Anchorage Circular 3 – A short route in Alaska, which despite its relatively short length, still reveals the traveler the state’s classic pearls. The route is intended for anyone who on the one hand does not have much time and on the other hand wants to experience the most beautiful accessible places of Alaska. The route includes amazing landscapes – towering peaks, glaciers, ice fields, fjords, tundra, lakes, rivers, great scenic routes, and of course wildlife viewing – bears, caribou, elk and perhaps even whales. This route Includes the city of Anchorage, the coastal town of Valdez, the beautiful Denali Road and the Denali National National Park and all while driving on great roads alongside glaciers, wild landscapes and picturesque small villages.
Day 1 – Land in Anchorage and spend the afternoon in the city
Lodging location: Anchorage
Day 2 – Enjoy the day in Anchorage
Lodging location: Anchorage
Day 3 – Drive to Valdez and on the way stop for a visit at Matanuska Glacier, 5.5 hours drive
Lodging location: Valdez
Day 4 – Take a one day cruise from Valdez to the Columbia Glacier
Lodging location: Valdez
Day 5 – Spend the day in Valdez and it’s surroundings, you may also go hiking, go rafting, climb on a glacier and more, short drive
Lodging location: Valdez
Day 6 – Drive north to the eastern staring point of the Denali HWY, 3.5 hours drive
(you may add a day or two to the trip and visit, on the way north, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park)
Lodging location: Paxson (or Gakona, 1 hour drive south of Paxon here or here)
Day 7 – Drive west on the magnificent Denali HWY, 4 hours drive
Lodging location: Denali
Day 8 – Take a bus tour to the heart of Denali National Park
Lodging location: Denali
Day 9 – Spend on more day in and around Denali National Park – meet the sled dogs, go hiking along the Savage River or go rafting, short drive
Lodging location: Denali
Day 10 – Drive back to Anchorage, on the way take a detour to the small town of Talkeetna and embark on a glacier viewing flight, 4.5 hours drive
Lodging location: Anchorage
Day 11 – Fly home
– In order to fill this route with content – see our Alaska destinations pages, where you can find articles that include suggestions what to do in various locations along this route.
