driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september

Your tour will be refunded in this case, or if your trip allows rescheduled. So, if you want to experience this area, you just have to come in the early part of the month. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? It takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive the 360 miles from Anchorage to Fairbanks. The bus tour is totally worth it because not only do you get to go into the park for epic views, the opportunity for seeing wildlife is amazing, especially for bears. 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. Talkeetna is a funky, fun, little Alaska town that at one point in time had a cat for a mayor (RIP Stubbs). By car, Fairbanks is 7 to 8 hours from Anchorage, and only 45 minutes by air. There are literally hundreds of stops along the way. Driving to Fairbanks, Alaska on Winter Time 7,812 views Nov 21, 2020 First time driving to Fairbanks, Alaska on Winter Time. 359 mi Total Distance 7 hrs 7 mins Drive Time 30 stops Cities / Attractions You still have that increased chance of rain and clouds, so your shipboard views of the coastline could be shrouded in fog. The roads seemed decent, although a bit scary going in and out of Fairbanks near the mountains/ hills. Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, You also start seeing snow on the mountain tops, which we locals refer to as "Termination Dust." Glennallen saw an influx of gold seekers headed for the Klondike Gold Fields in 1898. The drive is straightforward using Alaska Route 3 which connects both cities. Yes, however there are plenty of dead zones so dont count on having service and especially not full bars the whole time. A $10 per person pass fee will be charged per visitor at the entrance of the park. This is such a massive and impressive mountain, you want to see as many angles as possible. The Nancy Lake Area is very popular with those who live in the Anchorage area, with plenty of cabins surrounding it. 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. Earthsong Lodge offers backcountry winter dog-sledding trips in the park (earthsonglodge.com). Whether you catch it under a blanket of snow or lit by the midnight sun, you're sure to find something to enjoy in this welcoming community. Use code ADVENTURESOFNICOLE Kesugi Ken has amazing views and is a well appointed campground that was built relatively recently. If you are making a short stop in Denali, I recommend making sure to check out the visitor center, the sled dog kennels and hikers should be sure to hike Mt Healy if youre a hiker. Fairbanks is 360 miles north of Anchorage, just north from the Denali National Park and Preserve. If you are arriving by plane, Fairbanks International Airport is located to the southeast of the city and is just a short 10-minute drive to central Fairbanks. travelers and answer their questions about Anchorage! Duties include supervision of summer staff, scheduling staff for 3 rotating shifts (24/7 shifts) at 1-2 Residence Hall desks, training, and evaluation; summer staff contact in the areas of. It may not be a huge fair, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in character. Planning to spend more time in Anchorage? Selected excursions, transportation (like the railroad), and lodges offer shoulder season pricing in September--but not all do. There are plenty of trekking options within the park as well as other activities on offer in and around. Make sure to book lodges and hotels far in advance for this very popular area, especially in the Denali National Park area which has very limited options. Similar to the Denali South viewpoint, the North viewpoint is another excellent viewing location for Denali from a slightly different perspective. Both are suitable for RVs as well as tents. *Note: there is no fee to enter the national park or visit the glacier. While brochures wax poetic about how early fall can be the perfect time to visit Alaska, the days are shorter, and it can also be rainy and cooler. (2 answers). Several buses depart daily, while there is just one train per day. Tour Code: 1517CTA. While only 144 miles (232km), you could drive it in just over 2 hours. 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. Its also usually the most expensive option. My favorite camping locations on the road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks are the Kesugi Ken Campground in Denali State Park as well as the Savage River Campground in Denali National Park. Its an 115 mile, about 2-2.5 hour drive north from Anchorage. Once you are well-rested, grab a quick brunch(BearstoothandSnow Cityare some of my faves), and run by a store to grab any supplies youll need before heading south on the Seward Highway. Healy (4 answers) The Adventures of Nicole is a participant in the This article is organized by stops starting in Anchorage and going north to Fairbanks. Entrance costs are $15 for adults, $12 for kids 6-17yrs(must be accompanied by a parent), and $13.00 for Seniors 60+ yrs. 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. There are also hiking trails in the area for exploring. Lazy Otter Charters offers small group sightseeing tours into Blackstone Bay through the month of October. Exhibits and videos cover the Iditarods past and present. Here's an insider's rundown: Alaskas biggest cityrich with museums, shops and restaurantssees the least amount of change as August turns into September. After the cruise, drive back towardAnchorageand make any stops youd like to check out that you may have missed on the way down. 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. Connecting Anchorage and Fairbanks, the Parks Highway (Route 3) is 359 miles of wonderland in the winter months. This makes an excellent rest stop along the way. Then, travel through Anchorage to Denali and spend several days here. 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. By train, the Alaska Railroad provides daily summer service and weekend winter service between Anchorage and Fairbanks. 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. Seward is compact and easily walkable. Overwhelmed by choices? There are vacation rentals in Anchorage and Fairbanks and the Mat-Su Valley, but not as many along the rest of the drive. ANCHORAGE TO TALKEETNA See the Alaska Railroad, or check out other railroad companies, like Gray Line Denali Rail Tours and Princess Rail Tours. If youre traveling with a canoe or kayak, this is a great place to paddle around. Updated March 2023,One Week in Alaska Road Trip: Anchorage to Fairbanksoriginally written in July 2017. Click on any question to see answers from the community! 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. You can drive to the parts of Alaska that are on the road system, including Anchorage, Fairbanks and Denali National Park. Unsubscribe at anytime. I recommend spending two nights in Denali if possible because you then get the full day to take the bus trip into the park. Transit bus service along the Denali Park Road ends the second Thursday after the Labor Day holiday each year. The drive is straightforward using Alaska Route 3 which connects both cities. 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 . TALKEETNA TO DENALI 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! Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? Your email address will not be published. Glennallen, at mile 115 is the junction with the Glenn Highway to Anchorage. Related: Denali National Park Planning Guide. Required fields are marked *. Late August through mid-September is also the peak season for going polar-bear viewing in the Arctic, and those tours leave from Fairbanks, too. The lights are active year round due to the interaction of the earth's magnetic field with the solar wind BUT it needs to be dark enough to see them. How is the drive in one day? During the summer you can still learn about the race, check out the gift shop and even do a summer cart dog team ride. Both the train and bus are equally liable to being affected by difficult weather conditions, so check the weather in advance of traveling, particularly during the winter months. 5, 2023. Alaska Railroad Anchorage to Fairbanks. Our airport is the busiest between 10 pm-2 am. What do I wear to aurora ice museum and hot springs. Or get a full Anchorage to Fairbanks flight plan. Trails near the park entrance and winter visitor center are color-coded by difficulty level, so you can easily determine the snowshoe route thats best for you. Id recommend a visit to the Seward Sealife Center and having a fresh Alaskan seafood dinner if your budget allows. Connecting Anchorage and Fairbanks, the Parks Highway (Route 3) is 359 miles of wonderland in the winter months. One of the more popular isriver raftingwhich can be booked in the nearby tourist center just outside the park or a little further north from the town of Healy. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. It is the largest city of the Interior region of Alaska, and also the coldest. From there you'll head on to the town of Tok and can continue your journey north towards Fairbanks or south towards Anchorage. Drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks 6h 41m $65 - $95 Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between Anchorage (ANC) to Fairbanks (FAI) flights The flight time between Anchorage (ANC) and Fairbanks (FAI) is around 1h 2m and covers a distance of around 262 miles. Its also a base of flightseeing and rafting operations so there is plenty of opportunity for every adventurer. September in the Anchorage area has another unique draw: The Alaska State Fair, located just 40 minutes north of the city in Palmer. BudgetBillies Backpacker Hostel|Booking.com|Hostelworld.com|, MidrangeMoose Lodge|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, SplurgeSophie Station Suites|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, Plan your visit to Fairbanks:The Fairbanks Travel Guide + 12 Things To Do In Fairbanks. Accommodation: 14 nights. Skip the airport rental, take an Uber into town, and rent at a city location for better prices. Is the Drive from Anchorage to Seward Dangerous? The route is one of Alaska's most traveled highways, but during Alaska's long winter, it's not for travelers unwilling to tackle winter driving conditions. Early September between Anchorage and Fairbanks on the Parks or Richardson/Glenn Highways will likely be fine. suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it After Denali and Healy, you are on the home stretch to journeys end at Fairbanks, about 110 miles up the Parks Highway. most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. Nenana is somewhat famous for being the location where President Harding drove the golden spike for the completion of the Alaska Railroad the same year. Feels like 1.99 Wind speed 3.4 mph Pressure 1006 hPa. Rotorhead 30A Productions/Shutterstock.com. Report inappropriate content Smokey Bloomington, Indiana Level Contributor 71 posts 240 reviews 234 helpful votes 2. Starting at: $3569 / per person. Fairbanks to Anchorage drive, or go to the main page to plan a new road trip. Mt Healy is a great hike in Denali National Park near the entrance area that you can do without planning ahead and being on a bus trip. So, if you want to experience the entire park roadall the way to Kantishna and Wonder LakeSeptember is likely a no-go. 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. Option:Take afishing charterinstead, relax in Seward, enjoy a nearby hike. Anchorage Depot: 411 West 1st Avenue, 99501 Fairbanks Depot: 1745 Johansen Expressway, 99701 Depart Anchorage: 8:20 AM . Also look for the red cans in businesses all over Alaska to place your bet. For one thing, since this is more of a business hub than a tourist spot, hotels stay open year round, though they can offer better rates in September than you would find during the peak summer months. The Chena Hotsprings Resort is 62 miles northwest of Fairbanks and should take roughly 1 hour 15 minutes each way. 7-10 days is the most common. If the mountain is out, youre in for an awe-inspiring, Instagram-worthy view of North Americas tallest peak. Anchorage averages 78.8 inches of snow per year. The scenes from the car window on this trip are unparalleled, from great lakes to the peak of Denali Mountain. You can borrow snowshoes free at the Murie Science and Learning Center. Use the pull-offs, the Seward Highway is the most dangerous road in Alaska and one of the most dangerous in the USA. Highlights plus less visited destinations. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. Road Trip Conditions. Search for Seattle flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal. Visit in May or September for major savings on rentals (and maybe seeing the northern lights!). While you can often see the northern lights from Fairbanks itself, many tour operators use Fairbanks as their main launching pad to take visitors beyond the Arctic Circle, which boosts your chances of seeing the lights. Youll zip across snowy meadows and icy lakes and past majestic mountains, stopping to appreciate the spectacular Alaskan backcountry and watch for wildlife. Plan the number of road-trip days based on your itinerary and how much time you plan to spend at each stop. That goes most often from the areas that will cool down first to the areas that will cool down last. Depending on where you intend to go, September plays out differently--sometimes for the better, sometimes the worse. Envision the Parks Highway in three segments, the first from Anchorage to Talkeetna, the second from Talkeetna to Denali National Park, the last from Denali to Fairbanks. We are the usable and sensible guide that inspires 300,000 readers bimonthly with useful, fresh and compelling ideas for discovering our region. On a clear day you can see Denali and the Alaska Range. Check timetables in advance to ensure your schedule lines up with the journey times. Services are operated by Alaska Airlines, Inc.. Which one is right for you? Kesugi Ridge is one of the best backpacking trails in Alaska, but if youre not up for the multiday challenging hike you can absolutely do a day hike here too! Talkeetna is well worth the 30 mile detour round trip from the Parks Highway for all these delights. What is certain is that the days are shorter. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:59 pmdrive for about 2 hours, Marcella from Houston asked:Best itinerary for Anchorage to Fairbanks in 7 days? Find pet-friendly stops. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. Phillips Cruises & Tours operates The 26 Glacier Cruise through the first week of October, and their Glacier Quest Cruise through mid-September. Hatcher Pass is a very worthwhile detour, but it does add some time. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the To get started, head to the visitor center and start on the Taiga Trail for about half a mile until you reach the well signed Mt Healy overlook trail and head up from there. If you dont have time for that, you can still make a shorter stop in Denali. Is there a ferry from Washington to Alaska? 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. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. In the summer, this is a wonderful alternative to the Parks Highway, especially if youre making a round trip drive to change things up. This route is by far the fastest and most straightforward way to get to Fairbanks. During the winter months, the centers building is open Friday through Sunday during the day, and the trails are always open. Otherwise here are a few options: BudgetBent Prop Inn Hostel|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, MidrangeThe Lakefront Anchorage|Booking.com|Hotels.com|, SplurgeThe Hotel Captain Cook|Booking.com|Hotels.com|. Decided to drive rather than fly to Fairbanks. The only problem is, it can also be rainy and cool. Learn how your comment data is processed. Services are operated by Alaska Airlines, Inc. and Condor Flugdienst. Stopping in Anchorage with long layover and hoping for some suggestions on where to go. That brings concerts, plenty of local goods, and the world-famous, massive vegetables that have grown all summer long under the midnight sun. Pilots will not fly if weather conditions are poor or unstable. Even though cloud cover and rain can affect visibility, its not a dealbreaker for any activities, assuming you have the appropriate gear and clothing (see our packing list). 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. ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks. Answer 11 of 11: Hello! The bus is a cheaper option than the train, and there are a range of providers. Road conditions from Fairbanks to Anchorage. Note that no food service is available in the winter inside the park, so bring your own food and beverages when visiting Denali. Find dining and lodging in Palmer by visiting the valleys tourism website at alaskavisit.com. Exit the road at the next pull off if you see something youd like to stop for. 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. 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! 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. Wildlife viewing is not an emergency. Visit Kenai Fjords National Park, where you can hike or ice climb on glaciers, go hiking, and cruise the fjords. Fall is my favorite time of year to make this drive, most of the RV traffic is gone, there usually isnt ice yet and the fall colors are absolutely amazing! The Eagle River Nature Center is a beautiful area just outside of Anchorage with beautiful landscapes, wildlife and hiking trails. What we tell our friends is, "Come earlier in the summer, if you can. A road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks is one of the best road trips in Alaska! This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. If youre driving through in late winter or early spring, look for the black and white tripod set up on the river, which topples over and triggers a clock which marks the official time to declare a winner! To find lodging and dining in Talkeetna, go to talkeetnachamber.org. Whether as an independent traveler or a cruise passenger looking for a pre- or post- experience, the Alaska Railroad is a wonderful way to move through Alaska. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The route is one of Alaskas most traveled highways, but during Alaskas long winter, its not for travelers unwilling to tackle winter driving conditions. Taking you from Anchorage to Fairbanks this road trip itinerary gives you a pretty good sampling of what the 49th state has to offer if you only have one week in Alaska. The trip can be done one way fromSewardtoFairbanksafter a cruise or from Fairbanks to Seward before the cruise. Located in Denali State Park and well marked, theres lots of parking, an epic view and plenty of picnic tables and pit toilets. Continue on AK-3 and take the Airport Way exit to arrive in Fairbanks. Make sure your tires are in good condition and carry chains with you just in case. You may also choose by fall color intensity. Hi Cherise, The driving distance from Anchorage to Fairbanks is 360 miles. In between there are additional gas stations and lodges. 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. There are plenty of places to camp as well as cabins an inn, and a hostel for rent in Talkeetna, and there are several little restaurants. It is also inside the Kesugi Ken Campground. If time allows, stop in Wasilla and visit the Iditarod Sled Dog Race Headquarters (iditarod.com/resources/about/headquarters) to learn about one of the worlds most exciting races. Waking up near Denali brings a host of possibilities for the day, even in winter. This is one of those trips where the drive is just as important as the destination. 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. Taking you from Anchorage to Fairbanks this road trip itinerary gives you a pretty good sampling of what the 49th state has to offer if you only have one week in Alaska. When youre ready to say farewell to Talkeetna, backtrack to the Parks Highway and head north. The highway is easy to follow, although it crosses rugged terrain. Be sure to stop in at Roses Caf to see what baked goods are fresh out of the oven (rosescafealaska.com). Kesugi Ken also has cabins (which book up far ahead of time). Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Detour off the highway onto Highway 1 to Palmer, your home for the night. Dont endanger others lives by stopping in shoulders or even worse in the middle of the road because you see something you want to look at. You can opt for a quick 1 mile round trip walk to the face of the glacier or the much longer and strenuous hike up to Harding Icefield (about 8.4 miles roundtrip to the emergency shelter). You can check them out on your own, or opt for a guided excursion or overnight experience. It is a five hour drive to get to the state's major airport hub in Anchorage. Two trains . Availability: If you can afford it, I would splurge on aDenali flightseeing tourwith one of the air taxi companies based in Talkeetna.
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