Amazing 3-week Alaska road trip itinerary

Alaska is one of the most epic travel destinations in the world. Want to plan the perfect Alaska trip? Check out this amazing 3-week Alaska road trip itinerary.

Table of contents hide

1 About Alaska

2 Alaska road trip itinerary for 3 weeks

3 Adjustments

4 Book a trip to Alaska

About Alaska

Alaska, the largest state in the United States, is a destination that’s on many travelers’ wish lists. With its pristine wilderness, impressive glaciers, majestic mountains, and fascinating wildlife, Alaska attracts adventure travelers from all over the world.

Alaska is the largest and northernmost state in the United States of America and yet it is home to only 730,000 people. Once a Russian colony, it was purchased by the United States in 1867. The state is still a melting pot of cultures, not only of Russians and Americans but also of indigenous people who have lived in this rugged environment for thousands of years.

The nickname “The Last Frontier” is completely justified, as Alaska is a place where nature prevails and where you can still truly escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

In the summer of 2024, I took a trip through Alaska and I was very impressed. The landscape is so immense and vast, that you can hardly imagine how little influence humans have (had) on this landscape.

In this blog post, I take you on an epic 3-week road trip through this beautiful region, starting and ending in Anchorage. This itinerary mostly follows my own itinerary, but am incorporating a destination that I had to skip myself, but that I’m sure you will want to visit. Enjoy reading and I hope this article inspires you to book your dream trip to Alaska!

Alaska road trip itinerary for 3 weeks

Are you ready? We start in Alaska’s largest city: Anchorage.

Day 1: Arrival in Anchorage

Anchorage has the largest airport in Alaska, so chances are you will arrive here. Depending on your arrival time, you can check out the city for a bit, or you can do some shopping for the upcoming road trip and recover from the possible long trip.

Hotel Tip: TownePlace Suites by Marriott Anchorage Midtown (3⭐) – Great hotel in Midtown, in a convenient location. You’re close to several highways and there are many stores nearby, such as Walmart, REI, and Fred Meyer.

Day 2 & 3: Denali National Park

Mileage: 240 miles / 385 kilometers
Travel time: 4 hours

No trip to Alaska is complete without a visit to Denali National Park, home to the highest mountain in North America. Unfortunately, I had to skip Denali itself during my trip (the weather was too bad), but of course that is a very good reason to go back again!

Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley) is a whopping 20,310 feet (or 6,190 meters) high and doesn’t show itself very often. Reportedly, you have a 30% chance of spotting the snow-capped mountain peak, and that will be an impressive sight for sure! But even if you cannot see the mountain, it is cool to visit this park. There is a very good chance of seeing wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, moose, and caribou.

Take a bus ride through the park (book it ahead of time!), hike one of the many trails, or book a sightseeing flight for spectacular views of the mountain peaks.

Hotel tip: McKinley Creekside Cabins (3⭐) – Very comfortable accommodation in nature about a 20-minute drive from the entrance to Denali National Park.

Day 4 & 5: Hatcher Pass

Mileage: 195 miles / 315 kilometers
Travel time: 3 hours and 45 minutes

After your visit to Denali, drive back in the direction of Anchorage, but turn left at Willow toward Hatchers Pass. This scenic area is known for its breathtaking mountain scenery, in addition to learning more about the history of gold mining.

Visit Independence Mine State Historical Park to learn more about the mining past. Hiking can be done in many places, like the April Bowl Trail. I absolutely loved this trail and it’s definitely a must if you like a short hike. Fancy a longer hiking adventure? Then head to the Reed Lakes Trailhead for a beautiful hike to several mountain lakes.

Hotel tip: Hatcher Pass Lodge – Unique accommodation at Hatcher Pass, next to Independence Mine State Historical Park. Should the lodge sell out, the Hatcher Pass Cabins are also a great place to stay.

Hatcher Pass and Anchorage - Travelogue Canada & America #7

Day 6: Glacier View

Mileage: 77 miles / 125 kilometers
Travel time: 1 hour and 40 minutes

The further east you drive, the less you’ll see human interference in the landscape. The wilderness seems to become more and more vast, and the towns turn into villages with only a few houses. The next base of operations is the small town of Glacier View.

As the name suggests, this place is known for its impressive glaciers, including the immense Matanuska Glacier. The best way to admire it is by taking a glacier hike, but of course, you can also opt to relax and enjoy the breathtaking views.

Hotel tip: Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge – Beautiful accommodation in Sutton, just a 5-minute drive from Glacier View.

Day 7: Chitina

Mileage: 145 miles / 230 kilometers
Travel time: 2.5 hours

The drive today is mostly through a no man’s land, with the occasional dilapidated house or tiny village. The emptiness in Alaska is real. The closer you get to Glennallen, the higher the mountains seem in the background. They are high, too, as you drive toward Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Elias National Park and you’ll find some of the highest mountains in Alaska.

The last major supermarket can be found in Glennallen, so should you need any groceries, get them here. Along the way are a few more interesting places to stop, such as the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Visitor Center and Liberty Falls, a beautiful waterfall.

You end the drive in Chitina, which is a small town where you can still see a few Main Street buildings that look back to the region’s mining past. There are also several lakes where you might spot wildlife (I actually saw a huge bald eagle here). And if you feel like a nice afternoon or evening with the locals, a visit to Uncle Tom’s Tavern is highly recommended.

Hotel tip: Hotel Chitina – This is one of the few historic buildings still standing on Main Street. A nostalgic place to stay.

Day 8 & 9: McCarthy and Kennecott

Mileage: 60 miles / 98 kilometers
Travel time: 2 hours and 10 minutes (but the bad road will probably take you longer)

Get ready for a tough drive today. After all, you will drive for hours on a dirt road, which is quite bumpy at times. But how cool it is! Mountain lakes, old railroad bridges, endless forests, and then the occasional snowy mountain peaks peeking out above, the landscape is like a painting at times. Halfway through, you drive into Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the largest national park in the United States.

Tip: If you don’t dare (or your car rental company doesn’t allow you) to drive the McCarthy Road, there are also shuttles that can take you to McCarthy. These start in Glennallen and stop frequently along the way, including in Chitina. Check this website for more information.

At the end of the road, you will arrive at the historic settlement of McCarthy. About a hundred years ago, this was a busy mining town because of the copper mines near Kennecott. Both towns are particularly fascinating and they give you a unique glimpse of life in Alaska in the early twentieth century. In fact, because of their remote location, there is still an awful lot preserved.

Besides seeing the extraordinary buildings and learning about the towns history, you can do some cool activities here. For example, take a hike to the Root Glacier (this was one of my highlights in Alaska!), climb to the old mines, go kayaking in the icy lake at Kennicott Glacier, or take a sightseeing flight over the high mountain peaks. The views of the wilderness are grandiose!

Hotel tip: Blackburn Cabins – Incredibly cozy cabins in the wilderness, within walking distance of McCarthy. There is a free shuttle service.
Read more: 10 things to do in McCarthy and Kennecott: go back in time in Alaska

Day 10: Richardson Highway

Number of kilometers: 150 miles / 240 kilometers
Travel time: 3.5 hours

Today you will again drive the McCarthy Road, this time back to Chitina. Past Kenny Lake, turn left, and drive south on the Richardson Highway, one of the most beautiful roads in Alaska. On either side, the mountains get higher and steeper, and you regularly see waterfalls glistening among the green trees.

There are plenty of great places to stop along the way:

Worthington Glacier – A large glacier.
Thompson Pass – The highest point, from here you can take a nice hike to various viewpoints.
Old Railroad Tunnel – The remains of a tunnel carved by hand. Because of a “shoot out,” the railroad never got there.
Bridal Veil & Horsetail Falls – Impressive waterfalls, right along the road.

Depending on your overnight location, you can see some of the sights on day 10 and some on day 11 of your road trip.

Hotel tip: Tonsina River Lodge – Beautiful wooden lodge with spa and sauna at the beginning of the epic route to Valdez.

Day 11, 12 & 13: Valdez

Mileage: 30 miles / 50 kilometers
Travel time: 45 minutes

At the end of the Richardson Highway, you arrive at the coastal town of Valdez. I personally found this to be one of the nicest towns in Alaska. The location is truly a picture, as everywhere you look you steep green mountains with waterfalls and then there’s also the spectacular fjord.

Valdez is known for its abundance of wildlife, including seabirds, sea lions, and even whales. And I must say that in terms of wildlife, I felt like hitting the jackpot in Valdez by seeing dozens of bald eagles, sea lions, and even a grizzly bear.

But besides that, there is much more to see and do. There are several beautiful hikes around town (for example, the Mineral Creek Trail or the Solomon Gulch Trail) or you can take a boat trip to the impressive Columbia Glacier.

At the The Solomon Gulch Hatchery (which is free to visit) you will learn more about catching and raising salmon (there is often lots of wildlife here too) and at the Old Valdez Townsite, you can see the remains of the former Valdez that was wiped out by a major earthquake in 1964. Valdez is incredibly interesting and wonderfully beautiful. A must-see when traveling in Alaska!

Hotel tip: Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn (3⭐) – One of the better hotels in Valdez, nicely located on the harbor.
Read more: 16 best things to do in Valdez Alaska + fun hiking trails

Day 14: By ferry to Whittier

Mileage: 90 miles / 145 kilometers (by ferry)
Travel time: 6 hours

It’s time for a special adventure! From Valdez, it is quite a long drive to Whittier (over 6.5 hours), but you can also take the ferry, and of course that is (much) more fun. The ferry goes four times a week (summer schedule 2024) and leaves as early as 7 am. Reserve your ferry on time through the Alaska Marine Highway System website.

During the crossing, you will be treated to beautiful views of Prince William Sound. You’ll pass dozens of waterfalls, maybe see some ice floes (broken off from the Columbia Glacier), and maybe even wildlife. Although it was extremely foggy during my crossing, I still saw quite a few sea lions and even some sea otters. It was incredible!

After just under six hours of sailing, you will arrive in the unique town of Whittier. This former military port is accessible only by boat or through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the longest combined rail and car tunnel in North America.

The town is dominated by two large buildings; Buckner Building and Hodge Building. Both were built during the Cold War to house the military and at the time were a town under one roof, including a movie theater, supermarket, and barber shop. Only a ruin remains of the Buckner Building; the Hodge Building is home to as much as 80% of Whittier’s population. Very interesting!

In addition, you can also admire the natural beauty in Whittier because, like Valdez, it is located in a stunning setting full of waterfalls and glaciers.

Hotel tip: You can also stay overnight in the Hodge Building as a tourist, although of course this comes with a price tag. For prices and availability, check out June’s Whittier Condo Suites. Alternatively, you have the Anchor Inn, which also houses the local bar.

Day 15 & 16: Homer

Mileage: 185 miles / 300 kilometers
Travel time: 3.5 hours

Through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, drive to the Kenai Peninsula, the place where you will spend most of your last week in Alaska. Today’s final destination is Homer, a charming and artsy town on the shores of Kachemak Bay.

Calling itself the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World,” Homer is a very popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. But even if you are not so into fishing, there is plenty to see in the town. For example, take a stroll along the iconic Homer Spit full of colorful wooden houses, visit a local art gallery, or enjoy fine dining at one of the many restaurants.

Hotel tip: Homer Inn & Spa – Beautiful and relaxing accommodation with very comfortable rooms. There is a large sun deck with views of the sea and snow-capped mountain peaks.
Read more: 10 fun things to do in Homer Alaska

Day 17, 18 & 19: Seward

Mileage: 170 miles / 275 kilometers
Travel time: 3 hours and 15 minutes

From Homer, you’ll drive to the other side of the Kenai Peninsula, where you’ll spend a few days in the quaint coastal town of Seward. This is one of the most touristy places you will see on this trip, as it is a popular place for cruise ships to dock.

There’s a good reason for that, because Seward is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. This area is known for its breathtaking fjords, ice-blue glaciers, and abundance of marine wildlife.

Here I experienced one of my highlights while traveling in Alaska: a full day of boating in Kenai Fjords National Park. I saw dozens of whales, sea lions, sea otters, bald eagles, and even some Dall porpoises along the way. Not to mention the spectacular glaciers, huge chunks of which break off in front of you and crash violently into the sea. Breathtaking!

In addition, Seward is also a great base for hikers; there are several beautiful hiking trails in the area. The most beautiful is undoubtedly the Harding Icefield Trail, which leads you along a glacier to a huge snowfield. It’s a pretty tough climb, but the views are more than worth it.

Hotel tip: Harbor 360 Hotel Seward (3⭐) – Beautiful hotel on the harbor, right in the middle of Seward’s busy downtown area. This is also where many of the boat tours begin.
Read more: 14 Best things to do in Seward Alaska (summer tips)

Day 20 & 21: Anchorage

Mileage: 125 miles / 205 kilometers
Travel time: 2 hours and 20 minutes

After three unforgettable weeks, you return to Anchorage filled with unforgettable memories of rugged beauty and adventures in Alaska’s untamed wilderness. You have one more full day to see this city.

Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn more about the fascinating culture and history of the indigenous people, check out the colorful street art downtown, and buy souvenirs for those back home.

Hotel Tip: Snob Hollow Inn Downtown Anchorage – Nice, small accommodation in the center of town. You can walk from here to 4th Avenue, where the souvenir stores and nice restaurants are.

This three-week Alaska roundtrip offers – as far as I’m concerned – a perfect mix of nature, historical sights, and cool outdoor activities, allowing you to experience the best of Alaska. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Map Alaska road trip itinerary

This is what the above itinerary for a round trip in Alaska looks like on the map.

This is an image. Click here to zoom in.

Adjustments

Unfortunately, it’s virtually impossible to see all the beautiful sights in Alaska during a three-week round trip, but this itinerary shows you some of the best places and fun experiences in the state. Here are a few more tweaks you can make to the itinerary and places you might also consider visiting.

The best place to see bears fishing for salmon in the rivers is Katmai National Park. However, this is incredibly remote and is therefore best visited with a tour. Check the official website for more information.
Talkeetna is a charming little town at the foot of the Denali. If you don’t want to drive all the way into the park, you can join a tour from here that takes you over the park in a small plane.
Take a cruise. Many of the people who visit Alaska do so by cruise. It’s convenient because then you have virtually nothing to plan and you can fully enjoy the beautiful views along the way.
Fairbanks is a city located in interior Alaska and an ideal base for exploring the northern part of the state. The town is known for its long winters and the chance to see the Northern Lights.
Extra special is Juneau, the capital of Alaska. The city is very difficult to reach (the easiest way is by boat or plane) and you can see hefty glaciers here.

As you can see, you won’t run out of things to do in Alaska anytime soon. I myself am already dreaming of a second trip to Alaska.

Book a trip to Alaska

Are you ready for your adventure in Alaska? Book your trip now!

✈️ Plane tickets – Anchorage is home to the largest airport in Alaska. Check WayAway to find the best deals and cashback on plane tickets.

🚘 Rental car – To explore Alaska, having a rental car is a must. Check Rental Cars to find the best deals. Make sure to book early, as cars tend to sell out (and get really expensive). If you prefer to travel by RV, check out RV Share.

💊Travel insurance – Having good travel insurance will give you peace of mind. Check Insubuy to find the best travel insurance that fits your needs.

🚣🏼‍♀️Tours & Activities – Alaska is a paradise for outdoor lovers, and there are many unique tours and activities to do, including glacier flights and whale-watching cruises. Check out Get Your Guide for inspiration.

These were all my tips for touring Alaska. Do you have questions? Feel free to ask them in the comments below this article.

Amazing 3-week Alaska road trip itinerary

About Alaska