Take This Road To Nowhere In Alaska To Get Away From It All
By Courtney|Published July 28, 2016
×
Courtney
Author
Living and loving life in Alaska, Courtney enjoys living a happy life based on simple principles; work hard, be kind, stay humble. She is an avid dog lover with hobbies that include running, fly fishing, hiking & snowboarding.
In the world that we live in today where glorifying the art of “busy” is often times applauded, we can appreciate the simplicity of leaving the rush of the city noise behind and getting away from it all. This one road in Alaska is the perfect place to go to escape the crowds of summertime tourists. Those packed roads that are filled with motor-homes and motor-coaches, nope – you will get none of that here. In fact, because 85% of this road is made up of gravel, most rental car companies won’t even allow their cars to travel down this road.
Because this highway is a bit of a trek to get to, you’ll surely be happy to learn that there are ample places to pull off to the side of the road and pitch a tent on the soft tundra. Along the way you will be spoiled by fascinating views of mountains, glaciers and wildlife. For your traveling convenience, check out this Google Map to assure you are perfectly on track to head to absolutely nowhere fast. Hit the gas station and get ready for the most peaceful and beautiful drive of your life…
The Denali Highway starts in the town of Cantwell off the George Parks Hwy, most famously known for the huge white abandoned "igloo" shaped building. It links to the tiny town of Paxson off the Richardson Highway.
This road was opened in 1957 and was originally the only way to access Denali National Park & Preserve (home to the highest mountain in North America, Denali.) It wasn't until 1972 when the George Parks Hwy opened that visitors were able to access Denali from Anchorage via roadway. Prior to 1957, the only way to access Denali National Park was via railroad. It's truly amazing how much has changed in the last 60 years.
From Paxson, the first 21 miles of the hwy are paved. Many enjoy biking the paved stretch of road because it is filled with lush beauty no matter which way you look. So be sure to drive safely and be on the lookout for these endurance athletes during this stretch.
Many enjoy the vast amount of different bird species and wildlife along the way. Moose, bear and caribou are just some of the critters that you have a great chance of spotting.
Rainbows (and double-rainbows if you're lucky) are very common to spot while driving the Denali Hwy. Those that make this trek are quick to document their rainbow experiences because they are known to make appearances quite regularly.
Only in the middle of "nowhere" Alaska will you find a site that offers showers, hunting and an air taxi all in the same location. Classic and totally fitting!
You will be suprised by the amount of beautiful lakes that you will have to lay your eyes on. Pull to the side of the road and snap a pic of the Tangle Lakes.
Be sure to be on the lookout for Gulkana Glacier in the distance. It just wouldn't be an Alaskan drive without a gleaming glacier to fill your eyes with happiness.
