Tips for Road Tripping on Alaska’s Highways

Driving Alaska’s highways is an unforgettable experience. The roads take you through some of the most scenic and remote parts of the state, offering views of towering mountains and dramatic coastlines. Each mile brings a new and breathtaking perspective that makes road-tripping across Alaska unlike anywhere else. Many of Alaska’s roads travel through remote landscapes, so preparation is key. With the right planning and mindset, driving in Alaska can be safe and one of the most rewarding ways to experience the state. 

Seasonality

Most of Alaska’s highways open year-round but are best traveled between May and September. Summer brings long daylight hours, better weather and road conditions, and more visitor services, making it the ideal time to explore by car. Thanks to the midnight sun, You’ll have ample time to stop for photos, enjoy roadside hikes, or check out small-town summer events and local shops.

Driving during the winter months, typically from October through April, requires more caution. Snow, ice, and limited daylight can make driving hazardous, especially on remote roads. If you’re planning to drive during this time, stick to major routes like the Seward or Glenn Highways and make sure your vehicle is winter-ready with snow tires or chains, emergency supplies, and a full gas tank.

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Safety Tips for Every Season

Whether you’re traveling in summer or winter, here are key tips to keep your road trip safe:

• Know Your Route: Cell service can be spotty or nonexistent in some areas. Be sure to download offline maps, carry a paper map, or utilize a GPS device. The Milepost is a handy mile-by-mile guide to Alaska's highways. 
• Check Road Conditions: Use the Alaska 511 website to check for closures, construction, or inclement weather before and during your trip.
• Fuel Up Often: Gas stations can be hundreds of miles apart. Always fill up when you can, especially before heading into remote areas.
• Know Your Rental Car Restrictions: Many rental companies prohibit driving on gravel and unpaved roads, like the Dalton Highway or McCarthy Road. Always check your contract and get route approvals in advance.
• Drive When It's Light: Drive during daylight whenever possible, especially in spring and fall when the sun sets earlier. 
• Obey Speed Limits: Although some highways may appear quiet, it’s important to respect posted speed limits. Sharp turns and sudden wildlife crossings can make speeding dangerous. 
• Bring an Emergency Kit: Include food, water, extra blankets, a flashlight, first-aid kit, and a tire repair kit. Don’t forget extra batteries and warm clothing as even summer nights can be cold. 

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Best Highways to Drive in Alaska

Alaska offers iconic drives on some of the most scenic routes in North America. Here are a few well-known highways to consider for your next visit:

• Seward Highway: One of the most scenic drives in the U.S., this 127-mile route winds between Anchorage and Seward along the Turnagain Arm and travels by coastal scenery, mountains, and forests. Stop at Beluga Point or detour into Girdwood or the small community of Hope for a hike or bite to eat.
• Richardson Highway: Beginning in Valdez, this 368-mile highway is the oldest highway in Alaska, providing access to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and taking you past sites including the Worthington Glacier and Thompson Pass.
• Glenn Highway: Known for its panoramic views of the Chugach Mountains and Matanuska Glacier, this road connecting Anchorage and Glennallen is perfect for scenic pullouts and photo ops.
• Parks Highway: The main route to Denali National Park and Preserve, this highway connects two of the state’s largest cities (Anchorage and Fairbanks) while also offering access to charming small towns like Talkeetna and Willow. When the sky is clear, travelers may be treated to views of the Alaska Range, home of North America’s largest mountain, Denali, at 20,320 feet.

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Challenging Highways

Some Alaska highways are truly remote and not recommended without thorough preparation and the right vehicle. Most rental car companies don’t allow you to drive on these highways:

• Dalton Highway: This 414-mile gravel road from Fairbanks to Deadhorse is infamous for extreme weather, poor road conditions, and lack of services. Also known as the “Haul Road” for truckers to access the North Slope, it requires extra fuel, spare tires, and survival gear.
• McCarthy Road: This 60-mile gravel road travels into the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and ends at the town of McCarthy. The road is slow-going, bumpy, and includes one-lane bridges. If you do venture out, make sure you know how to do roadside tire changes, as the road is built on-top of an old railroad bed and notorious for popping tires.
• Denali Highway: Not to be confused with the Park Road that leads into Denali National Park, the Denali Highway is a 135-mile scenic drive connecting Paxson and Cantwell. Though it offers spectacular mountain views, it’s unpaved, has very limited serves, and is seasonally maintained. Bring extra food, water, and emergency gear.

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Wildlife on the Roads

One of the most interesting aspects of driving in Alaska is sharing the road with its diverse wildlife. Moose, caribou, bears, and even wolves may roam or cross highways at any time. For your safety and theirs, be sure to slow down when you spot wildlife along the side of the road, and always be ready to brake safely if an animal enters your path.

If you encounter wildlife along the road:

• Slow down and flash your hazard lights to alert drivers behind you.
• Don’t stop in risky locations. Instead, pull onto shoulders or designated pull-offs, well away from curves or intersections.
• Stay in your vehicle when observing animals. If you must exit, ensure you maintain plenty of distance. If an animal becomes alert or changes its behavior, you're likely too close and should head back to your vehicle.
• Never entice wildlife with food or noise, as this is both dangerous and illegal.
• Keep pets leashed and contained, and always carry bear spray if you plan to stop and hike.

Even in the Land of the Midnight Sun, wildlife is more active near roadways during twilight and evening hours, so use high beams (when it's safe to do so) and slow down. Warning signs for wildlife crossings are placed in known hot spots so be sure to keep an eye out for them. With thoughtful driving, Alaska’s wildlife can remain one of your greatest memories and not a roadside hazard.

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Driving in Alaska is an incredible experience for adventurous and independent travelers. With the right preparation, you’ll find the open road here offers a stunning, unforgettable journey through some of the most rugged and remote landscapes in North America.