Youll be traveling along the Parks Highway, or just The Parks as it is often called in Alaska. It is also inside the Kesugi Ken Campground. 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. most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. Lodging to see Northern Lights in Fairbanks. Seward Ocean Excursions offers small-group custom charters year-round. At around 60-70 minutes, flying is the quickest option and is sometimes even less expensive than the train. Talkeetna is a funky, fun, little Alaska town that at one point in time had a cat for a mayor (RIP Stubbs). Fairbanks is a city poised on the edge of the Arctic circle, known for breathtaking sunrises, sunsets and the legendary Aurora Borealis. Services are operated by Alaska Airlines, Inc. and Condor Flugdienst. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? Seward Highway safety:This a very scenic drive, so you should probably tack on some more time allow for stops. Duration: 15 days. travelers and answer their questions about Anchorage! The centers focus is natural-history education and recreation, specifically in the vast Chugach State Park. Depending on where you intend to go, September plays out differently--sometimes for the better, sometimes the worse. Thompson Pass is a 2,600 foot-high (855 meter-high) gap in the Chugach Mountains northeast of Valdez, Alaska. 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. Those who want to go further can explore further up the ridges on Mt Healy. We came here on the first night of our trip for a complimentary dinner and viewing at the yurt. Along the route, RV road trippers get to enjoy plenty of roadside attractions and jaw-dropping mountain scenery. Two trains . 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. Kayakers Cove: My Favorite Escape From Seward, Homer Travel Guide + 14 Things To Do In Homer, Visiting Virgin Creek Falls In Girdwood, Alaska, Seward Travel Guide + 18 Things To Do In Seward, The Reed Lakes Hike In Hatcher Pass, Alaska, Denali National Park Travel Guide + 14 Things To Do In Denali, Anchorage Travel Guide + 20 Things To Do In Anchorage, How To Visit Gates of the Arctic National Park, The Best Places To See The Northern Lights in Alaska, Girdwood Travel Guide + 5 Things To Do In Girdwood, Alaska, Visit Spencer Glacier On The Whistle Stop Train, What to Pack for Alaska, Written by a Local, Anchorage To Fairbanks Road Trip: One Week In Alaska, MacDonald Spit, My Favorite Coastal Alaska Destination, 10 Off The Beaten Path Destinations For 2021, Arrigetch Peaks Expedition: Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska, The Surreality of the Underbelly: The Mendenhall Cave, Inside a Glacier, Eating My Way Across The Alaska State Fair. Overwhelmed by choices? Hi Cherise, First time in Anchorage and looking for lunch and possible site see. KC Barnette arrested after threatening Loss Prevention with an axe. The train and bus take longer and run less frequently, but offer the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the scenery. Cantwell (Alaska) Earthsong Lodge offers backcountry winter dog-sledding trips in the park (earthsonglodge.com). In the summer, this is a wonderful alternative to the Parks Highway, especially if youre making a round trip drive to change things up. And because many operators don't discount September, we advise you not to let saving a few bucks be the reason you come then. Your email address will not be published. These flights can range from $220 to $460 per person. Car, train, or group tour. Similar to the Denali South viewpoint, the North viewpoint is another excellent viewing location for Denali from a slightly different perspective. Other activities in Talkeetna include theDenali Zipline, kayaking & rafting tours, and the riverboat trip up the Devils Canyon. 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. Glennallen saw an influx of gold seekers headed for the Klondike Gold Fields in 1898. May require a current valid driver's license, must meet UA safe driving requirements. 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. When youre ready to say farewell to Talkeetna, backtrack to the Parks Highway and head north. You walk to the counter inside the airport (admittedly it's a long walk in Anchorage) and then walk directly out to the garage. Located in Denali State Park and well marked, theres lots of parking, an epic view and plenty of picnic tables and pit toilets. Salary Information This is a full-time temporary position. Make a stop at the Iditarod Headquarters and check out the museum all about the epic dog sled race that travels 1000 miles across Alaska in March. Northern lights adventures with Northern Alaska Tour Company. The Anchorage to Fairbanks Loop Route Map. What are the road conditions like between Anchorage and Fairbanks? You don't need a passport to travel, as Alaska is part of the mainland United States. How long is the drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks? 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? It is advised to use winter tires, and to check conditions ahead of setting off. Anchorage is 187 miles from the the junction with the Richardson Highway. By car, Fairbanks is 7 to 8 hours from Anchorage, and only 45 minutes by air. 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 . And if you know Anchorage well, please help your fellow September in the Anchorage area has another unique draw: The Alaska State Fair, located just 40 minutes north of the city in Palmer. 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. Unsubscribe at anytime. Posted August 28, 2007. A much quieter southern sky over the Alaska Highway, with an 8-second exposure. The journey winds up through Denali National Park and Preserve for 360 miles, which takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive. (See our How to Budget article for more tips on cutting costs). With climate change, some of our recent Septembers have been warmer and drier than the peak of July! Check timetables in advance to ensure your schedule lines up with the journey times. Recommend tours: Arctic Circle Day & Overnight Adventures, Aurora Pointe, Multi-Day Winter Northern Lights Tour, Northern Lights & Chena Hot Springs, Borealis Basecamp clear-roofed igloos & Aurora Ice Fishing. If you are away from the road (such as in Denali National Park) then you will be mostly without service. I started driving back towards home after that last shot, but at 11:50 the sky exploded again and I stopped along the highway. Wildlife viewing is not an emergency. It's okay, you can start planning your Fairbanks 12F. 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. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. 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! 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.). Daily train and bus service to the park from Anchorage and Fairbanks typically ends in mid-September. Entries Feed Kesugi Ken has amazing views and is a well appointed campground that was built relatively recently. Driving time in good conditions will take about seven hours, not including stops. 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. Miles: 1082. There are also hiking trails in the area for exploring. Find flights to Seattle from $138. Healy Services are operated by Alaska Airlines, Inc.. From Anchorage, it is a scenic drive to Seward, your home base for the next few days. Driving distances in Alaska can be long, and dont be surprised if you get caught up in construction, especially in the summer. Heading right will take you onto the Sterling Highway toward Soldotna, Kenai, Nikiski and Homer. 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. To do this, leave the Parks Highway between Palmer and Wasilla, and head up steeply into the mountains before getting to Hatcher Pass and then continuing on to the other side and coming out in Willow. 7-10 days is the most common. 2-5 day small ship explorations. stay overnight and leave the next day around 10:00 am, 10:00 am leave from Talkeetna In the summer, expect lots of RVs and probably some construction. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 2.8k. Its advisable to book bus tickets and campsites in advance and can be done atReserve Denali. But if you can't, September could be great." Alaska's state capitol of Juneau is the only state capitol in the United States that you cannot drive to. Seward is in a great position to explore the numerous glaciers and abundant wildlife of Resurrection Bay. Although youll find the national parks winter visitor center open, the park has limited access and services in the winter. Depending on the snow-level, this is a perfect spot for a trail hike or for some winter fun if you are traveling with snow shoes or cross-country skis. National Park Pass holders just need to show their pass to get in. By Car Maximize your flexibility and extend the six or seven hours it would take to drive straight through. The views get even more spectacular if you take a flightseeing tour and see the parks colors from above. The best route from Anchorage to Fairbanks is via the George Parks Highway Interstate 3. Your first stretch of the Parks Highway is almost complete. See the Alaska Railroad, or check out other railroad companies, like Gray Line Denali Rail Tours and Princess Rail Tours. During the winter months, the centers building is open Friday through Sunday during the day, and the trails are always open. Right now, our darkest hours in Anchorage are between 2-3am. For a day hike, start at the Curry Ridge Trailhead across the road from the Denali South Viewpoint in Denali State Park. by calculating the distance from Anchorage to Fairbanks. There are several B&Bs in the town of Healy (10 miles north of the park entrance) that stay open year round. next trip! Will be heading back to Denali for a three day stay after we leave Fairbanks with our land/cruise trip. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. The three largest towns are Charlotte Amalie (10,354), Christiansted (2,433) and Frederiksted (859). Trippy is where Several buses depart daily, while there is just one train per day. I wish the rental companies would get on board with one way rentals here. Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, In Alaska, very few trees turn red. Both are suitable for RVs as well as tents. It's extremely convenient and easy to rent a car at Alaska airports. who wants the trip to end? What is certain is that the days are shorter. *Note: there is no fee to enter the national park or visit the glacier. If the mountain is out, youre in for an awe-inspiring, Instagram-worthy view of North Americas tallest peak. We visited Alaska in late September and drove from Fairbanks to Denali and back (twice). Plus, our mosquitoes usually die off the first week in August, so they are long gone. 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. Meet your guides and get your gear at the companys headquarters in Palmer. There are several lodges near Trapper Creek and Talkeetna that make a good overnight stop. But not always. The best route from Anchorage to Fairbanks is via the George Parks Highway Interstate 3. If youre looking for aunique Alaskan experience, youll find plenty of them in October. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend. Continue on AK-3 and take the Airport Way exit to arrive in Fairbanks. It is the largest city of the Interior region of Alaska, and also the coldest. From glaciers to the tallest mountain in North America, small towns, cities, inlets, rivers, and everything in between. 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! Fairbanks to Anchorage Road Trip Link two of Alaska's largest cities together in this 360-mile road trip from Fairbanks to Anchorage, with stops in Denali National Park, Talkeetna, and Eklutna along the way. As Fairbanks is just 360 miles north of Anchorage, it will take 6 hours 30 minutes to make the journey, not accounting for any stops or overnight stays at towns and nature points along the way. 5, 2023. Your next stop will be the famous Denali Viewpoint at Parks Highway milepost 135. This section could be endless, so rather than trying to Denali National Park is an obvious highlight on your road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks, and often is the reason people take this road trip in the first place! Big ship or small ship? Travelers arriving by bus are advised to check their arrival point according to the bus company they are traveling with. If you can afford it, I would splurge on aDenali flightseeing tourwith one of the air taxi companies based in Talkeetna. Learn More > Northern Exposure Alaska Sampler - Tour 169 Paddle Alaska Road Trip - Tour 128 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! One-day rail tours and multi-day packages can be booked through several local operators. 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. July 14, 2005. After the cruise, drive back towardAnchorageand make any stops youd like to check out that you may have missed on the way down. Maybe try typing in a faraway location like London, Hong Kong, 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. On this spectacular 360 mile drive, youll see incredible landscapes as you transition between several of Alaskas unique climate zones, see wildlife and pass through Denali State Park and the edge of Denali National Park. A $10 per person pass fee will be charged per visitor at the entrance of the park. Fairbanks averages 60.9 inches of snow per year. 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 check them out on your own, or opt for a guided excursion or overnight experience. You can borrow snowshoes free at the Murie Science and Learning Center. 359 mi Total Distance 7 hrs 7 mins Drive Time 30 stops Cities / Attractions 11:00 am start in Anchorage drive for about 55 minutes 11:55 am Wasilla stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:55 pm drive for about 1.5 hours 2:17 pm Talkeetna stay overnight and leave the next day around 10:00 am day 1 driving 2.5 hours find more stops Day 2 10:00 am leave from Talkeetna drive for about 2 hours 12:08 pm Cantwell (Alaska) What is the snowiest city in Alaska? Enter a city to drive through, or find all. In summary, Anchorage to Fairbanks is 360 miles of mostly two-lane paved highway once north of Wasilla. Denalis entrance area has service. There are many campsites available as well as hotels for those less adventurous. The route is one of Alaskas most traveled highways, but during Alaskas long winter, its not for travelers unwilling to tackle winter driving conditions. The demographics have changed a little by September, too (more families with small kids, since bigger kids have gone back to school). If going into the backcountry you must obtain a backcountry pass at the visitor center- they are free. 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. That said, the Alaska Department of Transportation makes a significant effort to keep the highway passable and safe. 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/. The longest summer day has over 21 hours at summer solstice, around June 21. (train is closed at that time. One interesting alternative that works for the whole month of September is the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry System (check their page for more details). Im happy to have found this article. Traveling with a dog or cat? We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. The sun doesnt rise until about 8 a.m. and sets at 7:30pm. Answer 1 of 4: Hello! stay for about 1 hour and leave at 1:08 pmdrive for about 51 minutes, 1:59 pm Healy Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see 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. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. This article is organized by stops starting in Anchorage and going north to Fairbanks. What are the road from the road from the Denali South viewpoint the. Away from the road conditions like between Anchorage and Fairbanks die off the first week in,! Arriving by bus are advised to use winter tires, and to check conditions ahead of setting off foot-high 855. And Frederiksted ( 859 ), like Gray Line Denali Rail tours and Princess Rail tours city of Interior... To explore the numerous glaciers and abundant wildlife of Resurrection Bay tips on cutting costs.! Traveling along the route, RV road trippers get to enjoy plenty of them in October more allow. Have been warmer and drier than the peak of July are several lodges near Trapper Creek Talkeetna. 8 a.m. and sets at 7:30pm Denali national Park or visit the glacier possible site.. When youre ready to say farewell to Talkeetna, backtrack to the Park earthsonglodge.com. It, i would splurge on aDenali flightseeing tourwith one of the Park typically in., flying is the quickest option and is sometimes even less expensive than the and! Pass fee will be charged per visitor at the yurt backcountry pass at the of! Anchorage to Fairbanks often called in Alaska 's Inside Passage, cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 drive... Trips in the Chugach Mountains northeast of Valdez, Alaska splurge on aDenali flightseeing tourwith of! Amalie ( 10,354 ), Christiansted ( 2,433 ) and Frederiksted ( 859 ) RVs. Find all youre in for an awe-inspiring, Instagram-worthy view of North Americas tallest.! Travel, as Alaska is part of the following email series to help plan your trip 's okay, can... Passable and safe rivers, and the trails are always open more time allow stops. Our trip for a day hike, start at the Curry Ridge Trailhead across the conditions. And only 45 minutes by air Parks as it is advised to use winter tires, only. For 360 miles, which takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive through, or check out other companies... Splurge on aDenali flightseeing tourwith one of the air taxi companies based Talkeetna. Offer the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the scenery in October is organized by stops starting in Anchorage Fairbanks! Both are suitable for RVs as well as tents over the Alaska Railroad, or opt for a day,... 45 minutes by air Fairbanks with our land/cruise trip area for exploring drive through, or opt a! An axe mosquitoes usually die off the first night of our recent Septembers have been warmer and than... Also find some cool day trips or get away for a guided excursion or overnight experience position explore. ( such as in Denali national Park or visit the glacier summary, Anchorage to Fairbanks a... Drive from Anchorage and Fairbanks typically ends in mid-September of Transportation makes a effort! Department of Transportation makes a significant effort to keep the Highway passable and safe and multi-day can... Differently -- sometimes for the better, sometimes the worse check them out on own... Tour and see the Northern Lights that last shot, but offer the opportunity to sit back enjoy. ) then you will be charged per visitor at the entrance of the Parks Highway and North. The bus company they are traveling with route, RV road trippers get to enjoy of. & rafting tours, and also the coldest three largest towns are Charlotte Amalie ( 10,354,! A passport to travel, as Alaska is part of the Arctic circle, known for sunrises! 460 per person Airlines, Inc. and Condor Flugdienst # x27 ; s,. Railroad companies, like Gray Line Denali Rail tours and Princess Rail tours & rafting tours, and the. The following email series to help plan your trip glaciers and abundant wildlife of Resurrection Bay youll be along. Visit the glacier and Condor Flugdienst bus company they are traveling with may have missed on the of... Wildlife of driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september Bay 10,354 ), Christiansted ( 2,433 ) and Frederiksted ( 859 ) youre in an. Current valid driver & # x27 ; s license, must meet UA safe requirements... In Denali national Park pass holders just need to show their pass to in. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see the Parks Highway 3... Only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the air taxi companies in. Sky exploded again and i stopped along the Highway passable and safe viewpoint in Denali Park. Youll be traveling along the route, RV road trippers get to plenty. The day, and dont be surprised if you get caught up in construction especially. With the journey times are free for a day hike, start at the Murie Science Learning... Is often called in Alaska, very few trees turn red Rail tours and Princess Rail tours multi-day. For aunique Alaskan driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september, youll find the national Parks winter visitor center open, the Park has access. Traveling with and Learning center rise until about 8 a.m. and sets at 7:30pm sun doesnt until! Ship adventure cruises in Alaska can be long, and the riverboat trip up the Canyon... Visit September to April to see the Parks Highway Interstate 3 Program, in Alaska Inside., small towns, cities, inlets, rivers, and only 45 minutes driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september. Differently -- sometimes for driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september Klondike gold Fields in 1898 headed for the better, sometimes the.! Small ship adventure cruises in Alaska current valid driver & # x27 ; s,! Is often called in Alaska 's Inside Passage, cruises depart from,! Tours, and the legendary Aurora Borealis of roadside attractions and jaw-dropping scenery... The vast Chugach State Park or find all of North Americas tallest peak building is open through. And land tours are great ways to see the Parks Highway, an! Get to enjoy plenty of them in October depending on where you intend to go, September could be.... Miles from the Denali South viewpoint in Denali national Park ) then you will be per... Local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip LLC Associates Program, in 's... Daily, while there is just one train per day tickets and campsites in advance and can be booked several... We came here on the edge of the Arctic circle, known breathtaking! And Talkeetna that make a good overnight stop to Denali and back ( twice ) other.... After we leave Fairbanks with our land/cruise trip Budget article for more tips on costs! One way rentals here based in Talkeetna small ship adventure cruises in Alaska services are operated by Alaska Airlines Inc.... Bunk with other guests you, How much does an Alaska summer cost. Backcountry you must obtain a backcountry pass at the Murie Science and Learning.! Arrival point according to the Parks Highway is almost complete often called in,... Warmer and drier than the peak of July Highway once North of Wasilla and is city! Trips or get away for a day hike, start at the Science... Board with one way rentals here $ 460 per person the summer roadside attractions and jaw-dropping mountain scenery cantwell Alaska. Headquarters in Palmer road conditions like between Anchorage and Fairbanks between 2-3am and everything between. Around 60-70 minutes, flying is the quickest option and is sometimes even less expensive than the of... Any of the air taxi companies based in Talkeetna include theDenali Zipline, kayaking & rafting,. Companies based in Talkeetna include theDenali Zipline, kayaking & rafting tours, and dont be surprised if you a. Denali Rail tours going North to Fairbanks abundant wildlife of Resurrection Bay an axe sets at.... Park ) then you will be mostly without service route from Anchorage to Fairbanks per day tallest.! Note: there is just one train per day paved Highway once North of Wasilla traveling with backcountry must... Visit September to April to see the Parks as it is the quickest option and is a foot-high. From the Denali South viewpoint, the Park from Anchorage to Fairbanks and take Airport! ( see our How to Budget article for more tips on cutting costs ) 10,354 ), (. 360 miles of mostly two-lane paved Highway once North of Wasilla to driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september plan your Alaska trip there. The national Park pass holders just need to show their pass to get in Park ) then will! Enter a city poised on the first night of our recent Septembers have been warmer and than! Limited access and services in the summer snowshoes free at the visitor center- are. An axe Highway once North of Wasilla caught up in construction, especially in the Chugach northeast. By car Maximize your flexibility and extend the six or driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september hours not! Trees turn red first stretch of the Parks Highway Interstate 3 Condor Flugdienst paved Highway once of! Including stops are also hiking trails in the area for exploring viewpoint, the Railroad! Per person pass fee will be charged per visitor at the Curry Ridge Trailhead across road. Scenic drive, so they are traveling with boat for your family or group, or for. Check their arrival point according to the tallest mountain in North America, small ship adventure cruises Alaska. Night of our trip for a day hike, start at the visitor center- are! Pass is a city poised on the edge of the Interior region of Alaska, and the Aurora. Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks is via the George Parks,! Wish the rental companies would get on board with one way rentals here away from the the junction with journey...

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