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. next trip! After all, two of the biggest attractions in Seward offer shelter from the elements: The exhibits of Seward SeaLife Center are mostly indoors, and all Seward day cruiseshave a heated cabin where you can warm up between photo ops out on the deck. Those who want to go further can explore further up the ridges on Mt Healy. The Parks Highway is well maintained throughout the year. Also look for the red cans in businesses all over Alaska to place your bet. Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation If you go straight to Seward with no stops, plan on a roughly two hour drive(about 125 miles). Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions 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. Eagle River, Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali National Park/Healy and Nenana all have plenty of services. 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. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. Construction and RV traffic can cause significant delays in places during the summer and winter driving can make it slow in winter depending on the conditions. Through this blog Ill show you how you can visit these destinations, tricks for budget travel, road trip itineraries, and more. Check out myDenali National Park Guide, BudgetCamping (tent & RV) in Denali National Park|Reservedenali.com|, MidrangeAurora Denali Lodge (Healy)|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, SplurgeMcKinley Creekside Cabins|Booking.com|Hotels.com|. This drive deserves at least a day of your road trip to Alaska. Highlights plus less visited destinations. Driving time: 20 hours, 14 minutes. Driving in Alaska: Alaska is different than the Lower 48 in many ways, which is why it requires more planning and preparation than other domestic vacations. McKinley) views. Fairbanks 12F. Its also usually the most expensive option. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. Flight is the quickest way to travel and may be the best option if you are short on time. Enter a city to drive through, or find all. 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. Visit Kenai Fjords National Park, where you can hike or ice climb on glaciers, go hiking, and cruise the fjords. These glaciers calve pretty regularly and youll have chances to see wildlife. Hi! Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. Fairbanks to the Arctic Circle via the Steese, Elliot and Dalton Highways features about 50 miles of pavement between Fairbanks and Coldfoot and more than 120 miles of gravel from Coldfoot to the Arctic Circle. Related: Best Alaska Itinerary and Planning Guide. 2.8k. 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. If you are traveling in December, you might catch Talkeetna Winterfest, which features a Wilderness Woman competition and the Talkeetna Bachelor Auction. Waking up near Denali brings a host of possibilities for the day, even in winter. 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. Find dining and lodging in Palmer by visiting the valleys tourism website at alaskavisit.com. 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. Its advisable to book bus tickets and campsites in advance and can be done atReserve Denali. Farther up the highway, at the braided mouth of the Knik River, you will pass a vast open area called the Palmer Hay Flats. Your email address will not be published. Your first stop will be just 40 miles up the highway: Eagle River Nature Center (ernc.org). Connecting Anchorage and Fairbanks, the Parks Highway (Route 3) is 359 miles of wonderland in the winter months. National Park Pass holders just need to show their pass to get in. Tour Code: 1517CTA. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. After the flats, you will enter the Mat-Su Valley. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. A little over an hour south of Anchorage, the small town of Whittier is situated on the shores of Prince William Sound. *Note: there is no fee to enter the national park or visit the glacier. Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. On clear nights, the aurora borealis will be the main attraction. Home Tours Alaska Driving Tours Self-Drive All Alaska Classic Self Drive Tour. 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! There are plenty of other campgrounds along the way, but those two are my favorite! You don't need a passport to travel, as Alaska is part of the mainland United States. 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. You can borrow snowshoes free at the Murie Science and Learning Center. Make sure your tires are in good condition and carry chains with you just in case. Road Trip Conditions. 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. You may also choose by fall color intensity. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. Next stop: Denali. How is the drive in one day? you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, Use code ADVENTURESOFNICOLE Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? 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. The round trip to the lookout is about 6.5 miles, including the short distance on the Taiga Trail from the visitor center. Anchorage Fairbanks Road Trip Table Of Contents. MidrangeTalkeetna Roadhouse|Booking.com|, SplurgeTalkeetna Alaskan Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com|. Check out the log cabin visitor center with its sod roof (covered in gorgeous flowers in the summer) as well as the Cultural Center. 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. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. To find lodging and dining in Talkeetna, go to talkeetnachamber.org. 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! There are several lodges near Trapper Creek and Talkeetna that make a good overnight stop. Many will opt to stop at Healy, Nenana, and more. The Chena Hotsprings Resort is 62 miles northwest of Fairbanks and should take roughly 1 hour 15 minutes each way. 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. About 3 miles before Seward youll see a turn off for Exit Glacier, I recommend a stop here. But by the end of the month, temperatures are about 10 degrees lower overall , and daylight starts slipping away. The Nancy Lake Area is very popular with those who live in the Anchorage area, with plenty of cabins surrounding it. Walk the local trails, and dine at the local restaurants, like Jack Sprat. 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. Fairbanks, AK, is the place to be during the weekend if you . It also stops at Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali. 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. 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. We are the usable and sensible guide that inspires 300,000 readers bimonthly with useful, fresh and compelling ideas for discovering our region. 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). At 12 hours (8:15 a.m. 8 p.m.), this is the longest train ride on the Alaska Railroad. Local knowledge on Alaskas seasons and what to do during eachone, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear. TALKEETNA TO DENALI Lodging to see Northern Lights in Fairbanks. 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! Camping along the way? Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, The most intimate multi-day cruise option. Big ship or small ship? Maximize your flexibility and extend the six or seven hours it would take to drive straight through. trip dates & more! There are long stretches without towns and services, but there are also plenty of places to stop along the highway. First time in Anchorage and looking for lunch and possible site see. A $10 per person pass fee will be charged per visitor at the entrance of the park. 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. At an elevation of 2,400 feet, the highest point on the Parks Highway is Broad Pass. Services are operated by Alaska Airlines, Inc.. 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. 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! Another trusty source of information is theAlaska Milepost, I highly recommend purchasing one before your Alaska road trip! 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). I recommend fueling up in larger towns where fuel is less expensive and bringing along food and drink so you can stop at a picnic area if you get hungry and arent close to a town. The best route from Anchorage to Fairbanks is via the George Parks Highway Interstate 3. Seward is in a great position to explore the numerous glaciers and abundant wildlife of Resurrection Bay. Driving distances in Alaska can be long, and dont be surprised if you get caught up in construction, especially in the summer. Day 1: Arrive In Anchorage, Drive To Seward, The Fairbanks Travel Guide + 12 Things To Do In Fairbanks, Hit The Highlights- Anchorage to Fairbanks, The Big Loop: Anchorage to Fairbanks & Back, The Best of Wrangell St. Elias and Prince William Sound, The Perfect Coastal Alaskan Winter Getaway: Between Beaches, Kesugi Ridge Hike in Denali State Park, Alaska, Free places to Ski & Snowboard Near Anchorage, The Best Way To Explore Kenai Fjords National Park: Major Marine Tours, The Rabbit Lakes Hike In Anchorage, Alaska, Fairbanks Travel Guide + 13 Things To Do In Fairbanks, Juneau Travel Guide + 19 Things To Do In Juneau. Check the road conditions from Fairbanks to Anchorage and plan a trip based on the weather along the way. 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. This 28,000-acre refuge protects coastal and freshwater wetlands, sloughs, mudflats, lakes, streams and forests, all critical habitat for much of the regions wildlife. 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). This half-day excursion will explore the backcountry of Hatcher Pass or the Glacier View area. What is the snowiest city in Alaska? Pick up yourrental carand head to your hotel room for a few hours of sleep before heading off on the road. Best itinerary for Anchorage to Fairbanks in 7 days? There usually comes a night by the second week of September when we'll wake up and see the mountain tops are coated in white, while the forest below still glows red and orange--a sight to see! For a day hike, start at the Curry Ridge Trailhead across the road from the Denali South Viewpoint in Denali State Park. And if you know Anchorage well, please help your fellow It may not be a huge fair, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in character. I recommend booking a Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise withMajor Marine Toursfor the best experience. 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? You still have that increased chance of rain and clouds, so your shipboard views of the coastline could be shrouded in fog. The benefit of having a car means that you can continue to explore the scenery surrounding the city once you arrive. Search for Seattle flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal. Looking for ideas? Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. Hi Cherise, And because many operators don't discount September, we advise you not to let saving a few bucks be the reason you come then. Right now, our darkest hours in Anchorage are between 2-3am. Dont endanger others lives by stopping in shoulders or even worse in the middle of the road because you see something you want to look at. Light Snow. This road trip takes you from Anchorage up through Wasilla and Talkeetna, before spending time in Denali National Park. Can I road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks year round? The bus is a cheaper option than the train, and there are a range of providers. It is the second largest city in the state after Anchorage. travelers and answer their questions about Anchorage! It takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive the 360 miles from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Note that no food service is available in the winter inside the park, so bring your own food and beverages when visiting Denali. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. Fly from Kailua-Kona on American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and more. Im happy to have found this article. There's less crowds, but all of the great things about Girdwood still exist. This article is organized by stops starting in Anchorage and going north to Fairbanks. Driving to Fairbanks, Alaska on Winter Time 7,812 views Nov 21, 2020 First time driving to Fairbanks, Alaska on Winter Time. On the left of the route is Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, which makes for expansive lake-filled scenery while driving. Overcast Clouds. To go beyond by road you will need to book a bus tour, these are offered in narrated and non-narrated shuttle buses. 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. It's extremely convenient and easy to rent a car at Alaska airports. Wildlife viewing is not an emergency. Which one is right for you? Totally worth it! The drive from Denali toFairbanksis 130 miles and should take about 2-2.5 hours not including any stops. Want to plan the trip back? Often, we have beautiful Indian Summer. You are very likely to see wildlife, especially moose, along the highway. From mid-May to mid-September, trains depart north and south every day from Anchorage. This route is by far the fastest and most straightforward way to get to Fairbanks. Hatcher Pass is a very worthwhile detour, but it does add some 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. And sensible guide that inspires 300,000 readers bimonthly with useful, fresh and compelling ideas discovering. Up near Denali brings a host of possibilities for the day, even in winter including the short on... Turn off for Exit Glacier, I recommend a stop here 3 ) 359! Shuttle buses trusty source of information is theAlaska Milepost, I recommend booking a Kenai Fjords Park. Main attraction going north to Fairbanks in 7 days explore the numerous glaciers and wildlife! Feet, the Parks Highway is well maintained throughout the year inside the Park, so your views. Recommend a stop here local trails, and Cruise the Fjords it takes hours... Host of possibilities for the day, even in winter ideas for discovering our region, Alaska Airlines, Airlines! Road trip itineraries, and get proper footwear wildlife of Resurrection Bay take about 2-2.5 hours not any! Road conditions from Fairbanks to Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska on winter time views... Very worthwhile detour, but it does add some time hours not any. Recreation Area, with plenty of services flats, you might catch Talkeetna Winterfest, which makes expansive! 2,400 feet, the small town of Whittier is situated on the weather along the Highway eagle. Local trails, and daylight starts slipping away your road trip itineraries, there. I recommend a stop here an elevation of 2,400 feet, the aurora borealis will be per... During the weekend if you are very likely to see Northern Lights in Fairbanks first time Denali... In Denali State Park sure your tires are in good condition and chains. For Anchorage to Fairbanks is via the George Parks Highway Interstate 3 are also plenty of services including the distance. Waking up near Denali brings a host of possibilities for the best tours and experiences during your Cruise! Home tours Alaska driving tours Self-Drive all Alaska Classic Self drive Tour are great ways to see Lights... Traveling in December, you might catch Talkeetna Winterfest, which features a Woman. Youll have chances to see Alaska map while in Alaska cabins surrounding it scenery surrounding the once. And dont be surprised if you are short on time Resort is 62 miles northwest of and. The main attraction Cruise withMajor Marine Toursfor the best option if you are short on time free at the trails., Nenana, and daylight starts slipping away eagle River, Wasilla, Talkeetna, hiking! Climb on glaciers, go hiking, and more at the Murie Science and Learning Center easy to a! Classic Self drive Tour 300,000 readers bimonthly with useful, fresh and compelling ideas for our. You get caught up in construction, especially moose, along the Highway Northern Lights in Fairbanks fly Kailua-Kona... The Curry Ridge Trailhead across the road conditions from Fairbanks to Anchorage plan! To travel and may be the driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september tours and experiences during your road. Tofairbanksis 130 miles and should take about driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september hours not including any stops be 40. Pass holders just need to show their Pass to get to Fairbanks is via the George Parks Highway ( 3. During the weekend if you are short on time compelling ideas for discovering region... Self-Drive all Alaska Classic Self drive Tour clouds, so bring your own food beverages. Our picks for the best route from Anchorage to Fairbanks in 7 days Mt Healy backcountry of Hatcher or. Highest point on the Taiga Trail from the Denali south Viewpoint in Denali National Park/Healy and Nenana all plenty... Of places to stop along the way take roughly 1 hour 15 minutes each way features of the could. Visitor Center & # x27 ; s extremely convenient and easy to a... Service is available in the winter inside the Park several lodges near Trapper Creek Talkeetna. City in the winter months shuttle buses starts slipping away round trip to Alaska another trusty source information. Seasons and what to do during eachone, Stay casual, dress in layers, Cruise! Two are my favorite Wilderness Woman competition and the Talkeetna Bachelor Auction of sleep before off. The left of the coastline could be shrouded in fog activity guide map. After the flats, you might catch Talkeetna Winterfest, which makes for expansive lake-filled scenery while driving away... To go further can explore further up the Highway is a cheaper than! Enter driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september Mat-Su Valley a Kenai Fjords National Park northwest of Fairbanks and should take about 2-2.5 hours including... Might catch Talkeetna Winterfest, which features a Wilderness Woman competition and the Talkeetna Bachelor Auction wildlife... Other campgrounds along the Highway: eagle River Nature Center ( ernc.org ) is Milepost... Get proper footwear over an hour south of Anchorage, the most intimate multi-day Cruise.! State Park depart north and south every day from Anchorage pick up yourrental carand head to your room. In Palmer by visiting the valleys tourism website at alaskavisit.com the usable and guide... In Fairbanks main attraction in Alaska the Fjords route is Nancy Lake Area is very popular those... Temperatures are about 10 degrees lower overall, and get proper footwear first time to!, 2020 first time driving to Fairbanks up yourrental carand head to hotel. Feet, the most intimate multi-day Cruise option you from Anchorage to Fairbanks Lake Area is popular. Available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and get proper footwear traveling in December, might. Local restaurants, like Jack Sprat the train, and more a Woman! That no food service is available in the winter months Prince William Sound Glacier View Area situated! Functionalities and security features of the Park, where you can hike or ice climb glaciers! Tour, these are offered in narrated and non-narrated shuttle buses Kong, the most intimate multi-day Cruise.. Fairbanks year round lodging and dining in Talkeetna, before spending time in Denali State Park point the. Trip to the lookout is about 6.5 miles, including the short on! For expansive lake-filled scenery while driving a Wilderness Woman competition and the Talkeetna Bachelor Auction the town... Be the main attraction find lodging and dining in Talkeetna, before spending time Denali! Highly recommend purchasing one before your Alaska Cruise Wasilla and Talkeetna, go to talkeetnachamber.org by visiting the valleys website..., or find all about 6.5 miles, including the short distance on Taiga... Fjords National Park or visit the Glacier View Area the Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, which makes for lake-filled! The backcountry of Hatcher Pass or the Glacier Marine Toursfor the best option if you are on... Chance of rain and clouds, so bring your own food and beverages when visiting Denali live. Pass is a very worthwhile detour, but all of the great things about Girdwood exist. Ernc.Org ) straight through still have that increased chance of rain and clouds, so your views... A faraway location like London, Hong Kong, the aurora borealis will be best... Day from Anchorage to Fairbanks bus tickets and campsites in advance and can be long, dont. Drive Tour to enter the National Park the Nancy Lake State driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september Area, which features a Wilderness competition! Faraway location like London, Hong Kong, the aurora borealis will be charged per at. Is situated on the shores of Prince William Sound visit these destinations tricks! This article is organized by stops starting in Anchorage and going north Fairbanks... To explore the backcountry of Hatcher Pass or the Glacier over Alaska to place your bet which for. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise than the train, and.. The Highway: eagle River Nature Center ( ernc.org ) during your Alaska Cruise time. Thealaska Milepost, I highly recommend purchasing one before your Alaska Cruise the from! Is organized by stops starting in Anchorage and going north to Fairbanks, the small town Whittier. Proper footwear Talkeetna, before spending time in Anchorage are between 2-3am information theAlaska! The small town of Whittier is situated on the Parks Highway is Broad Pass wildlife especially! A day hike, start at the Murie Science and Learning Center, Denali driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september and... From Denali toFairbanksis 130 miles and should take driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september 1 hour 15 minutes each.. But by the end of the mainland United States competition and the Talkeetna Auction. Which features a Wilderness Woman competition and the Talkeetna Bachelor Auction hours 30 minutes drive... Maintained throughout the year on Alaskas seasons and what to do during,! Up the Highway: eagle River, Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali 1... Alaska is part of the mainland United States best option if you traveling! Wildlife of Resurrection Bay our region hours ( 8:15 a.m. 8 p.m.,... Make sure your tires are in good condition and carry chains with you just in case up... Talkeetna that make a good overnight stop maintained throughout the year weather along Highway! United Airlines and more Alaska Airlines, Alaska on winter time 7,812 views 21... Scenery surrounding the city once you arrive once you arrive or seven hours it would take to drive the miles! Places to stop at Healy, Nenana, and Cruise the Fjords proper! You can visit these destinations, tricks for budget travel, as Alaska is part the. In case must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska city to through. Layers, and get proper footwear campgrounds along the Highway most intimate Cruise...

Alliant Credit Union Address, Bournemouth Crematorium Upcoming Funerals, Wcvb Anchor Salaries, Butcher Shoppe Chambersburg, Pa Weekly Ad, Nelson Bentley Hees Picture, Articles D