Quite possibly the most magical thing to observe in the mighty last frontier is the Northern Lights dancing away in the night sky. Even the most seasoned sourdoughs never stop getting wide-eyed at these magnificent displays of mother nature. For your best chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis on this road trip you'll need crisp weather and clear night skies.
Do it in reverse, camp along the way or spend a night soaking in a natural hot spring to break it up into a multi-day trip. Remember, life is about the journey - not the destination. The total trip takes about 13 hours of drive time and covers nearly 730 miles. We’ve included the Google Map here.
We will preface this article by saying that if you start this full road trip in Tok, you'll likely be traveling up the Alcan into Alaska. Tok is the home to Alaska's official welcoming committee as the first major community across the Canadian border. Welcome back to America - where the Northern Lights are like something straight out of a dream!
To get to Chena Hot Springs you'll need to take a bit of a detour, but once you arrive we promise that every added mile will be worth the time spent. View the aurora dancing outside or check out the museum with ice sculptures inside. Soak in a natural hot spring, spend the night in a comfortable room and hit the road tomorrow morning to continue your road trip.
If you're into winter camping, this place offers some of the most spectacular views that you'll ever experience in your life. Where the confluence of the Nenana River tributary enters the Tanana is quite spectacular!
This charming little community offers year-round accommodations right by Denali National Park. Stop and grab a bite to eat at Rose's Cafe and watch the Northern Lights the entire time you're driving.
Break up the long road trip by camping in the Denali State Park in Trapper Creek. Soak in views of mountains, glaciers and the larger-than-life Aurora Borealis show before hitting the road again the next morning.
Talkeetna is one of the most groovy and charming towns in Alaska, and the Northern Lights certainly add to its beauty during the fall and winter months. Grab a bite to eat the the Talkeetna Roadhouse or a healthy drink from Mountain Juice before getting back on the road.
Another little detour along the way that is worth every second of the drive. Watch the Northern Lights dance atop the Talkeetna Mountains and find your heart exploding with happiness.
Round out your road trip in Alaska's largest city of Anchorage and head up to flat top to soak in the Aurora Borealis dancing over the Chugach Mountains, the inlet and the city lights in the distance. Bonus: do this road trip in reverse and enjoy the same spectacular scenery going north instead of south.
Are you looking for a wild and rugged adventure that will take you off the beaten path and into the heart of Alaska's pristine wilderness? Look no further than McCarthy Road: an underrated adventure in Alaska. This almost 60-mile road winds through the breathtaking Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, and offers stunning views of mountains, glaciers, and rivers along the way. But don't be fooled by its beauty – driving McCarthy Road is a challenge that requires a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle, and an adventurous spirit. So, if you're up for the challenge, buckle up and prepare for an unforgettable journey through one of the most remote and untouched parts of the United States.
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Alaska is known for its rugged terrain, pristine wilderness, and breathtaking views.
And while there are many ways to explore this vast and wild landscape, few experiences are as thrilling as driving the McCarthy Road. This underrated adventure is a must-do for anyone looking to get off the beaten path and experience the true beauty of Alaska.
For starters, it's one of the state's most remote and rugged roads. The road stretches almost 60 miles through the heart of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. This means you'll be driving through some of the most untouched wilderness in the country, with stunning views of mountains, glaciers, and rivers along the way.
But the best part of driving McCarthy Road is its sense of adventure and freedom.
This is not a road for the faint of heart, but for those who are up for the challenge. It's a chance to experience Alaska in a way few others ever will.
You'll be free to explore the wilderness at your own pace, stopping to take in the views or hiking nearby trails.
There is even some good fishing off of the road. And at night, you can camp under the stars in a pullout, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.
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One of the highlights of driving McCarthy Road is the opportunity to visit the historic town of McCarthy and the nearby Kennecott Mine.
The town is only accessible by foot, bike, or car, and it's like stepping back in time. The streets are lined with wooden buildings from the early 1900s, and a sense of frontier spirit still permeates the town.
But it's not just the scenery that makes McCarthy Road an adventure worth having.
The road is challenging, with steep grades, tight turns, and rough surfaces requiring a vehicle with high clearance and four-wheel drive. You'll need to be an experienced driver to tackle the road, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
It's a chance to explore some of the country's most remote and rugged wilderness while immersing yourself in the fascinating history of the region. So, grab your four-wheel-drive vehicle and hit the road – adventure awaits!
Have you ever driven this underrated adventure in Alaska? What did you think? Did you love it? Let us know in the comments below! Get your gear for the trip at REI.
The Last Frontier is full of undeniable grandeur. From grandiose, snow-capped mountain ranges and crystal clear glacial lakes to some of the most vibrant colors and diverse wildlife you've ever seen, Alaska is packed with jaw-dropping sights that simply can't be found anywhere else. But for such a massive (and massively diverse) state, road-tripping through Alaska can be a challenge; there are relatively few highways crisscrossing the landscape and the majority of the state can only be reached by boat or private plane. Don't worry, though - we've got you covered! We've compiled 11 of the best road trips in Alaska, each chock full of beauty and spectacular adventures for every traveler, budget, and trip length. Ready to get lost in the best way possible?
Hatcher Pass Road, also known as Fishhook Road, is a truly stunning scenic drive and mountain pass through Alaska's backcountry. Sitting at an elevation of 3,886 feet, this mostly-gravel road stretches from Palmer/Wasilla all the way to Willow, around 60 miles. While this scenic road trip doesn't open until around the 4th of July, after the snow has melted, during its short open season, travelers will find themselves winding through the Talkeetna Mountain Range, along portions of the Little Susitna River, and past some of the most spectacular overlooks and untouched sights in the valley. While you can certainly stick to the main road (a historic mining road) and find view after view to enjoy, there are also a number of hikes, photo ops, and even an old gold mine to explore along the way, so you can make this journey as long or short as you would like. This route can be accessed from either Willow or Palmer.
Route: Lowell Point Beach > Kalifornsky Beach > Ninilchik Beach > Happy Valley Beach > Anchor Point Beach > Bishop's Beach
Distance: 182 miles
Trip Time: 4 hours (one way)
With over 33,000 miles of scenic shoreline, Alaska breaks the mold when it comes to getaway beach vacations. Fortunately, this hidden beaches road trip through the state shows off some of the best. Imagine strolling along an ebony black shoreline under Alaska’s midnight sun, enveloped by natural beauty and surrounded by distant mountain peaks on every side, or a sandy beach with humpback whales and orcas echoing in the distance. It doesn't get any better than that!
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This journey starts at Lowell Point where that iconic black shoreline beckons, and meanders all the way to Bishop's Beach in Homer. Each of these pristine, secluded beaches in Alaska offers something special, but most importantly, boasts solitude and unrivaled beauty.
Route: Homer Spit > Kenai Lake > Portage Lake > Eklutna Lake > Matanuska Glacier > Worthington Glacier > Keystone Canyon
Distance: Approx. 500 miles
Trip Time: 15 hours (one way)
One of Alaska's most treasured regions is the Kenai Peninsula in south-central AK; in fact, for many, this one area embodies the very heart of the Last Frontier, complete with behemoth glaciers, icy coastlines, and breathtaking jewel-toned lakes. Distances here are hefty, but it’s worth the lengthy drive time to see such phenomenal highlights. On this road trip around the Kenai Peninsula, you'll have plenty of opportunities to alternate between immersing in rugged outdoor adventures and kicking back with a backdrop of jaw-dropping views as you hop around the peninsula from Homer to Valdez. Canyons, glaciers, lakes...Our recommendation? Save this trip for summer and bring the camping gear. You won't regret it.
Alaska's Seward Highway has been repeatedly named one of the best scenic drives in the country, touted as a bucket list All-American road trip, and consistently ranked as one of the best road trips in Alaska. The diverse scenery alone makes it worth the journey, which is perfect for families and doable in just over two hours. Starting from the bustling gateway of Anchorage, travelers will find themselves winding through the towering peaks of the Chugach and Kenai Ranges, over rivers, through quaint villages, wrapping around gorgeous lakes, and getting a full sample platter of the unique landscapes that make Alaska so special. While this stunning drive is no secret, travelers will nevertheless find plenty of opportunities to enjoy some solitude and take a few detours, like through the Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area.
Route: Thunderbird Falls > South Fork Eagle River Falls > McHugh Creek Falls > Winner Creek Falls > Virgin Creek Falls > Learnard Falls/Rookery Falls > Horsetail Falls
Distance: Approx. 246 miles
Trip Time: 6 hours
Spring in Alaska hits different (and later) than in the Lower 48. Often called "mud season," exploring the state takes some extra planning and preparation this time of year. Fortunately, there are still plenty of options! With so many miles of untouched wilderness to its credit, Alaska is home to more than its fair share of gorgeous waterfall cascades, beautifully undisturbed and positively coursing following winter's gradual melt. This waterfall road trip through Alaska will take waterfall-hunters to 10 different cascades of varying sizes, each delightfully enchanting in its own way and nestled in truly stunning scenery. From the legendary Horsetail Falls to the ribbon-like streams of Rookery and Learnard Falls, there are some truly bucket list-worthy sights on this road trip itinerary! Drive time is lengthy, and you'll want to leave plenty of time for the hikes, so save this trip for a long weekend and prepare to be captivated by the beauty hidden in every corner of the Last Frontier.
Route: Kenai Fjords National Park > Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve > Denali National Park and Preserve
Distance: Approx. 675 miles
Trip Time: 14 hours
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For travelers who aren't all-in on plane-hopping, kayaking stormy seas, or navigating frigid temperatures to enjoy Alaska's hidden gems, Alaska's national and state parks offer easy, accessible sneak peeks of many of the state's most fantastic sights. This national parks road trip itinerary takes explorers to three of Alaska's most treasured and iconic parks, each with its own unique geography, geology, and beauty to experience. Starting with the stunning Kenai Fjords, where nearly 40 glaciers collide with lush forests, frigid waters, and curvaceous valleys on the outskirts of the vast 936-square-mile Harding Icefield. From mountaineering to sea adventures and everything in between, this legendary national park is the perfect way to kick off a road trip! The journey ends at the coveted base of Mt. Denali - America's highest mountain - and the sweeping, wildlife-filled expanses of Denali National Park. Grizzly bears, sea lions, caribou, otters and more can be found around every corner. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy every photo-worthy moment of this bucket-list adventure!
Spanning hundreds of miles from Anchorage to the Tok Cutoff, the stunning Glenn Highway offers vibrant foliage-peeping opportunities that are absolutely mind-blowing. Sweeping vistas of Alaska's most iconic peaks and valleys rise up around every corner, like Gunsight Mountain, Lion's Head, and Mt. Drum - each mountain bedecked with a glorious collision of winter powder and fall colors.
As travelers follow the Matanuska River and on through Glacier View, the Matanuska Glacier itself is a fiery sight, lit up in autumn's classic hues thanks to wild cranberry, lichen, aspen, and a bevy of colorful foliage. At the top, Eureka Summit offers impeccable, panoramic views from over 3,300 feet that are hard to beat. But don't head here just for the end destination! The multitude of scenic overlooks found along the entirety of the highway beg for cameras to be at the ready.
Route: Tok > North Pole > Fairbanks > Chena Hot Springs > Nenana > Healy > Denali State Park > Talkeetna > Hatcher Pass > Anchorage
Distance: Approx. 378 miles
Trip Time: 7 hours
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There's an incredible number of things to love and admire about Alaska in winter. but while much of the state shuts down, nature sure doesn't! Of all the beautiful sights that Alaska can boast, viewing the Northern Lights is definitely one of the most magical experiences there is, and winter is prime time to catch a glimpse of these magnificent displays. This epic Northern Lights Road Trip is quite the journey; it takes travelers a whopping 730 miles around the state to some of the best, most secluded places to view and enjoy the Aurora Borealis in full glory. Of course, visiting each of these places in one night or weekend is impossible - but if you make it your mission to basecamp at each locale for a day, you're in for an incredible treat! Or, choose one to return to night after night. Be prepared with extra car or winter camping gear, and travel safe.
Route: Eldred Rock Lighthouse > Point Retreat Lighthouse > Guard Island Lighthouse > Sentinel Island Lighthouse > Rockwell Lighthouse > Land's End Resort > The Salty Dog Saloon
Distance: Approx. 1,000 miles
Trip Time: 5-7 days
Sitting at around 1,000 miles one way, and utilizing a combination of travel by land, air, and water, this incredible Lighthouse Road Trip through Alaska is a bit of a misnomer. But, if experiencing these spectacular historic structures is a bucket-list must-do, you won't be disappointed! These photogenic icons have kept watch over sea-farers for centuries, and although you can't get up close and personal to all of them, admiring (and photographing!) from a distance is well worth the extra effort. Starting from the historic Eldred Rock Lighthouse near Skagway, which can be visited via private charter, and ending with a visit to Homer's scenic houses, this trip shows off Alaska's vibrant coast to absolute perfection. Kids of all ages will love the diverse experiences involved in reaching each lighthouse, including flightseeing and catching a glimpse of whales breaching the ocean's surface.
Route: Eagle Creek Nature Center > Eklutna Lake > Matanuska River Lookout > Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site > Boreal Forest > Copper River > Worthington Glacier > Horsetail Falls > Valdez Glacier Lake
Distance: Approx. 310 miles
Trip Time: 7 hours
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It's impossible to squeeze all of Alaska's best natural wonders into one scenic drive. But nature lovers and adventurers alike will enjoy immersing themselves in just a taste of what the Last Frontier has to offer on this incredible Natural Wonders Road Trip. Starting off at the Eagle Creek Nature Center, explorers will experience the awe-inspiring peaks of the Chugach Mountains before hopping over to drink in the vibrant blue glacial waters of Eklutna Lake. Along the route, you'll drive through forests, alongside gushing rivers, past plunging waterfalls, and even experience the crisp beauty of Alaska's glaciers up close. But this Alaska road trip map to the state's coolest spots is just a starting point…you'll find plenty of opportunities to experience untouched beauty off the beaten path.
Route: Talkeetna > Willow > Palmer > Girdwood > Whittier > Hope > Cooper Landing > Soldatna > Anchor Point > Homer
Distance: Approx. 400 miles
Trip Time: 8 hours
Beautiful backdrops and waterfront charm collide on this road trip to Alaska's most charming small towns! These humble, colorful communities radiate all of the quaint historic fishing village vibes one could hope for but with a hefty dose of culture, adventure, and scenery to boot. Starting in Talkeetna, a petite municipality that boasts gateway access to Denali, this small towns road trip meanders around the bustling downtowns of Palmer and Willow before dipping out into the backcountry for epic skiing, kayaking, oodles of mining history, and miles and miles of trees, waterways, and towering peaks all the way to the "Halibut Capital of the World." While this road trip only clocks in at around 8 hours of drive time, you're going to want to budget in a few days to fully explore the towns and embrace the adventure.
If you've taken any of these journeys already, let us know what your favorite memory was!
For even more Alaska road trip ideas, check out some of our favorite scenic drives around the state. And don't forget to take a look at our ultimate road trip essentials packing list!
Need to fuel up with some solid eats on your journey? We've got you covered there too. This Alaska road trip to some of the tastiest restaurants in the state is sure to satisfy.
Looking for more to explore? Check out this fascinating video about glaciers in Alaska:
