Alaska Road Trip

Explore Alaska on an RV road trip, seeing Denali, Fairbanks, Valdez and everything in between.
By: Jenna Schnuer

Anchor Yourself

Anchorage isn't just the starting point for our Alaska road-trip loop; it's a city where you can steep yourself in all things Alaskan. Walk the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Survey the land on a flightseeing tour.

While in Anchorage, go to Jens' Restaurant to truly taste salmon for the first time (it's just better in Alaska) or, for some of the tastiest pizza (and beer) in the West, plan a not-on-the-day-you-drive trip to the Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria. Spend the night at the Inlet Tower Hotel & Suites where rooms offer stunning views.

We suggest renting an RV at Great Alaskan Holidays for maximum road-trip fun. Before picking up your ride, fuel up with some reindeer sausage or a crabby omelet at the city's popular breakfast spot, Snow City Cafe. After watching the required how-to RV video and signing all the necessary papers on your temporary wheels, turn the key and head straight to Fred Meyer for groceries.

Anchorage to Denali
225 miles
4.5 hours
Stay: Hook up at the Denali Grizzly Bear Resort at mile-post 231.1 on the George Parks Highway.
Do: Head to Denali National Park for some hiking, cycling or a bus ride deep into the park. Don't miss the Denali Visitor Center; built in 2005, the center's rangers and exhibits will help you figure out how to tackle your first trip to the 6-million-acre park. On day 2, sign on with Denali Raft Adventures for a dry-suit-required white-water adventure on the Nenana River. Hold on tight when you hit the "Coffee Grinder" rapid.
Eat: During your Denali nights, pair RV-prepped meals with Alaska Brewing Co. suds and Alaska Chips.

Denali to Fairbanks
125 miles
3 hours
Stay: Set up home base at the River's Edge RV Park. On the Chena River in Fairbanks, the RV park offers a wide range of services including free Wi-Fi and a Laundromat.
Do: Kayak an easy 1.5-hour route down the Chena River -- and straight through Fairbanks -- with Alaska Outdoor Rentals & Guides.
Eat: If your day of rafting and driving left you pooped, go no farther than the Chena Grill at the River's Edge Resort -- the hotel attached to the RV park. Or head to one of Fairbank's excellent Thai restaurants, including Thai House Fairbanks or Lemongrass. For lunch on day 2 in Fairbanks, grab a seat on the Pump House's deck for a burger or Alaska-caught seafood.

Fairbanks to Copper River Valley
250 miles
4 hours
Stay: The gateway to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, Gakona Junction Village
Do: After spending the night in Gakona, drive to Chitina for a flight into Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and the former copper-mining towns of McCarthy and Kennecott. Don't even think about driving your RV into the park -- that road is bumpy. After your flight out, drive 30 minutes back to Kenny Lake RV Park.
Eat: One of the last remaining Alaskan roadhouses, the Gakona Lodge's current owners serve up tasty stick-to-your-ribs fare at their Carriage House Restaurant.

Kenny Lake to Valdez
115 miles
2.5 hours
Stay: With Prince William Sound in sight, Eagle's Rest RV Park offers up one of the prettiest views you'll see.
Do: It's time to get out on the Sound. Stan Stephens Glacier & Wildlife Cruises have been introducing visitors to the area's waters since 1971. Still family-owned, they know where to go to show you what you want to see (and that includes whales, puffins, seals, sea otters and more). Dress in layers -- even mid-summer, it can get chilly out on the Sound.
Eat: Post-boat ride, warm back up with some chowder (or a burger) at The Harbor Café.

Valdez to Anchorage
304 miles
7 hours
Do and Eat: It's a big driving day. Even if you lose your mind and decide to skip out on photo ops along the way, do not even think about rolling by the Sheep Mountain Lodge without stopping in for one of their delicious and bigger-than-your-head cinnamon rolls. The rest of the menu is pretty tasty, too.

Travel Channel Insider's Tip: You can't road trip through Alaska without a copy of The Milepost. Published annually for more than 60 years, The Milepost is a mile-by-mile guide to the state. Buy it. Use it. It'll be there for you when you can't get service on your SmartPhone.

Next Up

11 Twin Peaks Locations You Can Visit in Real Life

Where to find a damn fine cup of coffee and more.Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these links.

5 Family Adventures in Hawaii

Put the phones down and make memories to last a lifetime with these thrilling activities on the island of Hawaii.

National Dive Bar Day: Is There a Portal To Hell In Memphis?

National Dive Bar Day is July 7, and a small Memphis joint may be pulling double duty as a dive bar and a portal for dark energy.

10 Wild West Family Adventures

Discover how Buffalo Bill, U.S. soldiers, railroaders and Pony Express riders opened the west.

Cuba, a Country of Contrasts

One writer reflects on her trips to Cuba, a country of contrasts.

3 Must-Do Outdoor Activities in the Great Smoky Mountains

There's nothing like a challenging hike with a rewarding view.

6 Fun Day Trips from Washington, D.C.

There’s a lot to do in our nation's capital but sometimes you just want to get out of town. Here are six fun day trips.

12 Best Bites and Sips from Maine’s Midcoast

Experience these Down East culinary highlights.

4 Must-Try Portland Brunch Spots

Dishing up a lot more than just bacon and eggs.

Who Knows NYC Best?

Man v. Food’s Casey Webb matches wits (and appetites) with Food Network’s Vivian Chan to find out who has the real 411 on their home city in Man v. NYC. Ready to judge their throwdown?

More Creepy Content

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss Travel Channel in your favorite social media feeds.

On TV

10am | 9c
11am | 10c
12pm | 11c
1pm | 12c
2pm | 1c
3pm | 2c
4pm | 3c
5pm | 4c
6pm | 5c
On Tonight
On Tonight
8pm | 7c
10pm | 9c
11pm | 10c
12am | 11c
2am | 1c
3am | 2c