage, Alaska Via Yukon 1 E ~ 44 hours and 2,261 miles
• Los Angeles, California to Anchorage, Alaska Via Yukon 1 E ~ 61 hours and 3,395 miles
• Chicago, Illinois to Anchorage, Alaska Via Yukon 1 E ~ 61 hours and 3,568 miles
• Atlanta, Georgia to Anchorage, Alaska Via Yukon 1 E ~ 71 hours and 4,210 miles
• Houston, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska Via Yukon 1 E ~ 70 hours and 4,124 miles
• Vancouver, Canada to Anchorage, Alaska Via Yukon 1 E ~ 42 hours and 2,191 miles

5 Best Alaska Road Trip Routes

Alaska Highway

What would an Alaskan road trip be without a journey up to their 1,387-mile namesake highway? Starting in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, you can turn down this uncrowded route and take in the picturesque snow-capped peaks and remote landscape, all the way up to Delta Junction in southeastern Fairbanks, Alaska.

What to See

During your road trip, you’ll find plenty to see and do on the Alaska Highway. Passing through Muncho Lake Provincial Park in British Columbia, you can stop for a bit of canoeing and spend the night in the cozy Northern Rockies Lodge . Just past the park, we recommend stopping to soak in the Liard River hot springs.

Not long after crossing into Yukon Territory, you’ll be able to check out the Continental Divide . Parting the Pacific and Atlantic watersheds. This ridge journeys from Alaska to the tip of South America .

It’s a short but fun stop along the way for anyone who is into geography and spectacular terrain. Also, in the Yukon, there is Kluane National Park and Reserve , a hot spot for adventurers looking to try rafting, mountaineering, and more outdoor activities.

Check-in for a night at the charming Kathleen Lake Lodge before continuing your journey into Alaska. Be sure to stop by Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge to experience the critters of an Alaska road trip – bald eagles, grizzly bears, and trumpeter swans are just a few of the animal species protected by this region.

You might feel inclined to plan your Alaska road trip over the summer to avoid poor weather conditions and take full advantage of the activities along the way, as some businesses may close during the winter months.  MILEPOST , a must-have guide for traveling in the northwest of the continent, makes a good case for tackling the Alaska Highway during the off-season.

Provided you are a responsible driver, you stay on top of your fuel reserves, are settled into your pre-booked accommodation by nightfall, and adhere to road signage. Attractions like the hot springs at Liard River are going to be all the more enjoyable when experienced in Alaska’s famous colder climate.

Parks Highway & Denali Highway

For 362 miles between Anchorage and Fairbanks, you can take in the wild landscape of Alaska’s interior on Parks Highway. From mountains to tundra, it’s the perfect Alaska road trip for adventurous spirits.

Not only is Alaska the Last Frontier, but it’s also the site of what’s known as the Last Great Race on Earth: the Iditarod. After departing Anchorage, you could spend some time at the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Museum , where you can dive into the history of this bold and daring race.

Perhaps the most anticipated stop of a Parks Highway Alaska road trip is, Denali National Park and Preserve . Home to the continent’s highest peak, Denali.

This park boasts plenty of summer and winter activities, such as hiking, fishing, mountaineering, and stargazing. Spend the night at one of the quaint cabins in the Denali Backcountry Lodge.

Here, you can also choose to detour from your Parks Highway road trip and embark on an alternate route to take in the full expanse of this cherished park, its glaciers and tundra landscape.

Extending for 134 miles from Paxson to Cantwell and made up of mostly gravel, Denali Highway is no last-minute decision, so make sure if you go this route you’re aptly prepared to forge ahead on a new trip.

While Parks Highway is open all four seasons, Denali Highway is closed in the winter. Traveling during the summer months is probably your best bet for enjoying the full spectrum of Alaska’s interior on this trip.

Seward Highway

Modest in length compared to it’s big Alaska road trip counterparts, Seward Highway is perfect for a small jaunt from Anchorage. Looping 127 miles down to Seward, the sites you’ll encounter are some of the state’s most breathtaking.

Don’t be fooled by the low mileage on this trip – there is so much to see packed into a short distance! MILEPOST is a great resource for examining all of the options available to you.

Your first order of business will be to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic view of Turnagain Arm as you cruise between mountains and shoreline.

If you’re willing to turn this mini Alaska road trip into a full-fledged adventure, take some time to stay at Alyeska Resort just southeast of Anchorage, where you can hit the slopes and ski to your heart’s content.

Further down the road, you can check out the trail at Johnson’s Pass before stopping for another night at the Inn at Tern Lake , where you’ll be able to arrange fishing trips or whale watching tours.

Be sure to take your camera out for glossy Kenai Lake before you complete your journey in the pleasant town of Seward .

Any season of Seward Highway won’t disappoint. If you are an avid ski or snowboarder be sure to venture to this region in the winter!

Dalton Highway

Time to go off-road (sort of). Most of Dalton Highway is gravel, so you’ll have to take your sweet time on this massive 415-mile route starting at Elliott Highway and ending in Deadhorse, up by the Arctic Ocean.

This is not a route to be taken lightly, and if you’re renting a car, be sure to double-check for restrictions on traveling on unpaved roadways.

This trek starts at the junction with Elliott Highway, another scenic Alaska road trip looping from Fox to Manley Hot Springs. Spend a couple of nights at Coldfoot Camp , aptly named for the frigid arctic conditions you’ll face while cruising Dalton Highway.

Here, you’ll be able to tour Koyukuk River in the summer, and possibly view the Northern Lights in the winter.

Close by, you’ll pass the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, which really captures the meaning of the word “remote.” Void of set paths, this stop is perfect for some pictures before continuing on your way unless you happen to be an expert in wilderness survival.

Once you reach Deadhorse and Prudhoe Bay, you can stay at the Aurora Hotel , which sits over Colleen Lake and book an Arctic Ocean tour . Who else can say they’ve done that?

You really can’t go wrong here. This far north, you’ll be able to witness the midnight sun during the summer, and you’ll have a shot at the Aurora Borealis during the winter.

Need to book a car for your road trip adventure? We use Discover Car Hire for comparing car prices to find the best deal. They search both local & international rental companies.

Bob Blodgett Nome-Teller Memorial Highway

Due to the remoteness of the Last Frontier, most of the more popular Alaska road trips happen in the eastern region of the state, around the major cities and attractions.

If you’re feeling adventurous, think about tackling the 73-mile stretch of pavement running between Nome, on the southwest end of the state, up to Teller, situated on Grantley Harbor and the closest you’ll get to Russia on any of these Alaska road trips.

The sights of Alaska do not disappoint, and this mini road trip is no exception. At the start of your journey, take a detour up Anvil Mountain for a view worthy of a photo-op, and while you’re there, check out some Cold War communications remnants, dubbed by some as “Nomehenge.”

Further on, you can take in more off the beaten path sites, like an abandoned reindeer corral. But don’t be discouraged by these ruins, as you’re likely to spot actual reindeer too! Stop by Penny River Bridge to view some more unique local wildlife, like coho salmon and arctic tern. The road to Teller is full of surprises!

A several hour round-trip excursion, by the time you arrive back in Nome, check-in at the quaint Dredge No. 7 Inn , located just off the highway. Grab a bite at Husky Restaurant , and sit back, relax, and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Like most Alaska road trips, this one is stunning 365 days a year and like most Alaska road trips, some attractions, such as the road to Anvil Mountain, aren’t maintained in the winter months.

Keep this in mind no matter what time of year you decide to venture out. With proper preparation, you’re sure to love cruising through the Last Frontier.

Alaska Road Trip Drive Timetables

North of anchorage: talkeetna, denali, fairbanks.

• Anchorage to Talkeetna: 115 Miles 2.5 Hours
• Anchorage to Fairbanks: 360 Miles 7-8 Hours
• Anchorage to Denali: 265 Miles 4-5 Hours
• Fairbanks to Denali: 120 Miles 2-3 Hours
• Denali to Talkeetna: 150 Miles 2-3 Hours
• Anchorage to Palmer: 43 Miles 1 Hour

South of Anchorage: Portage, Seward, Cooper Landing, Homer

• Anchorage to Seward: 128 Miles 2.5-3 Hours
• Anchorage to Kenai: 158 Miles 3 Hours
• Anchorage to Homer: 221 Miles 5-6 Hours
• Anchorage to Cooper Landing: 100 Miles 2.5 Hours
• Anchorage to Girdwood: 40 Miles 1 Hour
• Seward To Homer: 170 Miles 4-5 Hours
• Denali to Seward: 375 Miles 7-8 Hours

East of Anchorage: Glenallen, Copper Center, Chitina, McCarthy, Valdez

• Anchorage to Glennallen: 180 Miles 4.5 Hours
• Anchorage to Whittier: 90 Miles 1.5 Hours
• Anchorage to Haines Junction: 608 Miles 12.5 Hours
• Anchorage to Whitehorse: 704 Miles 14.5 Hours
• Glennallen to Valdez: 120 Miles 2 Hours
• Fairbanks to Valdez: 365 Miles 8 Hours
• Fairbanks to Haines Junction: 495 Miles 9-11 Hours
• Fairbanks to Whitehorse: 588 Miles 12 Hours
• Glennallen to Chitina: 64 Miles 1.5 Hours
• Chitina to McCarthy: 60 Miles 3.5 Hours

If you are road tripping in Alaska or renting a car you must have:   The Mile Post

Alaska Railroad vs Car Rental

Cons of Driving

• You really don’t get to enjoy the scenery since you are paying attention to the road.
• Driving does not give you access to untouched valleys the railroad travels through, the Placer River Valley and along the Susitna drainage.
• Driving does require some planning since there are a few services available in certain areas.
• It requires stopping for restrooms breaks and to stretch after sitting for long periods of time.

Pros of Driving

• It gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace.
• Having your own space allows you to bring more.
• It’s quicker than taking the railroad.
• The vehicle provides shelter, so you don’t have to rely on finding accommodation.

Cons of the Railroad

• Taking the railroad in Alaska takes more time than driving.
• The Railroad is more expensive, particularly for large groups.
• There’s a set travel schedule.
• Trains may run late on rare occasions, due to wildlife on tracks or a scheduling problem.
• They require secondary transportation once you arrive at your destination. (Courtesy shuttle, taxi, or walking)

Pros of the Railroad

• Let someone else do the driving, while you just sit and enjoy the views and maybe a glimpse of some wildlife.
• You can get up and stretch your legs without having to stop.
• Don’t need to plan a bathroom or lunch break, everything is already on board.

More on Alaska:

• 21 Alluring Things to do in Alaska
• 15 Cannot Miss Things to do in Anchorage
• Ultimate Guide of Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska
• 13 Epic Things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska (Besides Northern Lights)
• Ultimate Guide to Visiting Chena Hot Springs
• Alaska National Parks-The Fabulous 8
•   Is Spring the Best Time to Cruise Alaska?
• Denali State Park Heli-Hiking Adventure in Remote Alaska
• Ultimate Alaska Packing List
• Visit the Mendenhall Ice Caves Before They Melt – Juneau, Alaska

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Travel planning resources, about lina stock.

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

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We just got back from our first trip to Alaska. I really enjoyed seeing your pics!!

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The Ultimate Alaska Road Trip Itinerary

Updated November 2023,  The Ultimate Alaska Road Trip Itinerary was originally written in January 2020

Alaska’s big and a major bucketlister for many a traveler. For many travelers that aren’t on a high budget, an Alaska road trip is the best way to see the 49th state without forking over your life savings.

People will explore this however they want, some people will buy themselves a campervan, whilst others might prefer to figure out their own way around Alaska. Whatever they decide to though it still makes for a great trip – a trip that plenty of people (people like you) want to take. So read on to learn how to take on an Alaska road trip written by someone born, raised, and still currently living in Alaska.

Please note that I’ve started the road trip from Anchorage as that is the most common starting point. This can also be started from Fairbanks for those flying in there, or Tok for travelers arriving overland from Canada.

You’ll also notice I have broken the Alaska road trip itinerary into 3 one-week legs (4, if you include the Dalton Highway). Each leg can be done in a week, but depending on interests or if you plan to add a hike or a few, they can easily be spread over more time.

Need Travel Insurance and Evacuation Services for Alaska?

Start shopping for travel insurance plans over at  IATI Insurance . Readers of the Adventures of Nicole get a 5% discount off your plan.

The Adventures of Nicole partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading medical evacuation and security advisory services. To travel with peace of mind, shop evacuation coverage at Global Rescue .

Homer to Anchorage

Dalton highway (add on), alaska road trip week one.

Welcome to Alaska! This is the most common jumping-off point for an Alaska road trip as  Anchorage  has the most domestic and international connections.

As Anchorage will be a starting point for many of you reading this post, Anchorage will be where you’ll pick up your rental car and most supplies. Anchorage has numerous grocery, department, and gear stores such as Fred Meyer, REI, Walmart, and more.

Anchorage also is home to some of the best hotels in Alaska and has a small handful of budget accommodations and hostels for those on a tight budget. Check out  this post to see a list of cheap accommodations . Another great option is Airbnb.

You will be in Anchorage a couple more times on your Alaska road trip, so you may choose to explore the city right away or at a later point in your trip.

Check out  2 Days In Anchorage  and  Free Things To Do In Anchorage  for ideas on what to do in the city. Wanna get out of the Anchorage bustle, but not stray too far? Check out the  16 Best Day Hikes Near Anchorage .

Plan your stay in Anchorage with the  Anchorage Travel Guide

Where To Stay In Anchorage

Basecamp Anchorage |  Booking.com  |

Inlet Tower Hotel & Suites |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

The Hotel Captain Cook |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Anchorage to Girdwood

• Distance: 35 Miles
• Time: 40 Minutes
• Places to stop: McHugh Creek, Beluga Point, Bird Creek

Girdwood  is a small town about 40 minutes south of Anchorage along the scenic Turnagain Arm. Home to Alyeska Ski Resort for those visiting in winter/spring months that may want to get in some turns. Girdwood has several good restaurants, plenty of hiking options, and is quite scenic.

Some will make a quick pitstop here while others may want to spend a few days.

Check out Girdwood accommodations  here .

Things To Do In Girdwood

• Ski or snowboard at Alyeska Resort
• Walk to  Virgin Creek Falls
• Hike the Winner Creek Trail
• Go dog sledding
• Take a flightseeing tour
• Take a helicopter to a glacier

Where To Stay In Girdwood

Alyeska Resort |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Alyeska Cabin |  Booking.com  |

Everything you need to know to plan a perfect visit:  The Girdwood Travel Guide

Looking for some awesome things to do in and around? Check out  Virgin Creek Falls  or nearby  Byron Glacier

Girdwood to Whittier

• Distance: 25 Miles
• Places to stop: Portage Ghost Town, Portage Glacier, Byron Glacier, Whittier Tunnel

Whittier & Portage

Not much further south from Girdwood is a tunnel that pierces through the mountains to a little town named Whittier on Prince William Sound. Even to this day it still surprises me every time I cross through the tunnel at how different the landscape is just on the other side.

From Whittier, it’s possible to take day cruises in the sound out to beautiful calving glaciers, go out on a fishing charter, hike, camp, and more. Note that a 2-way ticket for the Whittier tunnel is $22 per car.

Don’t miss Portage & Byron Glaciers that sit very close to the opening of the Anchorage side of the Whittier Tunnel.

There aren’t a lot of accommodation options in Whittier, however, there are campgrounds.

Things To Do In Whittier & Portage

• Take a glacier cruise from Whittier to explore Prince William Sound
• Take a Portage Lake Cruise
• Hike Portage Pass
• Visit Byron Glacier

Looking for more info on Byron Glacier? Learn more to plan your visit  here

Wanna break from driving?  Visit Spencer Glacier On The Whistle Stop Train

Whittier to Seward

• Distance: 110 Miles
• Time: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
• Places to stop: Turnagain Pass, Hope, Kenai Lake, Moose Pass, Primrose/Lost Lake Trailhead, Exit Glacier/Harding Icefield Trailhead

Seward  is the Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park and a port city for southcentral Alaska. The city of Seward isn’t very large, but depending on your interests some may need a few days to tick off all the things on their to-do list.

Shop Seward accommodations  here .

Looking for a stop on the way to Seward? Check out the tiny town of  Hope, Alaska

Things To Do In Seward

• Visit the Sealife Center
• Take a halibut or salmon charter
• Hike along Exit Glacier
• Take a Kenai Fjords National Park glacier cruise (I recommend booking with Major Marine Tours )
• Hike to Harding Ice Field
• Visit the boat harbor
• Trek up Mount Marathon
• Kayak in Resurrection Bay
• Go flightseeing
• Take a whale watching cruise
• Spend a night or two over in nearby Kayaker’s Cove

Where To Stay In Seward

Camping |  Cityofseward.us  |

Nauti Otter Inn & Yurt Village |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Hotel Seward |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Harbor 360 Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |

Seward Windsong Lodge |  Hotels.com  |

Orca Island Cabins |  Expedia.com  | Located on a private island in Humpy Cove, Resurrection Bay

Looking for more ideas? Check out my  Seward Travel Guide  for everything you need to know

Seward to Kenai

• Distance: 105 miles
• Time: 2 hours
• Places to stop: Cooper Landing, Soldotna

There isn’t much in the way of attractions or things to do in Kenai itself unless you’re planning to get in some fishing on your way down to Homer, but Kenai can be a decent place to stop over between Seward and Homer.

Shop Kenai accommodations  here .

Where to Stay In Kenai & Soldotna

Kenai Airport Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

King’s Haven Lodge |  Booking.com  |

Southern Bluff B&B |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Read more details on my  One Week Kenai Peninsula Road Trip itinerary

Kenai to Homer

• Distance: 85 Miles
• Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
• Places to stop: Ninilchik, Anchor Point

Homer is a usual fan favorite of those tourists that road trip around Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula.

Check out Homer accommodations  here .

Things To Do In Homer

• Wander around the beaches, shop,s and campgrounds on the Homer Spit
• Visit the Islands Ocean Visitor Center
• Grab a drink at the Salty Dawg Saloon
• Take a halibut charter
• Go flightseeing and bear viewing over in Lake Clark National Park
• Hike around Kachemak Bay State Park
• Take a water taxi across the Bay to Halibut Cove
• Grab a beer at Homer Brewing Company

Where To Stay In Homer

Camping (tent & RV) |  City of Homer  |

Beluga Lake Lodge | Booking.com | Hotels.com |

Lands End Resort | Booking.com | Hotels.com |

Make the most of your time in Homer with the  Homer Travel Guide

If you’re planning to spend the night in Halibut Cover,  click here  for a list of accommodations and  here  for campgrounds. In Seldovia, you can try the  Sea Parrot Inn , or  click here  for more info on camping in Seldovia ($10/night for tents and $15/night for RVs).

• Distance: 225 Miles
• Time: 4 Hours 15 Minutes
• Places to stop: Anchor Point, Kenai, Soldotna, Cooper Landing, Girdwood

Alaska Road Trip Week Two

Time to loop back to Anchorage. For those of you that are only in Alaska for a week, you may be bidding your goodbyes here, but if you’re continuing for two weeks or more, use this time to re-stock up before hitting the road to the north toward Denali and Fairbanks.

Shop Anchorage accommodations  here .

Things To Do In Anchorage

• Take a hike up Flattop for panoramic views of Anchorage
• Bicycle down the Coastal Trail
• Shop around downtown Anchorage
• For more ideas check out my post  Free things to do in Anchorage

See more and plan the perfect trip with the  Anchorage Travel Guide

Anchorage to Eklutna

• Distance: 20 Miles to Eagle River | 22 Miles more to Eklutna
• Time: 25 Minutes to Eagle River | 35 Minutes to Eklutna
• Places to stop: Arctic Valley, Eklutna Graveyard

Eagle River & Eklutna

I’m actually from Eagle River, and from a tourist’s perspective, there isn’t much of anything to see in Eagle River unless you want to get out into nature. Eklutna is one of the oldest inhabited parts of the Anchorage area, estimated at 800 years old.

Shop Eagle River accommodations  here .

Things To Do In Eagle River

• Hike around the Eagle River Valley at the Eagle River Nature Center
• Trek back to glacial-fed  Symphony & Eagle Lakes
• Walk up Mt Baldy for panoramic views of the Knik Arm

Things To Do In Eklutna

• Hike, bike or kayak at  Eklutna Lake
• Visit Eklutna Historical Park
• Walk to Thunderbird Falls

Where To Stay In Eagle River

Eagle River Microtel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Eklutna to Hatcher Pass

• Distance: 45 Miles
• Time: 1 Hour
• Places to stop: Knik, Butte

Hatcher Pass

Even after a lifetime here, Hatcher Pass is one of my favorite places in Alaska. With countless adventures to be had into the Talkeetna Mountains, it’s got something just about anyone could enjoy.

Things To Do In Hatcher Pass

• Visit Independence Mine
• Trek up or cross country ski around April Bowl
• Visit  Reed Lakes
• Take on longer backpacking routes like  Snowbird to Bomber  or the  Mint-Bomber Traverse

Hatcher Pass to Talkeetna

• Distance: 93 Miles
• Time: 1 Hour 50 Minutes
• Places to stop: Nancy Lake, Willow, Susitna River

Talkeetna is a small town, that once had a cat as a mayor, north of Wasilla. Talkeetna makes a great base for adventures around Denali National & State Parks.

Shop Talkeetna accommodations  here .

Things To Do In Talkeetna

• Take a Denali flightseeing tour
• Go on a jetboat trip

Where To Stay In & Around Talkeetna

McKinley View B&B |  Booking.com  |

Susitna River Cabins |  Booking.com  |

Talkeetna to Denali

• Distance: 174 Miles
• Time: 3 Hours
• Places to stop: Trapper Creek, Denali South View, Denali Viewpoint, Byer’s Creek Trail, Chulitna River, Hurricane Bridge

Cantwell, Denali National Park, Healy

This is one of the top places to visit in Alaska, with Denali National Park being one of the most well-known destinations in the state. If you’re planning to visit in the summer months, June, July, and August, I highly recommend making arrangements and booking accommodations and/or campsites well in advance as things do fill up quickly and accommodations in your budget range may sell out long before your arrival.

If you’re not fussed to camp in a tent (or camper/RV) and outside the park though, you can usually find a slot at a campground even at the last minute.

Denali has plenty to offer with narrated bus tours, flightseeing, wildlife viewing, walking, hiking, backcountry backpacking, and so much more.

Shop Denali accommodations  here .

Things To Do In & Around Denali National Park

• Take a narrated bus tour of  Denali National Park  (note that you cannot drive the park road beyond Savage River (mile 15) in your own vehicle unless you’ve got a  Denali Road Lottery Permit )
• Go on a flightseeing tour
• Take a  backcountry safari down the Stampede Trail
• Hike K’sugi Ridge over in Denali State Park
• Go whitewater rafting
• Drive the  Denali Highway  to Paxson
• Get a  Denali Road Lottery permit  for September and self-drive the entire national park road

Where to Stay in & Around Denali

Alpine Creek Lodge |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Aurora Denali Lodge |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

McKinley Park

Grande Denali Lodge |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Plan your visit to Denali National Park with the  Denali Travel Guide

Read more about the  Denali Road Lottery  & learn how you can do it too

Denali to Nenana

• Distance: 54 Miles
• Time: 55 Mintues
• Places to stop: Nenana River

Nenana is a small town, just north of Healy, on the way to Fairbanks. There are only a handful of sights to see in town, making it a nice stop to break up the journey between Denali and Fairbanks.

Click here  to shop Nenana accommodations.

Things To Do In Nenana

• Whitewater raft the Nenana River
• Visit the Alaska State Railroad Museum
• Check out the Alfred Starr Cultural Center and Museum

Check out the hit the highlights road trip:  Anchorage to Fairbanks

Nenana to Fairbanks

• Distance: 55 Miles
• Places to stop: Esther

Alaska’s golden heart city, with plenty of things to do whether you’re visiting under the midnight sun of midsummer, or you’re braving the cold in the dead of winter. One of the main draws for people to Fairbanks is the chance to see the northern lights dance in the sky, which means for a chilly winter visit (but spring and fall usually yield some aurora activity too!), but the awesome things about Fairbanks is that there’s plenty of other things to check out in town or just outside if you come for the aurora and the weather (and solar flares) don’t behave for you.

Check out Fairbanks accommodations  here .

Things To Do In & Around Fairbanks

• Soak it up at  Chena Hotsprings
• Hang out on the beach at  Tanana Lakes
• Explore downtown Fairbanks
• Take a  Riverboat Discovery Tour down the Chena River
• Check out antique cars at the  Fountainhead Auto Museum
• Hike up  Table Top Mountain
• Get outside the city (if you’re there in fall, winter, or spring), and  go hunt for the aurora borealis
• Visit The  Aurora Ice Museum
• Go to the  Museum of the North  at the University of Alaska Fairbanks
• Pay a visit to the  Morris Thompson Cultural Center 
• Take the kids to have fun at Pioneer Park

Where To Stay In Fairbanks

Billie’s Backpacker Hostel |  Booking.com  |

Pike’s Waterfront Lodge |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Sophie Station Suites |  Booking.com  |

Going to Fairbanks? Look no further!  The Fairbanks Travel Guide

Alaska Road Trip Week Three

Optional: Dalton Highway Road Trip

• Distance: 992 Miles (return)
• Time: 24 Hours (return)
• Places to stop: See  here  for sights

The Dalton Highway is a crazy road trip that will take you from Fairbanks to the north coast of Alaska, up a dirt road, that passes beyond the Arctic Circle. You will want to have plenty of food, water, gasoline, and camping gear for the journey…. and a spare tire or two because flats are the norm (happened to a friend just this past summer).

If you want to do a day trip to the Arctic Circle via the Dalton Highway and don’t want to deal with the logistics or worry about breakdowns, you can book this  Arctic Circle day tour from Fairbanks .

Two really cool add-ons to consider for your Dalton Highway adventure is a day (or more) hike into ANWR and a multi-day hike into Gates of the Arctic National Park .

If you wanna read up more on the road trip up the Dalton Highway, read this post  here .

Alaska Road Trip Week Four

Fairbanks to Delta Junction

• Distance: 95 Miles
• Places to stop: North Pole, Salcha

Delta Junction

There isn’t heaps to do in Delta Junction itself but you’ll pass through here if you’re planning to explore between Fairbanks and Valdez or even Anchorage via the Richardson Highway.

Shop Delta Junction accommodations  here .

Things To Do In Delta Junction

• Rika’s Roadhouse & Big Delta State Historical Park
• Sullivan’s Roadhouse Historical Museum
• Quartz Lake Loop Trail
• Gulkana Glacier Trail
• Bert Mountain Trail
• Lost Lake-Moose Pond Trail
• Take a road trip tour from Fairbanks to Delta Junction

Delta Junction to Tok

• Distance: 108 Miles
• Time: 1 Hour 45 Minutes
• Places to stop: Tanana Valley State Forest

Tok, much like Delta Junction doesn’t have tons of things to do in itself, however, it’s a good jumping-off point for further adventures. Tok is at a crossroads if you will.

Heading east along the Alaska Highway will take across the border and into Canada, a turn north will take you along the Taylor Highway to Chicken, Eagle, Yukon Charley River’s Nature Preserve and eventually onto the Top of the World Highway to cross the border into the northern Yukon Territory and to Dawson City. Heading southwest out of Tok is the Glenn Highway, which will take you past Gakona and Glennallen where you can either head south to Valdez or southwest to Anchorage.

Shop accommodations in Tok  here .

Things To Do In & Around Tok

• Tok Mainstreet Visitors Center
• Forty Mile Country

Tok to Wrangell St. Elias National Park

• Distance: 261 Miles
• Time: 6 Hours
• Places to stop: Paxson, Gakona, Glennallen, Chitina

Wrangell St. Elias National Park

From Tok, take the Glenn Highway down to Glennallen and from there head south on the Richardson to Copper Center. In Copper Center, I’d recommend making a stop at the Copper Center Visitor Center to learn what activities and trails to hike in Wrangell St. Elias National Park.

A little way down the highway after Copper Center head out onto the Edgerton Highway to Kenny Lake and Chitina, before making the remainder of the journey on the McCarthy Road that gives access to McCarthy and Kennecott Mine. McCarthy is the main jumping-off point into Wrangell St. Elias National Park.

Wrangell St. Elias is the largest national park in the US, and as such, most of the park is only accessible by multi-day hikes and by small plane.

Shop for cabins and accommodations in McCarthy  here .

Things To Do In Wrangell St. Elias National Park

• Hang out in the small town of McCarthy
• Visit Kennicott Mine
• Charter an air taxi to check out the Wrangell St. Elias backcountry, or to stay in one of the public access cabins
• Walk out onto Kennicott Glacier & Root Glacier

Wrangell St. Elias National Park to Valdez

• Distance: 180 Miles
• Places to stop: Thompson Pass, Bridal Veil Falls

Valdez is a small port on a fjord in Prince William Sound that’s most well known as the terminus of the Alaska Pipeline.

Shop Valdez accommodations  here .

Things To Do In Valdez

• Valdez Museum & Hisotrical Archive
• Take a glacier cruise to Colombia Glacier & Mears Glacier
• Hike Mineral Creek Trail
• Go seakayaking to explore the fjords around Valdez
• Whitewater raft the Lowe River through Keystone Canyon

Where To Stay In Valdez

Camping (RV & Tent) | City of Valdez  |

Glacier Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Want more details? Check out my  one week in Alaska Wrangell St. Elias & Prince William Sound Road Trip

Valdez to Matanuska Glacier

• Distance: 196 Miles
• Time: 3 Hours 15 Minutes
• Places to stop: Thompson Pass, Bridal Veil Falls, Gelnnallen, Eureka

Matanuska Glacier

Matanuska Glacier is one of Alaska’s easiest-to-visit glaciers. For those not as adventurous it’s easy enough to stop at viewpoints along the Glenn Highway for views of the glacier, but if you’re wanting to get out on the ice drive into Matanuska Glacier Park where you can pay the $30 per person access fee and continue to drive to the toe of the glacier.

Once there, park the car and head on out to the ice, following the trail marked by orange cones. I recommend dressing warm and wearing cleats out there to help prevent slips. If DIY isn’t your thing you can book glacier tours  here .

Matanuska Glacier to Anchorage

• Distance: 103 Miles
• Time: 2 Hours
• Places to stop: Matanuska River, Palmer

Finally back to Anchorage to wrap up your Alaska road trip!

More Posts from Alaska:

9 Tips For Viewing The Aurora

Girdwood Travel Guide + 5 Things To Do In Girdwood, Alaska

Anchorage To Fairbanks Road Trip: One Week In Alaska

The Big Loop Alaska Road Trip

2 Day Anchorage Itinerary

Hiking The Mint-Bomber Traverse

Travel Alaska On A Budget

How To Visit Gates of the Arctic National Park

A Guide To The Denali Highway

Visit Spencer Glacier On The Whistle Stop Train

Visiting Byron Glacier

How To Get To Mendenhall Ice Caves

16 Best Day Hikes Near Anchorage, Alaska

What to Pack for Alaska, Written by a Local

Anchorage’s Best Hotels: Where to Stay in Anchorage

Biking to Knik Glacier in the Winter

A Day Hike Into ANWR

Fairbanks Travel Guide + 13 Things To Do In Fairbanks

Shrine of St. Therese In Juneau, Alaska

How Much Does It Cost To Travel In Alaska?

The Best Way To Explore Kenai Fjords National Park: Major Marine Tours

The Ultimate Alaska Highway Guide: Driving the Alcan between Canada & Alaska

Wrangell St. Elias Road Trip, Alaska

A Quick Guide To Hope, Alaska

How To Get A Denali Road Lottery Permit

The Rabbit Lakes Hike In Anchorage, Alaska

Kayaker’s Cove: My Favorite Escape From Seward

Homer Travel Guide + 14 Things To Do In Homer

34 Best Things To Do In Alaska

Williwaw Lakes Hike In Anchorage, Alaska

The Best Places To See The Northern Lights in Alaska

The Ultimate Alaska Travel Guide

Kenai Peninsula Road Trip

Juneau Travel Guide + 19 Things To Do In Juneau

Anchorage travel guide + 20 things to do in anchorage.

Denali National Park Travel Guide + 14 Things To Do In Denali

The Best Road Trips In The World

10 Reasons to Visit Alaska

Seward Travel Guide + 18 Things To Do In Seward

MacDonald Spit, My Favorite Coastal Alaska Destination

Visiting Virgin Creek Falls In Girdwood, Alaska

Free Things To Do In Anchorage

K’esugi Ridge Hike in Denali State Park, Alaska

The Dalton Highway Road Trip

The Reed Lakes Hike In Hatcher Pass, Alaska

Snowbird-Bomber Hike in Hatcher Pass

10 day alaska itinerary.

Eagle & Symphony Lakes Hike, Alaska

Twin Peaks & Eklutna Lake

The Perfect Coastal Alaskan Winter Getaway: Between Beaches

Kenai Fjords National Park Travel Guide

Best Hostels in Anchorage, Alaska

Free places to Ski & Snowboard Near Anchorage

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

The Road To Kantishna

Eating My Way Across The Alaska State Fair

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Bucket-List Alaska Road Trip Itinerary

February 10, 2024 //  by  Follow Me Away //   27 Comments

Are you looking for the best Alaska road trip itinerary that showcases the best the “Last Frontier” has to offer?

Since I have been to Alaska multiple times I can suggest exactly how to plan a trip to Alaska based on experience. I will teach you how to travel Alaska to see all the coolest locations.

I want you to see the best of what Alaska has to offer including cute small towns, scenic drives, and national parks such as Kenai Fjords and Denali which are full of wilderness and wildlife.

When planning your trip, feel free to modify my Alaska itinerary based on the time you have to spend in the state.

I recommend visiting Alaska for at least a week, but two weeks is an ideal amount of time for an Alaska vacation.

No matter how long you have to spend in the state, you are in for a real treat when visiting America’s 49th state! Alaska is so diverse with nature and wildlife like you have never seen before!

Don’t forget to check out my detailed road trip packing list so you don’t forget any essentials!

Here is my Alaska road trip guide!

Table of Contents

Stop 1: Anchorage

You will start and end your Alaska road trip in the city of Anchorage.

There are plenty of things to do in Anchorage and the town is full of all the comforts you could ask for such as large grocery stores, a mall, museums, shops, and more.

The city is also closely tied to the surrounding nature.

Most Alaska road trip itineraries begin and end in Anchorage because it is convenient and the international airport is nearby.

If you are looking for the best attractions in Anchorage, consider going to the Anchorage Museum . It has something for the whole family!

Fascinating art and cultural exhibits, a planetarium, and an entire kids section make it a great day trip for all ages!

If you want to see more of the city, Anchorage Trolley Tours is a fun and affordable way to take a tour! I learned all about how Anchorage was founded, saw cool local homes, and drove on a small plane runway!

This was certainly one of the most fun Alaska tours in town. You can book your trolley tour online and save time when you arrive. This is a great family-friendly thing to do!

Finally, if you are looking to get active in Anchorage, this Coastal Trail 3-Hour City Bike Tour may be perfect for you. It is educational, fun, and a great way to see the city while getting some exercise.

The coastal parks are BEAUTIFUL in Anchorage and filled with tons of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled and you may even spot some moose!

Anchorage is a fun and educational place to begin your road trip in Alaska!

Where To Stay In Anchorage

As a major city, there are a ton of great hotels in Anchorage for all budgets and types of travelers.

• Midtown Location. Hyatt Place Anchorage . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Mid-Range. Aspen Suites Hotel Anchorage . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Luxury. Embassy Suites Anchorage . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 2: Talkeetna

Next, continue your Alaska itinerary from Anchorage.

If you haven’t yet heard of Talkeetna, you are in for a real treat! It is the cutest town in Alaska and is the base for people who are hiking the mountain of Denali. Make sure to pack good hiking boots for Alaska !

Talkeetna is eclectic and so cute and a wonderful place to visit before you head to Denali National Park.

The food in Talkeetna is some of the best in Alaska so you will certainly want to try to eat at as many places as possible.

One of the best things to do in Talkeetna is to take a flight tour of Denali. This Talkeetna: Denali 1-Hour Flight Experience is based out of Talkeetna This is the best way to see Alaska from the air.

If you want the chance to walk on a glacier, you can also choose the Talkeetna: G rand Denali Flight Tour with Optional L anding .

If taking a flight, understand that a glacier landing will up the price of the flight. If you have seen enough glaciers, I recommend sticking to the flight to save money!

You can also go fishing or whitewater rafting along the nearby lakes and rivers.

Many people stop in Talkeetna for a quick stop and that is fine if that is all the time you have, but I highly recommend spending at least one night in this unique little Alaskan city!

Where To Stay In Talkeetna

As a smaller town, there are not a ton of hotel options for Talkeetna. But the handful of lodgings feature beautiful properties and reasonable prices.

• Mid-Range. Denali Fireside Cabin & Suites . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Great Views. Susitna River Lodge . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 3: Denali National Park

After Talkeetna, the next stop on your Alaska road trip itinerary is Denali National Park, one of the most iconic Alaska attractions.

The drive north to the park is a bit long, so budget at least four hours of driving for this part of your Alaska trip. As one of the best things to do in Alaska , the drive is worth it.

Both times I drove from Anchorage to Denali, it was raining, so I had to drive slowly. If it is a clear day, you are going to want to stop to see all the stunning mountains once you get further north!

This is one of the top road trips from Anchorage!

In Denali National Park, you have the option to drive your car 14 miles into the park, but after that, you have to either hike or pay to take a national park bus.

If you want to try something fun, consider taking a Denali Highway Jeep Excursion .

The drive is over 100 miles and highlights the best of what Denali has to offer from glaciers to epic wildlife! Book early as this one fills up quickly!

If you want to do some hiking but are a little tentative about being among wildlife such as bears and moose all alone, consider taking a guided hike.

This Denali: 5-Hour Guided Wilderness Hiking Tour  is a great introduction and a wonderful way to get active within the park. This is a great way to explore Denali National Park!

If you are a novice hiker or even a pro looking to find the best spots, a guided hike is a great thing to do on your first day or two to get a lay of the land. It is also one of the best ways to see Alaska’s beauty.

Looking for a burst of adrenaline? I suggest the Denali Park Zipline Adventure . Ziplining is SO MUCH FUN and it is even better in Alaska because of the views and amazing cool air.

Denali is the highlight of many travelers’ Alaska itineraries, so choose the top things to do in Denali that suit your interests.

If you want to add a day or two to this itinerary, you can head farther north to Fairbanks. If you visit in winter, this is one of the best places to see the northern lights.

Where To Stay Near Denali

Denali National Park is remote but there is a smattering of hotels along its perimeter on the Parks Highway. Camping here is also a popular option if you are writing an Alaska on a budget itinerary.

• Near Park Entrance. McKinley Chalet Resort . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Great Views. McKinley Creekside Cabins . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 4: Seward

Seward should top every Alaska by-car itinerary!

You can head there from Denali, but that is an 8-hour drive, or you can spend another night or two in Anchorage or the nearby towns of Wasilla or Palmer to cut down on the drive.

The drive from Anchorage to Seward is one of the most famous in Alaska. The Seward Highway is so pretty!

The drive down the Turnagain Arm is one of the top drives in the world, and the highlight of many Alaska road trips.

This drive is totally doable in a day and I have done it before and many friends have too. If you want to stop and take your time, there are plenty of other cute towns that you can visit along the way.

If you have time, stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center where you can see bears, wolves, moose, bison, and more up close and safely!

When people set out on an Alaska vacation, they want to see glaciers! There is no better way to see glaciers up close and personal than taking a boat ride in Seward!

While there are many companies, Major Marine Tours is hands down the best company for Alaska tours of glaciers in Seward.

I went on the Kenai Fjords National Park 7.5 Hour Glacier Cruise . Honestly, almost 8 hours on a boat is long. However, it is worth it because you get to see glaciers AND animals.

You can also take a shorter tour that focuses on one or the other like this 4-hour From Seward: Half-Day Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise Tour .

Wildlife to see include sea otters, humpback whales, Dall’s porpoise, orca, harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and puffins!

If you want to see two glaciers and have a higher chance of seeing wildlife, this Seward Glacier tour is the best option for you.

If you are looking to see glaciers from above instead, add a helicopter tour to your itinerary for Alaska!

Flying over mountains, the ocean, and glaciers is one of the top things to do in Alaska and Seward is a wonderful choice for a flight.

If you are looking to do a helicopter tour of Seward and the surrounding glaciers, make sure to book with Marathon Helicopte rs .

I had never flown in a helicopter before and while I knew it would offer stunning views for photography and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I was a little afraid!

The owner, Mike, is a professional pilot and his takeoffs and landings were as smooth as butter!

I went on a 30-minute glacier landing tour which involved 15 minutes of flying and 15 minutes of landing at the foot of a glacier so remote it doesn’t even have an official name!

Don’t forget to pack a windproof jacket if you plan to land on a glacier!

If you just want to stick to the ground, take a hike to Exit Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska.

Where To Stay In Seward

Though it is a small town, there are a ton of great hotel options in Seward from affordable to luxury.

• Central Location. Hotel Seward . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Great Views. Harbor 360 Seward Hotel . Check Rates: Booking.com  

Stop 5: Homer

Found on the Kenai Peninsula, Homer is an essential stop on any Alaska itinerary. It is easy to drive to which makes it perfect to visit on an Alaska road trip. Homer is about a 3.5-hour drive from Seward.

One of the top things to do in Homer is to go fishing for halibut.

Since I don’t fish, I spent our time walking the beach, taking in the stunning mountain and glacier vistas, visiting the famous Salty Dog Saloon, and meandering through Homer’s Wednesday Farmer’s Market.

Homer is one of the best places to see in Alaska because of its proximity to the mountains and ocean. Don’t forget to check out Homer’s crazy tides and beautiful sunsets if you visit when it isn’t raining!

Many Alaska road trip itineraries don’t include Homer and if they do, it may only be a day trip.

I urge you to add more time to your vacation to see this unique and eclectic town since it is one of the best things to do in Alaska.

Where To Stay In Homer

There are plenty of hotels in and around Homer whether you want luxury accommodation or something simple and affordable.

• Centrally Located. Best Western Bidarka . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Great Views.  Land’s End Resort . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 6: Soldotna

One of the top Alaska attractions in Soldotna is the Kenai River and the Salmon Fishing Run.

Whether you fish or just want to enjoy the town and the stunning [active!] volcanos in the distance, Soldotna is one of the best Alaska road trip ideas.

On your way to Homer, you will pass through Soldotna, but it is better to visit this part of your Alaska itinerary on the way back to Anchorage so you can break up the driving time.

The drive from Homer to Soldotna is only 1.5 hours, so you will be hanging out in this cute Alaskan town before you know it!

Keep an eye out for moose and bears as animal watching is one of the top things to do in Alaska, and Soldotna is the perfect place for wildlife viewing!

If you choose to stop in Soldotna, I highly recommend checking out the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. It is a wonderful spot for hiking and exploring.

In addition, the Soldotna Historical Museum is home to vintage log cabins and more which show what local life was like in the past. Break up your exploration with a little history.

Soldotna is home to MANY incredible parks that go along the Kenai River so there is plenty of space for hiking, biking, and fishing.

Whether you visit Alaska on your own or with family, this is a great place to hang out.

Where To Stay In Soldotna

There are not a ton of hotels in Soldotna since it is a small town, but there are still great choices. I suggest booking a place near the river.

• On The River. Aspen Hotel. Check Rates: Booking.com
• Central Location. Soldotna Inn . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 7: End Your Alaska Itinerary by Flying Out of Anchorage

End your Alaska road trip in Anchorage where you started.

If you fly Alaska Air, many flights are red eyes, leaving after midnight. The benefit to this is you have the entire day to explore, drive slowly back to Anchorage, and still make your flight without missing any fun!

When flying on a red-eye, you are going to want to pack a sleep mask for extra comfort!

Alternatively, you can add one extra day in Anchorage to your Alaska itinerary if being closer to the airport on the day of your flight is important to you.

How Long To Spend On Your Road Trip In Alaska

I recommend as much time as possible for the best Alaska road trips since Alaska is a huge state and has a ton to offer. However, I know not everyone can take a lot of time off for a vacation.

To help you out, I have written some sample itineraries for Alaska to help you plan for anywhere from 3 to 10 days in Alaska .

As always, I suggest prioritizing what you want to see the most. Feel free to revise your Alaska example itinerary.

3-Day Itinerary in Alaska:

Day 1 : Anchorage – Explore Anchorage, including the Anchorage Museum and Anchorage Trolley Tours. Day 2: Seward – Drive to Seward, enjoy the scenic Turnagain Arm drive, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and explore the town. Day 3: Seward and Return – Take a boat tour to see glaciers, then drive back to Anchorage.

4-Day Itinerary in Alaska:

Day 1: Anchorage – Spend the day in Anchorage, visiting the museum and taking the trolley tour. Day 2: Drive to Seward – Journey down the Turnagain Arm, stop at the wildlife center, explore Seward. Day 3: More in Seward – Go on a glacier boat tour, consider a helicopter tour. Day 4: Return to Anchorage – Spend the day driving back, possibly stopping at scenic points.

5-Day Itinerary in Alaska:

Day 1: Anchorage – City exploration and museum visit. Day 2: Drive to Homer – Explore Homer, beach walk, visit Salty Dog Saloon. Day 3: Homer – Spend another day in Homer, enjoying local activities and scenery. Day 4: Homer to Soldotna – Drive to Soldotna, visit Kenai River and local attractions. Day 5: Return to Anchorage – Drive back with leisure, enjoying the landscapes.

7-Day Itinerary in Alaska:

Day 1: Anchorage – Explore the city, including the Anchorage Museum. Day 2: Drive to Seward – Travel down the Turnagain Arm, stop at the wildlife center. Day 3: Seward – Take a boat tour for glacier and wildlife viewing. Day 4: Seward to Homer – Drive to Homer, explore the town. Day 5: Homer Activities – Enjoy a day in Homer, perhaps fishing or beach walking. Day 6: Homer to Soldotna – Travel to Soldotna, explore the Kenai River. Day 7 : Return to Anchorage – Drive back to Anchorage, with optional stops.

10-Day Itinerary in Alaska:

Day 1: Anchorage – City exploration, Anchorage Museum visit. Day 2: Drive to Talkeetna – Explore Talkeetna, consider a Denali flight tour. Day 3: Talkeetna to Denali – Travel to Denali, begin park exploration. Day 4: Denali National Park – Spend a full day in Denali, hiking or on a Jeep tour. Day 5: Denali to Seward – Drive to Seward, enjoy the Turnagain Arm scenery. Day 6: Explore Seward – Take a glacier boat tour, explore the town. Day 7: Seward to Homer – Drive to Homer, visit local attractions. Day 8: Enjoy Homer – Spend the day in Homer, exploring the beaches and town. Day 9: Homer to Soldotna – Travel to Soldotna, visit Kenai River. Day 10: Soldotna to Anchorage – Return to Anchorage, with leisurely stops.

Best Time Of Year For An Alaska Road Trip

When planning your Alaska road trip, the time of year is something you should consider. The best time of year for traveling Alaska is easily summer or fall.

Winter is not a good idea because the weather is harsher and the many Alaska driving routes are impassible because of snow.

Spring can still be very cold in Alaska as well. Depending on where you want to go, spring in Alaska can be quite snowy and cold.

If you want to drive into the mountains, the snow may not have melted yet and you will be limited in what you are going to be able to do.

Late summer and early fall are an ideal time for taking a road trip in Alaska because the weather is good, the snow is gone, and the animals are out and about.

The downside is that this is high season and prices will be at their most expensive. Even so, this is one of my favorite summer trips in the USA !

If you can visit Alaska later in the year, like September or even October you will have the chance to experience the state with lower prices.

A word of caution, if you go later in the year you will have to deal with closures as many companies shut down for the season.

You are safe to travel in late summer and early fall so keep this in mind when choosing what time of year to plan the best Alaska trip itinerary.

What To Pack For Your Alaska Road Trip

Chances are you are visiting Alaska in the summer or late spring/early fall. If you aren’t, more power to you, and let us know how it is!

If you are going in the summer, Alaska isn’t as cold as you may think, but it is still chilly for those of us who live year-round in warmer climates.

The weather in Alaska during the summer will range from 45-70 degrees Fahrenheit along this route. The weather during the late summer can also be rainy.

Make sure to stay prepared and you will have a great time on your Alaska driving trip!

• Fleece-lined Leggings.  If you are packing for a road trip in Alaska you need to bring  fleece-lined leggings ! They don’t take up much space and they keep you warm under jeans or hiking pants. I bring two pairs to double them up if I want to wear a dress!
• Thin Long Sleeve Thermal Tops.  I recommend bringing 2-3  thin thermal tops . These tops are affordable and pack up very small all while keeping you extra warm! They are  perfect for layering  and can be worn underneath other tops as a base layer.
• A Balaclava.  Weather in Alaska can get windy and blow your scarf all over the place! Cut down on chasing your clothing around and  add a balaclava  to your Alaska packing list! A balaclava is especially important for Alaska if you are doing anything on the water such as a glacier boat tour or whale watching!
• Warm Knit Hat .  S imple knit hats  or beanies are a must. You only need one of these  cable-knit hats or you can pack a few!
• Filtered Water Bottle.  I swear by my Bobble Water Bottles and they have seen multiple trips to Alaska. F iltered water bottles don’t cost much and will help you cut down on plastic waste. Refill them using any tap water and be on your way!
• Waterproof and Windproof Jacket. A waterproof and windproof jacket is essential for Alaska since it may be raining, windy, or both at any given time. I love this jacket from Columbia for women and this one for men . Make sure to add a solid jacket to stay warm and dry.
• Waterproof Rain Pants. I love my waterproof rain pants and you will too! They are affordable and pack up small. If you are hiking or walking and it starts to rain, simply whip out this waterproof shell and put it on over your clothes! They are windproof too!
• Sleep Mask. If you take your Alaska road trip during the summer, you will experience the midnight sun! Now 24-hour daylight is super cool, but some people have a hard time sleeping when it is light out! Bring along a sleep mask to help block out the light and to help you get some shut-eye before more exploring.
• Trail Mix and Protein Bars. This Alaska driving itinerary is best done on a full stomach! I love  this brand of bars ! As for  trail mix , you can make your own or buy a big bag of trail mix online or at your local store. The nuts and seeds in trail mix will help you stay satisfied longer.
• Waterproof Hiking Shoes. No matter what time of year you are traveling to Alaska, make sure to add sturdy hiking shoes to your Alaska packing list. Pack  so l id hiking shoes  that are waterproof and offer good support.  Good hiking shoes  often make all the difference when exploring Alaska!

Safety Tips For Your Alaska Road Trip

A road trip planner for Alaska would not be complete without some essential safety tips. Alaska is a beautiful but harsh state at times and it is important to be prepared.

First off, watch the weather closely . The weather can change quickly during your trip and can range from sunny to freezing and windy.

Make sure you dress in layers so you can easily take off or put on clothes based on the weather.

Download a weather app to keep track of local weather so you don’t venture out when it is too dangerous. You do not want to risk driving in Alaska if the roads are bad.

Always let a family member or friend know if you go hiking so if something happens, someone knows where to find you.

The phone service in Alaska is incredibly crappy so be prepared! Use wifi to let someone know where you will be.

Always ensure you have extra food and water in the car in case you get into an accident and are stranded for a long time. You don’t want to be stuck without provisions while you wait for help.

I recommend a reusable water bottle as well as an emergency bottle of water during your drive.

Finally, make sure to make noise and be bear aware . When you are hiking, sing or wear cans on your backpack to make noise and alert animals so you won’t surprise them.

As usual, NEVER feed any wild animals , and never get out of your car to walk up to an animal to view it more closely.

Taking these precautions to heart will help you have a safe and fun time on the best trip to Alaska!

Now you should hopefully be armed with the knowledge you need to start planning the best Alaska vacation itinerary.

I love Alaska and have been multiple times so I hope you take the tips to heart and keep an open mind to learn some things along the way too!

I know you will love exploring Alaska by car as much as I do!

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A special thanks to our partners Alaska Air, Major Marine Tours, and Marathon Helicopters. All opinions are our own and are honest because lying sucks! Please note that some links may be affiliate links which means that we may make a small profit of the sales at no additional cost to you. All the products we recommend are what we personally use and trust. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from Qualifying Purchases.

Reader Interactions

September 4, 2017 at 10:41 pm

OHMYGOSH!!! Your post was awesome! The pictures were stunning. Someday I hope to make it to Alaska and your itinerary is perfect!

September 12, 2017 at 11:40 pm

Thanks for this wonderful and exhaustive post. A road tirp through Alaska would be a dream trip. Thanks especially for the little reminders of reality–like bringing a wind-proof jacket, waterproof shoes and a balaclava! It’s Alask, after all!

September 13, 2017 at 12:15 am

Despite growing up in Northern Canada, I’ve still never been to Alaska. That wildlife and glacier tour in Seward looks absolutely fantastic! Will not miss it when we finally make our way north.

September 13, 2017 at 9:48 am

So did you fly for $700 round-trip in first class? Or did you get upgraded? Cause this photo definitely looks like a great travel experience on AA!

Happy continued travels! C

September 13, 2017 at 5:11 pm

Alaska is so huge- I think a 1-week itinerary would be too short to see all of this cool stuff. I would love to take that heli ride- it looks amazing.

September 14, 2017 at 12:55 am

Wow! You stayed in some pretty nice airbnb’s — love the one with a slide! My kids would have adored that one. Thanks for sharing your itinerary and photos. It all sounds (and looks) like a truly amazing road trip!

September 14, 2017 at 5:22 am

You know we’re big fans of your pics but your travel advice is spot on as well! Thanks for sharing!

September 14, 2017 at 11:55 pm

Alaska is still unfamiliar territory for me. To be honest, I’m reading most of these names for the first time. But your post gave me a great inspirational start. Those pretty vacation homes are really sweet. How does one manage the meals?

September 15, 2017 at 8:11 am

Still yet to try Airbnb. I guess I’m a bit fearful of the scams – good to know there are resources out there to help with that, but surely the onus should be on Airbnb to do more careful vetting.

September 17, 2017 at 10:47 am

Alaska is surprising me with every post I’ve read about it! Denali for one looks gorgeous and the glacier tour in Seward is breathtaking. Your post has definitely put Alaska on my bucketlist. Oh, and btw, what a cool airbnb in Anchorage you had. The slide seems an odd yet fun addition to the place. 😀 ..

September 17, 2017 at 9:05 pm

What an epic road trip this is! I’ve only done Alaska by cruise ship. But I would LOVE to get back and hit the road for some stops like this.

October 26, 2017 at 9:27 pm

This makes me seriously miss Alaska! You hit all the great spots, love it!

January 15, 2018 at 9:01 pm

What time of year were you on this adventure in Alaska?

January 15, 2018 at 9:55 pm

This was in mid-late August!! The weather in Alaska is great from May to September time

March 14, 2018 at 4:06 pm

Beautiful pictures!

April 21, 2018 at 7:50 am

What is the best place to stay and take glacier cruise? Whittier or Seward? I’m a bit confused which one to select.

May 7, 2018 at 1:07 pm

Wow, what a great post! You guys really seem to know your way around Alaska. I’ll be borrowing a couple of these suggestion.

May 8, 2018 at 1:52 am

Yes!! Have so much fun! Before this trip I [Victoria] had been twice before as well! Have a good trip!

May 23, 2020 at 11:05 pm

This itinerary is not doable in a week. Not even close. I hope that people who read this, realize that this is more of a 2 week, minimum, itinerary.

May 24, 2020 at 5:04 pm

With a lot of driving, it is entirely doable and I have friends that did it just a week after I got home from my most recent trip. It really isn’t that bad when people road trip Iceland they do far more driving and it happens quite often!

November 23, 2018 at 11:55 pm

Hello there, I enjoyed reading your itinerary for alaska. Since we coming to alaska the second time. This time we arrive at fairbanks and be leaving from anchorage airport on jan 6th, 2019. We are going to spend new years in fairbanks( we spent new years last time in anchorage). Any suggestions of places to visit? I really appreciate your reply, and we are renting a car. 2 adults only. Thank you.

November 24, 2018 at 12:52 pm

Yes!!! In the north area of Alaska we highly recommend Alaskaland in Fairbanks [a fun little area] as well as driving through Denali just to see the mountains on your way down to Anchorage. Also Talkeetna for sure! It is a very cute town! Have fun!

September 19, 2019 at 2:30 am

A great article! Have you ever compared costs of renting a camper vs renting a vehicle and staying in hotels. We are planning a trip to Alaska in 2020 and I’m debating between camping and staying in hotels or Airbnb.

April 1, 2022 at 2:17 am

I used to live in Alaska. If you really want to explore Alaska, go to Juneau or Kake. They are both islands, so you have to take a plane or ferry, but so worth it. Don’t just look at a glacier, go walking on one or climb into the caves (at your own risk). The best way to see wildlife is by kayaking, not tour boats. Go with the lobster over the fish.

April 2, 2022 at 2:58 pm

Thanks for sharing!! I have down Juneau growing up! A very unique place!!

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Ultimate 2 week alaska road trip itinerary for 2024.

During our round-the-world road trip , we spent 2 weeks in Alaska and honestly had the time of our lives!

Alaska is the largest state in the U.S. by far covering an impressive 663,000 square miles. It’s often referred to as the ‘Last Frontier’ and is only bordered by Canada to the East. 

For that reason, Alaska also has the longest coastline in the United States. You get the idea… Alaska is HUGE! 

This state had been on our bucket list for so long and yet it completely blew our expectations out of the water. 

During our time here, we got up to so much including whale-watching, glacier-viewing, and exploring Denali National Park of course!

Let’s dive into our epic Alaska road trip itinerary, so you can start planning your trip too…

Route we followed: Google Maps link

Travellerspoint

Do you have your vehicle sorted yet?

As Alaska is so big, it’s impossible to cover every destination in just two weeks! However, hiring a vehicle allows you the chance to cram in as much as possible.

This makes it the best way to see Alaska in my opinion!

You’ve got the option of renting a car or campervan/motorhome and we definitely recommend the latter! 

This is because Alaska isn’t cheap so you’ll save lots of money by staying on campsites. Even better, you can wild camp in this beautiful state which will help lower your costs.

We’ve put together a guide to the best campervan and motorhome rentals in Alaska to save you the hassle of looking for yourself! 

If you'd prefer to drive something smaller then check out Rental Cars for the best deals.

Ultimate 2-week Alaska road trip itinerary

Putting together an itinerary when exploring Alaska by road can be tricky as there’s so much to see! 

This route will take you to the iconic Denali National Park, on boat cruises, and to the bustling city of Anchorage so it offers the best of everything.

If you’re looking for the best road trip itinerary of Alaska then let’s dive straight in…

Enter Alaska: Little Gold

This Alaska road trip itinerary involves you driving to Alaska through Canada, which is one of the most popular ways to enter the state.

Little Gold Creek is a border crossing between Alaska and the Yukon province in Canada . It’s the best option if you’re heading to/from Dawson City.

The road between Dawson City and Little Gold is called the ‘Top of the World Highway’ and it offers quite the experience.

It’s a 79-mile (127 km) gravel road that offers stunning views of the Alaska Range and the valleys below, so you’ll probably want to make a couple of photo stops along the way.

The Top of the World Highway is mostly fine to drive, although it can be a little rugged in some areas. However, the views are 100% worth it!

The one thing to note with this border crossing is that it’s only open during the summer months. So, if you’re planning to enter Alaska this way then you’ll need to plan your road trip accordingly.

However, if you’re entering or leaving the state when this border’s closed then don’t worry! You can simply start and end your trip from the Alcan Border crossing instead.

Stop 1: Tok (or nearby) - 1 night

Now, I’m going to be honest with you here…

The consequences of your road trip to Alaska from Canada will leave you with a very dirty vehicle! 

Tok is a 2.5-hour drive from the Alaska/Yukon border and is the first major town you’ll come across once entering the state.

You will pass by a random small town called Chicken first but there’s not a lot here, as it was built for gold miners a long time ago! 

Tok is a great first spot to clean your van (which will 100% be needed), relax after the long drive, and grab a bite to eat.

Luckily for you, there’s an awesome pizza place here and it’s extremely popular! It’s called Fast Eddy’s and they serve the most delicious food.

If you’re not a fan of pizza (which I’m not going to go into right now), then you’ve got a variety of other food options. This includes tasty burgers, nachos, salads, and sandwiches. 

They do a rockin’ milkshake too! 

Tok is also the place where you’ll want to fuel up, get WiFi, and buy supplies for the journey. This includes food, toilet roll, and other necessities…

During your time here, you’ll want to visit the Tourist Information center too. For starters, they have displays about the local wildlife, the history of gold panning, and the construction of the Alaska Highway.

You can also grab plenty of brochures here before heading to the Alaska Public Lands Information Center. This is another great place to visit in town!

If you spend some time here, you’ll be able to find information on the adventures that are awaiting you in this incredible state! 

Another cool thing to know about Tok is that it’s considered to be the ‘Sled Dog Capital of Alaska’. 

There are also plenty of awesome areas for hiking nearby but you might not be up to it after all that driving…

Stop 2: Fairbanks - 1 or 2 nights

• Drive time from Tok: 3.5 hours 
• Miles from Tok: 202 (325 km)

The first major city that you’ll come across on this Alaska road trip is Fairbanks ! In fact, it’s the only major city you’ll visit other than Anchorage but more on that later…

Before you reach Fairbanks though, there are a couple of awesome places to stop at along the way! 

Your first stop should be Delta Junction as it marks the end of the iconic Alaska Highway . This highway was built during WWII to connect Alaska to Canada and the Southern 48 states by road.

We drove the whole highway from Dawson Creek in British Columbia, so it felt only fitting to stop off at the information center that’s found here. There’s a sign marking the end of the route too. 

The next stop which is just before Fairbanks is the North Pole , I know that sounds crazy right?

Well, they actually do have an entire town named “North Pole” and there’s a Santa’s Grotto here which is open all year round! 

You’ll see this place straight away as there’s a huge Santa Claus statue outside, as well as a large gift shop. Here, you can meet Mr & Mrs. Claus, listen to Christmas music, and meet the reindeer. 

Even the lamp posts in town are candy canes! It’s a super cool place, although it felt very surreal as we visited in June so we were dressed in shorts and t-shirts…

Now on to Fairbanks itself! 

Before the exciting part, this is another place where you’ll want to resupply and get anything done that needs doing. In our case, giving our van a much-needed oil change…

The first thing you should know about Fairbanks is that it’s one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, but that’s really only if you’re traveling here between August and April. 

However, if you’re visiting between April and August then you’ll get to appreciate the Midnight Sun. This is where the sun never seems to set so it’s always bright! 

You’ll also find plenty of awesome things to do in Fairbanks like visiting the Fairbanks Ice Museum and meeting some furry friends at the Running Reindeer Ranch .

Make sure you spend some time exploring the Museum of the North and Pioneer Park too!

If you’re looking to see the best of this incredible city then why not check out this half-day highlights tour ?

From Fairbanks, you can travel North along the Dalton Highway up to Prudhoe Bay and the Arctic Circle Sign but more on that later…

Stop 3: Chena Hot Springs - 1 or 2 nights

• Drive time from Fairbanks: 1.25 hours 
• Miles from Tok: 61.5 (99 km)

If you’re spending 2 weeks in Alaska then you NEED to visit Chena Hot Springs !

To get there you’ll need to take a little detour, so you’ll want to head northeast from Fairbanks. 

The drive between the two is only short, and there’s another cool place that you should visit on the way first….

Last Frontier Mushing Co-Op works with small independent husky owners in the area, and allows you to explore the Alaskan wilderness in the traditional style!

The tour options available will depend on when you visit, but either way, you’ll get to meet gorgeous huskies and learn all about the sport of mushing. 

After spending some time with these gorgeous dogs, it’s time to carry on up to Chena Hot Springs! 

These hot springs are pretty famous, and the facilities here are insane! 

Boasting a large indoor and outdoor pool with temperatures of around 106°F (41°C) ; there’s no better way to relax your muscles after a couple of days of exploring. 

During your visit, you’ll also have access to a hot tub, an on-site restaurant, and an ice museum. 

If you head to the hot springs during winter you’ve got a great chance of spotting the Northern Lights too. 

What’s great about this place is that there’s a campground here so you can park your vehicle up for the night and access the facilities.

This way, we got to relax in the hot springs late at night before heading to the bar for a cheeky cocktail. 

You wouldn’t be able to do that if you had to drive on, so I’d recommend spending at least one night here, maybe two if you’re looking for some downtime.

However, if you did want to visit just for the day then there’s an awesome guided tour that will bring you here from Fairbanks or the North Pole. 

Stop 4: Denali National Park - 2 or 3 nights

• Drive time from Chena Hot Springs: 3-3.5 hours 
• Miles from Chena Hot Springs: 181 (291 km)

After relaxing at Chena Hot Springs you’ll want to head south again past Fairbanks, and you’ll eventually pass by Denali National Park . 

This national park is home to Denali (or Mount McKinley as it’s often called) which is North America’s highest peak at an impressive 6,190m (20,310 feet). 

Denali is one of the most popular national parks in the world and it’s famous for towering peaks, hiking trails, and wilderness, as the park covers an impressive area of 6 million acres. 

However, the main reason people visit Denali is for the wildlife, as the park is home to Alaska’s big 5; bear, caribou, Dall sheep, moose, and wolves. 

Just before you reach the park entrance, you should stop at 49th State Brewing . Although this place is known for its craft beer and delicious food, it has something else to offer!

They have an exact replica of the famous ‘Into the Wild’ bus where Chris Mccandless unfortunately died of starvation (although this cause of death can’t be 100% confirmed).  

This is the bus that was used in the movie, whereas the original bus is set to be on display at the Museum of the North in Fairbanks.

It used to be in the Alaskan wilderness, but they had to remove it a couple of years ago due to the growing number of people dying trying to reach it in the wild.

Once you’ve entered the national park there are LOTS of hikes to do, some easy and others very strenuous. If you’re up for the challenge, you have the chance to attempt a summit of Denali!

If you’re not looking for long hikes, some shorter options leave from Denali Visitor Center.

Aside from hiking, there are tons of other activities you can do here including a wilderness ATV adventure , a zipline adventure , and a highway jeep excursion .

However, one of the most popular things to do in Denali is to head out on one of the bus tours !

Private vehicles can only drive up to Mile 15 of the Denali Park Road which ends at Savage River . The only other way to explore the park after this point is to head out on a bus tour.

The great thing about this is that you’ll have an experienced naturalist guide on board who will take you to the best wildlife viewing spots, and help you spot animals! 

As you head south back to the main road, you should pull in at some of the big viewing spots where you can admire epic vistas of Denali and the Alaskan Range. 

Some of the best spots include Denali Viewpoint South , the Alaska Veterans Memorial , and the historic village of Talkeetna.

No 2-week Alaska road trip itinerary is complete without visiting Denali National Park so don’t leave this place off your list.

Just keep in mind that Denali can get super busy so you’ll need to plan your visit well in advance. 

We spent around 1.5 days here, and only did a couple of short hikes but we had an incredible time!

Stop 5: Anchorage - 2 nights

• Drive time from Denali National Park: 4 hours
• Miles from Denali National Park: 237 (381 km)

If you’re spending 2 weeks in Alaska then you NEED to visit Anchorage - the state’s largest city. 

On the drive into the city, you’ll be treated to incredible views which is why I recommend completing your Alaska road trip this way around. 

In my opinion, the South of Alaska is by far the most beautiful with its snow-capped mountain ranges and glaciers, and you’ll get to experience that when heading to Anchorage. 

Now, where do I start with this amazing city?

First of all, you’ll want to spend some time exploring Downtown Anchorage as this area is home to the ULU Factory , the Anchorage Museum , and the Log Cabin Visitor Center.

You’ll also find the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail here which is 11 miles (17.7km) long and offers you the chance to spot moose, beluga whales, and the iconic Mount McKinley.

During your time in Anchorage, you’ll want to head out on a trolley tour of the city too, and visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center .

Anchorage is also a great base for day trips, so why not head out to Girdwood, take a ride on the Alaska railroad train , or try out gold panning at Crow Creek Gold Mine ?

If you’ve got the time then I’d recommend spending some time at Chugach State Park too, where you can go on a guided alpine trek or go on an adventurous rafting experience.

As you can see there are so many fantastic things to do in Anchorage so what are you waiting for?

From Anchorage, you should head over to Whittier , as the drive there is breathtaking! 

Along the way, you’ll pass by beautiful glaciers, and you’ll need to queue for a single-way tunnel which is also shared by a train. The direction of the traffic changes once every half hour.

Although Whittier is only small, you can spend some time exploring the charming harbor, and you can head out on a cruise of the iconic Prince William Sound.

I’d recommend visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center too which is nearby.

If you’re still up for more exploring, then you can also head to Homer & Seward , with the latter being the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park ! 

As you can see there are so many fantastic places to visit in this part of Alaska, so be prepared for an action-packed trip. 

Stop 6: On the way to Valdez - 1 night

If you spend some time in Whittier, Homer, or Seward then you’ll need to head back to Anchorage and then continue towards Valdez .

Although the drive can be done in a day, it’s going to take you at least 6.5 hours and that’s without stops!

For this reason, it’s best to find somewhere to stay about halfway along the route, which is what we di d. We stayed in a random pull-off wild camping spot that we found on iOverlander, but I'm sure there are other options too.

The route is beautiful and there are plenty of places to stop along the way, which is another great reason to split the journey up in two. 

You’ll be driving along the scenic Glenn Highway for a good portion of this road trip, and the views are spectacular. 

Some fantastic places to visit include Eklutna Historical Park , Sheep Mountain, Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area, and the Alpine Historical Park .

You should also stop off at Musk Ox Farm if you’ve got time, to admire these huge creatures that managed to survive the Ice Age!

However, the highlight of this part of the Alaska road trip is the number of glaciers that you’ll pass on the way to Valdez. 

Matanuska Glacier is the most famous of them all, as it’s one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska. In fact, it’s the largest glacier in the United States that can be accessed by road!

If you head to Glacier Park, then you can go on an ice tour of the glacier. 

Another great spot is Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Area, as this is where you’ll get the best views of the glacier! There’s a nature trail here that takes about 20 minutes to walk, and it will take you to some fantastic viewing platforms.

As you can see there are so many fantastic places to see on the way to Valdez, so if you can, I'd definitely recommend leaving an extra day free on your Alaska driving itinerary.

Stop 7: Valdez - 2 nights

This was my favorite stop for the entire trip (and we heard many other people say the exact same thing). 

Valdez has everything you could imagine when you think of Alaska, including epic landscapes, plenty of wildlife, and glaciers of course! 

The drive into the city takes you past glaciers on big winding roads, and the views are incredible but just wait until you get into Valdez. 

Boasting a majestic mountain backdrop, lush rainforests, and a waterfront location , this place will take your breath away. 

The city can get pretty busy as it’s so small so naturally, the campsites fill up way in advance. If you manage to grab a spot though, you’ll definitely want to spend a couple of nights here.

Valdez is full of quaint cafes and restaurants, but there’s so much more to this place than that!

The city is nestled between The Chugach Mountains and the Prince William Sound , so as you can imagine there’s a lot to do!

Valdez and its surrounding area are home to plenty of awesome attractions including the Solomon Gulch Hatchery , Valdez Museum , and the Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum .

During your time here, make sure you head to the iconic Valdez Glacier too, and the Columbia Glacier which is the largest tidewater glacier in the state.

One of the BEST things to do in Valdez though has to be taking a glacier/wildlife cruise with Stan Stephens !

This was the best part of our Alaska road trip, as we got up close to glaciers and icebergs, and saw a huge variety of wildlife including sea otters, seals, whales, and bald eagles.

Stop 8: Alcan Border - Exit

After spending some time in Valdez, it’s a long drive back up towards Tok. From here, you’ll be heading out of Alaska through the Alcan border.

This drive is a grueling 336 miles long (540 km) and takes at least 6 hours . That’s without stops, and trust me, you’ll want to stop! 

If you can manage without a toilet break for that long then you’re a superhuman…

Although this drive can be easily done in one day, you’re probably better off spending your final night in Tok or somewhere nearby!

For starters, you will have been driving all day so you’ll be tired. Secondly, you’ll be back on the Alaska Highway and you won’t have much in the way of civilization for a while.

Plus if you spend your last night in Tok you can always head back to Fast Eddy’s for some grub. There you can dine and spend the evening reminiscing about your epic Alaska trip!

After leaving Alaska, we then had the EXTREMELY LONG and seemingly unending drive all the way down to Vancouver. Although we did get to see some pretty cool spots including Whitehorse!

So, there you have it - the ultimate Alaska itinerary!

3 Week Alaska road trip itinerary

If you have longer to spend in Alaska, then there are plenty of other places to visit. 

Adding on an extra week allows you to see a lot more, but of course, it all depends on your flexibility. 

If you’re looking to do a 3-week Alaska road trip itinerary instead then here are some optional add-ons you could include…

Prudhoe Bay 

You can drive the Dalton Highway from Fairbanks all the way north up to the Arctic Ocean if you wish. However, be prepared for a treacherous drive!

This road was built for truckers to transport oil supplies etc so the conditions aren’t ideal. 

The 500-mile journey between Fairbanks and Prudhoe Bay can take up to 15 hours , so it’s a lot of driving. It’s quite the experience if you’re up to it though!

If you’re up for the experience then here’s some more information on driving the Dalton Highway !

The Arctic Circle Sign

If you’re looking for an easier add-on then why not drive up to the iconic Arctic Circle Sign ?

As you may have guessed this sign indicates when you’ve crossed over into the polar region, and it’s a fantastic spot to grab a photo at. 

Although you’ll still be driving along the Dalton Highway, this section is paved and only takes around 4.5 hours so it’s not a bad drive.

Girdwood can be visited as a day trip from Anchorage if you wish, or you can stay there overnight. I’d recommend the latter if you have time as there is so much to do here! 

This resort town is considered to be one of the most beautiful towns in Alaska, which is another reason why you should stay overnight! 

During your time here, you’ll want to head up the Alyeska tram , explore the nearby Chugach National Forest , and try your hand at gold panning.

There are lots of other awesome things to do in Girdwood so if you've got the time - it's a great place to spent a night or two.

If you’ve got the time to drive further south from Anchorage then you definitely should! 

Homer is roughly a 4-hour drive from Anchorage and is located along the Kenai Peninsula. Although the city is only small, there are plenty of things to do in Homer and the scenery here is insane! 

The city’s main draws include Kachemak Bay State Park , the Homer Spit, and the variety of museums and visitor centers that you can explore.

Another great place to add to your Alaska road trip itinerary is Seward ! 

This city is just a 2.5-hour drive from Anchorage and is nestled between the Kenai Mountains and Resurrection Bay.

Seward serves as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park which is why it’s such a popular destination. From here, you can head out on fantastic cruises where you can spot wildlife and glaciers.

The iconic Exit Glacier is also found just outside of Seward and its a fantastic hike!

Here's some more information on the best things to do in Seward ...

Talkeetna is located just off the George Park’s Highway and if you’ve got the time, then you should definitely take a detour there. 

This place offers plenty of heritage and culture as it was once a thriving gold-mining town, but it’s the views that will take your breath away. If you’re lucky, you’ll be treated to epic views of Mount Denali.

You’ll also find plenty of awesome adventure activities here like Denali flightseeing tours, rafting, and dog sledding. There are tons of things to do in Talkeetna so what are you waiting for?

Bonus tip: take a trip on the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry System!

If you’re still not sure what else to include on your 3-week Alaska road trip itinerary then here’s an idea for you…

Why not take a trip on the Alaska Marine Highway System which is the only way to reach some of the state’s coastal areas?

Juneau is the capital city and can be reached this way but that’s probably a bit too far out of the way. However, Kodiak Island, Cordova, and Yakutat are definitely doable if you’ve got some extra time! 

Alaska road trip FAQ

When is the best time to go on a road trip to alaska.

The best time to do a road trip in Alaska is during the summer months, so between mid-May and mid-September. 

Now, there are a couple of reasons for this! Firstly, this is the best time to spot wildlife - especially bears which should be on your bucket list!

You’ll also encounter the best weather during this time such as warmer temperatures, drier conditions, and longer daylight hours. 

How do you get to Alaska?

You’ve got a couple of options here! You can either drive into Alaska across the Canadian border which is what we did or you can fly in and then pick up a rental vehicle.

The state’s largest airport is Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, which as you may have guessed is located in Anchorage. This is another good place to start a road trip! 

Your other option is to catch a car ferry to Alaska from British Columbia in Canada or Washington State in the U.S.

Which way should I drive around Alaska?

It’s completely up to you but I’d recommend doing your road trip around Alaska counter-clockwise. This is the way we did it, and the views just got more epic as went along.

If you’re following this Alaska road trip itinerary, then you’ll be starting from Little Gold and then heading toward Fairbanks. 

After, you’ll follow the route down to Denali and on to Anchorage, Whittier, and Valdez.

Is an Alaska road trip expensive?

In all honesty, yes Alaska is expensive! Even though you may only be spending 2 weeks in Alaska, the costs can add up. 

The best way to save money is to wild camp as you’ll save tons of money on accommodation. If you’re worried about the cost of driving in Alaska then don’t be as fuel isn’t too expensive. 

However, necessities like food and toiletries tend to be pricey, especially if you choose to stay in campsites as you’ll have to stock up.

Can you wild camp in Alaska?

You certainly can and that’s the best way to save some cash during your road trip in Alaska! 

We wild-camped most nights and found lots of fantastic spots - most of these through the iOverlander app .

Honestly, the views at some of them were out of this world!

Just make sure you’re respectful. 

Where will your road trip take you?

So, there you have it - the best Alaska road trip itinerary! 

As you can see there are so many fantastic places to visit in this state and we’ve only just scratched the surface - we already can’t wait to come back one day.

Whether you’re looking to wildlife watch in the national parks, try out glacier hiking, or learn about the native culture, Alaska has so much to offer. 

In our opinion, road trapping this enormous state was the best decision we could have made as we got to find some hidden gems and park up at some truly spectacular wild camping spots! 

There’s no denying that there are plenty of Alaska road trip itineraries out there. 

However, if you’re looking for the best road trip in Alaska then this may be the route for you as it allows you to see lots of destinations in a limited amount of time.

Just keep in mind that if you're planning to stay in Alaska for longer there are some places that are a bit more remote and therefore, harder to access. This includes Elias National Park, and Gates of the Arctic National Park with the latter only being accessible by plane.

For those with more time, you can even head over into British Columbia (Canada) and explore Vancouver , Banff , and Jasper .

If you’re planning a road trip around the United States then here are some other guides that you may find helpful:

• The Ultimate Alaska Packing List
• The Best Things to do in Seattle
• The Best Things to do in Portland

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Our 6 Month Key West to Deadhorse Alaska Road Trip Part 1

We are finally off and running on our six month adventure that takes us from the southernmost tip of the continental US in Key West all the way to the Artic Ocean in Alaska. This post covers the first leg of the journey which takes us down to sunny Key West and back home – where we retrieved the Brown Beast for the remainder of the journey.  It was packed for Alaska  sitting in the garage and all we had to do was transition a few things from the Key West Leg into the Beast before setting out on the next leg to the journey.

As discussed in our prior planning post , we originally had not planned on taking a side trip to Florida as part of the Alaska trip but our youngest son announced his wedding plans in Miami to us and we adjusted our travel plans to truly make this an even grander epic adventure.  Since we had to go to Miami, we might as well add go to Key West since its only another 3.5 hours.

Key West to Deadhorse Alaska Adventure

Days 1 & 2:  Transition from home to Beaufort, South Carolina and exploring Beaufort

Beaufort is located near Parris Island where the Marine Corp has a large training facility and is also near Hilton Head. It’s a beautiful little town situated on the water, with great restaurant options and a very walkable historic residential district filled with southern antebellum mansions.  We used this as both a midway stop on the way to Miami and to visit some family. If you have never been to this area its well worth a few days of exploring.

The is a large waterfront park area that butts up against main street.

Jen, Matt and Blake

With this trip we travelled south with our son Matt and his wife Jen and family.  Audra was a wonderful hostess.

Walking “The Point” historic district

The Union army occupied this part of South Carolina very early in November of 1861. Most of the large mansions in the area we converted to hospitals and as you walk the area there are placards detailing out various aspects of the history. Nancy and I spent most of a morning walking this beautiful area. If you aren’t able to walk this area, there are both horse drawn carriage rides and golf cart tours that you can engage down by the waterfront.

Day 2:  Transitioning from Beaufort, SC to Miami, Florida

After a couple days in Beaufort, we headed directly down to Miami where we had rented a house called “ Laurel House ” for some of the family and friends that were traveling with us. It came with a pool and a great outdoor area and may for a great place to anchor for all of the pre and post wedding activities.

Laurel House

Walking the Neighborhood

Nancy and I take a long walk almost every day and from the Laurel house we walked to a number of the nearby neighborhoods. This area is located in southwest Miami and these photos will give you an idea of what this area is like.

Day 4:  Wedding Rehearsal and the Opening Welcome Dinner at the Mullins

The next day was wedding rehearsal day at St. Raymonds of Penafort and then attending a welcome reception at our future in-laws home where we meet many new faces.

Day 5: Wedding Rehearsal Dinner at Monty’s Raw Bar

The next night was the official “rehearsal diner” which was held at Monty’s Raw Bar on the waterfront not far from Coral Gables. Nancy and I had made a previous trip down here to scout out this location back early last summer. Afterwards we hooked up with a few of our friends who had made the trip down for the wedding and got to meet “Country” our Bartender from Texas.

Day 6: Wedding Day

The wedding went off without a hitch and afterwards we headed down to the reception at the Hotel Colonnade which was a just a wonderful location.  This party lasted until after midnight!

Day 7 was a day of rest at the rental house – nothing to show here folks!

Day 8 & 9:  Key West, Florida

Us 1 to key west.

When we found out we needed to go to Miami this spring, we had to replan the front end of our Alaska Adventure. We decided that since we were already going to be this far south we might was well travel all the way down to Key West so we could do the “Key West to Deadhorse Alaska” adventure. Traveling this highway down into the gulf you encounter a lot of scenic beauty. We were also surprised at how built out many of these little islands are as you hop from island to island over a total of 42 bridges. Speaking of bridges, some of these are really long like “7 Mile Bridge” that connects the middle keys with the lower keys.

In many places of the road the old rail road that ran down to Key West is still standing although its very dilapidated in many areas. In other areas the state has turned it into a really long fishing pier. You can read more about the history of this here and here

Southernmost Point of Continental USA

When in Key West, you have to get your picture at the “southernmost point”.

Key West Downtown

Key West is a very clean and beautiful little town that is very easy to walk and get around. We did a ton of walking and exploring while we were here. If walking isn’t your thing, there are plenty of places to take “tours” and rent scooters and other small vehicles.

Everyone it seems goes to sunset pier to watch the sun go down at night.  It even has a name:  Sunset Celebration!  There are bars and live music everywhere in this area (one of our bartenders told us there were over 200 bars in Key West).

Sloppy Joe’s

We popped in and out of a few bars and ended up the first evening at Sloppy Joes where we had dinner and listened to live music until about 2 in the morning. We met “Jess” our wonderful bartender.  There were a lot of interesting characters in this place – and we even got to meet the musician from the first band of the night.

Irish Kevins

We spend most of the next day swimming at the hotel pool before heading out for the evening. We ended up at “ Irish Kevins ” for the evening where the main entertainment was the owner himself – Irish Kevin. He came to the US about 40 years ago on vacation to Key West and never left.  He turned out to be great entertainer!

One of the interesting things about Key West is that chickens are everywhere in the streets of the town. Not sure how this started (something about cock fights) but it is something the town has embraced as part of its personality. You can read more about the history of this here.

Days 10, 11 & 12:  Home Bound

Nancy and I have travelled back and forth to Florida many times and the return trip was all about getting home to drop off wedding things and getting started on the next leg of the trip. We probably could have made it home in 2 days, but we decided to break the 21 hour ride into 3 7 days drives so we weren’t too worn out for the next leg of our trip.  We did run into some interesting signs along the way including a “Tank Crossing” in southern Georgia near Fort Steward.

As soon as we get home, we need to switch vehicles and get the “Brown Beast” out to the garage and finish privishing it for Alaska. After a few more details and turning the house over to our house sitters – we are off and running on the next leg of this adventure – from home cross-country to Bellingham, WA .

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[…] Part 1 – The trip to Key West is located  here […]

[…] our part one post we covered the first leg of our Key West to Deadhorse Adventure which took us from our home in […]

What a great start to your epic journey. I enjoyed your beautiful photographs.

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Alaska Trip Report: Getting to Alaska from Florida

Getting to Alaska from Florida without flying is not an easy trip to plan. That’s why this all-too-familiar scenario plays like a broken record.

Day 1: Starting out – I almost missed my train.

As do most of my long-haul trips, getting to Alaska from Florida also began with Amtrak . All I had to do was a one-hour drive plus a couple of local errands along the way to reach the Winter Park, Florida Amtrak station. Sounded simple to me.

Read next: How to plan an Alaska cruise from Florida without flying

Getting to Alaska from Florida almost didn’t happen.

The first problem was the result of a phone call to the Avis/Budget car rental place. For the last almost-twenty years, the guy who ran the conveniently located Avis place would drive me to the Amtrak station, about one mile away.

Two years ago, the Avis location changed. So did the employees. The new place is in the heart of Winter Park crazytown – a horn-honking, aggressive-driver locale sandwiched between Whole Foods, a Regal Cinema and a WaWa.

The woman who answered the phone said, no, she wouldn’t/couldn’t drive me over. Next, I asked for directions to their new place; landmarks to look for so I’d know where and when to turn. No such luck.

While the street address was on the main drag, the entrance to the rental place was actually on a side street. Could she tell me simply to pass the WaWa and make a left turn at the light, nooooo. Make a U-turn, she said, after you fill up at the WaWa. Huh? Not once did she mention to turn left AFTER the WaWa, which is exactly what I needed to do.

Two hours allotted for a one-hour drive over to Orlando plus a couple of stops along the way just didn’t work. Saturday in Winter Park and everyone and their uncle was out and about. Crazytown at its worst.

After nervously circling the block for 10 precious minutes and yet my third phone call, still no one told me to turn left at the light. I could feel my blood pressure skyrocketing.

Repeatedly, I checked the Amtrak app for my train status. Due in a 1:52, it was still on-time. The train first stops in Orlando and it always seems to take forever to board all the theme park people. So I was hoping that the train would be delayed.

To recap, the first hiccup was that no one at Avis would give me a lift to the train station. Followed by the second hiccup…not getting intelligent directions to their new facility. And the third…

Getting to the Amtrak station

Racing into the Avis place, doing all I could not to scream at the counter person, my car was checked in and I ended up paying $10 gallon because a trip into WaWa would have put me through the roof. The instant I parked the little white Mazda, I practically jumped into the Uber app and ordered my car.

See related: Why I will now always get to the cruise port a day early

Still a wreck because I thought I only had 18 minutes to get to the station. Pepe pulled up, helped me with my luggage and off we went. Despite his driving at a snail’s pace and reassurance that I’d not miss my train, I knew that if I did, this whole getting to Alaska from Florida idea would tumble like dominoes. Fixable…but costly.

And then there’s the good news

Wouldn’t you know it? The Orlando Amtrak station did not let me down, nor did the hords of theme park people who boarded. By the time Pepe dropped me off, the train was a fabulous 25 minutes late. I had time to check my bag and sit and try to decompress. Getting to Alaska from Florida just got a bit easier.

So now I’m happily ensconced in my teeny tiny roomette aboard Amtrak Silver Meteor, with a bag of Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, an ice-cold ginger ale and my laptop fully charged. I’m waiting for my 7:15pm dinner reservation. When called, I’ll carefully make my way two cars forward in this 11-car train and wait to be seated. With whom I’ll dine is a total mystery.

Read more: My 29 best tips for an overnight Amtrak trip

I’ve always met interesting, quirky and fellow train enthusiasts in the Amtrak dining car. We’d rather spend days and nights chugging across America, sleep in train cars that are at least 30 years old, than zoom through the skies in a metal tube.

There’s only a short layover at Washington, D.C.’s Union Station from the Silver Meteor to the Capitol Limited for Chicago. This beautifully re-done art deco station is the district’s major transportation hub, bustling with people hurrying to catch their commuter trains. With a sleeping compartment, you can relax in the Acela Lounge. Simply check in at the desk, stow your luggage in the closet and explore Union Station.

Because the new CEO at Amtrak decided to remove the dining car on the Capitol Limited, I picked up my own meal to have in my compartment. On this train and the famous Lake Shore Limited, rather than a dining car for complimentary meals for sleeping car passengers, you receive a preservative-filled, hot or cold meal box, almost too gross to comprehend let alone eat. IMO.

Anyway, we boarded around 5PM and I settled in, waiting for my room attendant to introduce himself and hand me a compensatory bottle of wine. Tomorrow I’d begin four days in my hometown of Chicago, catching up with family and friends. Before I knew it, I’d be back on the train for a two-day ride across the great plains, Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges to Sacramento. All of this to get to the Alaska ferry to begin my journey on the Inside Passage.

Alaska Trip Report:  Explaining the Alaska Marine Highway – and north to the Last Frontier.

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After 4 days of travel and covering over 1200 miles, we thought it would be a great time to update everyone on our road trip’s progress so far. We’re having a great time on the road and we’ve got lots of pictures and updates to share. So far, we’ve made it from Key West, FL to Richmond, KY.

Our first day began with a somewhat awkward kink in our itinerary. We wanted to start our trip at the Southernmost point in the USA which is located in Key West, FL. In order to accomplish this we had to drive South from Miami and head all the way to Key West, then turn around and drive all the way back! It was a road trip version of a game of tag! It’s a good thing heading through the Keys is always a wonderful time. There are tons of shops and different road side attractions to keep the drive fun. I mean who wouldn’t want to stop by the side of the road and take a picture with a giant lobster?

After a few hours we made it to the southernmost point. It’s a really small marker located at the southeastern end of Key West. We go out and took some photos to mark the official beginning of our trip!

In order to keep the drive interesting, and avoid doubling back on the same route, we decided to head to the West coast of FL for our first night. We drove out of the Keys and took one of our favorite routes across the state via Tamiami Trail. Is takes you right through the middle of the Everglades and is awesome for trying to spot wildlife. As always, we hunt for gators while in the glades but they were being uncooperative and we didn’t see any.

Our route eventually turned North and we stopped and and spent our first night in Port Charlotte, FL. After what felt like minutes of sleep, we packed up the next morning to make our way out of Florida. We decided to take I-75 so we could make some good time and get out of Florida. While at a rest stop north of Ocala, we finally had a chance to spot the one and only gator we’ve seen so far. He may be little but he still counts :-)

It finally started to feel like a road trip to us when we crossed the border into GA. One of the first things we did was stop to pick up one of out favorite snacks; Pecan Logs. It’s a roll of chewy nougat rolled in chopped pecans. Absolutely delightful!

Our goal that second day was to, hit Atlanta and then spend the next day enjoying the city. For some odd reason we’ve driven through the city a bunch of times but had never actually spent a day there. We finally arrived and checked into the La Quinta in Marietta at about 8:00PM. We were pretty hungry so we decided to see what we could scrounge up for dinner. We got in the car and just started driving towards the city center, after about 10 minutes we stumbled into a great regional chain called the Tilted Kilt. After dinner and a couple of beers, we decided to hit the hay and rest up for our next day.

The following day we went out into Atlanta to enjoy the city. It has so much to offer and we only had one day, so we chose to hit a few key places instead of trying to see the whole city in one day. We drove over to the Pemberton Park where we visited the mind-blowing Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coke and took a stroll through the Centennial Olympic Park.

For dinner we decided to see what North Atlanta had to offer and took a scenic drive up the famous Peach Tree lane. We found a perfectly swanky restaurant called Southern Arts. The fall weather was crisp and cool, so we enjoyed a couple cocktails and an amazing dinner on the patio.

The following morning we had to reluctantly bid Atlanta farewell and get back on the road. We planned our next stop in the town of Richmond, KY and got back on the road. Our route took us North on I-75 until we hit Chattanooga, TN around lunch time. We stopped for a roadside picnic and then decided we had enough of the interstate and took a scenic drive on Highway 111 through the back-country of Tennessee and Kentucky. Along the way we stopped and let the doggies out to play at this nice little park near the Obey River in KY.

The rest of the drive was absolutely beautiful, and it reminded Lauren and I of all the reasons why we love to road-trip.

We hit our hotel in Richmond, KY and decided to stay in for dinner and just wind down a bit. Here’s a gallery of some of the great pics we took along the way!

Enjoy, and as always, we would love to hear your comments :-)

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5 thoughts on “ florida to alaska road trip update: key west to atlanta, ga to richmond, ky ”.

What part of Canada will you be traveling through on your way to Alaska?

We are planning to take a Northern route through Calgary and up the Eastern portion of the Rockies then return via the Western side and visit Vancouver. What part of Canada are you in?

Hi, my family and I are going on a road trip from California to Alaska in one month from today :) We are taking a travel trailer . We want to take our dog, a golden retreiver. Do you recomend traveling with a dog? We want to take him but it is our first road trip there and we are very confused. Where did you leave your dogs when you had to eat in a restaurant , visit a museum, national park….?

Laura, We almost always take our dogs on road trips. We stay in hotels though, so the dogs stayed in the hotel room while we went out to eat, sightsee, etc… I am not sure how well your dog would do in a trailer by himself. I guess that all depends on how well behaved your pet is and the size of the trailer, and if there are windows in the trailer. Send us an email if you have any more questions. We would be glad to help. Where in Alaska are you headed? Safe travels!

My wife and I are planning a trip from ATL to Deadhorse next year, probably following a similar route as yours (going up east of the Rockies coming back west of them) can’t wait. We will be traveling on a class B RV and allowing ourselves a month (wonder if that’ll be enough), keep your postings coming, I’ll look forward to them, happy trails :)

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Road Trip Through America's Most Uniquely Named Towns

A road trip across USA is more than sweeping landscapes and bustling cities! It's a treasure trove of America's Most Uniquely Named Towns !

Why do places like Chicken, Alaska; Dinosaur, Colorado; and Two Egg, Florida exist, and how did they earn their peculiar monikers? These curiously named locales offer a peek into the whimsy and the unexpected tales that stitch together the fabric of America.

Chicken, Alaska: More Than Just Feathers

Start your engines for Chicken, Alaska! One of America's Most Uniquely Named Towns, it's a very tiny town that clings to the edge of the map with a name that begs an explanation.

Turns out, Chicken's founders wanted to call it Ptarmigan after a local bird, but the spelling was a bit too much of a head-scratcher, so they settled on the bird everyone could spell: Chicken.

Beneath its funny name lies a former gold-mining haven that now draws in travelers with its picturesque landscape and rich history.

Paying a visit to Chicken is a step back in time. It's a place where the breeze whispers tales of the gold rush and intrepid spirits who once scoured the Alaskan wilds.

It's also a chance to giggle, because - let’s face it - telling friends you've  visited Chicken  is guaranteed to ruffle some feathers in the best way possible.

Dinosaur, Colorado: Where the Past Looms Large

Cruise down to Dinosaur, Colorado, and you've entered a realm where prehistoric giants still roam - at least in spirit! The name is a nod to the town's proximity to Dinosaur National Monument, a site brimming with fossil tales of the Jurassic.

Here, the bygone era of dinosaurs serves not just as a history lesson but as a playground for imagination and adventure.

Exploring Dinosaur means embracing the sheer awe of what once was. It's for those who've dreamt of sharing a landscape with the thunder lizards of the past.

One of America's Most Uniquely Named Towns, Dinosaur acts as a gateway to ancient mysteries and wonders that have stood the test of time, inviting travelers to ponder the footprints left long before our highways ever cut across the land.

Two Egg, Florida: Cracking the Peculiar Shell

Then there's Two Egg, Florida, a spot on the map that might make you chuckle or cock an eyebrow. Legend has it this name was hatched during the Great Depression when folks bartered with eggs rather than cash.

Two Egg's charm lies in its simplicity, a small town proud of its offbeat title and the down-to-earth community that's more than just a name.

Visiting Two Egg is about savoring genuine, homespun Americana. It’s the slow-paced, friendly wave to a stranger on the street, the charming tales spun by locals, and the way a tiny town can fill the heart just as much as a big city.

It's about delighting in life’s simple joys, all with a nod to a name that might’ve cracked a grin when you first heard it.

Why Go Hybrid?

Going on a road trip in a hybrid car is a smart choice - firstly - you'll save significantly on fuel costs because these cars are exceptionally fuel-efficient. They're also environmentally friendly, reducing your carbon footprint as you travel.

The  ride in a hybrid is notably smooth  and quiet - making long drives more pleasant and less tiring. Simply put - a  hybrid offers excellent mileage and a less polluting journey - it's a practical and responsible way to enjoy your adventure.

The Road Less Traveled: A Journey for the Soul

Embarking on a road trip to towns like Chicken, Dinosaur, and Two Egg isn't just about adding a dash of extraordinary fun to your travel escapades; it's about uncovering America's character in its unusual nooks.

It's the authenticity in these stops, the understated pulses of community, and the spirit of not just the people but the places themselves.

As the road winds away from these memorable spots, it leaves travelers with stories to tell and smiles at remembering them. It proves that sometimes, heading off the beaten path and into the embrace of America's more comical corners can reveal the richest experiences.

In town names that prompt a laugh, there's an enduring joy and a reminder that adventure can indeed be found in the most unexpected of places.

The post Road Trip Through America's Most Uniquely Named Towns appeared first on The Rebel Chick .