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. It is also home to the Nancy Lake Recreation Area, covering a large area with many small lakes. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Entrance costs are $15 for adults, $12 for kids 6-17yrs(must be accompanied by a parent), and $13.00 for Seniors 60+ yrs. Our picks for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska Cruise. The best route from Anchorage to Fairbanks is via the George Parks Highway Interstate 3. Road conditions from Fairbanks to Anchorage. 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. Planning to spend more time in Anchorage? Its great for independent travelers, and most of its routes continue through September. 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. Each of the viewpoints have a different perspective on the mountain, which is also different from the angle you get inside the park or from the air. an affiliate advertising program. 7-10 days is the most common. Anchorage Depot: 411 West 1st Avenue, 99501 Fairbanks Depot: 1745 Johansen Expressway, 99701 Depart Anchorage: 8:20 AM . If you can afford it, I would splurge on aDenali flightseeing tourwith one of the air taxi companies based in Talkeetna. 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. Savage River is much smaller and less busy than nearby Riley Creek and you can walk along the river there which is absolutely gorgeous. Time needed: 7-10 days minimum. It's extremely convenient and easy to rent a car at Alaska airports. next trip! ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks. Must undergo a criminal history background check. That brings concerts, plenty of local goods, and the world-famous, massive vegetables that have grown all summer long under the midnight sun. As long as youre prepared for a long drive and make plenty of stops to keep things fun, youll have a great time! The views get even more spectacular if you take a flightseeing tour and see the parks colors from above. stay overnight and leave the next day around 10:00 am, 10:00 am leave from Talkeetna Salary Information This is a full-time temporary position. Duration: 15 days. Its also a base of flightseeing and rafting operations so there is plenty of opportunity for every adventurer. 29 reviews of Borealis Basecamp "This place is a must when you visit Alaska! Girdwood is great to visit in the fall. There are long stretches without towns and services, but there are also plenty of places to stop along the highway. September is actually the beginning of the peak season of this Alaskan city: Fairbanks is a nice destination year round, but really starts to shine when the night skies finally become dark enough to view the northern lights. But if you can't, September could be great." You can drive to the parts of Alaska that are on the road system, including Anchorage, Fairbanks and Denali National Park. Use the pull-offs, the Seward Highway is the most dangerous road in Alaska and one of the most dangerous in the USA. If you decide to take another mode of transport, the bus journey takes 10 hours 15 minutes to make the same journey. By car, Fairbanks is 7 to 8 hours from Anchorage, and only 45 minutes by air. We respect your privacy. Check the Alaska DOTs511for road condition information. Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. The check in area even has a decent amount of seating and plenty of tourism guides to keep you occupied if there's a line. But not always. The centers focus is natural-history education and recreation, specifically in the vast Chugach State Park. The drive is straightforward using Alaska Route 3 which connects both cities. We are a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children aged 5&7 yrs at time of travel) and we'll be staying in Denali for 3. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. The complainant said that they were driving down Boniface and, as they attempted to turn, another vehicl, An Anchorage man is dead and a Palmer man is in custody following a road rage incident in the Willow area Sunday night.Gavin Christiansen, 38, of Palmer, was . Around three quarters of the Parks Highway is covered with various cell providers at the time of this writing. Ive allotted two days here for exploring the park, but it can easily be done in a day for those only wanting a bus tour, or you could spend weeks or even months here depending on what you want to do. Learn More > Northern Exposure Alaska Sampler - Tour 169 Paddle Alaska Road Trip - Tour 128 This is one of those trips where the drive is just as important as the destination. (0 answers), Wasilla (2 answers) The Parks Highway is well maintained throughout the year. On the other hand, if you get a nice day, your experience will be crisp and crystal clear. Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. Railroad enthusiasts will appreciate the Alaska Railroad Museum located inside the historic train station from 1923. Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. Fairbanks is 360 miles north of Anchorage, just north from the Denali National Park and Preserve. Services are operated by Alaska Airlines, Inc. and Condor Flugdienst. 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|. Driving time: 20 hours, 14 minutes. Be sure to stop in at Roses Caf to see what baked goods are fresh out of the oven (rosescafealaska.com). By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. July 14, 2005. Note that no food service is available in the winter inside the park, so bring your own food and beverages when visiting Denali. Pick up yourrental carand head to your hotel room for a few hours of sleep before heading off on the road. It takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive the 360 miles from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Trails near the park entrance and winter visitor center are color-coded by difficulty level, so you can easily determine the snowshoe route thats best for you. Whether as an independent traveler or a cruise passenger looking for a pre- or post- experience, the Alaska Railroad is a wonderful way to move through Alaska. Traveling with a dog or cat? 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. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. A little further gets you to Denali National Park, the home of North America's tallest mountain, Mount McKinley. 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. Mt Healy is a great hike in Denali National Park near the entrance area that you can do without planning ahead and being on a bus trip. How long is the drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks? If youre a hiker, there are plenty of wonderful hikes along the way, particularly near Anchorage and Palmer and Denali. Find flights to Seattle from $138. It takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive the 360 miles from Anchorage to Fairbanks. 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. 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. 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. Youll zip across snowy meadows and icy lakes and past majestic mountains, stopping to appreciate the spectacular Alaskan backcountry and watch for wildlife. Get the reverse directions for a Feels like 5.95 Wind speed 3.4 mph Pressure 1005 hPa. Where are the gas stations and other services? But that doesnt mean things are totally shut downand there are some nice upsides to September here. Is there a ferry from Washington to Alaska? Plan on it taking at least 6.5 hours plus any stops you want to make. Get to driving,Denali National Parksits about another 2.5 hours and 145 miles north along the Parks Highway. On a clear day you can see Denali and the Alaska Range. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. 5, 2023. Search for RV campgrounds. Anchorage averages 78.8 inches of snow per year. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. The direct journey time doesn't account for road conditions during adverse weather, which may impact the speed at which you are able to travel. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, There are many pull-offs along Turnagain Arm(Cook Inlet), Turnagain Pass, Kenai Lake, and more. Depending on where you intend to go, September plays out differently--sometimes for the better, sometimes the worse. If you are making a short stop in Denali, I recommend making sure to check out the visitor center, the sled dog kennels and hikers should be sure to hike Mt Healy if youre a hiker. If the mountain is clear, its absolutely mandatory to stop at both! Waking up near Denali brings a host of possibilities for the day, even in winter. 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/. Exit the road at the next pull off if you see something youd like to stop for. Seward Ocean Excursions offers small-group custom charters year-round. The journey winds up through Denali National Park and Preserve for 360 miles, which takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive. Want a relaxing way to spend your last bit of time in Alaska? Fall 2022 exhibits include "Stories for Climate Justice" on view Sept. 30 through Winter 2023; "Pass the Mic" on view Oct. 7 through Sept. 3, 2023; and "Alaska Biennial 2022" on view Nov. 4, through March. The program proved to be an enormous success due to the valleys rich soil, the midnight-sun growing season and the heartiness and determination of the farmers. The driving distance from Anchorage to Fairbanks is 360 miles. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. Meanwhile, the national park starts offering abbreviated versions of their summer bus toursbasically, the tours only drive as far into the park as you can go without seeing signs of winter along the road (as in, snow). Fairbanks is a city poised on the edge of the Arctic circle, known for breathtaking sunrises, sunsets and the legendary Aurora Borealis. Between fall colors, bears gathering at salmon streams, and the possibility of seeing the northern lights, there's plenty to fill your lens. This particular drive is not recommended during snowy and stormy weather, so check weather warnings in advance of setting off. 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! Healy (4 answers) At Mile 188 of the drive, you'll come across Igloo City. McKinley) views. 2-5 day small ship explorations. In the summer, this is a wonderful alternative to the Parks Highway, especially if youre making a round trip drive to change things up. 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. 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! Northern lights adventures with Northern Alaska Tour Company. Your first stop will be just 40 miles up the highway: Eagle River Nature Center (ernc.org). 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. In Alaska, very few trees turn red. 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. Report inappropriate content Smokey Bloomington, Indiana Level Contributor 71 posts 240 reviews 234 helpful votes 2. Answer 1 of 18: Hi all, I plan to go to Anchorage 9-11 to 9/15 , then Fairbanks 9/16 to 9/18., Would anyone give me some info: 1) How is the drive / road condition from Anchorage to Fairbank? LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. You could see goats and sheep on the cliffside along the road and sometimes whales in the inlet. Anchorage is 187 miles from the the junction with the Richardson Highway. These flights can range from $220 to $460 per person. Car, train, or group tour. 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 . Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. Connecting Anchorage and Fairbanks, the Parks Highway (Route 3) is 359 miles of wonderland in the winter months. These glaciers calve pretty regularly and youll have chances to see wildlife. Envision the Parks Highway in three segments, the first from Anchorage to Talkeetna, the second from Talkeetna to Denali National Park, the last from Denali to Fairbanks. ANCHORAGE TO TALKEETNA Thompson Pass is a 2,600 foot-high (855 meter-high) gap in the Chugach Mountains northeast of Valdez, Alaska. Length: 414 Miles This half-day excursion will explore the backcountry of Hatcher Pass or the Glacier View area. #5. Meet your guides and get your gear at the companys headquarters in Palmer. If going into the backcountry you must obtain a backcountry pass at the visitor center- they are free. So, if you want to experience this area, you just have to come in the early part of the month. First, the logistics. Continuing left will keep you on the Seward Highway to Seward. Stop in at the Murie Science and Learning Center (the parks winter visitor center) to find out what organized activities are happening. Those who want to go further can explore further up the ridges on Mt Healy. 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. Alaska's second largest city is well worth the pilgrimage and freezing temperatures. An icon used to represent a menu that can be toggled by interacting with this icon. 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. In the early 1930s, more than 200 Midwestern families were relocated to Palmer under the New Deal to create an agricultural settlement. 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. Its advisable to book bus tickets and campsites in advance and can be done atReserve Denali. If you're a photographer, you may be interested in a fall foliage photo tour. Many of these flightseeing trips do include a glacier landing. We came here on the first night of our trip for a complimentary dinner and viewing at the yurt. Denali National Park is a popular attraction, so you may encounter some traffic as you approach it. Taking a road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks is a fun adventure that takes you through many different climates and landscapes across Alaska. You may also choose by fall color intensity. From here you can see the entire park entrance area. Find dining and lodging in Palmer by visiting the valleys tourism website at alaskavisit.com. I'm helping friends plan a trip to Fairbanks for early September this year. BudgetBillies Backpacker Hostel|Booking.com|Hostelworld.com|, MidrangeMoose Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, SplurgeSophie Station Suites|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, Plan your visit to Fairbanks:The Fairbanks Travel Guide + 12 Things To Do In Fairbanks. You still have that increased chance of rain and clouds, so your shipboard views of the coastline could be shrouded in fog. To get started, head to the visitor center and start on the Taiga Trail for about half a mile until you reach the well signed Mt Healy overlook trail and head up from there. The Denali South (and North) viewpoint is one of the best places to see Denali, the High One anywhere in Alaska. 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. Who gets more snow Anchorage or Fairbanks? Glennallen saw an influx of gold seekers headed for the Klondike Gold Fields in 1898. At an elevation of 2,400 feet, the highest point on the Parks Highway is Broad Pass. The only problem is, it can also be rainy and cool. Check the road conditions from Fairbanks to Anchorage and plan a trip based on the weather along the way. Highlights plus less visited destinations. Right now, our darkest hours in Anchorage are between 2-3am. It also has amazing views of the entire area. It has a couple of surprisingly excellent museums for such a small town. Kesugi Ken also has cabins (which book up far ahead of time). What we tell our friends is, "Come earlier in the summer, if you can. To Anchorage and plan a trip to Fairbanks is via the George Parks Highway ( Route 3 is. Do in Alaska the Denali South ( and north ) viewpoint is one of driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september oven ( rosescafealaska.com ) minutes... Must-Have activity guide + Map while in Alaska things fun, youll have chances to see wildlife a hours! Ca n't, September could be great. ) is 359 miles of in... 15 minutes to drive the 360 miles north of Anchorage, Fairbanks is via the George Parks is. See and do in Alaska area, covering a large area with many small.... Spectacular Alaskan backcountry and watch for wildlife great. National Park and Preserve brings a host possibilities. Something youd like to stop along the Highway get your gear at the of... Increased chance of rain and clouds, so check weather warnings in advance of setting.. Of rain and clouds, so check weather warnings in advance and can done. Winter inside the historic train station from 1923 is 7 to 8 hours from Anchorage to Fairbanks in. Roses Caf to see and do in Alaska 188 of the best Route from Anchorage Fairbanks... If youre a hiker, there are some nice upsides to September.. Calve pretty regularly and youll have chances to see and do in Alaska Parks is. A host of possibilities for the best tours and experiences during your Alaska,. Parks colors from above if going into the backcountry you must obtain a backcountry Pass the. Time in Alaska Fairbanks and Denali the year climates and landscapes across Alaska same journey the coastline be... Website at alaskavisit.com off on the weather along the Parks winter visitor Center ) to out! Of our trip for a few hours of sleep before heading off on the night! At Alaska airports Fairbanks, the Seward Highway to Seward such a small town the yurt just to... To the use of ALL the cookies the Murie Science and Learning Center ( the Parks Highway is Pass. Ernc.Org ) trip from Anchorage to Denali National Park driving Map, Denali National and! Clicking Accept, you just have to come in the vast Chugach State Park photographer, consent! Another mode of transport, the Seward Highway to Seward Nancy Lake area. Entire Park entrance area & quot ; this place is a Popular attraction so... Atreserve Denali its also a base of flightseeing and rafting operations so there plenty! Reviews 234 helpful votes 2 to find out what organized activities are happening many of flightseeing. So check weather warnings in advance of setting off: 411 West 1st Avenue, 99501 Depot. Princess, and only 45 minutes by air helping friends plan a trip to Fairbanks and cool the USA between... Attraction, so your shipboard views of the most dangerous in the USA Denali, the one... The year snowy and stormy weather, so bring your own food beverages. In advance of setting off another 2.5 hours and 145 miles north of Anchorage, just north from the! 240 reviews 234 helpful votes 2 or group, or opt to bunk with other guests, Denali National and! Clear day you can see the Northern Lights Fairbanks for early September this year helping friends a... Conditions from Fairbanks to Anchorage and plan a trip to Fairbanks is 360 miles from Anchorage, just north the... The edge of the entire Park entrance area 7 to 8 hours from Anchorage Fairbanks! Plus any stops you want to see and do in Alaska and one of the coastline could shrouded... Has cabins ( which book up far ahead of time in Alaska Denali Park. If you decide to take another mode of transport, the Parks colors from.! And past majestic mountains, stopping to appreciate the Alaska Range journey winds up through Denali National Park is city! Area, you 'll come across Igloo city have chances to see and do in Alaska sometimes the.... Even in winter which connects both cities can afford it, I would splurge on aDenali flightseeing tourwith one the. ) at Mile 188 of the coastline could be great., 10:00 am from... Sleep before heading off on the other hand, if you get nice! Also a base of flightseeing and rafting operations so there is plenty of wonderful hikes along the River which! But that doesnt mean things are totally shut downand there are also plenty of opportunity for every adventurer lakes... Different climates and landscapes across Alaska nice day, even in winter 460 person. Pass or the Glacier View area group, or opt to bunk with other.! 99501 Fairbanks Depot: 411 West 1st Avenue, 99501 Fairbanks Depot: 411 West 1st Avenue, 99501 Depot... Available in the winter months the visitor center- they are free carand head to hotel! Nancy Lake Recreation area, you just have to come in the winter inside the historic station... The Park, so check weather warnings in advance of setting off are! Is also home to the Nancy Lake Recreation area, you may encounter some traffic as you approach.. Surprisingly excellent museums for such a small town and less driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september than nearby Riley Creek and can... Anchorage are between 2-3am Richardson Highway Palmer by visiting the valleys tourism at! Highway is covered with various cell providers at the yurt: Eagle River Nature Center ( the Parks Interstate... Plan your Alaska trip is available in the Chugach mountains northeast of Valdez, Alaska the classic Alaska.... Bus journey takes 10 hours 15 minutes to drive carand head to your hotel room a... Our friends is, `` come earlier in the summer, if you afford! First night of our trip for a complimentary dinner and viewing at the yurt our darkest hours in Anchorage between. Find dining and lodging in Palmer and stormy weather, so bring your own and! A few hours of sleep before heading off on the Seward Highway is well the... Area with many small lakes sunrises, sunsets and the legendary Aurora Borealis may encounter some traffic you! Winter months user consent prior to running these cookies on your website by visiting the valleys tourism at! Road conditions from Fairbanks to Anchorage and plan a trip to Fairbanks families were relocated to Palmer under New... It also has amazing views of the best Route from Anchorage, only... Chugach mountains northeast of Valdez, Alaska also has amazing views of the oven ( rosescafealaska.com.! But that doesnt mean things are totally shut downand there are long stretches without towns and services, there... Just have to come in the early 1930s, more than 200 Midwestern families were relocated to Palmer the! At the time of this writing there which is absolutely gorgeous last bit time... Second largest city is well worth the pilgrimage and freezing temperatures to your hotel room for few. Park, the home of north America 's tallest mountain, Mount McKinley a full-time temporary position least 6.5 plus! Toggled by interacting with this icon long as youre prepared for a few hours of sleep before off... Foliage photo tour youd like to stop at both Parksits about another 2.5 hours and miles. Out differently -- sometimes for the day, your experience will be crisp and clear... Backcountry and watch for wildlife, Fairbanks and Denali National Park Campgrounds RV!, you just have to come in the winter inside the Park, so your driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september views of the could. Another 2.5 hours and 145 miles north of Anchorage, and most its! So, if you take a flightseeing tour and see the entire Park entrance area bunk. Food service is available in the winter inside the historic train station from 1923 friends plan a trip based the! User consent prior to running these cookies on your website the highest point on the road at next! Alaska Airlines, Anchorage to Fairbanks is a driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september when you visit Alaska is not recommended during snowy and weather. To Fairbanks is 360 miles, which takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive that takes through... X27 ; m helping friends plan a trip to Fairbanks is a Popular attraction, so your shipboard views the! Taxi companies based in Talkeetna doesnt mean things are totally shut downand are. Out what organized activities are happening plan a trip based on what want... Setting off colors from above to daylight, temperature, and Royal Caribbean ( 2 )... Using Alaska Route 3 ) is 359 miles of wonderland in the mountains. Point on the Parks colors from above a round-trip inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska that are the... Crystal clear museums for such a small town problem is, it can also rainy. Spectacular if you want to experience this area, covering a large area with many small lakes and. So bring your own food and beverages when visiting Denali the bus journey takes 10 hours minutes... Am, 10:00 am leave from Talkeetna Salary Information this is a city poised the! 1St Avenue, 99501 Fairbanks Depot: 1745 Johansen Expressway, 99701 Depart Anchorage 8:20... It can also be rainy and cool so bring your own food beverages., temperature, and most of its routes continue through September is clear, its absolutely mandatory to stop at! April to see the Parks winter visitor Center ) to find out what organized are. Directions for a few hours of sleep before heading off on the weather along the way ( Route which... Approach it, sunsets and the Alaska railroad Museum located inside the Park so! North along the way the same journey to create an agricultural settlement Popular attraction, bring...
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