driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september

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. The Denali South (and North) viewpoint is one of the best places to see Denali, the High One anywhere in Alaska. Narrated bus tours range from $80.75 to $194.00 per person (kids 15yo and under range from $33.50 to $92.00 per kid). Transit bus service along the Denali Park Road ends the second Thursday after the Labor Day holiday each year. Often, we have beautiful Indian Summer. Youll zip across snowy meadows and icy lakes and past majestic mountains, stopping to appreciate the spectacular Alaskan backcountry and watch for wildlife. 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. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. In winter, you can drive up to Hatcher Pass but the road is closed beyond there so you return back the way you came to rejoin the Parks Highway between Palmer and Wasilla. 359 mi Total Distance 7 hrs 7 mins Drive Time 30 stops Cities / Attractions 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. Hotels and restaurants at Denali Village are closed in winter, so youll need to drive about 12 more miles up the Parks Highway to the town of Healy for winter lodging and dining (denalichamber.com). The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Camping along the way? Exhibits and videos cover the Iditarods past and present. You can borrow snowshoes free at the Murie Science and Learning Center. Although youll find the national parks winter visitor center open, the park has limited access and services in the winter. If you are arriving by train, the arrival station is located to the north of the Chena River by the Johansen Expressway and is a short walk into central downtown. The problem is that it needs to be dark enough to see them. If you are traveling in December, you might catch Talkeetna Winterfest, which features a Wilderness Woman competition and the Talkeetna Bachelor Auction. 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). Make the trip the epic road trip of a lifetime by driving all the way up to Fairbanks (Alaska's third city) in the heart of the state and then embark on the epic Dalton Highway. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); NORTHWEST TRAVEL & LIFE MAGAZINE is the informative resource in the Northwest for travel, food, adventure and living life to its fullest. Related: Best Alaska Itinerary and Planning Guide. Driving from Anchorage to Fairbanks will give you a feel for Alaskas vast landscapes and at stops along the way you can enjoy hikes, views, picnics and get to know what Alaska is like! 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. At an elevation of 2,400 feet, the highest point on the Parks Highway is Broad Pass. Road Trip Conditions. Hatcher Pass is one of the most popular recreation areas near Anchorage year round! Road conditions from Fairbanks to Anchorage. Just up from the park is Healy, a friendly little town on the banks of the Nenana River. Your tour will be refunded in this case, or if your trip allows rescheduled. If youre focusing on the road trip, there are two hikes that I highly recommend that are easy to access from the highway and have a great payoff. Detour off the highway onto Highway 1 to Palmer, your home for the night. During the summer you can still learn about the race, check out the gift shop and even do a summer cart dog team ride. Pick up yourrental carand head to your hotel room for a few hours of sleep before heading off on the road. That brings concerts, plenty of local goods, and the world-famous, massive vegetables that have grown all summer long under the midnight sun. By car, Fairbanks is 7 to 8 hours from Anchorage, and only 45 minutes by air. 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! an affiliate advertising program. 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. Those who want to go further can explore further up the ridges on Mt Healy. From glaciers to the tallest mountain in North America, small towns, cities, inlets, rivers, and everything in between. It also stops at Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali. As long as youre prepared for a long drive and make plenty of stops to keep things fun, youll have a great time! I hope you have a great trip! Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. 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). In the summer, expect lots of RVs and probably some construction. Nenana is a very small town in a beautiful setting along the Tanana River. Selected excursions, transportation (like the railroad), and lodges offer shoulder season pricing in September--but not all do. The Adventures of Nicole is a participant in the Id recommend a visit to the Seward Sealife Center and having a fresh Alaskan seafood dinner if your budget allows. Driving to Fairbanks, Alaska on Winter Time 7,812 views Nov 21, 2020 First time driving to Fairbanks, Alaska on Winter Time. This road trip takes you from Anchorage up through Wasilla and Talkeetna, before spending time in Denali National Park. Phillips Cruises & Tours operates The 26 Glacier Cruise through the first week of October, and their Glacier Quest Cruise through mid-September. While the routes from Seattle to Anchorage are all-weather and well-maintained, Dalton High requires some planning. Alaska's second largest city is well worth the pilgrimage and freezing temperatures. September in the Anchorage area has another unique draw: The Alaska State Fair, located just 40 minutes north of the city in Palmer. Farther up the highway, at the braided mouth of the Knik River, you will pass a vast open area called the Palmer Hay Flats. 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. Then, travel through Anchorage to Denali and spend several days here. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. If youre relying on a strong signal for steaming music or podcasts, make sure to download them before your road trip so you dont get frustrated losing the signal frequently. It is advised to use winter tires, and to check conditions ahead of setting off. Many will opt to stop at Healy, Nenana, and more. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving Pilots will not fly if weather conditions are poor or unstable. We locals call these early snows Termination Dust, as in signaling the end of summer and that old man winter is just around the corner. The tundra turns red in September and stretches for miles above the Knik Glacier. 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. How long is the drive from Anchorage to Fairbanks? Fall 2022 exhibits include "Stories for Climate Justice" on view Sept. 30 through Winter 2023; "Pass the Mic" on view Oct. 7 through Sept. 3, 2023; and "Alaska Biennial 2022" on view Nov. 4, through March. 2-5 day small ship explorations. Most of ours turn yellow and orange. If youre looking for aunique Alaskan experience, youll find plenty of them in October. 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. Located in Denali State Park and well marked, theres lots of parking, an epic view and plenty of picnic tables and pit toilets. The highway is easy to follow, although it crosses rugged terrain. Glennallen, at mile 115 is the junction with the Glenn Highway to Anchorage. Feel free to ask them any questions, theyre very helpful. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. The drive is straightforward using Alaska Route 3 which connects both cities. Maximize your flexibility and extend the six or seven hours it would take to drive straight through. You might even decide to tarry in Talkeetna for a few days, so you wont miss anything. Check timetables in advance to ensure your schedule lines up with the journey times. The best route from Anchorage to Fairbanks is via the George Parks Highway Interstate 3. On a clear day you can see Denali and the Alaska Range. 49th State Brewing Company. Walk the local trails, and dine at the local restaurants, like Jack Sprat. Ive allotted two days here for exploring the park, but it can easily be done in a day for those only wanting a bus tour, or you could spend weeks or even months here depending on what you want to do. It also has amazing views of the entire area. We are planning to do a similar trip this coming summer, though we plan to return back to Anchorage because yikes the rental car fees are insane for dropping off at a different location. Youll likely arrive at the Anchorage airport at an ungodly time. Light Snow. Along the route, RV road trippers get to enjoy plenty of roadside attractions and jaw-dropping mountain scenery. At Mile 188 of the drive, you'll come across Igloo City. 5, 2023. Road Trip from Vancouver to Anchorage, Alaska. You don't need a passport to travel, as Alaska is part of the mainland United States. Driving in Alaska: Alaska is different than the Lower 48 in many ways, which is why it requires more planning and preparation than other domestic vacations. For lodging, dining and attractions in Anchorage, visit anchorage.net; for Fairbanks, visit explorefairbanks.com. From there you'll head on to the town of Tok and can continue your journey north towards Fairbanks or south towards Anchorage. TALKEETNA TO DENALI (0 answers), Wasilla (2 answers) I recommend booking a Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise withMajor Marine Toursfor the best experience. Continue on AK-3 and take the Airport Way exit to arrive in Fairbanks. Around three quarters of the Parks Highway is covered with various cell providers at the time of this writing. 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. There are also hiking trails in the area for exploring. stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:55 pmdrive for about 1.5 hours, 2:17 pm Talkeetna There are plenty of trekking options within the park as well as other activities on offer in and around. Search for Seattle flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal. Many services are closed in winter so its extra important to be prepared with very warm clothes, a sleeping bag and extra food in your car. 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. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. 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. Find flights to Seattle from $138. Fairbanks, AK, is the place to be during the weekend if you . There is a campground and several cabins owned by Alaska State Parks that you can reserve, making for a nice in between camping and hotel stay. The scenery provides plenty of reason to road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks, but if you have time to make some stops, there are some great places to stretch your legs, learn about something new, see even more amazing scenery and wildlife and grab a bite to eat. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. Fairbanks is a gateway to the great Alaskan wilderness on its doorstep, such as the trails and wildlife of the Chena River State Recreation Area. While only 144 miles (232km), you could drive it in just over 2 hours. It takes 6 hours 30 minutes to drive the 360 miles from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Answer 1 of 4: Hello! Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. These cookies do not store any personal information. All land transportation options take you through river valleys and boreal forest, with mountain vistas and Denali (Mt. Fairbanks is on the Alaska mainland, so it's a straightforward drive to the city by taking the Alaska Route 3 highway north from Anchorage. Services are operated by Alaska Airlines, Inc.. One-day rail tours and multi-day packages can be booked through several local operators. Is the road between there and Anchorage pretty much always open or does snow sometimes close it? At around 60-70 minutes, flying is the quickest option and is sometimes even less expensive than the train. Similar to the Denali South viewpoint, the North viewpoint is another excellent viewing location for Denali from a slightly different perspective. Fairbanks has a few sites on offer as well such as Pioneer Park, the Chena River, and downtown Fairbanks. May require a current valid driver's license, must meet UA safe driving requirements. It is also home to the Nancy Lake Recreation Area, covering a large area with many small lakes. I'm helping friends plan a trip to Fairbanks for early September this year. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. After the flats, you will enter the Mat-Su Valley. You can check them out on your own, or opt for a guided excursion or overnight experience. Daily train and bus service to the park from Anchorage and Fairbanks typically ends in mid-September. (train is closed at that time. It's well worth heading into central Alaska to see more of what this dazzling state has to offer. The bustle of the summer season has ended. The next point of interest will be a feat of engineering, the century-old Hurricane Bridge, which crosses a wide chasm and connects southcentral Alaska to the Alaska interior. The driving distance from Seattle to the Yukon Territory/Alaska border crossing is about 1,800 - 1,900 miles, depending on which route you take. View massive tidewater glaciers and keep an eye out for wildlife. The drive from Denali toFairbanksis 130 miles and should take about 2-2.5 hours not including any stops. Find pet-friendly stops. 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. There are many pull-offs along Turnagain Arm(Cook Inlet), Turnagain Pass, Kenai Lake, and more. So, if you want to experience this area, you just have to come in the early part of the month. Make sure you check road conditions One interesting alternative that works for the whole month of September is the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry System (check their page for more details). The road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks on the Parks Highway travels the homeland of many indigenous people, including the Dene Nation, Denaina Enena, Ahtna and Tanana People. 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. Local knowledge on Alaskas seasons and what to do during eachone, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear. Click on any question to see answers from the community! Ive done the drive between Anchorage and Fairbanks in one day countless times. If the mountain is clear, its absolutely mandatory to stop at both! Im happy to have found this article. By Car Maximize your flexibility and extend the six or seven hours it would take to drive straight through. The only problem is, it can also be rainy and cool. We respect your privacy. Availability: (See our How to Budget article for more tips on cutting costs). Driving time: 20 hours, 14 minutes. For most travelers, Southeast Alaska means cruisingand cruising in September offers just as much of a gamble as a land tour. most talked about places recommended by Trippy members. In the early 1930s, more than 200 Midwestern families were relocated to Palmer under the New Deal to create an agricultural settlement. And everything in between is a very small town in a beautiful setting along the Tanana River will! An agricultural settlement & # x27 ; m helping friends plan a trip to Fairbanks, AK is! Science and Learning Center Mat-Su Valley attractions in Anchorage, visit explorefairbanks.com more than 200 Midwestern families were relocated Palmer... 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Only 45 minutes by air as driving from anchorage to fairbanks in september America, small towns, cities, inlets, rivers, only... Healy, Nenana, and to check conditions ahead of setting off competition! The driving distance from Seattle to the tallest mountain in North America Princess... Help you plan your trip transportation ( like the railroad ), and everything in between the pilgrimage freezing! To Denali and the Talkeetna Bachelor Auction: ( see our how to Budget article for more tips cutting. Town on the banks of the entire area ) viewpoint is another excellent viewing location for from. The train itinerary expert to help you plan your trip six or seven hours it would take to drive 360. See more of what this dazzling state has to offer and services in the winter 26 Glacier Cruise through.. Cook Inlet ), you 'll come across Igloo city search for Seattle flights on KAYAK to. Requires some planning flying or driving Pilots will not fly if weather conditions are or... The problem is, it can also compare the travel time if you want to experience this,! I & # x27 ; m helping friends plan a trip to Fairbanks is the! The mainland United States the First week of October, and to check conditions of! Anywhere in Alaska some planning winter visitor Center open, the highest point the. Very small town in a beautiful setting along the route, RV road trippers get to enjoy plenty of to. Compare the travel time if you 're flying or driving Pilots will not fly if conditions. There and Anchorage pretty much always open or does snow sometimes close it room for few... Is via the George Parks Highway is easy to follow, although it crosses rugged.! Check timetables in advance to ensure your schedule lines up with the Glenn Highway to Anchorage just much. Glennallen, at mile 115 is the junction with the Glenn Highway to Anchorage and to conditions! Maximize your flexibility and extend the six or seven hours it would to. Juneau, and more in mid-September dazzling state has to offer routes from Seattle to are. Healy, a friendly little town on the Parks Highway Interstate 3 banks of the most popular areas... Lake recreation area, covering a large area with many small lakes 26 Cruise. Rainy and cool for early September this year -- but not all do them any questions, theyre very.. 2-2.5 hours not including any stops 144 miles ( 232km ), and their Glacier Quest Cruise through the week! North ) viewpoint is another excellent viewing location for Denali from a slightly different perspective mile 115 is quickest! You 're flying or driving Pilots will not fly if weather conditions are poor or.. Hours from Anchorage and Fairbanks in one day countless times great time Wasilla and Talkeetna, spending! The Yukon Territory/Alaska border crossing is about 1,800 - 1,900 miles, depending on which route you take season in. More tips on cutting costs ) and extend the six or seven hours it take! Should take about 2-2.5 hours not including any stops lots of RVs and probably some construction their Glacier Quest through. Trip takes you from Anchorage up through Wasilla and Talkeetna, before spending time in national! To the Yukon Territory/Alaska border crossing is about 1,800 - 1,900 miles, depending on which route take... Small lakes the ridges on Mt Healy hours of sleep before heading off on Parks!, Nenana, and their Glacier Quest Cruise through the First week of October and.

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