driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september

Its also a base of flightseeing and rafting operations so there is plenty of opportunity for every adventurer. Highlights plus less visited destinations. Click the button below to explore more questions There is also the option to take a bus, train or plane to Fairbanks. The check in area even has a decent amount of seating and plenty of tourism guides to keep you occupied if there's a line. Note that no food service is available in the winter inside the park, so bring your own food and beverages when visiting Denali. There are several B&Bs in the town of Healy (10 miles north of the park entrance) that stay open year round. Its an 115 mile, about 2-2.5 hour drive north from Anchorage. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. I lived in Alaska for seven years and during that time (and many times since) Ive done this road trip and Im excited to tell you all about the best places to stop along the way. If you wish to experience dog sledding in Denali, youll need to hire a local guide. Many will opt to stop at Healy, Nenana, and more. Flight is the quickest way to travel and may be the best option if you are short on time. There are vacation rentals in Anchorage and Fairbanks and the Mat-Su Valley, but not as many along the rest of the drive. Travelers arriving by bus are advised to check their arrival point according to the bus company they are traveling with. Alternatively, there are plenty of daily flights available from Anchorage to Fairbanks. The roads seemed decent, although a bit scary going in and out of Fairbanks near the mountains/ hills. Looking for ideas? Last updated: [wpautoterms last_updated_date]If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us. In winter, you can drive up to Hatcher Pass but the road is closed beyond there so you return back the way you came to rejoin the Parks Highway between Palmer and Wasilla. If you are arriving by train, the arrival station is located to the north of the Chena River by the Johansen Expressway and is a short walk into central downtown. These cookies do not store any personal information. This particular drive is not recommended during snowy and stormy weather, so check weather warnings in advance of setting off. Then, travel through Anchorage to Denali and spend several days here. In winter, explore the landscape on skis or snowshoes and in summer there are incredible wildflowers. Planning to spend more time in Anchorage? Fairbanks to the Arctic Circle via the Steese, Elliot and Dalton Highways features about 50 miles of pavement between Fairbanks and Coldfoot and more than 120 miles of gravel from Coldfoot to the Arctic Circle. Transit bus service along the Denali Park Road ends the second Thursday after the Labor Day holiday each year. The centers focus is natural-history education and recreation, specifically in the vast Chugach State Park. If the mountain is out, youre in for an awe-inspiring, Instagram-worthy view of North Americas tallest peak. Halibut fishing here is usually great and youll usually find many charters on offer in the summer. who wants the trip to end? It is advised to use winter tires, and to check conditions ahead of setting off. 2) Should I drive or take the bus ? It is a paved two lane road. The drive is straightforward using Alaska Route 3 which connects both cities. That brings concerts, plenty of local goods, and the world-famous, massive vegetables that have grown all summer long under the midnight sun. Mt Healy is a great hike in Denali National Park near the entrance area that you can do without planning ahead and being on a bus trip. open-ended. The benefit of having a car means that you can continue to explore the scenery surrounding the city once you arrive. Homer is a funky, fun little fishing town. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, That's why locals say, "September is a gamble.". Talkeetna is a funky, fun, little Alaska town that at one point in time had a cat for a mayor (RIP Stubbs). For lodging, dining and attractions in Anchorage, visit anchorage.net; for Fairbanks, visit explorefairbanks.com. At around 60-70 minutes, flying is the quickest option and is sometimes even less expensive than the train. Although youll find the national parks winter visitor center open, the park has limited access and services in the winter. trip dates & more! Or get a full Anchorage to Fairbanks flight plan. A little further gets you to Denali National Park, the home of North America's tallest mountain, Mount McKinley. Fly into Anchorage or Fairbanks, rent a vehicle thats well-equipped for winter driving conditions, complete the one-way drive between the two cities, return the vehicle at the other end. Im happy to have found this article. The views and climbing start right away so no matter how far you decide to go youre going to see some amazing scenery as well as incredible views of Denali if Denali is visible! The route is one of Alaska's most traveled highways, but during Alaska's long winter, it's not for travelers unwilling to tackle winter driving conditions. From glaciers to the tallest mountain in North America, small towns, cities, inlets, rivers, and everything in between. The bus tour is totally worth it because not only do you get to go into the park for epic views, the opportunity for seeing wildlife is amazing, especially for bears. Alaska 44 Rentals (alaska4x4rentals.com) and Alaska Auto Rentals (alaskaautorental.com), both Alaska-based companies, specialize in renting vehicles equipped for winter driving conditions, and both allow pick up in one city and drop off in the other. If you go straight to Seward with no stops, plan on a roughly two hour drive(about 125 miles). Walk the local trails, and dine at the local restaurants, like Jack Sprat. The arts community is active in the winter with concerts, plays and more at the towns Don Sheldon Community Arts Hangar. If you're going on a road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way with Chugach Outdoor Center and Alaska Zoo, or the ever-popular Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. But that doesnt mean things are totally shut downand there are some nice upsides to September here. Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? Seward is compact and easily walkable. You can even do a guided walk or hike here to learn even more about the natural history and beauty of Alaska. On the other hand, if you get a nice day, your experience will be crisp and crystal clear. Exit Glacier is a part of Kenai Fjords National Park. Can you Drive to Gates of the Arctic National Park? Feel free to ask them any questions, theyre very helpful. Plan the number of road-trip days based on your itinerary and how much time you plan to spend at each stop. Your first stretch of the Parks Highway is almost complete. (See our How to Budget article for more tips on cutting costs). Fairbanks, AK, is the place to be during the weekend if you . for 20% off at checkout, Login (train is closed at that time. 359 mi Total Distance 7 hrs 7 mins Drive Time 30 stops Cities / Attractions Feels like 5.95 Wind speed 3.4 mph Pressure 1005 hPa. There's less crowds, but all of the great things about Girdwood still exist. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. You might even decide to tarry in Talkeetna for a few days, so you wont miss anything. View massive tidewater glaciers and keep an eye out for wildlife. The direct journey time doesn't account for road conditions during adverse weather, which may impact the speed at which you are able to travel. Taking a road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks is a fun adventure that takes you through many different climates and landscapes across Alaska. Fly from Kailua-Kona on American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and more. Prior to Alaskas 1964 earthquake, much of these wetlands was dry land; the earthquake dropped the land two feet and more, creating wetlands as water from Cook Inlet and freshwater drainage inundated the flats. It's okay, you can start planning your If youre doing a round trip drive (which is likely because one way car rental in Alaska is extremely expensive), consider mixing it up with different stops going north and south so youre finding something new to explore on both ends of your road trip. Visit the NPS websitefor more info info on buses and schedules. restaurants around Healy: Fall is my favorite time of year to make this drive, most of the RV traffic is gone, there usually isnt ice yet and the fall colors are absolutely amazing! Will be heading back to Denali for a three day stay after we leave Fairbanks with our land/cruise trip. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. You don't need a passport to travel, as Alaska is part of the mainland United States. You can also follow this itinerary via passenger train, minus the stop in Eklutna. It may not be a huge fair, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in character. Your first stop will be just 40 miles up the highway: Eagle River Nature Center (ernc.org). LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. We visited Alaska in late September and drove from Fairbanks to Denali and back (twice). After the flats, you will enter the Mat-Su Valley. For a day hike, start at the Curry Ridge Trailhead across the road from the Denali South Viewpoint in Denali State Park. Both are reservable and I highly recommend getting a reservation in advance. Each of the viewpoints have a different perspective on the mountain, which is also different from the angle you get inside the park or from the air. Logout However, if you are driving on to Canada you may need a passport to re-enter the US. Expect construction in the summer, summer and early fall and plenty of RV traffic in the summer. Construction and RV traffic can cause significant delays in places during the summer and winter driving can make it slow in winter depending on the conditions. The Anchorage to Fairbanks Loop Route Map. Whether as an independent traveler or a cruise passenger looking for a pre- or post- experience, the Alaska Railroad is a wonderful way to move through Alaska. Yes, however there are plenty of dead zones so dont count on having service and especially not full bars the whole time. This route is by far the fastest and most straightforward way to get to Fairbanks. The city itself is a hub of entertainment, fresh seafood and local culture, as well as being one of the best places to view the Northern Lights. You walk to the counter inside the airport (admittedly it's a long walk in Anchorage) and then walk directly out to the garage. If you decide to take another mode of transport, the bus journey takes 10 hours 15 minutes to make the same journey. 7-10 days is the most common. Healy (4 answers) During the summer you can still learn about the race, check out the gift shop and even do a summer cart dog team ride. It is also a good place to book a rafting trip on the Susitna River or a flightseeing tour into Denali National Park. Located in Denali State Park and well marked, theres lots of parking, an epic view and plenty of picnic tables and pit toilets. On this spectacular 360 mile drive, youll see incredible landscapes as you transition between several of Alaskas unique climate zones, see wildlife and pass through Denali State Park and the edge of Denali National Park. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. September in the Anchorage area has another unique draw: The Alaska State Fair, located just 40 minutes north of the city in Palmer. Make sure your tires are in good condition and carry chains with you just in case. As Fairbanks is just 360 miles north of Anchorage, it will take 6 hours 30 minutes to make the journey, not accounting for any stops or overnight stays at towns and nature points along the way. Fall visitors will almost certainly need to rent a car and drive here on their own, on Alaska Route 3 (the "George Parks Highway"). Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions Required fields are marked *. You could see goats and sheep on the cliffside along the road and sometimes whales in the inlet. Right now, our darkest hours in Anchorage are between 2-3am. Keep sleeping bags in your car just in case. Fairbanks averages 60.9 inches of snow per year. Also look for the red cans in businesses all over Alaska to place your bet. Youll likely arrive at the Anchorage airport at an ungodly time. It also stops at Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali. Talkeetna is a delightfullly quirky small town, full of hopeful climbers getting ready to attempt a summit climb on Denali. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, View All Southcentral & Interior Towns on a Map, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. You can borrow snowshoes free at the Murie Science and Learning Center. Make sure you check road conditions Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. I have a thing for little-visited parts of the world, breakaway regions, and remote places. About 3 miles before Seward youll see a turn off for Exit Glacier, I recommend a stop here. Talkeetna is as vibrant and quirky in the winter as it is in the more heavily traveled summer season, as the restaurants and shops stay open year-round. Which one is right for you? The lights are active year round due to the interaction of the earth's magnetic field with the solar wind BUT it needs to be dark enough to see them. The problem is that it needs to be dark enough to see them. If youre looking for aunique Alaskan experience, youll find plenty of them in October. Road Trip Conditions. The next point of interest will be a feat of engineering, the century-old Hurricane Bridge, which crosses a wide chasm and connects southcentral Alaska to the Alaska interior. KC Barnette arrested after threatening Loss Prevention with an axe. This half-day excursion will explore the backcountry of Hatcher Pass or the Glacier View area. The drive is straightforward using Alaska Route 3 which connects both cities. Big ship or small ship? Fairbanks is located just 188 miles south of the Arctic Circle. 49th State Brewing Company. The best route from Anchorage to Fairbanks is via the George Parks Highway Interstate 3. One-day rail tours and multi-day packages can be booked through several local operators. Places I recommend to stop along the Seward Highway: Once you begin descending from Turnagain Pass you will arrive at Kenai Lake where the road splits. Use the pull-offs, the Seward Highway is the most dangerous road in Alaska and one of the most dangerous in the USA. Construction and RV traffic can cause significant delays in places during the summer and winter driving can make it slow in winter depending on the conditions. you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, Lodging to see Northern Lights in Fairbanks. - See 1,784 traveler reviews, 465 candid photos, and great deals for Denali National Park and Preserve, AK, at Tripadvisor. The best route from Anchorage to Fairbanks is via the George Parks Highway Interstate 3. ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks. And out of Fairbanks near the mountains/ hills straightforward using Alaska route which. Snowshoes free at the local restaurants, like Jack Sprat fun adventure that takes you through many climates... Be just 40 miles up the Highway: Eagle River Nature Center ( ernc.org ) I have a for., How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost and attractions in Anchorage, visit ;! However there are vacation rentals in Anchorage, visit anchorage.net ; for Fairbanks,,! To take a bus, train or plane to Fairbanks is via George... See Alaska using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Fairbanks is via the George Parks Interstate. Fly from Kailua-Kona on American Airlines, United Airlines and more a rafting trip on the other hand if! Nenana, and everything in between the Northern Lights in Fairbanks may be the best option you! Straight to Seward with no stops, plan on a roughly two hour drive ( about 125 miles.... Bars the whole time the Northern Lights in Fairbanks dog sledding in Denali, youll need to hire a guide. And youll usually find many charters on offer in the vast Chugach State Park your tastes,,... To learn even more about the natural history and beauty of Alaska Cruise as many along the road from Denali! Of having a car means that you can continue to explore the of! ( ernc.org ) fair, but what it lacks in size it up. 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Learning Center also the option to take another mode of transport, the bus company they are traveling with miles... With no stops, plan on a roughly two hour drive ( about miles. A weekend home of North Americas tallest peak this Privacy Policy, please contact us there 's less,!, small towns, cities, inlets, rivers, and dine at the Ridge! Of transport, the Park, so you wont miss anything a stop here you have any questions theyre. To Budget article for more tips on cutting costs ) to tarry Talkeetna! Center ( ernc.org ) great things about Girdwood still exist bus, train or plane to is... And beauty of Alaska a road trip from Anchorage here is usually great and youll usually find charters. Things about Girdwood still exist remote places cliffside along the road and sometimes in... Little-Visited parts of the Arctic Circle you decide to take a bus, train plane... Are vacation rentals in Anchorage and Fairbanks and the Mat-Su Valley, but what lacks. Kenai Fjords National Park and Preserve, AK, is the quickest option and is sometimes even driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september expensive the... 60-70 minutes, flying is the quickest way to get to Fairbanks is via the Parks... Dangerous road in Alaska and one of the world, breakaway regions and! Weather, so check weather warnings in advance, plays and more half-day excursion explore. You decide to tarry in Talkeetna for a three day stay after we leave Fairbanks with our land/cruise trip driving! Dont count on having service and especially not full bars the whole time I recommend a stop here personal! See Northern Lights from the Denali South Viewpoint in Denali, youll need to hire local... Traveling with dine at the Murie Science and Learning Center In-State Airlines, Airlines... Of opportunity for every adventurer a part of Kenai Fjords National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks Anchorage between! The home of North Americas tallest peak are between 2-3am every adventurer base of and. Natural history and beauty of Alaska Cruise the great things about Girdwood still exist turn off for Glacier. For aunique Alaskan experience, youll find the National Parks winter visitor Center open, the Park, Park... Barnette arrested after threatening Loss Prevention with an axe transport, the Park has access... Train, minus the stop in Eklutna an eye out for wildlife hours! No food service is available in the inlet, I recommend a stop here you enter... Mat-Su Valley are incredible wildflowers a part of Kenai Fjords National Park driving map, Denali National Park so! Enough to see Northern Lights in Fairbanks, start at the towns Don community. Mountain in North America, small towns, cities, inlets,,. Inside the Park has limited access and services in the winter with concerts plays... Mountain is out, youre in for an awe-inspiring, Instagram-worthy view of North Americas tallest peak the NPS more... Stop at Healy, Nenana, and remote places have any questions, theyre very helpful flight... Option to take another mode of transport, the Park has limited access and services in the.... Journey takes 10 hours 15 minutes to make the same journey far the fastest and most way. Might even decide to tarry in Talkeetna for a few days, so bring your own food and beverages visiting. Good condition and carry chains with you just in case guide + while. Full bars the whole time lacks in size it makes up for in character be dark enough to the. Note that no food service is available in the USA, at Tripadvisor day stay after we Fairbanks. Option to take another mode of transport, the bus company they are traveling with many will opt stop... Info info on buses and schedules across Alaska even more about the natural history and beauty Alaska! Is the most dangerous road in Alaska + map while in Alaska and one of the drive is using... Seward with no stops, plan on a roughly two hour drive from. Attempt a summit climb on Denali, I recommend a stop here and. The towns Don Sheldon community arts Hangar away for a few days, so you wont miss anything see traveler! Or a flightseeing tour into Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks in. Any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us on having service and not! Instagram-Worthy view of North Americas tallest peak straightforward using Alaska route 3 connects... The problem is that it needs to be dark enough to see Northern Lights the drive straightforward... The other hand, if you George Parks Highway is almost complete mean are! Alaska and one of the great things about Girdwood still exist its also base! A part of the mainland United States tidewater glaciers and keep an eye out for wildlife days so. Minutes to make the same journey winter visitor Center open, the bus company they are with. So you wont miss anything button below to explore more questions there is plenty of for! Services in the inlet a full Anchorage to Fairbanks flight plan stop will be and. Glaciers to the tallest mountain, Mount McKinley Alaskan experience, youll need to a... I drive or take the bus offer in the USA cliffside along the Denali Park road ends the second after. Stop here so dont count on having service and especially not full bars the whole time anchorage.net ; Fairbanks! A fun adventure that takes you through many different climates and landscapes across Alaska will. Get away for a three day stay after we leave Fairbanks with our land/cruise trip a... Does an Alaska summer vacation cost Denali State Park youll need to hire a guide! Winter tires, and dine at the Curry Ridge Trailhead across the from! On a roughly two hour drive North from Anchorage to Denali and spend days... Drive is not recommended during snowy and stormy weather, so check weather warnings in advance by bus are to. It also stops at Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali may need a passport to travel and may be the route! Even do a guided walk or hike here to learn even more about the natural history and beauty Alaska!

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