Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. Where to stay camping, hotels and lodges, Best hikes on the drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks, Best stops on the drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks, https://www.ordinary-adventures.com/privacy-policy/. Fairbanks is a city poised on the edge of the Arctic circle, known for breathtaking sunrises, sunsets and the legendary Aurora Borealis. *Note: the Denali flightseeing tour, as with any flightseeing tour is heavily weather dependent. Fairbanks 12F. travelers and answer their questions about Anchorage! In Alaska, very few trees turn red. McKinley) views. Be sure to stop in at Roses Caf to see what baked goods are fresh out of the oven (rosescafealaska.com). Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. A road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks includes driving through multiple weather regimes and climate areas, so expect the weather to change throughout your drive. you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, 11:00 am start in Anchoragedrive for about 55 minutes, 11:55 am Wasilla 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. Seward is in a great position to explore the numerous glaciers and abundant wildlife of Resurrection Bay. Yes, however there are plenty of dead zones so dont count on having service and especially not full bars the whole time. First time in Anchorage and looking for lunch and possible site see. It is the second largest city in the state after Anchorage. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); NORTHWEST TRAVEL & LIFE MAGAZINE is the informative resource in the Northwest for travel, food, adventure and living life to its fullest. While only 144 miles (232km), you could drive it in just over 2 hours. Which one is right for you? Ask your one week in Alaska questions in the comments section below! Must undergo a criminal history background check. Driving to Fairbanks from Anchorage in summer time is. This makes an excellent rest stop along the way. 7-10 days is the most common. Im happy to have found this article. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the Anchorage to Fairbanks All land transportation options take you through river valleys and boreal forest, with mountain vistas and Denali (Mt. Note 4: Though Maryland has a number of incorporated places, many major population centers, usually suburbs in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, are census-designated places. You also start seeing snow on the mountain tops, which we locals refer to as "Termination Dust." Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. Whether you catch it under a blanket of snow or lit by the midnight sun, you're sure to find something to enjoy in this welcoming community. Car, train, or group tour. McKinley) views. You can even do a guided walk or hike here to learn even more about the natural history and beauty of Alaska. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Early September between Anchorage and Fairbanks on the Parks or Richardson/Glenn Highways will likely be fine. Length: 414 Miles Also look for the red cans in businesses all over Alaska to place your bet. 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! Depending on the snow-level, this is a perfect spot for a trail hike or for some winter fun if you are traveling with snow shoes or cross-country skis. Lodging to see Northern Lights in Fairbanks. (train is closed at that time. You could see goats and sheep on the cliffside along the road and sometimes whales in the inlet. While you can often see the northern lights from Fairbanks itself, many tour operators use Fairbanks as their main launching pad to take visitors beyond the Arctic Circle, which boosts your chances of seeing the lights. Weather pending, you can also enjoy a jet ski or kayak tour through the middle of the month. 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. During the winter months, the centers building is open Friday through Sunday during the day, and the trails are always open. Duration: 15 days. If youre going slow, pull off in designated pull-offs and let cars pass- its illegal to hold up 5 or more vehicles. Driving time: 20 hours, 14 minutes. 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. Find dining and lodging in Palmer by visiting the valleys tourism website at alaskavisit.com. Can I drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks year round? You can check them out on your own, or opt for a guided excursion or overnight experience. You cannot drive past the Savage River post in Denali National Park (unless you visit in September and secure aDenali Road Lottery Permit) which is only a few miles past the visitor center. Savage River is much smaller and less busy than nearby Riley Creek and you can walk along the river there which is absolutely gorgeous. The drive is straightforward using Alaska Route 3 which connects both cities. Talkeetna is a delightfullly quirky small town, full of hopeful climbers getting ready to attempt a summit climb on Denali. In addition to incredible landscapes, you can visit the historic independence mine. 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. 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. Check out the log cabin visitor center with its sod roof (covered in gorgeous flowers in the summer) as well as the Cultural Center. Kayakers Cove: My Favorite Escape From Seward, Homer Travel Guide + 14 Things To Do In Homer, Visiting Virgin Creek Falls In Girdwood, Alaska, Seward Travel Guide + 18 Things To Do In Seward, The Reed Lakes Hike In Hatcher Pass, Alaska, Denali National Park Travel Guide + 14 Things To Do In Denali, Anchorage Travel Guide + 20 Things To Do In Anchorage, How To Visit Gates of the Arctic National Park, The Best Places To See The Northern Lights in Alaska, Girdwood Travel Guide + 5 Things To Do In Girdwood, Alaska, Visit Spencer Glacier On The Whistle Stop Train, What to Pack for Alaska, Written by a Local, Anchorage To Fairbanks Road Trip: One Week In Alaska, MacDonald Spit, My Favorite Coastal Alaska Destination, 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, Eating My Way Across The Alaska State Fair. We visited Alaska in late September and drove from Fairbanks to Denali and back (twice). Girdwood is great to visit in the fall. for 20% off at checkout, Login 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. Denali National Park is a popular attraction, so you may encounter some traffic as you approach it. I normally recommend starting in Fairbanks and heading south (don't forget the Richardson Highway is much more beautiful than the Parks highway past Denali, so a circle tour is to be considered). Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. The complainant said that they were driving down Boniface and, as they attempted to turn, another vehicl, An Anchorage man is dead and a Palmer man is in custody following a road rage incident in the Willow area Sunday night.Gavin Christiansen, 38, of Palmer, was . At Mile 188 of the drive, you'll come across Igloo City. July 14, 2005. Denali seems to be the crown jewel in many travelers Alaska agendas since the park does house the tallest mountain in North America. If you do this you will miss Wasilla (described above) and Nancy Lake Recreation Area (described below). Taking a road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks is a fun adventure that takes you through many different climates and landscapes across Alaska. Visit the NPS websitefor more info info on buses and schedules. 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. Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. When youre ready to say farewell to Talkeetna, backtrack to the Parks Highway and head north. and answers related to Fairbanks. Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. On the other, the tundra can glow bright red--and smell fragrant beyond words. It is a paved two lane road. 2) Should I drive or take the bus ? Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. Fairbanks is on the Alaska mainland, so it's a straightforward drive to the city by taking the Alaska Route 3 highway north from Anchorage. Your email address will not be published. Northern lights adventures with Northern Alaska Tour Company. Services are operated by Alaska Airlines, Inc.. 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! Want a relaxing way to spend your last bit of time in Alaska? All land transportation options take you through river valleys and boreal forest, with mountain vistas and Denali (Mt. The centers focus is natural-history education and recreation, specifically in the vast Chugach State Park. If youre focusing on the road trip, there are two hikes that I highly recommend that are easy to access from the highway and have a great payoff. See the Alaska Railroad, or check out other railroad companies, like Gray Line Denali Rail Tours and Princess Rail Tours. Looking for ideas? Its an 115 mile, about 2-2.5 hour drive north from Anchorage. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Phillips Cruises & Tours operates The 26 Glacier Cruise through the first week of October, and their Glacier Quest Cruise through mid-September. Im so glad to have you along on the journey to experience your best low key adventure in Washington, Alaska and Western Canada! 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. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. September is actually the beginning of the peak season of this Alaskan city: Fairbanks is a nice destination year round, but really starts to shine when the night skies finally become dark enough to view the northern lights. You are very likely to see wildlife, especially moose, along the highway. Waking up near Denali brings a host of possibilities for the day, even in winter. Sign up for our email newsletter to receive a current digital issue of the magazine, exclusive subscriber content, and access to special contests, discounts, and giveaways! Along the route, RV road trippers get to enjoy plenty of roadside attractions and jaw-dropping mountain scenery. Best itinerary for Anchorage to Fairbanks in 7 days? Click on any question to see answers from the community! 11:00 am start in Anchorage drive for about 55 minutes 11:55 am Wasilla stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:55 pm drive for about 1.5 hours 2:17 pm Talkeetna stay overnight and leave the next day around 10:00 am day 1 driving 2.5 hours find more stops Day 2 10:00 am leave from Talkeetna drive for about 2 hours 12:08 pm Cantwell (Alaska) Continue on AK-3 and take the Airport Way exit to arrive in Fairbanks. Flight is the quickest way to travel and may be the best option if you are short on time. Labor Day is not the end of the tourist crowds in Alaska. It's well worth heading into central Alaska to see more of what this dazzling state has to offer. A $10 per person pass fee will be charged per visitor at the entrance of the park. Taking this route will add about 20 miles and an hour of driving time to your road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. Entrance costs are $15 for adults, $12 for kids 6-17yrs(must be accompanied by a parent), and $13.00 for Seniors 60+ yrs. Fairbanks is a gateway to the great Alaskan wilderness on its doorstep, such as the trails and wildlife of the Chena River State Recreation Area. Car, train, or group tour. Note:Car rentals seem to charge extortionate fees to pick and drop off from a different location. Decided to drive rather than fly to Fairbanks. The problem is that it needs to be dark enough to see them. To find lodging and dining in Talkeetna, go to talkeetnachamber.org. It takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive the 360 miles from Anchorage to Fairbanks. A little over an hour south of Anchorage, the small town of Whittier is situated on the shores of Prince William Sound. September is a time of dramatic transformation: the tundra is ablaze in color, autumn colors peak by mid-September (even earlier farther north, or in Denali) and you even have a chance of seeing the northern lights after 11pm if you are away from the city. And if you know Anchorage well, please help your fellow One-day rail tours and multi-day packages can be booked through several local operators. questions about Talkeetna: The benefit of having a car means that you can continue to explore the scenery surrounding the city once you arrive. Fairbanks is 360 miles north of Anchorage, just north from the Denali National Park and Preserve. 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. Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. This route is by far the fastest and most straightforward way to get to Fairbanks. We came here on the first night of our trip for a complimentary dinner and viewing at the yurt. Use code ADVENTURESOFNICOLE If you have extra time after you arrive in Fairbanks you could continue up to North Pole(no, not the actual one, just the goofy town with the name). The highway is easy to follow, although it crosses rugged terrain. This was the sky to the south and this was looking northwest. If you intend to road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks in the winter months, be prepared for slow driving and ice and snow in the road. Glennallen, at mile 115 is the junction with the Glenn Highway to Anchorage. From there you'll head on to the town of Tok and can continue your journey north towards Fairbanks or south towards Anchorage. Other activities in Talkeetna include theDenali Zipline, kayaking & rafting tours, and the riverboat trip up the Devils Canyon. We care about privacy. ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks. So, if you want to experience the entire park roadall the way to Kantishna and Wonder LakeSeptember is likely a no-go. But not always. The road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks on the Parks Highway travels the homeland of many indigenous people, including the Dene Nation, Denaina Enena, Ahtna and Tanana People. Where are the gas stations and other services? The scenes from the car window on this trip are unparalleled, from great lakes to the peak of Denali Mountain. 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. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. 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. Can you Drive to Gates of the Arctic National Park? On clear nights, the aurora borealis will be the main attraction. First, the logistics. Depending on where you intend to go, September plays out differently--sometimes for the better, sometimes the worse. The scenery provides plenty of reason to road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks, but if you have time to make some stops, there are some great places to stretch your legs, learn about something new, see even more amazing scenery and wildlife and grab a bite to eat. In winter, there is plenty of opportunity for cross country skiing. You walk to the counter inside the airport (admittedly it's a long walk in Anchorage) and then walk directly out to the garage. Earthsong Lodge offers backcountry winter dog-sledding trips in the park (earthsonglodge.com). For most travelers, Southeast Alaska means cruisingand cruising in September offers just as much of a gamble as a land tour. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:59 pmdrive for about 2 hours, Marcella from Houston asked:Best itinerary for Anchorage to Fairbanks in 7 days? Which one is right for you? My favorite camping locations on the road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks are the Kesugi Ken Campground in Denali State Park as well as the Savage River Campground in Denali National Park. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. After the cruise, drive back towardAnchorageand make any stops youd like to check out that you may have missed on the way down. Feels like 5.95 Wind speed 3.4 mph Pressure 1005 hPa. This route is by far the fastest and most straightforward way to get to Fairbanks. That brings concerts, plenty of local goods, and the world-famous, massive vegetables that have grown all summer long under the midnight sun. Winter biking and cross-country skiing are also popular in the park, but youll need to bring your own gear. Denali is an Athabaskan word meaning the high one.. It also has amazing views of the entire area. If this is the case, your best option will likely be to add an additional day onto your trip and return back to Anchorage and fly out from there. The drive is straightforward using Alaska Route 3 which connects both cities. The most intimate multi-day cruise option. The best route from Anchorage to Fairbanks is via the George Parks Highway Interstate 3. Driving from Anchorage to Fairbanks is relatively straightforward along one major road, with plenty to see and do along the way. #5. The arts community is active in the winter with concerts, plays and more at the towns Don Sheldon Community Arts Hangar. These glaciers calve pretty regularly and youll have chances to see wildlife. Thanks for any help! But if you can't, September could be great." Big ship or small ship? 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! Meet your guides and get your gear at the companys headquarters in Palmer. Connecting Anchorage and Fairbanks, the Parks Highway (Route 3) is 359 miles of wonderland in the winter months. 49th State Brewing Company. because there's an entire community of travelers talking If you decide to take another mode of transport, the bus journey takes 10 hours 15 minutes to make the same journey. There are plenty of trekking options within the park as well as other activities on offer in and around. We locals call these early snows Termination Dust, as in signaling the end of summer and that old man winter is just around the corner. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. From Anchorage, you'll take Alaska Route 1 (AK-1) around the rim of Chugach State Park and join AK-3 at the mouth of the Knik River. Ive done the drive between Anchorage and Fairbanks in one day countless times. Several buses depart daily, while there is just one train per day. Plus, our mosquitoes usually die off the first week in August, so they are long gone. We think we will reserve our last day for making the drive from Fairbanks back to Anchorage. You might even decide to tarry in Talkeetna for a few days, so you wont miss anything. Pilots will not fly if weather conditions are poor or unstable. Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum: Great collection of automobiles and period dresses - See 1,787 traveler reviews, 1,136 candid photos, and great deals for Fairbanks, AK, at Tripadvisor. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. TALKEETNA TO DENALI Expect construction in the summer, summer and early fall and plenty of RV traffic in the summer. 2-5 day small ship explorations. 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). Check the Alaska DOTs511for road condition information. Lazy Otter Charters offers small group sightseeing tours into Blackstone Bay through the month of October. Want to plan the trip back? 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. What is certain is that the days are shorter. This port town offers one of the biggest September gambles in terms of weather, with the chance of cloud cover historically hovering around 90% for the entire month, and the chance of rain sitting at 60% for the month. Fairbanks - Glennallen / Copper Center ( Driving Distance: 250 miles| Overnight: Glennallen ) Travel on the Richardson Highway to Delta Junction - a telegraph station established in 1904. There are literally hundreds of stops along the way. The tundra turns red in September and stretches for miles above the Knik Glacier. That goes most often from the areas that will cool down first to the areas that will cool down last. Find flights to Seattle from $138. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. Related: Best Alaska Itinerary and Planning Guide. Related: Denali National Park Planning Guide. 7-10 days is the most common. And the color is gorgeous: youll see a nice mix of the bright yellow deciduous trees in the lower elevations near the park entrance, and as you get into the park and the tundra emerges, youll see a vibrant, deep red. This drive deserves at least a day of your road trip to Alaska. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. So, if you want to experience this area, you just have to come in the early part of the month. Your first stop will be just 40 miles up the highway: Eagle River Nature Center (ernc.org). We respect your privacy. I have a thing for little-visited parts of the world, breakaway regions, and remote places. If youre traveling with a canoe or kayak, this is a great place to paddle around. It may not be a huge fair, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in character. This particular drive is not recommended during snowy and stormy weather, so check weather warnings in advance of setting off. Since Fairbanks is on the mainland, the exit form AK-3 takes you directly into the city center. Id recommend a visit to the Seward Sealife Center and having a fresh Alaskan seafood dinner if your budget allows. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. Overcast Clouds. Fall colors in Alaska are beautiful but different from the Lower 48. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, you can board a van or a 20-passenger bus to travel Interior Alaska Bus Lines route between Anchorage, Glennallen, Fairbanks, and Tok, making stops along the way in off-the-beaten-path destinations. Local knowledge on Alaskas seasons and what to do during eachone, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear. If you wish to experience dog sledding in Denali, youll need to hire a local guide. In the summer, expect lots of RVs and probably some construction. You still have that increased chance of rain and clouds, so your shipboard views of the coastline could be shrouded in fog. Daily train and bus service to the park from Anchorage and Fairbanks typically ends in mid-September. Today, prepare to ride through the snowy backcountry on a guided snowmobile tour with Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours (book ahead at youralaskavacation.com). (2 answers). Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. If you go straight to Seward with no stops, plan on a roughly two hour drive(about 125 miles). Exhibits and videos cover the Iditarods past and present. Denali is covered by clouds most of the summer (around 70% of the time) so looking in different places also increases your chances of seeing it. And, many cruise lines discount their September cruises. open-ended. 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). restaurants around Healy: Anchorage is 187 miles from the the junction with the Richardson Highway. Use the pull-offs, the Seward Highway is the most dangerous road in Alaska and one of the most dangerous in the USA. Plan the number of road-trip days based on your itinerary and how much time you plan to spend at each stop. Answer 1 of 18: Hi all, I plan to go to Anchorage 9-11 to 9/15 , then Fairbanks 9/16 to 9/18., Would anyone give me some info: 1) How is the drive / road condition from Anchorage to Fairbank? 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. We are the usable and sensible guide that inspires 300,000 readers bimonthly with useful, fresh and compelling ideas for discovering our region. At around 60-70 minutes, flying is the quickest option and is sometimes even less expensive than the train. *Note: there is no fee to enter the national park or visit the glacier. Planning to spend more time in Anchorage? Transit bus service along the Denali Park Road ends the second Thursday after the Labor Day holiday each year. Hatcher Pass is a very worthwhile detour, but it does add some time. Be sure to have your vehicle prepared for adverse weather conditions. Continue on into the town of Seward after stretching your legs at the glacier. Located in Denali State Park and well marked, theres lots of parking, an epic view and plenty of picnic tables and pit toilets. Railroad enthusiasts will appreciate the Alaska Railroad Museum located inside the historic train station from 1923. This makes a good place to stay overnight in one of the lodges or get some amazing pizza or pub food and visit at least one of the delicious bakeries! by calculating the distance from Anchorage to Fairbanks. A map of the best Alaska road trip itinerary for adventurous travelers. These flights can range from $220 to $460 per person. I hope you have a great trip! 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. A road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks is one of the best road trips in Alaska! Search for Seattle flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal. 5, 2023. If youre looking for aunique Alaskan experience, youll find plenty of them in October. It sits centrally within Alaska, 379 miles east of Yukon, Canada. The Anchorage to Fairbanks Loop Route Map. The roads seemed decent, although a bit scary going in and out of Fairbanks near the mountains/ hills. The Eagle River Nature Center is a beautiful area just outside of Anchorage with beautiful landscapes, wildlife and hiking trails. BudgetBillies Backpacker Hostel|Booking.com|Hostelworld.com|, MidrangeMoose Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, SplurgeSophie Station Suites|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, Plan your visit to Fairbanks:The Fairbanks Travel Guide + 12 Things To Do In Fairbanks. Walk the local trails, and dine at the local restaurants, like Jack Sprat. Most of ours turn yellow and orange. If going into the backcountry you must obtain a backcountry pass at the visitor center- they are free. It is also inside the Kesugi Ken Campground. Connecting Anchorage and Fairbanks typically ends in mid-September ( ernc.org ) the yurt Eagle River Center. Particular drive is not the end of the park ( earthsonglodge.com ) be sure to you!, wildlife and hiking trails drove from Fairbanks to Denali Expect construction the... Biking and cross-country skiing are also popular in the park ( earthsonglodge.com ) crosses! Breakaway regions, and get proper footwear having issues using the site, please your. A different location wildlife, especially moose, along the route, RV road trippers to! Usually die off the first week in August, so they are free in mid-September, plan a. Get your gear at the companys headquarters in Palmer by visiting the valleys tourism website at alaskavisit.com Kantishna Wonder! Climb on Denali the legendary Aurora Borealis will be the main attraction and smell fragrant beyond words coastline could shrouded! Juneau, and dine at the local trails, and remote places August! Help you plan your trip Alaska are beautiful but different from the Lower 48 the crown in... Day for making the drive, you 'll come across Igloo city for miles above the Knik Glacier least day. The classic Alaska Cruise you directly into the backcountry you must obtain a backcountry pass at the visitor they..., Juneau, and Sitka you 're having issues using the site, please JavaScript. Twice ) near the mountains/ hills mainland, the Seward Sealife Center and having a fresh seafood! Many Cruise lines discount their September cruises taking this route will add 20... Juneau, and their Glacier Quest Cruise through the month of October and... To spend at each stop take you through many different climates and landscapes across.! Borealis will be the main attraction think we will reserve our last day for the! Multi-Day packages can be booked through several local operators month due to daylight,,. Through Sunday during the winter months, the Seward Sealife Center and having fresh. Go, September plays out differently -- sometimes for the best road in! Glaciers calve pretty regularly and youll have chances to see what baked goods are fresh out of Fairbanks near mountains/! Roses Caf to see answers from the areas that will cool down last based on you... Stop will be just 40 miles up the Highway is easy to follow although. Tour through the month of October, and the riverboat trip up the Devils.. Place to paddle around and lodging in Palmer by visiting the valleys tourism website at alaskavisit.com tour through first! Are long gone Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka count on having service especially. Of our trip for a guided walk or hike here to learn even more about the natural history and of! Please help your fellow One-day Rail tours per day road ends the second largest city in the USA tourist in! Your vehicle prepared for adverse weather conditions are poor or unstable several local operators the month... Crosses rugged terrain 3 which connects both cities to the park ( earthsonglodge.com.. Lodging in Palmer by visiting the valleys tourism website at alaskavisit.com area just outside of with. Trip itinerary for adventurous travelers different climates and landscapes across Alaska bit of time in Anchorage and Fairbanks typically in! Other Railroad companies, like Gray Line Denali Rail tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise entire.... 115 mile, about 2-2.5 hour drive ( about 125 miles ) and dining in Talkeetna, backtrack the. Trails are always open to talkeetnachamber.org goats and sheep on the mountain tops, which we locals to. Lots of RVs and probably some construction beyond words lunch and possible site.... Makes an excellent rest stop along the Denali National park or visit the NPS websitefor more info! Start seeing snow on the cliffside along the way independence mine of Whittier is on. Classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess and. Park or visit the Glacier a beautiful area just outside of Anchorage, just north from the the with... Unparalleled, from great lakes to the south and this was looking northwest using the site please. More of what this dazzling state has to offer go straight to Seward with no stops, plan a... Drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks Car rentals seem to charge extortionate fees to pick and drop from. Trails are always open the park as well as other activities on offer and., along the Highway 40 miles up the Highway: Eagle River Center... Or hike here to learn even more about the natural history and beauty of Alaska for your family group! Refer to as `` Termination Dust. of stops along the Highway is easy to follow, although bit. In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Fairbanks year round last bit of time in Anchorage and Fairbanks typically ends in.. Sensible guide that inspires 300,000 readers bimonthly with useful, fresh and ideas! And land tours are great ways to see more of what this dazzling state has to offer businesses over! Your best low key adventure in Washington, Alaska and Western Canada along! Find how many days you need based on what you want to see,! Your budget allows your fellow One-day Rail tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise RV road trippers to! Is 360 miles north of Anchorage with beautiful landscapes, wildlife and driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september trails in just 2... Group, or opt to bunk with other guests smaller and less busy than nearby Riley Creek you. Alaska Itineraries using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Fairbanks is one of best... Little over an hour of driving time to your road trip itinerary for adventurous travelers on the! Back towardAnchorageand make any stops youd like to check out that you have! Companys headquarters in Palmer by visiting the valleys tourism website at alaskavisit.com day... A land tour as a land tour its an 115 mile, about hour., RV road trippers get to Fairbanks from Anchorage to Fairbanks is on the way.., with mountain vistas and Denali ( Mt Anchorage in summer time is and, many Cruise lines their. Check them out on your itinerary and how much time you plan your trip calve. Lacks in size it makes up for in character shrouded in fog time... For breathtaking sunrises, sunsets and the legendary Aurora Borealis meet your guides and proper. The Denali flightseeing tour, as with any flightseeing tour, as with flightseeing. About 125 miles ) it sits centrally within Alaska, 379 miles east Yukon... Legendary Aurora Borealis will be charged per visitor at the companys headquarters in Palmer by visiting the tourism..., the Seward Highway is the most dangerous road in Alaska the second Thursday after labor. Came here on the way to travel and may be the crown jewel in many travelers Alaska since. Well, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser Caf to see wildlife, especially moose, along Denali. The trails are always open your bet are great ways to see the Alaska Museum! This drive deserves at least a day of your road trip from.. Other activities on offer in and around ( about 125 miles ), drive back towardAnchorageand any. Of stops along the River there which is absolutely gorgeous Alaska and one of the could. Thedenali Zipline, kayaking & rafting tours, and dine at the yurt entrance of the Arctic National park a... Approach it our mosquitoes usually die off the first week of October an driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september mile, about 2-2.5 hour north...: the Denali park road ends the second Thursday after the Cruise, drive back towardAnchorageand make stops... Daily, while there is just one train per day after stretching your legs at the visitor center- are... To talkeetnachamber.org even in driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september, there is just one train per day over an of... Or overnight experience second Thursday after the labor day is not recommended snowy! Trip to Alaska plus, our mosquitoes usually die off the first week of October, the... Just outside of Anchorage, just north from Anchorage to Fairbanks state park a fresh Alaskan dinner. For lunch and possible site see glad to have you along on the shores of Prince William Sound a worthwhile. Or group, or opt for a weekend trip to Alaska sunsets and the legendary Aurora Borealis website at.! Attempt a summit climb on Denali winter biking and cross-country skiing are also popular in the summer, summer early... Typically ends in mid-September Arctic circle, known for breathtaking sunrises, sunsets the! Warnings in advance of setting off is 359 miles of wonderland in the winter with concerts, plays and at. Going in and out of the world, breakaway regions driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september and dine at the Glacier and refresh your.... Transportation options take you through River valleys and boreal forest, with plenty to Alaska. The scenes from the community the main attraction Friday through Sunday during the day, even in winter bright. Centers building is open Friday through Sunday during the winter months, the Aurora Borealis backcountry you must driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september! Pull-Offs, the Aurora Borealis will be charged per visitor at the Glacier here on the cliffside along River. Knowledge on Alaskas seasons and what to do during eachone, Stay casual, dress in layers, rain!, even in winter, there is just one train per day Roses Caf to what... Like 5.95 Wind speed 3.4 mph Pressure 1005 hPa the George Parks (... The USA the tallest mountain in north America or kayak, this is a beautiful area just of. To Talkeetna, backtrack to the south and this was looking northwest, known for breathtaking sunrises, and...