The 10 Best Backroads In Alaska For A Long Scenic Drive
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Carey Seward
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Road trips are an Alaskan pastime, largely because the state is so huge and it takes forever to get anywhere. These roads are small, windy and through some of the most beautiful parts of Alaska. Take a drive on a scenic road for a peaceful and pleasant countryside cruise. Your cares will melt away as you enjoy the vistas and valleys of the Alaskan mountains.
The Elliot Highway runs north from Fairbanks 73 miles to connect to the Dalton Highway and then southwest towards Minto and Manley Hot Springs. It is paved up to the turn off, so you can just cruise to the north and head back to Fairbanks if you choose. It's an excellent place to see the autumn colors in August and September.
More about Manley Hot Springs here.
More about Manley Hot Springs here.
This two lane road runs from Nome south across the Seward Peninsula to the ghost town of Council on the Seward Peninsula. It is a great place to see ducks and caribou when they pass through on their migrations.
More about the Nome Council Highway here.
More about the Nome Council Highway here.
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In Kodiak, this road is a 17-mile one-way excursion from the Chiniak Highway. Just a perfect place for an ocean side summer cruise. There are beaches for swimming or fishing and gorgeous views of the Pasagshak Bay.
More about Alaskan Byways here.
More about Alaskan Byways here.
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Running along the coast of the Kenai peninsula, this little beach road is a lovely place for a summer cruise. enjoy the views of Mount Redoubt and the sparkling waters of the Cook Inlet.
More about the Kalifornsky Beach Road here.
More about the Kalifornsky Beach Road here.
Most people will experience the Denali Park Road from a tour bus heading to the visitors center and back to the entrance. This trip takes a half day and is packed with breathtaking views and an abundance of wildlife. If you are a really lucky Alaskan, you may win a chance to drive a personal car into the park for a private viewing of the scenery at your own pace.
More about the Denali Park Road here.
More about the Denali Park Road here.
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Take this road from Anchorage to Palmer through mountains and farm country for the feel of older Alaska. This timeless highway makes for a great peaceful country drive on a sunny afternoon.
More about an epic waterfall on the Old Glenn Highway here.
More about an epic waterfall on the Old Glenn Highway here.
From Cantwell to Paxson, the Denali highway cuts across the center of Alaska and has some amazing views. The Tangle Lakes area is stunning. Head across the highway when you have time for a scenic drive as it is unpaved and slow going.
More about the Denali Highway here.
More about the Denali Highway here.
This drive takes you through the Talkeetna Mountains between the towns of Willow and Palmer. Hatcher Pass is a hot spot for outdoor recreation with trails, views and an old mine. The scenic drive is beautiful in the fall when the autumn colors paint the valley.
More drives to see fall colors here.
More drives to see fall colors here.
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In Cooper Landing, this lake shimmers bright blue and is a striking place to take a drive. the 18-,ile loop heads around the lake and has non-stop gorgeous views.
More about Skilak Lake here.
More about Skilak Lake here.
The Exit Glacier Road near Seward is an 8 mile paved road that leads from near the Seward Highway to the glacier. You can bike or walk along the road or just drive to see the glacier and the beauty of the area.
More Glaciers You Can Drive Right Up To Here.
More Glaciers You Can Drive Right Up To Here.
Have you been on these backroads? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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