Glaciers, grizzlies and the midnight sun
Glaciers, grizzlies and the midnight sun
Anchorage, AK 99516Fairbanks, AK 99709
Trip overview
Embark on an epic journey from the pristine fjords of the Kenai Peninsula to the wild, towering peaks of Denali National Park, finishing in the rustic interior of Fairbanks.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Anchorage
Beluga Point Lookout
A dramatic pullout on the Seward Highway offering panoramic views of Turnagain Arm and the chance to spot migrating beluga whales.
Seward Highway Mile 110, Anchorage, AK 99516
Exit Glacier Nature Center
Walk up close to the monumental Exit Glacier and feel the chilly wind rolling off the expansive Harding Icefield.
24620 Herman Leirer Road, Seward, AK 99664
Seward Boat Harbor
Stroll the bustling docks filled with charter boats, historical vessels, and sea otters floating in the harbor basin.
1300 Port Avenue, Seward, AK 99664
Resurrection Roadhouse
A rustic, timber-framed mountain lodge offering convenient access to both the Seward Harbor and Exit Glacier trails.
31772 Herman Leirer Road, Seward, AK 99664
Day 2 — Seward
Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise
A bucket-list sea cruise to witness towering tidewater glaciers calving directly into the ocean, while spotting humpback whales, sea lions, and puffins.
1304 4th Avenue, Seward, AK 99664
Homer Spit
A iconic 4.5-mile long gravel spit jutting out into beautiful Kachemak Bay, surrounded by snowcapped mountains and active fishing docks.
Homer Spit Road, Homer, AK 99603
Land's End Resort
Classic beachfront hotel situated at the absolute tip of the Homer Spit, offering uninterrupted marine views and cozy coastal accommodations.
4786 Homer Spit Road, Homer, AK 99603
Day 3 — Homer
Kachemak Bay State Park Glacier Lake Trail
Take a scenic water taxi across the bay to hike an incredible trail culminating at a glacial lake filled with floating blue icebergs.
Kachemak Bay State Park, Homer, AK 99603
Girdwood Brewing Company
Unwind in a timber-framed taproom tasting unique local craft beers, surrounded by local art, fire pits, and coastal mountain views.
2700 Alyeska Highway, Girdwood, AK 99587
Alyeska Resort
Alaska's premier mountain resort nestled in a lush valley rainforest, featuring luxury amenities and access to scenic wilderness hiking.
1000 Arlberg Avenue, Girdwood, AK 99587
Day 4 — Girdwood
Alyeska Aerial Tramway
A panoramic seven-minute tram ride ascending to the top of Mount Alyeska, offering breathtaking views of seven hanging glaciers and Turnagain Arm.
1000 Arlberg Avenue, Girdwood, AK 99587
Hatcher Pass Summit Lake Recreation Site
Drive into the breathtaking alpine tundra of the Talkeetna Mountains to explore gold mine ruins and a pristine high-altitude lake.
Hatcher Pass Road, Palmer, AK 99645
Talkeetna Roadhouse
A legendary historic roadhouse serving up massive sourdough pancakes, legendary pies, and family-style comfort food since the gold rush.
13550 East Main Street, Talkeetna, AK 99676
Day 5 — Talkeetna
Talkeetna Riverfront Park
Stand at the scenic confluence of three wild glacial rivers with potential majestic, clear views of the towering Alaska Range peaks.
Main Street, Talkeetna, AK 99676
Byers Lake Loop Trail
Hike a pristine, forested 5-mile loops around a tranquil lake, keeping an eye out for trumpeter swans, active beavers, and spawning salmon.
Denali State Park, Mile 147 Parks Highway, Trapper Creek, AK 99683
Day 6 — Denali National Park
Savage River Loop Trail
Hike the rugged canyons of the wild Savage River at the boundary of Denali's driveable road, where Dall sheep and caribou are frequently seen.
Mile 15 Denali Park Road, Denali National Park, AK 99755
Denali Sled Dog Kennels
Visit the historic, working kennels of Denali's rangers and watch the park's majestic canine officers demonstrate their remarkable pulling power.
Mile 3.4 Denali Park Road, Denali National Park, AK 99755
Black Diamond Grill
Settle in at this rustic, log-cabin style restaurant known for serving up fresh Alaskan king salmon, tender ribeyes, and local drafts.
229 Parks Highway, Healy, AK 99743
Day 7 — Nenana
Nenana Depot Museum
Stop at a charming 1923 wooden train station celebrating the historic golden spike of the Alaska Railroad and local Nenana Ice Classic lore.
101 A Street, Nenana, AK 99760
University of Alaska Museum of the North
A architecturally stunning museum housing thousands of years of biological, cultural, and artistic history of the circumpolar north.
1962 Yukon Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99775
Riverboat Discovery
Cruise down the Chena River on a real sternwheel paddleboat, stop at an Athabascan Indian Village, and watch a live bush pilot demonstration.
1975 Discovery Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99709
Sophie Station Suites
Wind down your epic expedition in a comfortable and spacious all-suite property showcasing beautiful localized floral landscaping.
1717 University Avenue S, Fairbanks, AK 99709
Experiences & guides
Bookable tours and stops worth a detour along this route.
Experiences
Guide content may not reflect current conditions. Always verify information before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
The The Last Frontier road trip covers about 951 mi and roughly 17h 26m of driving, comfortably spread across about 7 days.
This itinerary maps out 22 stops from Anchorage, AK 99516 to Fairbanks, AK 99709. Highlights include Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise, Kachemak Bay State Park Glacier Lake Trail, and Savage River Loop Trail.
It begins in Anchorage, AK 99516 and ends in Fairbanks, AK 99709, following a mapped, road-following route the whole way.
The estimated cost is around $2,741, covering fuel, lodging, food, and activities. Your actual total varies with the season, your pace, and the choices you make along the way.
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