Snowy peaks and hot springs: A Fairbanks-Denali-Anchorage road trip

22.08.2024 - 19:00 / thepointsguy.com

Most of Alaska can be rugged and impenetrable by car, but the 360-mile road trip between the state's largest cities of Anchorage and Fairbanks is a breeze.

As you drive the well-maintained George Parks Highway, you'll visit the breathtaking wilderness of Denali National Park — home to the highest mountain peak in North America — and the spirited small town of Talkeetna.

Fairbanks and Anchorage lay claim to a couple of the best museums in the state. Plus, they offer easy access to nature, whether your passion is hiking, kayaking, biking or fishing.

You can easily continue your journey south from Anchorage through the alluring natural scenery of the glacially sculpted Kenai Peninsula.

The main stops on this scenic journey are at roughly two-hour intervals along two of the state's principal thoroughfares: the George Parks Highway and the Glenn Highway (closer to Anchorage). The mostly two-lane (and four-lane in and around Fairbanks and Anchorage) roads are labeled Highway 3 and Highway 1, respectively, on maps. Alaskans never speak of highway route numbers, so refer to them by their proper names to avoid receiving blank stares from locals.

Although there are very few towns on the northern stretch of this route, you'll rarely be more than 40 miles between gas stations. Keep your tank above a quarter full, and you'll be fine. Wildlife, including moose and bears, are commonplace; stay alert, stick close to posted speed limits and heed "animal crossing" signs. Cell service is spotty north of Talkeetna, so download maps in advance.

Car rentals are expensive in Alaska during the high season (late spring to early fall). One-way, one-week rentals in Fairbanks and Anchorage start around $1,500. The price drops by as much as 50% if you pick up and drop off at the same location, so consider adding an extra day to this trip to return to where you started. Without stops, the drive between Anchorage and Fairbanks is six hours.

For road trip fans, exploring Southcentral Alaska by car is a joy. You can go at your own pace, choose cozier and quirkier restaurants and accommodations, and pull off to snap a photo of a moose or bald eagle at whim.

The vast majority of visitors to this part of the state travel by way of a glass-domed or picture-window train tour on the scenic Alaska Railroad, a luxury motor coach tour or some combination of the two. All major cruise lines with itineraries that start or end in Whittier or Seward offer these as pre- or post-trip excursions, typically spanning two to five days.

You can also book these trips directly through popular companies like Alaska Tours (from $1,759 per person, double occupancy, for five nights by motor coach and train) or directly through the Alaska Railroad. The latter