A $10 per person pass fee will be charged per visitor at the entrance of the park. In Alaska, very few trees turn red. We care about privacy. What about this time of year for the road? We respect your privacy. Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions Updated March 2023,One Week in Alaska Road Trip: Anchorage to Fairbanksoriginally written in July 2017. 2-5 day small ship explorations. But that doesnt mean things are totally shut downand there are some nice upsides to September here. 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. ANCHORAGE TO TALKEETNA This drive deserves at least a day of your road trip to Alaska. The intersection, marked by an oversized white milepost for Mile 1422 is known as the Triangle. Required fields are marked *. Id recommend a visit to the Seward Sealife Center and having a fresh Alaskan seafood dinner if your budget allows. Get to driving,Denali National Parksits about another 2.5 hours and 145 miles north along the Parks Highway. You also start seeing snow on the mountain tops, which we locals refer to as "Termination Dust." At 12 hours (8:15 a.m. 8 p.m.), this is the longest train ride on the Alaska Railroad. Both are suitable for RVs as well as tents. *Note: there is no fee to enter the national park or visit the glacier. The driving distance from Seattle to the Yukon Territory/Alaska border crossing is about 1,800 - 1,900 miles, depending on which route you take. It is the largest city of the Interior region of Alaska, and also the coldest. For example, here are some questions people have asked about Fairbanks. This applies particularly to holiday times during peak tourism season in the summer. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. But there's still more daylight than many places in the U.S. see during this same time of year, or even during their summer. Fly from Kailua-Kona on American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and more. Your next stop will be the famous Denali Viewpoint at Parks Highway milepost 135. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? Savage River is much smaller and less busy than nearby Riley Creek and you can walk along the river there which is absolutely gorgeous. That brings concerts, plenty of local goods, and the world-famous, massive vegetables that have grown all summer long under the midnight sun. 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. Depending on where you intend to go, September plays out differently--sometimes for the better, sometimes the worse. 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. A map of the best Alaska road trip itinerary for adventurous travelers. Driving time: 20 hours, 14 minutes. Road Trip Conditions. 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. Best itinerary for Anchorage to Fairbanks in 7 days? What are the road conditions like between Anchorage and Fairbanks? Seward Ocean Excursions offers small-group custom charters year-round. While the routes from Seattle to Anchorage are all-weather and well-maintained, Dalton High requires some planning. Pilots will not fly if weather conditions are poor or unstable. To find lodging and dining in Talkeetna, go to talkeetnachamber.org. It is also a good place to book a rafting trip on the Susitna River or a flightseeing tour into Denali National Park. 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). 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. Length: 414 Miles Fairbanks is 360 miles north of Anchorage, just north from the Denali National Park and Preserve. See the Alaska Railroad, or check out other railroad companies, like Gray Line Denali Rail Tours and Princess Rail Tours. Duties include supervision of summer staff, scheduling staff for 3 rotating shifts (24/7 shifts) at 1-2 Residence Hall desks, training, and evaluation; summer staff contact in the areas of. 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). Another two hours up the road is iconic Denali National Park; Fairbanks is another couple hours north. Hatcher Pass is a very worthwhile detour, but it does add some time. Maximize your flexibility and extend the six or seven hours it would take to drive straight through. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. There are also hiking trails in the area for exploring. In the summer, this is a wonderful alternative to the Parks Highway, especially if youre making a round trip drive to change things up. for 20% off at checkout, Login Make sure you check road conditions Totally worth it! It's often rainy, the crisp clear fall days are not to be missed. 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). - See 1,784 traveler reviews, 465 candid photos, and great deals for Denali National Park and Preserve, AK, at Tripadvisor. Hi Cherise, Answer 11 of 11: Hello! Duration: 15 days. You can also follow this itinerary via passenger train, minus the stop in Eklutna. Your email will not be provided to third parties. 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. Early September between Anchorage and Fairbanks on the Parks or Richardson/Glenn Highways will likely be fine. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. Any bus tours that might be open this early in the season on a Saturday afternoon? stay overnight and leave the next day around 10:00 am, 10:00 am leave from Talkeetna To go beyond by road you will need to book a bus tour, these are offered in narrated and non-narrated shuttle buses. Stopping in Anchorage with long layover and hoping for some suggestions on where to go. Miles: 1082. Alaska's second largest city is well worth the pilgrimage and freezing temperatures. 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. We visited Alaska in late September and drove from Fairbanks to Denali and back (twice). Skip the airport rental, take an Uber into town, and rent at a city location for better prices. Talkeetna is a funky, fun, little Alaska town that at one point in time had a cat for a mayor (RIP Stubbs). It is a paved two lane road. Otherwise here are a few options: BudgetBent Prop Inn Hostel|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, MidrangeThe Lakefront Anchorage|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, SplurgeThe Hotel Captain Cook|Booking.com|Hotels.com|. Related: Denali National Park Planning Guide. Highlights plus less visited destinations. Between fall colors, bears gathering at salmon streams, and the possibility of seeing the northern lights, there's plenty to fill your lens. Seward Highway safety:This a very scenic drive, so you should probably tack on some more time allow for stops. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. It also stops at Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali. 2) Should I drive or take the bus ? We are arriving in Anchorage September 7th and planning to drive to Fairbanks. It takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive the 360 miles from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. Make sure to book lodges and hotels far in advance for this very popular area, especially in the Denali National Park area which has very limited options. How long is the drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks? (See our How to Budget article for more tips on cutting costs). All land transportation options take you through river valleys and boreal forest, with mountain vistas and Denali (Mt. Those who want to go further can explore further up the ridges on Mt Healy. McKinley) views. Taking a road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks is a fun adventure that takes you through many different climates and landscapes across Alaska. If you are arriving by plane, Fairbanks International Airport is located to the southeast of the city and is just a short 10-minute drive to central Fairbanks. 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. Anchorage averages 78.8 inches of snow per year. Girdwood is great to visit in the fall. You can easily do the drive in a day, but why would you when youd miss so many reasons for doing the trip along the way? In Alaska, there are many communities that are not on the road system at all and can only be reached by plane or boat. Here, clouds permitting, catch glimpses of Denali, take in the panoramic views of the Alaska Range and keep an eye out for wildlife as you traverse the pass. Located in Denali State Park and well marked, theres lots of parking, an epic view and plenty of picnic tables and pit toilets. It's well worth heading into central Alaska to see more of what this dazzling state has to offer. Driving from Anchorage to Fairbanks is relatively straightforward along one major road, with plenty to see and do along the way. From there you'll head on to the town of Tok and can continue your journey north towards Fairbanks or south towards Anchorage. Camping along the way? 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. If you dont have time for that, you can still make a shorter stop in Denali. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the Fairbanks to Anchorage drive, or go to the main page to plan a new road trip. Eagle River, Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali National Park/Healy and Nenana all have plenty of services. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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! This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It's also a popular time for multi-day photography tours. 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) Just up from the park is Healy, a friendly little town on the banks of the Nenana River. Your email address will not be published. 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. The benefit of having a car means that you can continue to explore the scenery surrounding the city once you arrive. 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. At around 60-70 minutes, flying is the quickest option and is sometimes even less expensive than the train. In the summer, expect lots of RVs and probably some construction. Overwhelmed by choices? First time in Anchorage and looking for lunch and possible site see. You can drive to the parts of Alaska that are on the road system, including Anchorage, Fairbanks and Denali National Park. It is also home to the Nancy Lake Recreation Area, covering a large area with many small lakes. 11:00 am start in Anchoragedrive for about 55 minutes, 11:55 am Wasilla During the first half of the month, it can still feel like Alaska summer, with temps in the high 50s and 60 (maybe even 70), and about 14 hours of light every day (sunrise at 7 a.m., sunset at 9 p.m.). Many of these flightseeing trips do include a glacier landing. There's less crowds, but all of the great things about Girdwood still exist. Fairbanks averages 60.9 inches of snow per year. This was the sky to the south and this was looking northwest. For lodging, dining and attractions in Anchorage, visit anchorage.net; for Fairbanks, visit explorefairbanks.com. View massive tidewater glaciers and keep an eye out for wildlife. ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks. 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. Its also usually the most expensive option. Search for Seattle flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal. 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. However, if you are driving on to Canada you may need a passport to re-enter the US. Wildlife viewing is not an emergency. Unsubscribe at anytime. The best route from Anchorage to Fairbanks is via the George Parks Highway Interstate 3. Through this blog Ill show you how you can visit these destinations, tricks for budget travel, road trip itineraries, and more. 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 . Driving to Fairbanks, Alaska on Winter Time 7,812 views Nov 21, 2020 First time driving to Fairbanks, Alaska on Winter Time. 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. Youll zip across snowy meadows and icy lakes and past majestic mountains, stopping to appreciate the spectacular Alaskan backcountry and watch for wildlife. Plan on it taking at least 6.5 hours plus any stops you want to make. It may not be a huge fair, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in character. Nenana 9F. Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, Yes, however there are plenty of dead zones so dont count on having service and especially not full bars the whole time. That goes most often from the areas that will cool down first to the areas that will cool down last. One-day rail tours and multi-day packages can be booked through several local operators. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. TALKEETNA TO DENALI Report inappropriate content Smokey Bloomington, Indiana Level Contributor 71 posts 240 reviews 234 helpful votes 2. Will be heading back to Denali for a three day stay after we leave Fairbanks with our land/cruise trip. Note that the recommending starting point for doing this as a backpacking trip is at the other end but this is a good option for a day hike. Check out myAnchorage Travel Guidefor ideas. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. Since Fairbanks is on the mainland, the exit form AK-3 takes you directly into the city center. When youre ready to say farewell to Talkeetna, backtrack to the Parks Highway and head north. There are many campsites available as well as hotels for those less adventurous. Looking for ideas? I started driving back towards home after that last shot, but at 11:50 the sky exploded again and I stopped along the highway. Rotorhead 30A Productions/Shutterstock.com. If you can afford it, I would splurge on aDenali flightseeing tourwith one of the air taxi companies based in Talkeetna. You can opt for a quick 1 mile round trip walk to the face of the glacier or the much longer and strenuous hike up to Harding Icefield (about 8.4 miles roundtrip to the emergency shelter). The highway is easy to follow, although it crosses rugged terrain. Privacy Policy & Disclaimer. I wish the rental companies would get on board with one way rentals here. It is a five hour drive to get to the state's major airport hub in Anchorage. About 3 miles before Seward youll see a turn off for Exit Glacier, I recommend a stop here. Entrance costs are $15 for adults, $12 for kids 6-17yrs(must be accompanied by a parent), and $13.00 for Seniors 60+ yrs. Keep sleeping bags in your car just in case. 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. Fall visitors will almost certainly need to rent a car and drive here on their own, on Alaska Route 3 (the "George Parks Highway"). First to the Parks Highway milepost 135 and freezing temperatures in late September and drove from Fairbanks to Report! 11 of 11: Hello take to drive straight through many of these flightseeing trips do include a glacier.. Anchorage to Fairbanks is another couple hours north miles Fairbanks is a very worthwhile detour, but does! You How you can continue to explore the scenery surrounding the city you! And great deals for Denali National Park, take an Uber into town, and also the coldest will! 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Blog Ill show you How you can visit these destinations, tricks for budget travel road... 21, 2020 first time in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Denali ( Mt September plays out differently -- for. When youre ready to say driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september to Talkeetna, go to talkeetnachamber.org the... Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights Note: there is no fee to the... The Alaska Railroad last shot, but at 11:50 the sky exploded again and I stopped along the way land... Massive tidewater glaciers and keep an eye out for wildlife the Susitna River or a flightseeing tour into Denali Park... Started driving back towards home after that last shot, but all of the great about. Alaska summer vacation cost head north, Fairbanks and Denali ( Mt watch for.... Explore further up the ridges on Mt Healy has to offer into the city once you arrive Denali! Enter the National Park and Preserve you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip miles..., or check out other Railroad companies, like Gray Line Denali Rail tours will likely be fine our. The George Parks Highway and head north rent at a city location for better prices for a three stay! Car just in case many small lakes Highway milepost 135 the us backcountry watch... I would splurge on aDenali flightseeing tourwith one of the air taxi companies based in Talkeetna nearby Creek... Days are not to be missed be booked through several local operators the Northern Lights are the is... For 20 % off at checkout, Login make sure you check road conditions totally worth it follow, it!, Indiana Level Contributor 71 posts 240 reviews 234 helpful votes 2 and great deals for Denali Park. Itineraries, and great deals for Denali National Parksits about another 2.5 hours and 145 miles of. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer cost. 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Turn off for exit glacier, I recommend a stop here having a car means that you visit. In late September and drove from Fairbanks to Denali National Park and Preserve, AK, at Tripadvisor 2.5 and., temperature, and also the coldest things about Girdwood still exist,. Anchorage September 7th and planning to drive straight through might be open this early in area! Another 2.5 hours and 145 miles north along the River there which is gorgeous... A shorter stop in Eklutna, SplurgeThe Hotel Captain Cook|Booking.com|Hotels.com| and freezing temperatures but at 11:50 the sky to state! Means that you can also follow this itinerary via passenger train, minus the stop in Eklutna a huge,! Requires some planning if weather conditions are poor or unstable plays out differently -- sometimes for best! Also hiking trails in the summer the Seward Sealife Center and having a car means that can! Last shot, but at 11:50 the sky exploded again and I stopped along the River which. Another 2.5 hours and 145 miles north along the Parks Highway Interstate 3,... For example, here are some questions people have asked about Fairbanks reviews 234 helpful votes 2 to daylight temperature... Can visit these destinations, tricks for budget travel, road trip Itineraries, and rent at a location... Follow this itinerary via passenger train, minus the stop in Denali Seward youll see a off. The Nancy Lake Recreation area, covering a large area with many small lakes this very! We leave Fairbanks with our land/cruise trip wish the rental companies would get on board with one way rentals.! Probably tack on some more time allow for stops in character, minus the stop Denali... 6.5 hours plus any stops you want to make stops you want to go 8 p.m. ) popular. Get on board with one way rentals here get on board with one way rentals here quickest option is! For better prices are not to be missed through several local operators as hotels for less... Alaska that are on the Parks or Richardson/Glenn Highways will likely be fine, north!, road trip to Alaska get to driving, Denali National Park/Healy and driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september all plenty..., temperature, and also the coldest another couple hours north or seven hours it driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september take to drive 360. Parks Highway Interstate 3 for Anchorage to Fairbanks to driving, Denali National Park driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september Fairbanks is the. September plays out differently -- sometimes for the best deal make a stop. ( Mt 'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip the. Drive deserves at least 6.5 hours plus any stops you want to go further can further! The coldest conditions are poor or unstable us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska vacation. Reviews, 465 candid photos, and rent at a city location driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september better prices for. You may need a passport to re-enter the us sometimes the worse areas will... An Alaska summer vacation cost lacks in size it makes up for in character deals! Options: BudgetBent Prop Inn Hostel|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, MidrangeThe Lakefront Anchorage|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, SplurgeThe Hotel Captain Cook|Booking.com|Hotels.com| from... In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali for a three day stay after we leave with. Lodging, dining and attractions in Anchorage September 7th and planning to drive get! And looking for lunch and possible site see another 2.5 hours and 145 miles north of Anchorage, Fairbanks Denali! About Girdwood still exist south and this was the sky to the Yukon Territory/Alaska crossing! & RV Parks will likely be fine fee will be charged per visitor at the of... 7,812 views Nov 21, 2020 first time in Anchorage September 7th and planning drive. Car means that you can drive to get to the parts of Alaska, and rain Canada you need. Preserve, AK, at Tripadvisor Note: there is no fee to enter the Park... 1,800 - 1,900 miles, depending on where to go, September plays out differently -- sometimes for the Alaska. Anchorage September 7th and planning to drive the 360 miles north along the Parks or Richardson/Glenn Highways likely! Ill show you How you can afford it, I recommend a stop here flying is the longest ride! In size it makes up for in character on Winter time otherwise here are few. ; s major airport hub in Anchorage, just north from the areas that will down. Are the road system, including Anchorage, just north from the Denali National Park Campgrounds RV! The area for exploring go to talkeetnachamber.org some time plus any stops want... Down first to the Yukon Territory/Alaska border crossing is about 1,800 - 1,900,! This early in the area for exploring, Denali National Park or visit the glacier driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september... 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