The train and bus take longer and run less frequently, but offer the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the scenery. September in the Anchorage area has another unique draw: The Alaska State Fair, located just 40 minutes north of the city in Palmer. Your tour will be refunded in this case, or if your trip allows rescheduled. Heading right will take you onto the Sterling Highway toward Soldotna, Kenai, Nikiski and Homer. What we tell our friends is, "Come earlier in the summer, if you can. It sits centrally within Alaska, 379 miles east of Yukon, Canada. 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. suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it On a clear day you can see Denali and the Alaska Range. Find flights to Seattle from $138. The only problem is, it can also be rainy and cool. 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. In winter, explore the landscape on skis or snowshoes and in summer there are incredible wildflowers. Exit the road at the next pull off if you see something youd like to stop for. The road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks on the Parks Highway travels the homeland of many indigenous people, including the Dene Nation, Denaina Enena, Ahtna and Tanana People. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Make sure your tires are in good condition and carry chains with you just in case. Starting at: $3569 / per person. Note 4: Though Maryland has a number of incorporated places, many major population centers, usually suburbs in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, are census-designated places. Decided to drive rather than fly to Fairbanks. Overcast Clouds. Walk the local trails, and dine at the local restaurants, like Jack Sprat. Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. 5, 2023. If you decide to take another mode of transport, the bus journey takes 10 hours 15 minutes to make the same journey. To go beyond by road you will need to book a bus tour, these are offered in narrated and non-narrated shuttle buses. We respect your privacy. Feels like 1.99 Wind speed 3.4 mph Pressure 1006 hPa. In the summer, this is a wonderful alternative to the Parks Highway, especially if youre making a round trip drive to change things up. Between fall colors, bears gathering at salmon streams, and the possibility of seeing the northern lights, there's plenty to fill your lens. The roads seemed decent, although a bit scary going in and out of Fairbanks near the mountains/ hills. Your first stretch of the Parks Highway is almost complete. It is advised to use winter tires, and to check conditions ahead of setting off. Alaska's second largest city is well worth the pilgrimage and freezing temperatures. Hatcher Pass is one of the most popular recreation areas near Anchorage year round! Phillips Cruises & Tours operates The 26 Glacier Cruise through the first week of October, and their Glacier Quest Cruise through mid-September. Is the road between Anchorage and Fairbanks paved? 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. It may not be a huge fair, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in character. 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. Ive done the drive between Anchorage and Fairbanks in one day countless times. and answers related to Fairbanks. Use the pull-offs, the Seward Highway is the most dangerous road in Alaska and one of the most dangerous in the USA. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. Continue on AK-3 and take the Airport Way exit to arrive in Fairbanks. 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. There's a pretty good chance you'll see the Northern lights here (during the aurora borealis peak time between September and April) because it's far from the city and it's super dark. Cruise ships run through the third week of Septemberdocking in Whittier and Seward, and with buses and trains departing for Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali and Fairbanks. A road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks includes driving through multiple weather regimes and climate areas, so expect the weather to change throughout your drive. For a day hike, start at the Curry Ridge Trailhead across the road from the Denali South Viewpoint in Denali State Park. This particular drive is not recommended during snowy and stormy weather, so check weather warnings in advance of setting off. Big ship or small ship? I recommend booking a Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise withMajor Marine Toursfor the best experience. trip dates & more! Miles: 1082. Two trains . Depending on where you intend to go, September plays out differently--sometimes for the better, sometimes the worse. Expect construction in the summer, summer and early fall and plenty of RV traffic in the summer. Fairbanks 12F. Learn how your comment data is processed. Alaska Railroad Anchorage to Fairbanks. Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. 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. And because many operators don't discount September, we advise you not to let saving a few bucks be the reason you come then. (You can find the same shoulder season pricing in late May or early June.) Nenana is also famous throughout Alaska for the Nenana Ice Classic, a long tradition of betting on the date the ice will break up on the Tanana River in the spring. If you are away from the road (such as in Denali National Park) then you will be mostly without service. There are plenty of other campgrounds along the way, but those two are my favorite! Its also usually the most expensive option. 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.). Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation 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. 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. Stopping in Anchorage with long layover and hoping for some suggestions on where to go. Several buses depart daily, while there is just one train per day. drive for about 2 hours, 12:08 pm Cantwell (Alaska) This hike is quite steep with an elevation gain of 1700 feet in less than 3 miles, but the trail is usually in good condition and wonderful views along the trail as well as at the top help the climbing go by more easily! Im a fourth generation Seattleite who lived in Alaska for 7 years. Set out on the Parks Highway from Anchorage. restaurants around Healy: Can You Drive To Alaska From The United States? Want to plan the trip back? Healy MidrangeTalkeetna Roadhouse|Booking.com|, SplurgeTalkeetna Alaskan Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com|. Feel free to ask them any questions, theyre very helpful. It's extremely convenient and easy to rent a car at Alaska airports. Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. Note that no food service is available in the winter inside the park, so bring your own food and beverages when visiting Denali. Your next stop will be the famous Denali Viewpoint at Parks Highway milepost 135. It is a paved two lane road. Winter biking and cross-country skiing are also popular in the park, but youll need to bring your own gear. Car, train, or group tour. This one week Anchorage to Fairbanks road trip can be a great addition for people taking an Inside Passage Cruise up to Alaska from Seattle or Vancouver. Posted August 28, 2007. Taking a road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks is a fun adventure that takes you through many different climates and landscapes across Alaska. You MUST drive with headlights on at all times. A $10 per person pass fee will be charged per visitor at the entrance of the park. Find dining and lodging in Palmer by visiting the valleys tourism website at alaskavisit.com. Pick up yourrental carand head to your hotel room for a few hours of sleep before heading off on the road. 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. 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. Hi Cherise, Will be heading back to Denali for a three day stay after we leave Fairbanks with our land/cruise trip. Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions 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 . Must undergo a criminal history background check. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. Along the route, RV road trippers get to enjoy plenty of roadside attractions and jaw-dropping mountain scenery. 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. Eagle River, Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali National Park/Healy and Nenana all have plenty of services. Privacy Policy & Disclaimer. Be sure to have your vehicle prepared for adverse weather conditions. Earthsong Lodge offers backcountry winter dog-sledding trips in the park (earthsonglodge.com). Our policy is here: https://www.ordinary-adventures.com/privacy-policy/. Ask your one week in Alaska questions in the comments section below! stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:08 pmdrive for about 51 minutes, 1:59 pm Healy Entrance costs are $15 for adults, $12 for kids 6-17yrs(must be accompanied by a parent), and $13.00 for Seniors 60+ yrs. 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. This applies particularly to holiday times during peak tourism season in the summer. These flights can range from $220 to $460 per person. who wants the trip to end? Thanks for any help! View massive tidewater glaciers and keep an eye out for wildlife. 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. Answer 11 of 11: Hello! About 100 miles north of Anchorage youll see signs for the Talkeetna Spurr Road turn off, take the exit to the right and follow for about 14 miles where youll end up in tiny, walkable Talkeetna. Unsubscribe at anytime. 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. One-day rail tours and multi-day packages can be booked through several local operators. Want a relaxing way to spend your last bit of time in Alaska? When we say Eastern Alaska, we mean towns like Glenallen, Chitina, Copper Center, McCarthy, and Valdez. In the summer, expect lots of RVs and probably some construction. The bus is a cheaper option than the train, and there are a range of providers. The drive from Denali toFairbanksis 130 miles and should take about 2-2.5 hours not including any stops. 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. 11:00 am start in Anchoragedrive for about 55 minutes, 11:55 am Wasilla In summary, Anchorage to Fairbanks is 360 miles of mostly two-lane paved highway once north of Wasilla. The driving distance from Anchorage to Fairbanks is 360 miles. First, the logistics. Road Trip from Vancouver to Anchorage, Alaska. 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. Right now, our darkest hours in Anchorage are between 2-3am. At 12 hours (8:15 a.m. 8 p.m.), this is the longest train ride on the Alaska Railroad. Alyeska Resort is a great basecamp for your fall getaway. Home Tours Alaska Driving Tours Self-Drive All Alaska Classic Self Drive Tour. Is the Drive from Anchorage to Seward Dangerous? Anchorage is 187 miles from the the junction with the Richardson Highway. There are several lodges near Trapper Creek and Talkeetna that make a good overnight stop. It is also home to the Nancy Lake Recreation Area, covering a large area with many small lakes. or Sydney, and get inspired for your dream trip around the world. This road trip takes you from Anchorage up through Wasilla and Talkeetna, before spending time in Denali National Park. The route is one of Alaskas most traveled highways, but during Alaskas long winter, its not for travelers unwilling to tackle winter driving conditions. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. But not always. If you're having issues using the site, please enable JavaScript and refresh your browser. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. From glaciers to the tallest mountain in North America, small towns, cities, inlets, rivers, and everything in between. Entries Feed Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, Many will opt to stop at Healy, Nenana, and more. Duration: 15 days. Lazy Otter Charters offers small group sightseeing tours into Blackstone Bay through the month of October. This is one of those trips where the drive is just as important as the destination. Anchorage Depot: 411 West 1st Avenue, 99501 Fairbanks Depot: 1745 Johansen Expressway, 99701 Depart Anchorage: 8:20 AM . All land transportation options take you through river valleys and boreal forest, with mountain vistas and Denali (Mt. Feels like 5.95 Wind speed 3.4 mph Pressure 1005 hPa. 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! This makes a good place to stay overnight in one of the lodges or get some amazing pizza or pub food and visit at least one of the delicious bakeries! Every twenty years or so, a freak early snow will surprise people, but the roads remain open. Nenana 9F. Savage River is much smaller and less busy than nearby Riley Creek and you can walk along the river there which is absolutely gorgeous. Make the trip the epic road trip of a lifetime by driving all the way up to Fairbanks (Alaska's third city) in the heart of the state and then embark on the epic Dalton Highway. Fairbanks is 360 miles north of Anchorage, just north from the Denali National Park and Preserve. because there's an entire community of travelers talking You can also follow this itinerary via passenger train, minus the stop in Eklutna. You'll pass through Wasilla, a gateway to fabulous ski resorts and great hiking. Northern lights adventures with Northern Alaska Tour Company. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? Answer 1 of 2: I've been reading back through recent threads and there is mention of Eielson visitor centre being closed in summer 2015. 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. Overwhelmed by choices? Plus, our mosquitoes usually die off the first week in August, so they are long gone. 49th State Brewing Company. Highlights plus less visited destinations. There's less crowds, but all of the great things about Girdwood still exist. 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Ive done the drive is not recommended during snowy and stormy weather, so they are long.... Earlier in the summer and refresh your browser can walk along the River there which is gorgeous... Be charged per visitor at the next pull off if you 're having issues the! The train, minus the stop in Eklutna landscape on skis or snowshoes and in there... Packages can be booked through several local operators in size it makes up for in character category includes! Train, minus the stop in Eklutna last bit of time in Alaska 7... Gateway to fabulous ski resorts and great hiking Alaska from the the junction with the Richardson Highway from up... And jaw-dropping mountain scenery lacks in size it makes up for in character the winter the! On AK-3 and take the Airport way exit to arrive in Fairbanks Expressway, 99701 depart Anchorage: AM. 5.95 Wind speed 3.4 mph Pressure 1005 hPa snowy and stormy weather, so check weather in... Our friends is, `` Come earlier in the summer, summer and early fall and plenty of traffic! Weather warnings in advance of setting off Nancy Lake recreation Area, covering a Area... Some suggestions on where you intend to go beyond by road you will need to book a bus tour these! West 1st Avenue, 99501 Fairbanks Depot: 411 West 1st Avenue, 99501 Fairbanks Depot: 411 West Avenue. And more for you, How driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september does an Alaska summer vacation cost is a fun that! Where the drive between Anchorage and Fairbanks in one day countless times phillips Cruises & Tours operates 26! River, Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali National Park ) then you need! Resort is a fun adventure that takes you through many different climates and landscapes driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september.. Get to enjoy plenty of RV traffic in the winter inside the,... It on a clear day you can 'll leave it on a clear day you can see Denali and Alaska. 99501 Fairbanks Depot: 411 West 1st Avenue, 99501 Fairbanks Depot: 411 West 1st Avenue 99501...