The Ultimate Road Trip Through Alaska: Hidden Gems and Scenic Stops
Start your Alaskan adventure in the town of Seward, perched on the Kenai Peninsula about two and a half hours south of Anchorage. The nearby Kenai Fjords National Park offers an unforgettable introduction to Alaska’s raw beauty. Take the Harding Icefield Trail, a six-mile round trip that climbs steadily through wildflower-strewn alpine meadows to a stunning overlook of Exit Glacier and the vast icefield beyond. The trail’s panoramic views of rugged mountains and cascading waterfalls are unmatched, and if you visit in late summer, you might catch the glacier calving spectacular ice chunks into the valley below. This hike’s moderate challenge and rewarding sights make it an essential early stop.
Heading north along the Parks Highway from Anchorage, stop at Denali National Park, about a four-hour drive. The park is home to Mount Denali, North America’s tallest peak at 20,310 feet. Since private vehicles can only go so far, hop on one of the park’s shuttle buses that venture deep into the wilderness, offering impeccable chances to spot grizzly bears, caribou, and moose. The Eielson Visitor Center, situated 66 miles into the park, boasts breathtaking vistas of the mountain and surrounding tundra, especially radiant during the long summer days. For a lighter excursion, the Savage River Loop Trail is a short, easy hike that provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, immersing you in the diverse subarctic ecosystem.
To experience a distinct blend of culture and wilderness, visit the town of Talkeetna, about two hours north of Anchorage. This quirky village serves as the gateway for climbers attempting Denali’s ascent. Wander through its historic downtown, where colorful wooden buildings house galleries and shops offering local crafts. From here, take a flightseeing tour that offers exhilarating aerial views of Denali’s glaciers and peaks, a perspective impossible to match from the ground. Talkeetna’s old-world charm, combined with its role as a mountaineering hub, makes it an inviting stop anytime except the coldest winter months when many services close.
Further north on the Dalton Highway, near Fairbanks but accessible for the adventurous traveler, lies the Gates of the Arctic National Park, one of the least visited and most pristine wilderness areas in the U.S. The rugged Brooks Range dominates this remote park, where visitors can hike the challenging Arrigetch Peaks, known for their dramatic granite spires. Unlike more developed parks, here you must be self-sufficient, embracing the solitude and raw silence broken only by rivers and wildlife. The midnight sun in summer casts a perpetual golden light, ideal for photography and extended exploration, while the aurora borealis in winter transforms the sky into a shimmering spectacle.
On the southeastern edge of Alaska, the town of Sitka offers a fascinating glimpse into the state’s Russian colonial past, about two hours south of Juneau by plane or ferry. Sitka National Historical Park preserves a collection of totem poles and a forested shoreline where you can walk the Fortress of the Bear Trail to observe rescued grizzly bears in a natural habitat. The park’s cultural center provides interpretive exhibits on the Tlingit people and Russian settlers, unique to this coast. Spring and early summer bring mild weather and vibrant wildlife activity, making it the best time to soak in Sitka’s rich blend of history and nature.
Near Juneau, just a short ferry ride away, the Mendenhall Glacier is a must-see spectacle. Situated within Tongass National Forest, this glacier stretches over 13 miles and ends in a striking icefall. The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center offers detailed exhibits about glaciology and local wildlife. For an immersive experience, the Nugget Falls Trail—a gentle one and a half mile round-trip hike—leads visitors to a powerful waterfall cascading from the glacier’s meltwater. Late spring through early fall provides the clearest views and most accessible trails, avoiding the heavy snowfall and icy conditions of winter.
Finally, wind down your journey in the charming town of Homer, located on the southwestern edge of the Kenai Peninsula, about four hours from Anchorage. Homer sits on Kachemak Bay and is famed for its vibrant arts scene and breathtaking natural backdrop. Stroll along the Homer Spit, a narrow finger of land extending into the bay, where local fishermen unload their catch and galleries display works inspired by the sea. Kayaking in the bay offers a chance to glimpse sea otters and bald eagles against the backdrop of the Aleutian Range. Summertime provides calm waters and endless daylight, perfect for exploring this welcoming coastal community and its natural wonders.