
An unforgettable journey from Anchorage to Talkeetna, Denali National Park and the magnificent fjords of Seward
Experience some of Alaska’s most memorable landscapes on a journey combining mountain roads, welcoming frontier communities, national parks, glaciers and opportunities to encounter wildlife.
Begin in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city and the natural gateway to the surrounding wilderness. Travel north to Talkeetna, a colourful historic community situated beneath the Alaska Range and known as a base for climbers attempting to reach Denali.
Continue along the Parks Highway to Denali National Park, where two nights provide time to explore the entrance area and reserve a bus journey into the park. Look for moose, caribou, Dall sheep, bears and golden eagles while travelling through vast tundra landscapes beneath North America’s highest mountain.
Return to Anchorage before following the spectacular Seward Highway beside Turnagain Arm and through the Kenai Mountains. Spend two nights in Seward, the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, where glaciers descend from the Harding Icefield towards the ocean.
A wildlife and glacier cruise, a visit to Exit Glacier or simply exploring Seward’s magnificent natural surroundings provides a memorable conclusion before returning to Anchorage.
The route uses established paved highways and includes a second Anchorage stay between Denali and Seward, avoiding an exhausting drive across Alaska in a single day.
9 Days · 8 Nights
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Prices shown for a 9-day rental.More rental cars available — drag sideways or use the arrows to explore
This 9-day/8-night itinerary is our recommended route, but your Alaska journey does not have to follow a rigid schedule. Depending on hotel, rental-car and seasonal availability, you may change the number of nights or select different accommodation categories.
Additional nights can be added in Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali or Seward. The route can also be extended to Homer, Fairbanks, Matanuska Glacier or other accessible Alaska destinations when suitable rental conditions and accommodation are available.
Flights can be added during the booking process.
IMPORTANT DENALI NATIONAL PARK INFORMATION
Private vehicles are normally restricted beyond Savage River at Mile 15 of the Denali Park Road during the summer bus season.
Travel farther into the park requires an authorised transit or tour bus. Bus schedules, operating distances and available destinations can change according to season, weather, road conditions and construction activity.
During summer 2026, the Denali Park Road remains closed at Mile 43 because of work associated with the Pretty Rocks landslide. Tour and transit buses cannot travel beyond the East Fork Bridge, while Eielson Visitor Center and Wonder Lake remain inaccessible.
This information must be reviewed and updated for later travel seasons. Customers should check current National Park Service information before booking park excursions.
IMPORTANT RENTAL-CAR INFORMATION
This suggested itinerary follows established paved highways suitable for ordinary rental cars under normal summer conditions.
Rental vehicles must not be driven on restricted or prohibited roads. Many rental companies do not permit their vehicles on the largely gravel Denali Highway, Dalton Highway, McCarthy Road or other remote unpaved roads.
The Denali Highway and the Denali Park Road are two different roads. The Denali Highway is not included in this itinerary.
Customers must check the conditions of their selected rental agreement before leaving paved public highways. Damage occurring on prohibited roads may not be covered by the rental company’s insurance or roadside assistance.
IMPORTANT ALASKA TRAVEL INFORMATION
Distances between services can be considerable, weather can change quickly and mobile-phone coverage may be limited outside larger communities.
Keep the fuel tank comfortably filled, carry water and warm clothing and allow additional time for roadworks, wildlife and changing conditions.
Never approach or feed wild animals. Bears, moose and other wildlife can be dangerous even when they appear calm.
The complete itinerary is best enjoyed from late May until mid-September.
June, July and August provide the broadest choice of park buses, boat excursions and visitor services, together with very long daylight hours.
May and September can be quieter and more affordable, but some excursions, visitor facilities and hotel services may operate on reduced schedules. Snow, ice and winter driving conditions make this particular self-drive itinerary unsuitable for most leisure travellers outside the main season.