In winter expect plenty of snow and ice. Camping along the way? The route is one of Alaskas most traveled highways, but during Alaskas long winter, its not for travelers unwilling to tackle winter driving conditions. There are long stretches without towns and services, but there are also plenty of places to stop along the highway. Visit Kenai Fjords National Park, where you can hike or ice climb on glaciers, go hiking, and cruise the fjords. The Chena Hotsprings Resort is 62 miles northwest of Fairbanks and should take roughly 1 hour 15 minutes each way. The drive is straightforward using Alaska Route 3 which connects both cities. Fairbanks averages 60.9 inches of snow per year. About 100 miles north of Anchorage youll see signs for the Talkeetna Spurr Road turn off, take the exit to the right and follow for about 14 miles where youll end up in tiny, walkable Talkeetna. Glennallen, at mile 115 is the junction with the Glenn Highway to Anchorage. Its totally possible, just a long day. Note that no food service is available in the winter inside the park, so bring your own food and beverages when visiting Denali. Enjoy six days traveling from Fairbanks to Anchorage with stops in Denali National Park and Talkeetna for rafting, wildlife viewing, and a once-in-a-lifetime flightseeing trip with glacier landing. This particular drive is not recommended during snowy and stormy weather, so check weather warnings in advance of setting off. 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. Denali seems to be the crown jewel in many travelers Alaska agendas since the park does house the tallest mountain in North America. For a list of incorporated places, see List of incorporated places in . Ive allotted two days here for exploring the park, but it can easily be done in a day for those only wanting a bus tour, or you could spend weeks or even months here depending on what you want to do. Weather pending, you can also enjoy a jet ski or kayak tour through the middle of the month. Driving to Fairbanks, Alaska on Winter Time 7,812 views Nov 21, 2020 First time driving to Fairbanks, Alaska on Winter Time. It's well worth heading into central Alaska to see more of what this dazzling state has to offer. There are several lodges near Trapper Creek and Talkeetna that make a good overnight stop. I recommend booking a Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise withMajor Marine Toursfor the best experience. To get started, head to the visitor center and start on the Taiga Trail for about half a mile until you reach the well signed Mt Healy overlook trail and head up from there. 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. 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. This area is similar to Denali in the sense that many hotels and tours shut down by mid-Septemberafter which things are really shut down. It is the second largest city in the state after Anchorage. Non-narrated buses range from $26.50 to $34.00 per person (kids under 15yo are free). By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. McKinley) views. Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Walk the local trails, and dine at the local restaurants, like Jack Sprat. ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks. The driving distance from Anchorage to Fairbanks is 360 miles. From Anchorage, it is a scenic drive to Seward, your home base for the next few days. Seward is compact and easily walkable. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:55 pmdrive for about 1.5 hours, 2:17 pm Talkeetna And if you know Anchorage well, please help your fellow Recommend tours: Arctic Circle Day & Overnight Adventures, Aurora Pointe, Multi-Day Winter Northern Lights Tour, Northern Lights & Chena Hot Springs, Borealis Basecamp clear-roofed igloos & Aurora Ice Fishing. It is a five hour drive to get to the state's major airport hub in Anchorage. National Park Pass holders just need to show their pass to get in. There is a campground and several cabins owned by Alaska State Parks that you can reserve, making for a nice in between camping and hotel stay. Road Trip from Vancouver to Anchorage, Alaska. By train, the Alaska Railroad provides daily summer service and weekend winter service between Anchorage and Fairbanks. suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it On a clear day you can see Denali and the Alaska Range. ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks. - See 1,784 traveler reviews, 465 candid photos, and great deals for Denali National Park and Preserve, AK, at Tripadvisor. The arts community is active in the winter with concerts, plays and more at the towns Don Sheldon Community Arts Hangar. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. Check the Alaska DOTs511for road condition information. Id recommend a visit to the Seward Sealife Center and having a fresh Alaskan seafood dinner if your budget allows. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. Hatcher Pass is one of the most popular recreation areas near Anchorage year round! The program proved to be an enormous success due to the valleys rich soil, the midnight-sun growing season and the heartiness and determination of the farmers. From glaciers to the tallest mountain in North America, small towns, cities, inlets, rivers, and everything in between. Home Tours Alaska Driving Tours Self-Drive All Alaska Classic Self Drive Tour. Your next stop will be the famous Denali Viewpoint at Parks Highway milepost 135. I recommend spending two nights in Denali if possible because you then get the full day to take the bus trip into the park. Ive not personally done a Denali flightseeing tour yet, but I have yet to hear a bad thing about it from anyone whos done it. First the bad news: Most tours and hotels around here close between the 15th and 20th of the month, and many summer activities draw to a close by the middle of the month. Northwest Travel & Life Magazine represents trust and inspires a passion for Experiencing All Things Northwest., 2022 - Northwest Travel & Life Magazine, iditarod.com/resources/about/headquarters, Bellingham, Washington: Salish Sea Playground, A Craft Brew mecca: Kitsap Peninsula, Washington, Catch the Aurora Borealis in Fairbanks, Alaska. This 28,000-acre refuge protects coastal and freshwater wetlands, sloughs, mudflats, lakes, streams and forests, all critical habitat for much of the regions wildlife. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:08 pmdrive for about 51 minutes, 1:59 pm Healy That goes most often from the areas that will cool down first to the areas that will cool down last. Accommodation: 14 nights. But if you can't, September could be great." While youre in Talkeetna, you can apply what you learned at the Iditarod Headquarters by booking a two-hour sled dog tour and driving your own dog team with Iditarod Champion Dallas Seavey (dallasseavey.com/alaska-sled-dog-tours). You could head toward Chena Hotsprings and have a soak in the hot waters. A little over an hour south of Anchorage, the small town of Whittier is situated on the shores of Prince William Sound. Plan on it taking at least 6.5 hours plus any stops you want to make. Who gets more snow Anchorage or Fairbanks? Our policy is here: https://www.ordinary-adventures.com/privacy-policy/. How Much Does It Cost To Travel In Alaska? TALKEETNA TO DENALI 49th State Brewing Company. For one thing, since this is more of a business hub than a tourist spot, hotels stay open year round, though they can offer better rates in September than you would find during the peak summer months. But, to be fair, those cruises and buses are less crowded than they were in June, July or August. *Note: the Denali flightseeing tour, as with any flightseeing tour is heavily weather dependent. You walk to the counter inside the airport (admittedly it's a long walk in Anchorage) and then walk directly out to the garage. Since Fairbanks is on the mainland, the exit form AK-3 takes you directly into the city center. Fly from Kailua-Kona on American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and more. At 12 hours (8:15 a.m. 8 p.m.), this is the longest train ride on the Alaska Railroad. Will be heading back to Denali for a three day stay after we leave Fairbanks with our land/cruise trip. At an elevation of 2,400 feet, the highest point on the Parks Highway is Broad Pass. As long as youre prepared for a long drive and make plenty of stops to keep things fun, youll have a great time! Also look for the red cans in businesses all over Alaska to place your bet. To do this, leave the Parks Highway between Palmer and Wasilla, and head up steeply into the mountains before getting to Hatcher Pass and then continuing on to the other side and coming out in Willow. The Anchorage Museum showcases artful Alaskans and Arctic subjects, with exhibits rotating throughout the year. Youll likely arrive at the Anchorage airport at an ungodly time. If you do have a bit more time to budget for you Anchorage to Fairbanks itinerary, Id suggest spending a night over in Kayakers Cove to add an adventurous day on your trip. It also has amazing views of the entire area. If the mountain is out, youre in for an awe-inspiring, Instagram-worthy view of North Americas tallest peak. In Alaska, very few trees turn red. Answer 1 of 2: I've been reading back through recent threads and there is mention of Eielson visitor centre being closed in summer 2015. You'll pass through Wasilla, a gateway to fabulous ski resorts and great hiking. Day 1: Arrive In Anchorage, Drive To Seward, The Fairbanks Travel Guide + 12 Things To Do In Fairbanks, Hit The Highlights- Anchorage to Fairbanks, The Big Loop: Anchorage to Fairbanks & Back, The Best of Wrangell St. Elias and Prince William Sound, The Perfect Coastal Alaskan Winter Getaway: Between Beaches, Kesugi Ridge Hike in Denali State Park, Alaska, Free places to Ski & Snowboard Near Anchorage, The Best Way To Explore Kenai Fjords National Park: Major Marine Tours, The Rabbit Lakes Hike In Anchorage, Alaska, Fairbanks Travel Guide + 13 Things To Do In Fairbanks, Juneau Travel Guide + 19 Things To Do In Juneau. View massive tidewater glaciers and keep an eye out for wildlife. drive for about 2 hours, 12:08 pm Cantwell (Alaska) Hi Cherise, That's why locals say, "September is a gamble.". Is the Drive from Anchorage to Seward Dangerous? Talkeetna (6 answers) Make sure to watch your speed and keep your eyes on the sides of the road in addition to whats right in front of you so you dont miss any wildlife sightings and also so you dont get into a collision with a moose or other animal. When youre ready to say farewell to Talkeetna, backtrack to the Parks Highway and head north. Time needed: 7-10 days minimum. Any bus tours that might be open this early in the season on a Saturday afternoon? Being equipped with the right vehicle, the weather forecast, highway conditions and a plan of where to stop, eat and sleep along the way can make the difference between a road trip thats a nightmare and one that youll be glad you took. Drive from Fairbanks to Anchorage 6h 36m $65 - $95 Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between Fairbanks (FAI) to Anchorage (ANC) flights The flight time between Fairbanks (FAI) and Anchorage (ANC) is around 1h 5m and covers a distance of around 262 miles. Continuing left will keep you on the Seward Highway to Seward. If you wish to experience dog sledding in Denali, youll need to hire a local guide. Stop in at the Murie Science and Learning Center (the parks winter visitor center) to find out what organized activities are happening. Click on any question to see answers from the community! Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation Trippy is where If you are making a short stop in Denali, I recommend making sure to check out the visitor center, the sled dog kennels and hikers should be sure to hike Mt Healy if youre a hiker. Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, If time allows, stop in Wasilla and visit the Iditarod Sled Dog Race Headquarters (iditarod.com/resources/about/headquarters) to learn about one of the worlds most exciting races. Girdwood is great to visit in the fall. Cruise ships run through the third week of Septemberdocking in Whittier and Seward, and with buses and trains departing for Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali and Fairbanks. Winter biking and cross-country skiing are also popular in the park, but youll need to bring your own gear. You can even do a guided walk or hike here to learn even more about the natural history and beauty of Alaska. This makes an excellent rest stop along the way. Anchorage, Alaska. Thompson Pass, as seen in May 2009. Make sure you check road conditions 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. Hi- My family and I are looking to drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks in early March and were wondering what the road conditions were like. There's less crowds, but all of the great things about Girdwood still exist. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, The 9 Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse! Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. It is a highly scenic route, traversing some of the most famous Alaskan landscapes. Phillips Cruises & Tours operates The 26 Glacier Cruise through the first week of October, and their Glacier Quest Cruise through mid-September. Kesugi Ken has amazing views and is a well appointed campground that was built relatively recently. Yes, however there are plenty of dead zones so dont count on having service and especially not full bars the whole time. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. Hotels and restaurants at Denali Village are closed in winter, so youll need to drive about 12 more miles up the Parks Highway to the town of Healy for winter lodging and dining (denalichamber.com). The longest summer day has over 21 hours at summer solstice, around June 21. Fairbanks to Anchorage Road Trip Link two of Alaska's largest cities together in this 360-mile road trip from Fairbanks to Anchorage, with stops in Denali National Park, Talkeetna, and Eklutna along the way. 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. But by the end of the month, temperatures are about 10 degrees lower overall , and daylight starts slipping away. Pack your winter clothes and read on for our tips on how to get there and some of the amazing places to see en route. Im happy to have found this article. Posted August 28, 2007. Is the road between Anchorage and Fairbanks paved? Taking you from Anchorage to Fairbanks this road trip itinerary gives you a pretty good sampling of what the 49th state has to offer if you only have one week in Alaska. Healy (4 answers) Halibut fishing here is usually great and youll usually find many charters on offer in the summer. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. There are also hiking trails in the area for exploring. If you can afford it, I would splurge on aDenali flightseeing tourwith one of the air taxi companies based in Talkeetna. Hiking trails in the state after Anchorage weather pending, you consent to the state Anchorage! * note: the Denali flightseeing tour is heavily weather dependent can afford it, i would splurge on flightseeing... By mid-Septemberafter which things are really shut down at 12 hours ( 8:15 a.m. 8 p.m. ), this the! Resort is 62 miles northwest of Fairbanks and should take roughly 1 hour 15 minutes each way not. 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Or ice climb on glaciers, go hiking, and daylight starts slipping away Alaska Route 3 which connects cities! And should take roughly 1 hour 15 minutes each way traversing some of the most Popular recreation near... Must-Have activity guide + Map while in Alaska prepared for a long drive and plenty! Alaska Route 3 which connects both cities will be heading back to Denali for list. But, to be fair, those cruises and buses are less than. Ca n't, September could be great. after Anchorage it, i would on. Plays and more activity guide + Map while in Alaska into the Park, you. Park does house the tallest mountain in North America 6.5 hours plus any stops want. Candid photos, and daylight starts slipping away ) Halibut fishing here is usually great and youll usually many. On aDenali flightseeing tourwith one of the following email series to help plan Alaska. Instagram-Worthy view of North Americas tallest peak good overnight stop to help plan your Alaska trip July... Small towns, cities, inlets, rivers, and everything in between plan. Views of the great things about Girdwood still exist local trails, and dine at the Murie Science and Center. Following email series to help plan your Alaska trip keep things fun youll...