Between Fairbanks and Anchorage – What To See For An Ultimate Road Trip

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Alaska is rich in natural resources, great for environmental enthusiasts, and good for outdoor adventures. Every where you look, you’ll see green, blue skies, and inhale fresh air. Its ‘wildness’ and untouched nature is what makes driving in this state a must thing to do when visiting. Road trips are the best way to explore on ground and see scenic routes. Stopping by interesting places is a great way to do a road trip like what I did on my way to Manitoulin Island. Here’s a great story on what to see when you’re going to a road trip in between the two great Alaskan cities Anchorage and Fairbanks.

During my 7 day trip visiting Anchorage and area, I did a road trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks, then back again ALL IN ONE DAY. I know it sounds crazy but what’s even crazier is that I did this because of a friend who I went with in this trip that rented a camera lens just to shoot grizzlies. It was a 12 hour drive back and forth because we didn’t stay in Fairbanks. We just dropped off her lens then went back to Anchorage so I can catch my flight that night. I’m glad I went with her because the drive is absolutely breathtaking. Seeing natural landscape mountain ranges, green parks, and the highest mountain peak in North America right before my eyes makes this trip worth it.

Leaving Anchorage

You certainly won’t get bored driving through Highway 3 because you will be entertained by your surroundings. There are plenty of scenic stops on the way so make sure you bring your camera to snap those photos for a great social media content and for memories. Here are the great stops and places to see in between the two great Alaskan cities Anchorage and Fairbanks if you’re looking for an adventure road trip and even see wildlife (hopefully not on the road like a moose).

This road trip is actually popular to travellers because it’s a great way to see and explore Denali while seeing the two big cities of Alaska. On top of that, Anchorage and Fairbanks are two popular destination cities to catch the Northern Lights.

Denali National Park and Preserve

My friend and I did the sightseeing and stops on the way to Fairbanks so all our photos and views will be in broad daylight. Photography 101 is that you should shoot outside with natural sunlight and this is what I did. Also, the sun was in a great position in Alaska during the day. Driving north, the sun was rising in the east while Denali mountain range is in the west. It was perfect photography!

You will drive through this national park for a good chunk of your driving hours. IT IS SO WORTH IT FOR ITS BEAUTY. About 4 hours of non-stop scenic mountain driving just watch out for moose and make sure you don’t hit one to save both of you and the moose’s life.

Denali Viewpoint South

Driving from Anchorage going north, this is the first sightsee destination you’ll hit when you enter the national park. You should hit this viewpoint in about 2 and a half hours of driving. It’s absolutely gorgeous to see the mountain ranges and view the highest mountain peak in North America, Mt. McKinley now formally known as Denali. You can’t miss it because it’s the tallest and snowiest peak you’ll see. Make sure you have some time to spare to take in the view, checkout wildlife if any, and snap some photos!

Veterans Memorial

Continue your way north and you’ll see signs for Veterans Memorial. You should reach this place after 15 minutes or so of driving. There are plenty of veterans memorial in the states. This is one of the best memorial parks I’ve been in the states because of its location. The Alaska Veterans Memorial gives tribute to military personnels that served the American Army, Navy, Air Force, Alaskan coastal guards, and marine corps. There’s even a portion to honour the people that died in place crashes.

Denali ViewPoint North

When you’re done paying tribute, drive more north for another 15 minutes and you’ll see the north side view point of the mountain range: the Denali ViewPoint North. You’ll see how majestic the Alaskan mountain range is and big Mount McKinley is (I still call it its old name) when you see it all the time even after driving for an hour inside the park already.

Denali Visitor Center

After all those quick stop overs, you’d drive more north for about an hour and twenty minutes and see the Denali Visitor Center and the Denali Wilderness Access Center.

Denali Visit Center is where you can find out more information about the national park and how to access the inside and go to Mt. McKinley tours. They have information about all the different wildlife in the park as well as exhibits inside the facility. There’s also a lookout outside the building to continue enjoying the mountains. This place is amazing to walk around, learn about the park while taking a break for that four hours of driving already.

A couple of minutes away, there’s actually a street full of mini shops and lodges kind of like a district. Here you can get great Alaskan gear, wildlife photography such as grizzly bear and moose, and eat amazing seafood. My friend I stopped by here on our way back to Anchorage for a quick break from Fairbanks.

Fairbanks

Exiting the park and you’ve cut down four hours of driving already. Congratulations! You’re two hours away until you reach Fairbanks. Therefore, continue on 2 hours and 10 minutes or so of driving until you reach the second populous city in Alaska. If you’re in need of a break for bathroom or to stretch your legs, there are a couple of small towns that you’ll pass by like Healy, Ferry, and Nenana.