There are so many things to see in Alaska, all the way from massive glaciers to towering mountains, quiet lakes, curious wildlife, roaring waterfalls and more. The great thing about our state is that you never really have to drive too far to experience it all. Some of these day trips may be just a leg of your usual routine, but when you take time to slow down and smell the roses you might notice things you never had before. Make sure to take time in your schedule to plan a day to explore one of the best road trips in Alaska. They all deserve to be on your bucket list!

1) Denali Park Road - McKinley to Kantishna
crosby_cj | Flickr
There is no other drive through Alaska quite as rewarding as the road that travels through the heart of Denali National Park. The wildlife is abundant at all times of year and the scenery never fails to blow you away! One of the most popular places to see in Alaska, the Denali Park Road is a once in a lifetime experience.
2) Hatcher's Pass Scenic Drive
Cecil Sanders | Flickr
Hatcher's Pass is another popular route to take if you're looking for a fun weekend getaway. The scenery is fantastic, of course, but the recreation along the way is unbeatable too. The hiking and skiing opportunities are endless depending on the time of year you take your trip.
3) Matanuska Glacier Scenic Drive
Dhilung Kirat | Flickr
You've got to take this drive if not just for the photo op at the end of it. Look at this massive 4-mile expanse of glacier, well worth the equally as scenic drive. This road trip is definitely one of the best things to do in Alaska.
4) Skilak Lake Road Map
Paxson Woelber | Flickr
Just this picture of Skilak Lake is enough to convince me to take the drive there. Once you're there the fun has only started, the real day trip takes place on the 18-mile gravel road that loops around the lake offering awesome views and close up encounters with wildlife!

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5) Old Glenn Highway Scenic Drive
Cecil Sanders | Flickr
This is a breathtaking shot of Pioneer Peak in Palmer, Alaska. The Old Glenn Highway Scenic Drive ends once you reach Palmer and offers hundreds more of these candid photo ops along the way.
6) Eklutna Lake Scenic Drive
Joseph | Flickr
Though this is an aerial shot of Eklutna Lake just outside of Anchorage, it still doesn't do the real thing true justice. This lake is one of a kind with awesome hiking opportunities, kayaking tours, and plain ol' beautiful views year round. Definitely a day trip that will relax your bones and refresh your spirit!
7) Portage Valley & Whittier Tunnel Drive Guide
Cindy Zackowitz | Flickr
What you see here is really what you get. The Portage Valley & Whittier Tunnel Drive Guide takes you right into the sweet spot of Alaska with incredible views like the one above. It's incredible to see vegetation shift into snow fields as the elevation changes in front of your eyes! When you continue through the Whittier, you'll get to catch a glimpse or two of Alaskan marine life along the water.
8) Pasagshak Bay Road
Damian Manda | Flickr
Last but not least, I've got to give a shout out to Pasagshak Bay Road on Kodiak Island. I know it's a long shot, but if you happen to visit Kodiak make sure to set aside time for the wonderful daytime cruise. You get to see a whole different side of Alaska you never knew existed in just 17-miles! This spot deserves to be at the top of your scenic drives in Alaska list.

Beautiful scenery and a glimpse into mother nature are at your finger tips when you take one of these day trips through Alaska. If you keep your eyes open and take your time, you’ll not only get an amazing experience checking out some of the most scenic drives in Alaska, but a very relaxing escape as well.

Are there any more drives you would add to the best road trips in Alaska list? Let us know in the comments below!

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More to Explore

Best Road Trips In Alaska

Megan McDonald | May 08, 2020

What are the most well known parks in Alaska?

Alaska is famous for both amazing national and state parks. Without a doubt the most famous is Denali National Park. Home to the tallest mountain in North America, this national park is on many people’s bucket lists. It’s located in the interior of Alaska in a designated wilderness area. There’s only one road in, and it doesn’t go very far compared to how large the park is. Many people choose to take flight seeing tours of the park, because it’s hard to see much of it from the single road the park has. That road however, the Denali Park Road, is stunningly beautiful, and made the list above. Book a ticket on one of the park buses to experience true Alaskan wilderness!

What are the best day trips in Alaska?

It depends on where you’re starting your day from, as Alaska is so huge that a day trip from Anchorage may be a weekend trip from Fairbanks. There are many wonderful places to visit in Alaska, and these road trips highlight quite a few of them. Eklutna Lake is a wonderful spot to visit from Anchorage. If you’re in the Talkeetna area, driving the Denali Park Road is an incredible experience. If you’re in Seward, taking any of the whale watch tours, or hiking out to Caines Head are both wonderful day trips. If you’re visiting Homer, take a trip out to Halibut Cove for a wonderful and unique day trip experience kayaking the lovely coves in the area. There is so much to see and do in our state!

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