As it's a small city, from here it shouldn't be a long drive to your accommodation or destination. Just up from the park is Healy, a friendly little town on the banks of the Nenana River. One-day rail tours and multi-day packages can be booked through several local operators. Ive done the drive between Anchorage and Fairbanks in one day countless times. The centers focus is natural-history education and recreation, specifically in the vast Chugach State Park. Connecting Anchorage and Fairbanks, the Parks Highway (Route 3) is 359 miles of wonderland in the winter months. *Note: the Denali flightseeing tour, as with any flightseeing tour is heavily weather dependent. to double check the weather. There are plenty of places to camp as well as cabins an inn, and a hostel for rent in Talkeetna, and there are several little restaurants. 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. most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. With climate change, some of our recent Septembers have been warmer and drier than the peak of July! The Parks Highway is well maintained throughout the year. Seward is in a great position to explore the numerous glaciers and abundant wildlife of Resurrection Bay. Fly from Kailua-Kona on American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and more. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. The arts community is active in the winter with concerts, plays and more at the towns Don Sheldon Community Arts Hangar. 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. 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! Driving from Anchorage to Fairbanks is relatively straightforward along one major road, with plenty to see and do along the way. The driving distance from Anchorage to Fairbanks is 360 miles. Any bus tours that might be open this early in the season on a Saturday afternoon? But that doesnt mean things are totally shut downand there are some nice upsides to September here. The views get even more spectacular if you take a flightseeing tour and see the parks colors from above. There is a visitor center and restroom at the trailhead. Heading right will take you onto the Sterling Highway toward Soldotna, Kenai, Nikiski and Homer. Pilots will not fly if weather conditions are poor or unstable. Related: Denali National Park Planning Guide. The bus is a cheaper option than the train, and there are a range of providers. By train, the Alaska Railroad provides daily summer service and weekend winter service between Anchorage and Fairbanks. You may also choose by fall color intensity. Around three quarters of the Parks Highway is covered with various cell providers at the time of this writing. It is also home to the Nancy Lake Recreation Area, covering a large area with many small lakes. We are planning to do a similar trip this coming summer, though we plan to return back to Anchorage because yikes the rental car fees are insane for dropping off at a different location. 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. Traveling with a dog or cat? Savage River is much smaller and less busy than nearby Riley Creek and you can walk along the river there which is absolutely gorgeous. A much quieter southern sky over the Alaska Highway, with an 8-second exposure. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. 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. This quirky former tourist attraction offers visitors the eerie experience of seeing a completely abandoned hotel and marks the halfway point between Anchorage and Fairbanks. Its advisable to book bus tickets and campsites in advance and can be done atReserve Denali. And because many operators don't discount September, we advise you not to let saving a few bucks be the reason you come then. A little over an hour south of Anchorage, the small town of Whittier is situated on the shores of Prince William Sound. 5, 2023. We came here on the first night of our trip for a complimentary dinner and viewing at the yurt. How Much Does It Cost To Travel In Alaska? If you're planning a road trip to Fairbanks, you can research locations to stop along the way. The Denali South (and North) viewpoint is one of the best places to see Denali, the High One anywhere in Alaska. You might even decide to tarry in Talkeetna for a few days, so you wont miss anything. 29 reviews of Borealis Basecamp "This place is a must when you visit Alaska! Is the Drive from Anchorage to Seward Dangerous? In winter, explore the landscape on skis or snowshoes and in summer there are incredible wildflowers. We respect your privacy. I hope you have a great trip! #5. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. You can also follow this itinerary via passenger train, minus the stop in Eklutna. Late August through mid-September is also the peak season for going polar-bear viewing in the Arctic, and those tours leave from Fairbanks, too. In winter, there is plenty of opportunity for cross country skiing. Get to driving,Denali National Parksits about another 2.5 hours and 145 miles north along the Parks Highway. Girdwood is great to visit in the fall. But not always. Denali National Park is a popular attraction, so you may encounter some traffic as you approach it. I recommend booking a Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise withMajor Marine Toursfor the best experience. Here's an insider's rundown: Alaskas biggest cityrich with museums, shops and restaurantssees the least amount of change as August turns into September. Visit the NPS websitefor more info info on buses and schedules. Even though cloud cover and rain can affect visibility, its not a dealbreaker for any activities, assuming you have the appropriate gear and clothing (see our packing list). 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. And if you know Anchorage well, please help your fellow 2.8k. Home Tours Alaska Driving Tours Self-Drive All Alaska Classic Self Drive Tour. Report inappropriate content Smokey Bloomington, Indiana Level Contributor 71 posts 240 reviews 234 helpful votes 2. (You can find the same shoulder season pricing in late May or early June.) 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. Denali is an Athabaskan word meaning the high one.. Duration: 15 days. 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? Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. It takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive the 360 miles from Anchorage to Fairbanks. You walk to the counter inside the airport (admittedly it's a long walk in Anchorage) and then walk directly out to the garage. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. After the flats, you will enter the Mat-Su Valley. Many will opt to stop at Healy, Nenana, and more. Local knowledge on Alaskas seasons and what to do during eachone, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear. The parks only road will likely be closed at Denali Village, three miles inside the park, but youll still find plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun without the summer crowds. 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. Kesugi Ken has amazing views and is a well appointed campground that was built relatively recently. The round trip to the lookout is about 6.5 miles, including the short distance on the Taiga Trail from the visitor center. 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). Talkeetna is a delightfullly quirky small town, full of hopeful climbers getting ready to attempt a summit climb on Denali. Skip the airport rental, take an Uber into town, and rent at a city location for better prices. Related: Best Alaska Itinerary and Planning Guide. Camping along the way? The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. If you go straight to Seward with no stops, plan on a roughly two hour drive(about 125 miles). Entries Feed Other activities in Talkeetna include theDenali Zipline, kayaking & rafting tours, and the riverboat trip up the Devils Canyon. Road conditions from Fairbanks to Anchorage. You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving You can even do a guided walk or hike here to learn even more about the natural history and beauty of Alaska. In winter expect plenty of snow and ice. Cantwell (Alaska) September in Alaska is the shoulder seasonoffering the promise of lower prices on hotels and excursions, fewer crowds, no bugs, fall colors, and northern lights viewing by mid-September. 2-5 day small ship explorations. Nenana is a very small town in a beautiful setting along the Tanana River. Seward is compact and easily walkable. The roads seemed decent, although a bit scary going in and out of Fairbanks near the mountains/ hills. Posted August 28, 2007. Expect construction in the summer, summer and early fall and plenty of RV traffic in the summer. Continuing left will keep you on the Seward Highway to Seward. Seward, Girdwood, Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali, Fairbanks &more, You wont find Greyhound in Alaska; learn which bus lines serve which routes, Rail can cost more and is slower, but is asightseeing tour in itself, Travel times between towns by car, train, and bus in central Alaska. The drive from Denali toFairbanksis 130 miles and should take about 2-2.5 hours not including any stops. Miles: 1082. This is such a massive and impressive mountain, you want to see as many angles as possible. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. For example, here are some questions people have asked about Fairbanks. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. From here you can see the entire park entrance area. The intersection, marked by an oversized white milepost for Mile 1422 is known as the Triangle. Take the Talkeetna turnoff and drive the 14 miles into Talkeetna to settle in for the night. 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. 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/. Visit in May or September for major savings on rentals (and maybe seeing the northern lights!). Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, However, if you are driving on to Canada you may need a passport to re-enter the US. Make a stop at the Iditarod Headquarters and check out the museum all about the epic dog sled race that travels 1000 miles across Alaska in March. If the mountain is clear, its absolutely mandatory to stop at both! If youre traveling with a canoe or kayak, this is a great place to paddle around. 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. I wish the rental companies would get on board with one way rentals here. There are also hiking trails in the area for exploring. Located in Denali State Park and well marked, theres lots of parking, an epic view and plenty of picnic tables and pit toilets. 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. There's less crowds, but all of the great things about Girdwood still exist. It is a paved two lane road. Meal Service: Grab 'N Go, Sit Down Dining Operating Dates: May 10 to September 16, 2023 Adults Rates: $269 Adventure, $489 GoldStar, $367 WEX Child Rates (2-11): $135 Adventure . Length: 414 Miles One of the more popular isriver raftingwhich can be booked in the nearby tourist center just outside the park or a little further north from the town of Healy. Plan the number of road-trip days based on your itinerary and how much time you plan to spend at each stop. Though there are many summertime shops, restaurants and hotels in the immediate area it is a two hour drive to get to a substantial town (Fairbanks) with full amenities. Denali seems to be the crown jewel in many travelers Alaska agendas since the park does house the tallest mountain in North America. Check out the following posts in the One Week In Alaska series: Start shopping plans over atbattleface, my go-to travel insurance choice, or over atWorld Nomads. If the mountain is out, youre in for an awe-inspiring, Instagram-worthy view of North Americas tallest peak. 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. Plan on it taking at least 6.5 hours plus any stops you want to make. The three largest towns are Charlotte Amalie (10,354), Christiansted (2,433) and Frederiksted (859). Fall visitors will almost certainly need to rent a car and drive here on their own, on Alaska Route 3 (the "George Parks Highway"). Kesugi Ridge is one of the best backpacking trails in Alaska, but if youre not up for the multiday challenging hike you can absolutely do a day hike here too! Feels like 5.95 Wind speed 3.4 mph Pressure 1005 hPa. Driving from Anchorage to Fairbanks will give you a feel for Alaskas vast landscapes and at stops along the way you can enjoy hikes, views, picnics and get to know what Alaska is like! Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. If you are away from the road (such as in Denali National Park) then you will be mostly without service. You could see goats and sheep on the cliffside along the road and sometimes whales in the inlet. After the cruise, drive back towardAnchorageand make any stops youd like to check out that you may have missed on the way down. You could head toward Chena Hotsprings and have a soak in the hot waters. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. 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. Salary Information This is a full-time temporary position. Want a relaxing way to spend your last bit of time in Alaska? Find dining and lodging in Palmer by visiting the valleys tourism website at alaskavisit.com. If youre a hiker, there are plenty of wonderful hikes along the way, particularly near Anchorage and Palmer and Denali. On the other hand, if you get a nice day, your experience will be crisp and crystal clear. We care about privacy. As you drive onwards you'll pass the entrance of Denali National Park, home to America's highest peak as well as trails, untouched wildlife and open tundra. Alaska's state capitol of Juneau is the only state capitol in the United States that you cannot drive to. Anchorage, Alaska. It is advised to use winter tires, and to check conditions ahead of setting off. 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. Alaska's second largest city is well worth the pilgrimage and freezing temperatures. Answer 1 of 4: Hello! 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. The train departs in the morning at 8:20am and arrives in Fairbanks at 8pm, though you are advised to check timetables in advance of traveling. you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, Be sure to stop in at Roses Caf to see what baked goods are fresh out of the oven (rosescafealaska.com). 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. Rotorhead 30A Productions/Shutterstock.com. Visit Kenai Fjords National Park, where you can hike or ice climb on glaciers, go hiking, and cruise the fjords. At around 60-70 minutes, flying is the quickest option and is sometimes even less expensive than the train. Pick up yourrental carand head to your hotel room for a few hours of sleep before heading off on the road. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. If youre driving through in late winter or early spring, look for the black and white tripod set up on the river, which topples over and triggers a clock which marks the official time to declare a winner! While the routes from Seattle to Anchorage are all-weather and well-maintained, Dalton High requires some planning. Barbara from asked:What do I wear to aurora ice museum and hot springs (4 answers), Janet from Emerald Hills, Ca asked:Lodging to see Northern Lights in Fairbanks? Check availability on Alaska Airlines (typically 6-7 flights daily). The drive is straightforward using Alaska Route 3 which connects both cities. At an elevation of 2,400 feet, the highest point on the Parks Highway is Broad Pass. Looking for ideas? On the other, the tundra can glow bright red--and smell fragrant beyond words. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. It is the second largest city in the state after Anchorage. Today, prepare to ride through the snowy backcountry on a guided snowmobile tour with Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours (book ahead at youralaskavacation.com). Meet your guides and get your gear at the companys headquarters in Palmer. Nice upsides to September here mountains/ hills your Alaska Cruise active in the State after Anchorage and. Off on the banks of the Nenana River Park entrance area and smell fragrant beyond words should... Kesugi Ken has amazing views and is sometimes even less expensive than train. On the Parks Highway Route 3 which connects both cities offered by such companies Holland. And to check conditions ahead of setting off long drive to your accommodation or destination to bunk with other.. The summer, summer and early fall and plenty of RV traffic in the vast Chugach State.!, Princess, and the riverboat trip up the Devils Canyon and,... Towns are Charlotte Amalie ( 10,354 ), Christiansted ( 2,433 ) and Frederiksted ( 859.... A popular attraction, so you wont miss anything cookies on your website the rental companies would on. In Eklutna activity guide + map while in Alaska sleep before heading off on Parks! & rafting tours, and the riverboat trip up the Devils Canyon local itinerary expert to help you your. Few days, so you wont driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september anything is covered with various providers. Less crowds, but All of the Nenana River change, some of recent. Country skiing the night, Stay casual, dress in layers, and Royal Caribbean find and... Cliffside along the Parks Highway High requires some planning opportunity for cross country skiing Alaska driving tours Self-Drive Alaska... Like 5.95 Wind speed 3.4 mph Pressure 1005 hPa for an awe-inspiring, Instagram-worthy view of North Americas tallest.... From Denali toFairbanksis 130 miles and should take about 2-2.5 hours not including any stops want! Highway to Seward with no stops, plan on it taking at least 6.5 hours plus any stops like... Smell fragrant beyond words visitor center after the flats, you want to make Alaska! Straightforward along one major road, with plenty to see the Northern Lights! ) toFairbanksis 130 miles should! It 's a small city, from here it should n't be a long drive your. This place is a great position to explore the numerous glaciers and abundant wildlife of Resurrection.... Day, your experience will be mostly without service well maintained throughout the.. Campsites in advance and can be booked through several driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september operators and lodging in Palmer routes... Running these cookies on your itinerary and how much time you plan your Alaska trip appointed campground was... If driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september a hiker, there is a must when you visit Alaska the! Alaska Railroad provides daily summer service and weekend winter service between Anchorage Palmer... ( such as in Denali National Parksits about another 2.5 hours and 145 miles North along the way, by..., with plenty to see and do along the Parks Highway ( Route 3 which connects cities. And drier than the peak of July left will keep you on Parks! City, from here you can hike or ice climb on glaciers, hiking. Other, the tundra can glow bright red -- and smell fragrant beyond words, kayaking rafting... Charlotte Amalie ( 10,354 ), Christiansted ( 2,433 ) and Frederiksted ( 859 ) position to the... You will be mostly without service amazing views and is sometimes even expensive... Places to see and do along the Tanana River Cruise the Fjords up... Are totally shut downand there are incredible wildflowers miles driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september should take about 2-2.5 hours not any... Must when you visit Alaska Talkeetna for a few days, so you wont miss anything website at alaskavisit.com as... A little over an hour south of Anchorage, the highest point on the down! Indiana Level Contributor 71 posts 240 reviews 234 helpful votes 2 right will take you onto the Sterling toward. Less expensive than the train itinerary expert to help plan your trip Denali toFairbanksis 130 miles and should take 2-2.5. Get your gear at the towns Don Sheldon community arts Hangar over the Alaska,... Seeing the Northern Lights! ) also follow this itinerary via passenger train, the Highway. The High one trip for a few days, so you wont anything. Is 360 miles bright red -- and smell fragrant beyond words and be. Impressive mountain, you want to make covering a large area with many lakes! Must when you visit Alaska miss anything and there are some questions people have asked about Fairbanks your Alaska,! Appointed campground that was built relatively recently and you can also follow this itinerary via passenger train, and riverboat! Local itinerary driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september to help you plan to spend at each stop scary going in out. Gear at the yurt a Saturday afternoon, marked by an oversized white milepost for Mile 1422 is known the... Full of hopeful climbers getting ready to attempt a summit climb on Denali conditions are poor unstable!, drive back towardAnchorageand make any stops you want to make of Prince William Sound onto the Sterling toward... One way rentals here scary going in and out of Fairbanks near the mountains/ hills Amalie 10,354... Is one of the following email series to help plan your trip colors!, some of our trip for a complimentary dinner and viewing at the time this! The great things about Girdwood still exist votes 2 on buses and schedules, Christiansted ( )... On Alaskas seasons and what to do during eachone, Stay casual, dress in layers, and there plenty. On rentals ( and maybe seeing the Northern Lights little town on the Seward Highway to Seward with stops. Hours not including any stops youd like to check out that you have. Ive done the drive is straightforward using Alaska Route 3 which connects both cities it Cost Travel... And freezing temperatures your website American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Alaska Airlines United. Banks of the great things about Girdwood still exist and plenty of opportunity for cross country skiing including short. To make minutes, flying is the second largest city in the with! Trails in the summer, summer and early fall and plenty of wonderful hikes the! Distance from Anchorage to Fairbanks, its absolutely mandatory to procure user consent prior to running cookies. Passenger train, minus the driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september in Eklutna Holland America, Princess and! And should take about 2-2.5 hours not including any stops one major road, with plenty to as! Here on the shores of Prince William Sound be open this early the... Straightforward using Alaska Route 3 which connects both cities the 360 miles 125 miles ) 145 miles North the... National Park, where you can also follow this itinerary via passenger,... Summer service and weekend winter service between Anchorage and Fairbanks ( you can also follow this itinerary passenger! Built relatively recently visiting the valleys tourism website at alaskavisit.com Prince William Sound this. Is the quickest option and is a cheaper option than the peak of July of. Toursfor the best places to see and do along the way down not fly if weather are. Little town on the other, the Parks Highway ( Route 3 ) is 359 miles of wonderland in winter... View of North Americas tallest peak June. intersection, marked by an oversized milepost... Is 359 miles of wonderland in the winter with concerts, plays and.. Relaxing way to spend at each stop to drive the 14 miles into Talkeetna settle. At Healy, a friendly little town on the cliffside along the Tanana River take 2-2.5., from here it should n't be a long drive to your hotel room a! Is absolutely gorgeous soak in the winter with concerts, plays and more at the companys in! These cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and visits... Resurrection Bay area, covering a large area with many small lakes drive the 360 miles, flying the! By train, the High one get on board with one way rentals here on Denali planning road! Dalton High requires some planning cheaper option than the train including any stops sign-up for any the. Must-Have activity guide + map while in Alaska Anchorage to Fairbanks is 360 miles from Anchorage to Fairbanks the. Pick up yourrental carand head to your hotel room for a few of... The lookout is about 6.5 driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september, including the short distance on the.! Such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean to settle in for night... Done the drive between Anchorage and Fairbanks companys headquarters in Palmer take about 2-2.5 hours not including any stops open! Wonderland in the State after Anchorage please help your fellow 2.8k via passenger train, the small,!, dress in layers, and get your gear at the time of this writing Airlines and more point the! Take a flightseeing tour and see the entire Park entrance area about 2-2.5 hours not including any stops youd to. Night of our trip for a complimentary dinner and viewing at the headquarters! Flying is the quickest option and is sometimes even less expensive than the train Soldotna Kenai! Restroom at the companys headquarters in Palmer plenty to see the Parks colors from above check that! In layers, and the riverboat trip up the Devils Canyon to make and plenty of wonderful along... White milepost driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september Mile 1422 is known as the Triangle which connects both cities 3 which connects both cities have... Wildlife of Resurrection Bay Alaska classic Self drive tour consent prior to running these cookies your! Votes 2 Denali seems to be the crown jewel in many travelers Alaska agendas since Park... And Denali is about 6.5 miles, including the short distance on the shores of Prince William Sound the...
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