The Stunning Alaska Drive That Is One Of The Best Road Trips You Can Take In America
We’ve been on some pretty spectacular road trips in the Last Frontier, but the best scenic drives in Alaska captivate and warrant experiencing year after year. As it happens, national rankings agree! There’s a stunning Alaska drive that will absolutely amaze you, and it is known as one of the most beautiful (and most deadly) highways in America. This route that winds from Anchorage all the way to Seward is filled with towering mountain tops, beautiful forests, and gorgeous scenery. Hop in a car and enjoy one of the best once-in-a-lifetime scenic drives in Alaska that has repeatedly been named one of the absolute best road trips in America.
Have you done this stunning Alaska scenic drive? Do you think it’s one of the best scenic drives in Alaska? Do you have any recommendations or tips for stops and overlooks along the way? Let us know in the comments below!
If you take this highway all the way to Seward, you’ll find that there’s a lot to love about this friendly small town – and some pretty fantastic places to stay, too!
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Scenic Drives In Alaska
What are some must-see glaciers in Alaska?
There's no denying that a spectacular scenic drive is one of the best ways to experience our state. But The Last Frontier also boasts numerous breathtaking glaciers, each jaw-droppingly stunning and larger-than-life in their icy glory! Here are just a few must-see glaciers in Alaska:
- Matanuska Glacier: This glacier is the largest glacier accessible by car in Alaska and is located just 2.5 hours from Anchorage. You can take one of the pullouts all along the highway to see the glacier or drive near the glacier’s edge for up-close photos. Access to the glacier is on private land, so to get on the glacier you must join a guided tour. Options include a glacier walk/hike or even taking an ice-climbing class!
- Mendenhall Glacier: This glacier is located just 12 miles from downtown Juneau and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Alaska. You can take a guided tour to explore the glacier’s ice caves, or you can hike the trails to get a better view of the glacier from above.
- Portage Glacier: This glacier is located in the Chugach National Forest of Alaska and abuts the calving face of Portage Glacier at its southern end. You can take a boat tour to see the glacier up close, or you can hike the trails to get a better view of the glacier from above.
Where can I find glaciers in Alaska?
Alaska is breathtaking no matter which corner (or which natural wonder) you're exploring, but there are certain spots where glaciers are more easily accessible and/or prevalent:
- Prince William Sound: This sound has more tidewater glaciers than anywhere on Earth, and it’s one of the easiest places to take a glacier cruise.
- Glacier Bay National Park: This park is renowned for its remarkable glaciers and diverse wildlife, including whales, seals, sea lions, and various species of birds. You can take a boat tour to see the glaciers up close, or you can hike the trails to get a better view of the glaciers from above.