Majestic mountains and soothing hot springs: A road trip from Fairbanks to Denali to Anchorage

While much of Alaska can be challenging to navigate by car, the 360-mile journey connecting Fairbanks and Anchorage is quite manageable.

Traveling along the well-kept George Parks Highway, you'll explore the stunning wilderness of Denali National Park, home to North America's tallest mountain, and the vibrant town of Talkeetna.

Fairbanks and Anchorage boast some of the state's finest museums, along with convenient access to outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, biking, and fishing.

You can effortlessly extend your adventure south from Anchorage, taking in the captivating natural beauty of the glacially formed Kenai Peninsula.

Planning a road trip through Southcentral Alaska

Key highlights along this picturesque route occur approximately every two hours on two main highways: the George Parks Highway and the Glenn Highway (near Anchorage). These roads, which are primarily two lanes (and four lanes around Fairbanks and Anchorage), are referred to as Highway 3 and Highway 1 on maps. Locals usually refer to these routes by name rather than their numbers, so it's best to use the proper names to avoid confusion.

While towns are sparse along the northern section of this route, gas stations are never more than 40 miles apart. Keep your fuel tank above a quarter full for peace of mind. Expect to see wildlife, such as moose and bears; remain vigilant, adhere to speed limits, and pay attention to "animal crossing" signs. Cell service can be unreliable north of Talkeetna, so make sure to download maps beforehand.

Renting a car in Alaska during peak season (late spring to early fall) can be costly. One-week, one-way rentals in Fairbanks and Anchorage begin at about $1,500. However, if you pick up and drop off at the same location, you could see prices decrease by up to 50%. Consider extending your trip by an extra day to return to your starting point. Without stops, the journey from Anchorage to Fairbanks takes around six hours.

Self-guided adventures versus organized tours

For road trip enthusiasts, discovering Southcentral Alaska by car is an absolute delight. You can set your own pace, select charming and unique restaurants and lodgings, and take spontaneous breaks to photograph wildlife like moose or bald eagles.

Most visitors in this region opt for scenic train tours aboard the glass-domed Alaska Railroad, luxurious motor coach excursions, or a blend of both. All major cruise lines that begin or conclude their itineraries in Whittier or Seward offer these as pre- or post-cruise activities, generally lasting between two to five days.

You can book these excursions directly through well-known companies such as Alaska Tours (starting at $1,759 per person, based on double occupancy, for five nights via motor coach and train) or through the Alaska Railroad itself. The Alaska Railroad provides various packages that include stops in Anchorage, Denali, and Fairbanks, often in conjunction with Seward or Whittier (from $3,795 per person, double occupancy, for seven nights by train).

Considering the high costs of rental cars and accommodations during summer, traveling independently won’t save you money compared to joining a group tour; the prices are generally equivalent for similar comfort levels. However, a self-guided road trip is straightforward to arrange due to the region's tourism-friendly facilities. If you value the independence of exploring at your own pace, an independent road trip is the way to go.

Planning your time wisely

At a fast pace, you can visit the main attractions within five days and four nights. For a more leisurely experience, plan to spend a full week.

How to reach Fairbanks or Anchorage

This journey starts in Fairbanks, the largest city in the northern part of the state. Alternatively, you could reverse the route, beginning in Anchorage, Alaska's biggest city.

Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) is accessible via most major airlines, offering direct flights at least once a day from key northern and western hubs in the Lower 48. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) has even more flight options, including several direct international routes.

The ideal months to visit central Alaska

The best and only practical window for this trip is from mid-May to early October. While there are compelling reasons to visit Fairbanks and Anchorage in winter—such as witnessing the northern lights and attending dog-sled races—road-tripping is not advisable. Driving conditions can be treacherous during this season, and services around Denali National Park are extremely limited in winter.

Expect the largest crowds and highest hotel prices from mid-June to Labor Day, but this is also when you'll likely enjoy the best weather. You'll encounter partly sunny skies with some potential rain; temperatures remain mild, averaging highs in the 60s. Experiencing the true midnight sun in Fairbanks in mid-June can be a highlight. Throughout the summer, the long days allow for more hiking opportunities and less driving in the dark.

Traveling from Fairbanks to Denali National Park

Fairbanks, Alaska's second-largest city with approximately 32,000 residents, is a welcoming, slightly sprawling area of gently rolling woodlands. The city is divided by the winding Chena and Tanana rivers and lies about 120 miles south of the Arctic Circle. It's the first major town travelers encounter when driving to Alaska from Canada via the famous Alaska, or Alcan, Highway.

Make sure to visit the modern and stylish Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center located downtown. Like any visitor center, you can grab brochures and seek advice from the staff about local attractions. However, this center also features an excellent (and free) museum dedicated to human and natural history. Explore the life-size dioramas highlighting Native Alaskan culture, regional wildlife, and archaeology. Afterward, take a stroll along the walking path beside the Chena River and snap a selfie under the Moose Antler Arch, constructed from over 100 antlers.

Next, walk west along the river and then south a few blocks into the vibrant downtown area, where you can enjoy breakfast or lunch at the local favorite Crepery or dine at the upscale Lavelle's Bistro for dinner.

Another essential destination in the city is the Museum of the North, which features a striking, angular structure perched on the hilltop campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The museum's main attractions include its natural history displays, showcasing seals, caribou, and a formidable nearly 9-foot-tall grizzly bear.

Be sure to check out the fantastic gallery on the second floor, showcasing works from generations of Alaskan artists. As you ascend the staircase, you'll encounter a 42-foot-long skeleton of a bowhead whale on one side, while panoramic views of the Tanana River Valley and the Alaska Range unfold through the windows. The museum shop offers a remarkable selection of Alaskan-made art and crafts.

For a unique view of the scenery, consider booking a three-hour narrated cruise on the Riverboat Discovery, a vintage stern-wheeler that navigates the Tanana and Chena rivers. The Tanana Valley Farmers Market, open on Wednesdays and Saturdays during the summer, is also worth a visit for its array of local produce and handmade crafts.

The Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum is another highlight, housing over 70 vehicles, many of which are rare and date back to before the 1940s. Each has been carefully restored. Alongside the cars, you’ll find an impressive collection of period fashion, with photographs of adventurous souls driving their early automobiles across the rugged Alaskan landscape, often through deep snow. It’s truly inspiring material for your journey through the Last Frontier.

The journey to Denali National Park is a straightforward drive of about 120 miles along the George Parks Highway. Just southwest of town, the road steadily ascends into the hills before descending about 60 miles later to cross a stunning bridge over the Nenana River, leading into the larger Tanana River area.

Take a moment to veer off the highway for a quick exploration of Nenana village. Visit the Historic Alaska Railroad Depot, stroll along the riverbank, and stop by the lively Moochers Bar for a local Alaskan beer. It's just under an hour’s drive from Denali.

Optional detour to Chena Hot Springs

Before departing Fairbanks for Denali, consider a one-hour detour in the opposite direction. Located about 60 miles northeast, Chena Hot Springs Resort is a quirky and remote 440-acre resort powered entirely by renewable geothermal energy. It's particularly famous for its indoor and outdoor soaking pools, and in winter, it serves as a magical spot for viewing the northern lights. Enjoy soaking in the two spring-fed pools, which are kept at a comfortable temperature of 82 to 86 degrees.

At this serene resort, you can explore the Aurora Ice Museum, arrange a sled-dog kennel tour or horseback ride, dine at the excellent greenhouse-to-table restaurant, sip appletinis from ice goblets, and even spend the night in the cozy yet simple accommodations.

The drive through lush, moss-covered forests is incredibly soothing until you catch sight of a massive moose enjoying a bath in one of the roadside ponds. At this point, it's a good idea to (carefully) pull over and capture some photos from a safe distance. Your chances of spotting these majestic creatures increase during the early morning or late afternoon as you navigate through Chena River State Recreation Area, located about 15 miles from the resort.

Accommodation options near Fairbanks

Wedgewood Resort (with rates starting at $279 per night) is a cozy choice situated a short drive from downtown, nestled in a peaceful park-like setting. (The Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum is located on the grounds.)

Located near the airport along a beautiful stretch of the Chena River, Pike's Waterfront Lodge (starting at $234 per night) offers several unique amenities: an aromatherapy steam room and dry sauna, a theater showcasing films about the northern lights, a speakeasy-style billiards lounge, and a highly acclaimed riverfront restaurant.

Chena Hot Springs Resort (with rates starting at $210 per night) features 86 hotel rooms, along with cabins and yurts. If you have the time, spending a night here is highly recommended; the ambiance is enchanting.

Traveling from Denali National Park to Talkeetna

As you make your way to Denali National Park from Fairbanks, your first stop will be Healy, a small, relaxed town offering various lodging and dining options. It's much less commercial than the cluster of restaurants, tour companies, and hotels found 10 miles further south, just outside the park's main entrance, known as "Glitter Gulch."

While Glitter Gulch is convenient, it can be crowded with park visitors. However, it boasts Prospector's Pizzeria & Alehouse — a must-visit spot for delicious pizzas topped with creative ingredients and a fantastic selection of Alaskan craft beers.

Allocate a few days to discover Denali National Park. Most of this 7,408-square-mile park remains untouched wilderness, and there are only two ways to experience it by vehicle.

The most common option is to ride in one of the green school buses that travel Denali's 92-mile park road. Unfortunately, in 2021, the significant Pretty Rock Landslide damaged this gravel road at mile 43. Until a major reconstruction project is completed around summer 2026, buses can only go as far as mile 43, meaning the beautiful and popular Eielson Visitor Center (at mile 66) is currently closed.

Your other choice is to drive into the park, but personal vehicles are only allowed up to mile 15 of the park road, reaching the Savage River picnic area. Still, the stunning views along these first 15 miles may even surpass those of the additional 28-mile stretch accessible to park buses. Driving offers the freedom to go at your own pace, ensuring you enjoy great scenery from your car. Plus, you won’t have to compete for a seat on a crowded bus.

The parking area at Savage River can become quite full, so it’s advisable to visit during less busy times, either early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Whether you choose to drive or take the bus, a stop at Savage River is a must. From this location, you can access two of the park's finest hiking trails. The easy 1.7-mile round-trip Savage River Loop Trail winds through a stunning river valley. Starting from the same trailhead, the moderately challenging Savage Alpine Trail (4.2 miles one way or 6.5 miles as a loop) ascends about 1,500 feet over a rugged ridge adorned with wildflowers, offering breathtaking views before descending to Savage River Campground. From there, you can catch a bus or walk the last 2.3 miles back along the Park Road to your starting point.

During your trip, you might catch a glimpse of the park's namesake peak, towering at 20,310 feet. However, Denali's weather can be unpredictable, often shrouding the summit in clouds even when it’s sunny at Savage River. The park offers more than just the mountain; near the entrance, there’s plenty to explore around the main visitor center, including the sled-dog kennels at park headquarters and several excellent hiking options. One standout is the 4-mile round-trip hike to Horseshoe Lake.

For unforgettable views of the park, consider indulging in a flightseeing adventure. Several reputable companies provide this service, including Healy-based Fly Denali and Talkeetna's K2 Aviation, known for being one of Alaska's best and longest-established flightseeing operators.

K2 offers one- to two-hour tours that soar over the park's stunning peaks and vast blue-tinted glaciers, delivering spectacular close-up views and (weather permitting) a fantastic look at Denali Peak. For an additional fee, you can book a flight that lands on a glacier, allowing you to step out for a quick walk.

To reach Talkeetna, it’s a 2.5-hour drive from the entrance of Denali, heading south along George Parks Highway. The last 14 miles involve a sharp turn north onto Talkeetna Spur Road.

Where to stay near Denali National Park

To escape the crowds from bus and train tours, consider staying in one of the smaller, slightly off-the-beaten-path lodgings, either north of the park in Healy or south around Carlo Creek.

A notable exception is the Grande Denali Lodge (rates begin at $369 per night). Located in Glitter Gulch, it is popular among groups, yet it boasts a stunning setting high on a bluff. The lodge is distanced from road noise and offers magnificent views of the park, particularly from the excellent Alpenglow restaurant.

About 15 miles south in Carlo Creek, you’ll find McKinley Creekside Cabins (rates start at $289 per night), a charming and laid-back compound featuring a delightful café and bakery, along with 13 cabins and three larger vacation homes for accommodation.

Talkeetna to Anchorage

Talkeetna has gained more recognition since it inspired the fictional town of Cicely in the popular '90s TV series "Northern Exposure." However, it remains charmingly quirky. Its atmosphere is deeply connected to Denali National Park, with many park visitors also stopping here. The town sees a significant influx of people when the Alaska Railroad trains arrive, effectively multiplying its population.

It's a fantastic place to spend the night if you're planning one of the popular flightseeing tours of Denali. Beyond that, Talkeetna is simply a picturesque town with a vibrant personality. Interestingly, you're more likely to catch a glimpse of Denali's peak from Talkeetna than from the closest area of the national park. For stunning views, head to Talkeetna Riverfront Park, located at the west end of Main Street.

The town features a charming 1920s general store, Nagley's, which is famously home to Talkeetna's feline mayor, Denali. (Denali succeeded the former mayor, a well-known orange manx mix named Stubbs, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 20.) Additionally, Talkeetna boasts a small yet impressive array of galleries and eateries. Notable dining options include Denali Brewpub for its spacious deck and Homestead Kitchen for a delightful fusion of Southern and Alaskan-inspired dishes.

Mat-Su Valley

After returning to Parks Highway from Talkeetna, the drive to Anchorage is quite simple and takes about two hours without any breaks. However, there are several intriguing places to visit along the way in the Mat-Su (short for Matanuska-Susitna) Valley, which you'll enter roughly an hour after departing Talkeetna.

This area is somewhat suburban, particularly the sprawling town of Wasilla, which gained notoriety when John McCain selected its former mayor, then-Alaska governor Sarah Palin, as his running mate during the 2008 presidential election.

Notable stops along the route include the Museum of Alaska Transportation Industry and Palmer, located just a short distance up the Glenn Highway after the fork toward Anchorage. This historic town is home to the Alaska State Fair in late August, renowned for its massive produce, including cabbages weighing 138 pounds and pumpkins reaching 2,000 pounds. The extended summer daylight in Alaska leads to a brief yet impressive growing season.

Palmer is also home to the Musk Ox Farm, a fantastic nonprofit where you can schedule a guided "oxperience" to observe these gentle, furry mammals from the Ice Age up close. For a pleasant lunch, check out Vagabond Blues Coffee House and Palmer Ale House.

Where to stay near Talkeetna

Just steps away from shops and cafes, Talkeetna Cabins (rates start at $285 per night) is a charming little complex featuring four modern log cabins and a three-bedroom log house, all set around a grassy area. Each unit comes with a fully equipped kitchen.

Located a few minutes from town and lacking the area's historic charm, Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge (rates start at $299 per night) provides a variety of comforts after a day of driving, hiking, or enjoying a tiny flightseeing adventure. The lodge offers 212 upscale rooms across several buildings, with amenities including multiple dining options, a gym, and a back terrace that boasts stunning views of Denali.

Exploring Anchorage

Home to nearly 40% of Alaska's 733,000 residents, Anchorage spans almost 2,000 square miles—making it larger than Rhode Island. With its big-box stores and expansive, well-kept roads, the city might initially feel surprisingly familiar and somewhat subdued. However, it's enveloped by rugged wilderness, from the jagged peaks of the Chugach Mountain range to the vast waters of Cook Inlet and its Knik and Turnagain arms.

Anchorage serves as a fantastic launch point for day trips involving hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and skiing. It opens the door to the unspoiled rivers and fjords of the Kenai Peninsula and boasts a vibrant restaurant scene. Additionally, it is home to two of the state's most notable cultural landmarks: the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Anchorage Museum.

As you make your way into the city from Mat-Su Valley, keep an eye out for the turnoff to the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Established in 1999, this 26-acre wooded campus is Indigenous-operated and features six village settings that showcase the cultures of Alaska's 11 Native groups.

Plan your visit to witness captivating demonstrations of traditional games and dances in the central hall. Afterwards, take the time to explore the outdoor villages, which are situated around a serene lake. Here, you can engage with tribal members, observe craft demonstrations, and listen to their stories.

Venture into downtown Anchorage to stroll around Town Square Park and along Fourth and Fifth avenues. Grab a quick bite from one of the reindeer hot dog carts or enjoy dinner at the popular eatery Whiskey & Ramen.

The city's architecture presents a diverse mix, as nearly all buildings were constructed after the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake, which struck with a magnitude of 9.2 and nearly destroyed the area. The Anchorage Museum is housed in an impressive glass structure and requires at least two hours to thoroughly explore. It features the fascinating Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center gallery, showcasing over 600 Native Alaskan artifacts, including hunting and fishing tools, clothing, masks, and wood carvings.

Additionally, the museum boasts the exceptional Art of the North gallery, an extensive Alaska history exhibit, an interactive science and technology center complete with a planetarium, a rotating selection of engaging exhibits, and a superb restaurant.

Just outside downtown, the neighboring areas of Midtown and Spenard are home to some of Anchorage's finest dining spots. In Midtown, stop by Kinley's for creative modern American cuisine and Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria for excellent people-watching opportunities.

In Spenard, notable mentions include Spenard Roadhouse, known for its upscale gastropub dishes, and Pho Lena, which serves delicious Laotian and Thai cuisine in a humble building that used to be a Pizza Hut.

For stunning views of the city and the vast Cook Inlet, tackle the hike up Flattop Mountain, reputed to be the most climbed peak in Alaska. The trail is only 1.5 miles each way, but it ascends approximately 1,500 feet in elevation.

Where to stay in Anchorage

Located within walking distance of numerous restaurants and attractions, the elegant Marriott Anchorage Downtown (rates starting at $391 per night or 43,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) soars 20 stories high. Guests in the upper-level rooms can enjoy stunning views of the water and mountains.

In Midtown, Aloft Anchorage is an excellent option for travelers, providing free parking and convenient access to major highways (rates start at $256 per night or 32,000 Marriott Bonvoy points). This modern four-story hotel boasts lovely views of the Chugach Range, a welcoming lobby bar, a well-equipped fitness center, and one of the top indoor hotel pools in the area.