The Most Scenic Drives in Alaska You Need to Take!
Have you ever dreamed of embarking on a road trip through the untamed wilderness of Alaska? From the rugged coastlines of Turnagain Arm to the vast tundra near Nome, the Last Frontier offers some of the most breathtaking scenic drives in the world1. Whether you’re seeking panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, opportunities to spot wildlife, or the chance to immerse yourself in the state’s rich history and culture, Alaska’s iconic highways are sure to leave a lasting impression. But which roads are truly the most scenic? Let’s explore the must-drive routes that will transport you to the heart of this natural wonderland.
Key Takeaways
- Alaska is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, and scenic drives offer a unique way to experience it.
- The Seward Highway, Denali Highway, Parks Highway, and Dalton Highway are some of the most iconic and scenic routes in Alaska.
- These drives provide access to stunning landscapes, wildlife encounters, and outdoor adventures that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
- From coastal vistas to alpine tundra, Alaska’s scenic highways offer a diverse range of natural wonders to explore.
- Whether you’re seeking a leisurely coastal drive or an adventurous trek through the wilderness, Alaska’s scenic routes have something to offer for every traveler.
Alaska’s Iconic Highways
Alaska is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, and its iconic highways offer visitors unparalleled opportunities to explore this stunning state. The Parks Highway, which connects Anchorage and Fairbanks, provides panoramic views of Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley) and the Alaska Range2. Spanning approximately 2,400 miles, this journey can be completed in around 16 days, with daily driving distances ranging from 120 to 330 miles2.
Further north, the Dalton Highway, also known as the “Haul Road,” traverses 500 miles of remote wilderness between Fairbanks and the Arctic Ocean, offering a true expedition-style driving experience2. Travelers along this route have the chance to witness a diverse array of wildlife, including bears, moose, caribou, and foxes2.
The Glenn Highway winds through the Matanuska Valley, providing access to the Matanuska Glacier. This highway was designated as a National Scenic Byway in 20022, and offers stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
Lastly, the Richardson Highway, which runs from Valdez to Delta Junction, features breathtaking mountain views and follows the route of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline2. This highway, known to gold seekers in 1898 as the Valdez to Eagle trail2, showcases Alaska’s diverse landscapes and rich history34.
Coastal Splendor: Seward Highway and Turnagain Arm
Traversing the iconic Seward Highway along the dramatic shorelines of Turnagain Arm is an unforgettable journey that showcases the breathtaking natural beauty of Alaska5. This National Scenic Byway, approximately 127 miles long, offers ample opportunities to explore glaciers, towering mountains, diverse wildlife, and the region’s rich gold mining history5.
One of the highlights along the Seward Highway is the Portage Glacier and the surrounding Portage Valley, where visitors can witness the power of glacial ice and learn about the region’s geological wonders5. Additionally, the Whittier Tunnel, the longest highway tunnel in North America, provides access to the scenic town of Whittier and the stunning Prince William Sound5.
The Seward Highway’s scenic splendor extends beyond the dramatic landscapes, as it passes through the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, featuring a 1,550-foot boardwalk at Potter Marsh where visitors can enjoy wildlife sightings and panoramic views of the Chugach Mountains, Cook Inlet, and the Kenai Peninsula5. Further south, the Beluga Point pullout offers an exceptional vantage point for whale watching in Turnagain Arm and observing Dall sheep on the cliffs across the highway5.
The journey along the Seward Highway is a must-do for anyone seeking a coastal adventure in Alaska, providing a stunning backdrop for exploration, recreation, and connecting with the region’s natural wonders6. From the towering Chugach Ranges and the surging gray waters of Turnagain Arm to the abundant wildlife and the historic gold mining sites, this road trip along the Seward Highway is a true treasure trove of coastal splendor567.
Tundra Trails: The Roads Around Nome
While you can’t actually drive to the town of Nome, the roads that radiate out from this Arctic community offer a unique glimpse into Alaska’s tundra landscape. The Nome-Teller Highway, the Nome-Council Highway, and the Nome-Taylor Highway (also known as the Kougarok Road) provide access to vast, treeless tundra that is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including muskoxen, bears, and migratory birds8.
These gravel roads offer a remote and authentic Alaskan experience, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of the region8. Covering around 75 miles each, these three highways wind through a wilderness that includes tundra, mountains, coastline, rivers, and valleys8. With fewer than 150 miles from the Arctic Circle to Nome8, the area boasts over 200 species of Arctic wildflowers, including rare flowers like Kamchatka Rhododendron, Lapland Rosebay, and Siberian Iris8.
The diverse wildlife in the area may include sightings of bear, moose, reindeer, and musk oxen8. More than 180 bird species can be found in the Nome area, including Asiatic birds rarely seen in North America8. Guided tours of Nome are available to explore natural and historical points of interest along the roads, and each of the three roads has unique attractions, allowing visitors to choose based on their individual preferences8.
Whether you’re seeking a remote and rugged Alaskan adventure or a chance to immerse yourself in the region’s stunning tundra and wildlife, the roads around Nome offer an unforgettable experience8910.
Alaska scenic drives
Beyond Alaska’s major highways, the state is home to a wealth of scenic drives that showcase its natural wonders. The Eklutna Lake area, just outside of Anchorage, offers a 22-mile drive through Chugach State Park, with views of glacial lakes and the surrounding mountain peaks11.
The Hatcher Pass area, located between Willow and Palmer, is a popular destination for summer hiking and winter skiing, with a scenic drive that winds through the Talkeetna Mountains12. Closer to Anchorage, the Arctic Valley Road and the Old Glenn Highway provide alternative routes with stunning vistas and access to parks, trails, and historic sites11.
One of the most iconic scenic drives in Alaska is the Seward Highway, a 42-mile highway along Turnagain Arm, considered one of the most beautiful stretches of highway in America11211. This route offers spectacular views as it passes between Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Mountains11.
Other notable scenic drives in the state include the Parks Highway, connecting Anchorage and Fairbanks and showcasing iconic areas such as Denali National Park112, and the Matanuska Glacier Scenic Drive, which immerses travelers in stunning scenery within an hour’s drive from Anchorage11112.
Matanuska Valley and Hatcher Pass
Heading north from Anchorage, the Glenn Highway takes travelers through the Matanuska Valley, a region renowned for its agricultural heritage and dramatic mountain landscapes1. The scenic Matanuska Glacier drive northeast from Anchorage offers impressive scenic views along the Glenn Highway1. The Matanuska Glacier, located along the Glenn Highway, is a must-see destination, offering visitors the chance to hike on the icy expanse or take a guided tour1.
Venturing further east, the Hatcher Pass area invites travelers to explore the Talkeetna Mountains13. The 300,000-acre Hatcher Pass Management Area is primarily mountainous terrain in the Talkeetna Mountain Range, with summits climbing higher than 6,000 feet13. Hatcher Pass Road from Mile 17.5 to Mile 32.5 is a rough, gravel, narrow, and steep road not maintained nor open in winter13. The road over the Hatcher Pass summit is generally open from about July 1 through September 15, depending on snow conditions13.
Visitors to the Hatcher Pass area can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and exploring the historic Independence Mine State Historical Park14. The Gold Mint Trailhead can be accessed at Mile 14.6 for hiking the 18-mile Hatcher Pass Trail toward Willow14. The Independence Mine, once a top-producing gold mine in Alaska, officially closed in 1951, and the Independence Mine State Historical Park covers 271 acres and features 13 well-preserved structures from the late 1930s and early 1940s14.
The area surrounding Hatcher Pass offers several lodging options, including bed and breakfasts, rustic retreats, and dining facilities14. RVs or large vehicles are not recommended on Hatcher Pass due to steep grades, rough roads, and tight hairpin corners13141.
Kodiak Island’s Coastal Journeys
Kodiak Island, located off the southern coast of Alaska, is a stunning natural wonder. This remote island boasts a network of scenic drives that showcase its rugged coastal beauty. Kodiak Island is known for unmatched fishing opportunities and outstanding wildlife viewing, including the legendary Kodiak Brown Bear15.
The Chiniak Highway winds along the shoreline, passing by the U.S. Coast Guard station, salmon streams, and exposed surf beaches16. August and September are active spawning months for salmon along the Chiniak Highway at mile marker 29.0, and the Mayflower Beach Trail, rated as easy difficulty for hiking, can be found at mile marker 23.917.
Monashka Bay Road and Anton Larsen Bay Road provide access to hiking trails, tide pools, and a protected bay perfect for sea kayaking16. These roads offer great views of the coast, hiking opportunities, and a chance to explore the region’s diverse wildlife habitat16.
Pasagshak Bay Road, a 17-mile one-way route, leads to the Alaska Aerospace Corporation launch site and offers opportunities for fishing, beachcombing, and scenic views of alpine passes and the ocean16. The Chiniak Highway also features a 17-mile one-way road trip at the Pasagshak Road Junction, providing access to fishing beaches, rivers, and scenic vistas17.
Kodiak Island’s coastal journeys offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors, with opportunities to explore the island’s natural beauty, wildlife, and rich history15.
Fairbanks and the Dalton Highway
Venturing into the northernmost reaches of Alaska, travelers can embark on an extraordinary journey along the Dalton Highway. This rugged, 500-mile road connects Fairbanks to the Arctic Ocean, offering an unparalleled expedition-style experience18. Known as the “Haul Road,” the Dalton Highway was initially developed to support the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, crossing the Yukon River, Arctic Circle, and Brooks Range18.
The Dalton Highway is primarily a gravel and dirt road, with several steep grades that challenge even the most experienced drivers1819. Despite its rugged nature, the highway offers travelers a unique opportunity to witness the raw power and grandeur of Alaska’s northern landscapes, including the vast, untamed wilderness of the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve18.
The journey along the Dalton Highway is not for the faint of heart, as services are limited, and the road conditions can be treacherous19. Temperatures can plummet to as low as 82 degrees below zero in the winter19, and the remote nature of the highway means that only a small percentage of visitors to Alaska venture this far north20.
Despite the challenges, the Dalton Highway provides an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in the wild beauty of Alaska’s Arctic region. From the towering Atigun Pass, the highest pass in Alaska at 4,800 feet18, to the vast expanse of the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge19, the journey along the Dalton Highway is a true expedition into one of the last remaining untamed frontiers of the United States181920.
Conclusion
Alaska’s scenic drives offer travelers a unique opportunity to explore the state’s unparalleled natural beauty at their own pace21. From the dramatic coastlines of Turnagain Arm to the remote tundra near Nome, these iconic highways and byways showcase the diverse landscapes that make Alaska such a captivating destination22. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely coastal cruise or an adventurous expedition through the wilderness, Alaska’s scenic drives are sure to leave a lasting impression and create memories that will stay with you long after your journey23.
These Alaska scenic drives, road trips, and outdoor adventures offer travelers a chance to immerse themselves in the state’s breathtaking natural beauty. From the majestic mountain peaks and serene shorelines of the Seward Highway to the remote tundra and boreal forests of the Denali Highway, each journey promises a unique and unforgettable experience2122.
Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a solo adventure, or a romantic getaway, Alaska’s scenic drives are a must-do activity that will leave a lasting impression on all who traverse them. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to discover the true essence of Alaska’s unparalleled natural wonders212223.
