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Alaska’s Treasures: From Denali to Ocean Fjords

Main page / Routes / Alaska’s Treasures

~ 2074 km, 12 days

Start of the journey: from Anchorage to the Valley of the Giants

Your grand journey through Alaska begins in its largest city, Anchorage. After picking up your motorhome and stocking up on all the necessary supplies, you’ll head northeast on the Glenn Highway. This short drive will take you through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley — known as the agricultural heart of Alaska — to the town of Palmer.

If time allows, you can stop by The Musk Ox Farm to get a closer look at these prehistoric animals. You’ll spend the evening settling into your home on wheels. Overnight stay is planned at one of the campgrounds in the Palmer area.

Points of interest

Anchorage

The largest city in Alaska, home to nearly 40% of the state’s population. Anchorage serves as the main gateway to Alaska’s wild nature, combining the conveniences of a modern city with proximity to untouched landscapes. It’s the perfect place to begin your journey — to stock up on food and gear before heading into more remote areas.

Palmer

A small town located in the heart of the fertile Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Palmer is known throughout Alaska for its agricultural fairs, where enormous vegetables are proudly displayed. This phenomenon is due to the region’s exceptionally long daylight hours in summer, allowing crops like cabbage and pumpkins to reach record sizes.

The Musk Ox Farm

A non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and domestication of musk oxen — Ice Age animals. The most valuable feature of the musk ox is its underwool, called qiviut, one of the softest and warmest fibers in the world, valued higher than cashmere. Guided tours of the farm let you see these majestic animals up close, learn their history, and discover how qiviut is sustainably harvested.

Northward, to the Foot of Denali

After breakfast, you’ll leave Palmer and begin the main stretch of your drive north on the Parks Highway — the major road leading into the heart of Alaska. The route takes you through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley and then through Denali State Park, where, on clear days, you might catch your first glimpses of the Alaska Range.
Along the way, we recommend stopping in the town of Talkeetna — a place with unique character that serves as a base for climbers preparing to ascend Denali. By evening, you’ll reach your main destination: Denali National Park and Preserve. Overnight stay is planned at one of the campgrounds near the park entrance.

Points of interest

Talkeetna

A small town located at the confluence of three rivers. Talkeetna began as a gold mining center and is now known as the main base for climbers from around the world preparing to summit Denali. The town has preserved many historic buildings from the early 20th century and is famous for its informal atmosphere and local legends — such as the story of Stubbs, a cat who served as the town’s honorary mayor for many years.

Denali State Park

This park, adjacent to the more famous Denali National Park, acts as a kind of “gateway” to it. The Parks Highway runs through the area, with several scenic viewpoints (notably the South and North Viewpoints) offering some of the best views of Denali and the Alaska Range on clear days. The park also provides great opportunities for hiking.

Denali National Park and Preserve

A major highlight of any trip to Alaska, this park spans six million acres of untouched wilderness. The landscape transitions from lowland forest to alpine tundra and snow-capped peaks. The park was established to protect Alaska’s wildlife, especially the Dall sheep. It’s also home to grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and many other species. At the heart of the park rises Denali — the tallest mountain in North America, standing at 20,310 feet (6,190 m).

Deep into Denali’s Wilderness

Today is entirely dedicated to exploring the vastness of Denali National Park and Preserve. Private vehicle access into the park is strictly limited, so the main way to experience its wilderness is by taking a bus tour along the park road, starting from the Denali Bus Depot. It’s highly recommended to book your seats in advance, as this is the park’s most popular activity.

The bus ride takes most of the day (between 6 and 8 hours or more) and offers the chance to see grizzly bears, moose, Dall sheep, caribou, and possibly even wolves in their natural habitat. Before or after the tour, you can stop by the Denali Visitor Center to learn more about the park. Overnight stay is once again planned at a campground near the entrance.

Points of interest

Denali Park Bus Tour

This is the main way to explore the park, as private vehicles are only allowed on the first 15 miles of the park road. There are several types of bus tours that vary in length and route. The primary goal of the journey is wildlife viewing. All bus drivers are specially trained to help passengers spot animals and make stops for photos. Along the way, you’ll see vast stretches of tundra — and, if the weather is clear, stunning views of Denali itself.

Denali Visitor Center

The park’s main information hub is located not far from the entrance. Here you can pick up maps, check trail conditions, speak with rangers, and view exhibits on Denali’s geology, flora, and fauna. The center also serves as the starting point for several short hiking trails near the entrance area. Visiting the center helps you better understand the ecosystem you’ll encounter during the bus tour.

Heading North to Alaska’s “Golden Heart”

After a full day in Denali, today’s journey takes you north at a relaxed pace toward Fairbanks, often referred to as the “Golden Heart of Alaska.” Along the way, you’ll pass through small settlements like Healy and Nenana, where you can make a short stop.

Upon arrival in Fairbanks — Alaska’s second-largest city — you’ll check into a campground and get a feel for the town’s unique character. A visit to the University of Alaska Museum of the North, located on the university campus, is highly recommended to gain insight into the region’s cultural and natural history. Overnight stay is planned at a campground near Fairbanks.

Points of interest

Fairbanks

A major city and transportation hub in Alaska’s interior, Fairbanks was founded in the early 20th century during the gold rush. Due to its location near the Arctic Circle, the city is known for its extreme temperature swings and two natural phenomena: in summer, it experiences nearly 24 hours of daylight (“midnight sun”), while in winter, it’s one of the best places in the world to view the northern lights.

Nenana

A small town on the banks of the Tanana River, best known for the “Nenana Ice Classic” lottery. Since 1917, locals and visitors alike have been placing bets on the exact date and time the river ice will break up in spring. A large wooden tripod is placed on the ice and connected to a clock on shore. When the ice begins to move, the tripod tips over, stopping the clock and determining the winner — who receives a substantial cash prize.

Museum of the North

This museum features extensive exhibits dedicated to Alaska’s cultural and natural heritage. Visitors can see artifacts from Indigenous peoples, works of art, displays on the gold rush era, as well as dinosaur skeletons and Ice Age animals. One of the most famous exhibits is “Blue Babe” — a 36,000-year-old mummified steppe bison. The building itself is also a local landmark, with its glacier-inspired forms and outline echoing the curves of the Alaska Range.

Along the Richardson Highway to “Little Switzerland”

Today’s route takes you southeast on the Richardson Highway — Alaska’s oldest road. After leaving Fairbanks, you’ll make a brief stop in the town of North Pole, where the spirit of Christmas is alive all year round. From there, continue on to Delta Junction, the official endpoint of the famous Alaska Highway.

Much of the day will be spent on the road, watching the landscapes of central Alaska gradually shift, with scenic views of the Alaska Range along the way. Your destination for the evening is the area around Glennallen — a key crossroads and the gateway to the vast Wrangell–St. Elias National Park. Overnight stay is planned at a campground in the area.

Points of interest

North Pole

This small town near Fairbanks is entirely built around a Christmas theme. Its main attraction is the Santa Claus House, a large gift shop where you can meet Santa himself, see his reindeer, and send a postcard with a special North Pole postmark. Street lamps here are shaped like candy canes, and many roads have Christmas-themed names.

Delta Junction

A town of historical importance as the official end point of the Alaska Highway, which was constructed during World War II to connect Alaska to the rest of the U.S. mainland. In the center of town stands a monument marking this location — Milepost 1422. It symbolizes the end of a long journey for those coming from the south and serves as a good stop to learn about the history of this strategic road.

Glennallen

A small community located at the junction of the Glenn and Richardson highways, Glennallen serves as a key service center for travelers in the region. The area is often referred to as “Alaska’s Little Switzerland” due to the scenic views of the Wrangell Mountains, the Chugach Range, and Denali. It’s a convenient overnight stop before continuing south toward the port town of Valdez.

Glaciers and Waterfalls on the Way to Valdez

Today you’ll continue driving south along the Richardson Highway toward the coast of Prince William Sound. This stretch of road is known for its breathtaking views of glaciers and mountains. One of the key stops along the way is the Worthington Glacier State Recreational Site, where you can walk quite close to the glacier from the parking area.

The road then leads you through Keystone Canyon, a narrow gorge with sheer cliffs and several cascading waterfalls. By the end of the day, you’ll reach the port town of Valdez, surrounded by towering mountains. Overnight stay is planned at a campground in the Valdez area.

Points of interest

Worthington Glacier

One of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska for motorists, Worthington Glacier is located in a state recreational area right off the Richardson Highway. A paved trail leads from the parking lot to the base of the glacier, allowing visitors to get a close look at the blue ice and its structure. Nearby information panels explain how the glacier formed and how it moves over time.

Keystone Canyon

A narrow river canyon carved by the Lowe River, with steep rock walls rising up to 180 meters (600 feet). During road construction in the early 20th century, several short tunnels were blasted through the canyon. Its most notable features are the many waterfalls that cascade down the cliffs — including the famous Bridal Veil Falls and Horsetail Falls. There are several pullouts along the road for stopping and taking photos.

Valdez

A port town nestled at the end of a long fjord and surrounded by the Chugach Mountains. Valdez is the northern terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, which transports oil from northern fields to a marine terminal here for loading onto tankers. The town is also known as a hub for outdoor adventure — including glacier cruises, kayaking, and fishing.

Glaciers and Marine Life of Prince William Sound

This day is fully dedicated to exploring the surroundings of Valdez and the waters of Prince William Sound. You’ll have the chance to choose from several activities this region has to offer. The most popular option is a boat tour to Columbia Glacier.

These cruises take up most of the day and offer a chance to witness massive chunks of ice calving off the glacier and crashing into the sea. Along the way, there's a good chance of spotting marine wildlife — including sea otters, sea lions, seals, and possibly even whales. Alternatively, you might opt for a kayaking tour or a visit to the local Solomon Gulch Hatchery. Overnight stay is once again planned at a campground in the Valdez area.

Points of interest

Columbia Glacier

One of the largest and fastest-retreating glaciers in North America. Flowing down from the Chugach Mountains into Prince William Sound, the glacier is actively melting and releases a massive number of icebergs into the water, creating a dramatic ice field. Since access is only possible by water, boat tours from Valdez are the main way to visit and observe it up close.

Prince William Sound

A vast and complex inlet filled with islands, fjords, and glaciers, opening directly into the ocean. The sound is home to a rich marine ecosystem: humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, seals, sea otters, and large populations of seabirds including puffins. It’s also known as the site of the major environmental disaster caused by the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill.

The Solomon Gulch Hatchery

Located near Valdez, this hatchery raises salmon (primarily pink and chum salmon). In summer, when fish return to spawn, you can witness thousands of salmon swimming upstream. This spectacle draws in numerous predators — including sea lions, seals, and bears — that gather near the hatchery to feed.

A Sea Journey and a Mountain Passage

Today, you’ll trade the road for the sea. In the morning, you and your motorhome will board a ferry operated by the Alaska Marine Highway, departing from the Valdez Ferry Terminal for a multi-hour voyage to Whittier. This journey is a scenic experience in itself, offering views of glaciers and marine wildlife as you cross the waters of Prince William Sound.

Upon arrival in Whittier, you’ll drive through the town’s main transportation artery — the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, which leads you through the mountain range to the other side. Overnight stay is planned at a campground near Girdwood, offering a well-deserved rest after the long sea crossing.

Points of interest

Alaska Marine Highway Ferry

This state-run ferry system is a vital part of Alaska’s transportation network, connecting coastal communities that are otherwise inaccessible by road. The crossing from Valdez to Whittier is not just a means of transport — it’s a scenic sea journey. From the ship’s deck, you can enjoy views of glaciers, the Chugach Mountains, and, with a bit of luck, spot sea otters, seals, sea lions, and even whales.

Whittier

One of Alaska’s most unusual towns, Whittier is accessible by land only through a single tunnel. It was originally founded as a secret military base during World War II. The town’s most unique feature is that nearly all of its ~200 residents live in one 14-story building called Begich Towers. Today, Whittier serves as a deep-water port and a terminal for many cruise ships.

Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel

The longest combined vehicle-rail tunnel in North America (about 4 km / 2.5 miles). It’s a single-lane tunnel with alternating one-way traffic controlled by a strict schedule: vehicles go in one direction at designated times, then the other direction, and trains also use the tunnel. Passing through it is an essential part of the Whittier experience.

Along the Seward Highway: Glaciers and Wildlife

Today, you’ll travel along the Seward Highway — a scenic route widely regarded as one of the most beautiful drives in the United States. Heading south from Girdwood, you’ll make several must-see stops along the way. The first is Portage Glacier, where you can take a short cruise across the glacier’s namesake lake.

Further down the road is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a sanctuary where you’re guaranteed to see many of Alaska’s iconic animals up close. After this educational stop, you’ll continue south onto the Kenai Peninsula and arrive at the coastal town of Seward. Overnight stay is planned at a campground in the Seward area.

Points of interest

Portage Glacier

Once visible directly from the visitor center, this glacier has retreated deep into the valley due to rapid melting. Today, the best way to see it is by taking a short boat cruise across Portage Lake. The boat approaches the glacier closely, allowing you to admire its blue ice — and possibly witness icebergs calving into the water. Near the visitor center, you can also hike to Byron Glacier, which is accessible on foot.

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

A non-profit organization that provides refuge for injured and orphaned wild animals of Alaska. Unlike a traditional zoo, the animals here live in spacious enclosures that mimic their natural habitat. Visitors can drive or walk through the grounds while observing brown and black bears, moose, caribou, musk oxen, bison, wolves, eagles, and many other species native to Alaska.

Seward

A coastal town located on the shores of Resurrection Bay, on the Kenai Peninsula. Seward is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, one of the most visited parks in Alaska. The town was named after William H. Seward, the U.S. Secretary of State who negotiated the purchase of Alaska from the Russian Empire in 1867. Today, Seward serves as a launching point for marine cruises, fishing trips, and other water-based adventures.

Kenai Fjords: Ice, Ocean, and Wildlife

Today is entirely dedicated to exploring Kenai Fjords National Park. Since most of the park consists of coastal waters and ice fields, the primary way to experience it is by taking a fjord cruise departing from Seward Boat Harbor.

The boat tour, which lasts anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, takes you through narrow inlets flanked by cliffs and mountains. The main highlight is watching tidewater glaciers — fed by the massive Harding Icefield — calve into the ocean with thunderous crashes. During the cruise, there's a high chance of spotting marine wildlife, including humpback whales, orcas, seals, sea otters, and seabird colonies such as puffins. Overnight stay is once again planned at a campground near Seward.

Points of interest

Kenai Fjords National Park

This park protects one of the world’s most spectacular glacial landscapes — the Harding Icefield, which gives rise to nearly 40 glaciers. Flowing down from the mountains, these glaciers have, over thousands of years, carved deep fjords into the coastline. The park is where ice, mountains, and ocean come together to create a dynamic and rich ecosystem.

Harding Icefield

A massive icefield covering over 1,800 square kilometers (700 square miles), it is one of just four major icefields remaining in the United States — a relic of the last Ice Age. In some areas, the ice is up to 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) thick. The icefield feeds numerous glaciers that flow in different directions, shaping the landscape of the Kenai Peninsula.

The Glacier’s Edge and the Depths of the Sea

You have another day to explore the surroundings of Seward. This is a great opportunity to visit any land-based attractions you may have missed earlier. The highlight of the day is a visit to Exit Glacier — the only part of Kenai Fjords National Park accessible by road.

From the nature center at the base of the glacier, several hiking trails lead you close to the ice, allowing you to witness its sheer power up close. After the hike, you can return to Seward and stop by the Alaska SeaLife Center to get a closer look at the rich marine life of Alaska’s northern waters. Overnight stay is once again planned at a campground near Seward.

Points of interest

Exit Glacier

One of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska that you can reach by car. It’s a glacier tongue descending from the massive Harding Icefield. A network of trails of varying difficulty leads from the visitor center to the glacier. Short and easy paths bring you to the base of the ice, while the more challenging Harding Icefield Trail climbs to a viewpoint overlooking the icefield. Along the trail, signs with dates show where the glacier’s edge used to be in past years, offering a clear illustration of its retreat.

Alaska SeaLife Center

This is Alaska’s leading marine science facility and the only permanent marine mammal rehabilitation center in the state. It combines the roles of a research institute and public aquarium. Visitors can observe local marine life up close — including Steller sea lions, seals, sea otters, and seabirds like puffins in a large multi-level aviary. The center was built using settlement funds from the Exxon Valdez oil spill, and it plays a crucial role in the study and preservation of Alaska’s marine ecosystems.

Return to Anchorage and the End of the Journey

Today marks the final day of your Alaska adventure. After breakfast in Seward, you’ll have time to pack at a relaxed pace before heading back to Anchorage via the familiar Seward Highway.

The return drive offers another chance to enjoy the scenic views of Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Mountains, this time from a new perspective. The main task for the day is to arrive in Anchorage and return your motorhome to the rental station — officially concluding your great Alaskan journey.

E-mail: info@greatrvtrip.com

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