Hit the Road in Alaska: Top Alaska Road Trip Destinations

Alaska Open RoadWhat comes to mind when you think of sweeping roads, one-of-a-kind views, and spectacular landscapes? What about crystalline hues of ice blue glaciers, winding rivers and massive park land?

Do you think of Alaska? If not, maybe it’s time you should. Get to know all that is Alaska and consider taking an awe-inspiring scenic drive through some of its jaw-dropping
landscapes. From majestic mountains to off-the-beaten path side roads, a scenic drive through some of Alaska’s iconic roadways is sure to leave you in awe.

Want to Drive Your Own Car in Alaska? Consider Car Shipping

Perhaps you are planning an extended stay or even relocating to a new city there, such as Fairbanks or Anchorage. If that’s the case, why not consider having your car shipped to Alaska? If you haven’t tried car shipping yet, there is no cause for concern.

Auto transport is an effortless and fearless endeavor when you find a company you can trust. You can enjoy the comfort, convenience and the familiarity of your own vehicle as you venture off the beaten path.

If you are planning a scenic road trip in Alaska during the summer months, you are in luck. You can take advantage of all that extra summer sunlight without having to worry about being home before dark, making your drive all the more enjoyable.

Enjoyable Road Trip Options in Alaska

 Turnagain Arm Drive

With the essence of an untouched, pristine combination of beauty and nature, you never truly know what’s just around the bend on this scenic drive. Wildlife, mammoth mountain tops and scenic views that leave you speechless await you here.

Turnagain Arm Drive is known as one of the world’s most scenic drives. This is a well-deserved title. The Seward Highway stretches out for about 50 miles offering you a fountain of waterfalls courtesy of the Chugach Mountains on one side with a possible beluga whale sighting in Cook Inlet on the other. You can start in Anchorage and wind up in Portage Glacier. Make no mistake, you will wind up with a scenic drive you will not be quick to forget.

There are spots to pull over and breathe it all in as you drive along.

  • Take awe-inspiring photographs
  • View different types of wildlife; moose, sheep, eagles to name a few
  • Maybe even spot a beluga whale in the Cook Inlet.
  • Start with a visit to Chugach State Park first and go for a hike, fishing, rafting, kayaking and so much more
  • Take a hike on the Turnagain Arm Trail

Take a drive on Turnagain Arm Trail and you will get to boast that you too took a ride on one of the world’s most scenic pathways.

Hatcher Pass

When you feel like turning to your partner and saying, “Road Trip,” you may want to consider Hatcher Pass. If you are heading out from Anchorage and seeking to spend a couple of hours on a scenic road trip, then Hatcher’s Pass is perfect for you. It should not take more than three hours for a round trip drive and you will partake in some of the most breathtaking scenery along the way.

Mountains, scenery, hiking and skiing – those are just a few of the exciting amenities you will enjoy when you take a scenic drive through Hatcher Pass. Better yet, whether you are a budding photographer or a seasoned professional with a lens, Hatcher Pass is sure to delight every level of the senses. It is like a photographer’s utopia.

You can choose a variety of things to do and see while taking your scenic drive:

  • Hiking
  • Picnicking – recommended to bring a picnic lunch as it is a long drive and no place to stop and buy anything.
  • Photography
  • Camping along the way at various campgrounds

Independence Mine State Historical Park

An old deserted gold mine in one of the most pristine settings there is, Independence Mine State Historical Park is a nice stop along the way. The gold mine and the abandoned town make for a fun tour. Climbing trails, taking photos, exploring the gold mine and its town, are just a few more reasons why Hatcher Pass is loved by locals and tourists alike.

Matanuska Glacier

Imagine the wonderment and delight on your family’s face when you tell them you are taking a drive to see a glacier up front and personal and maybe even walk across its blue ice. Wonderment is what happens when you head about two hours from Anchorage to view a glacier that is just about 27 miles long and four feet wide.

There, you can choose to discover the intricacies of certain parts of the glacier on your own or opt for a guided tour.

  • Explore the glacier
  • Take a hike
  • Plenty of photo opportunities
  • Picnic and even camp at the recreation site

Perhaps you are seeking to get in your own vehicle and take a day trip from Anchorage Alaska to the Matanuska Glacier Scenic Drive. If you have never driven this scenic route with the end goal of viewing a glacier, then having your own car to do so is a wise choice indeed. You will be awe-inspired by the magnificence of the Matanuska Glacier. You can even travel a bit further and spend your time picnicking, hiking, camping and simply walking at the Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site.

What better way to enjoy all of these things than in the comfort and familiarity of your own vehicle? If this sounds intriguing, why not consider hiring a specialist for your auto transport needs?

Each road trip has its own journey; each journey creates its own memories. Why not explore all that is Alaska and see for yourself. Take a drive, make a memory, and hit the road in Alaska.

Category: Tips