The Ultimate 10-Day Alaska National Parks Road Trip
Alaskan national parks are full of wildlife, rare geological formations, and mineral deposits, so be sure to follow all park rules while visiting. Proper food storage and keeping a safe distance from wildlife are essential here! Please note that this post contains a few affiliate links that may help me earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase (for which I’m always deeply grateful).
If you’re the type of traveler who’s always up for a challenge, explores off the beaten path, and embarks on adventures in search of breathtaking scenery and wildlife, you’ll feel right at home when you road trip your way to 3 of the best Alaska national parks.
Kenai Fjords, Wrangell-St. Elias, and Denali national parks are so beautifully unique and rugged that squeezing them into a 10-day trip might feel like it won’t do each park justice. But when you’ve got an adventure-packed itinerary, you’ll make the most of the journey. You’ll want to make plans to return someday to see even more!
I know that logistics and expenses can make planning a road trip tour through remote and rugged Alaska national parks intimidating, especially if this will be your first time traveling to the Last Frontier.
I’ve laid out a fool-proof 10-day Alaska national parks itinerary to make planning your national parks tour as easy as possible so you can spend more time enjoying the beauty of Alaska’s protected wilderness!
An Adventurous 10-Day Alaska National Parks Road Trip
Your journey starts with a flight from Seattle to Anchorage (about 3.5 hours nonstop), then to Kenai Fjords National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, and Denali National Park before returning to Seattle.
- Fly into Anchorage, AK from Seattle, WA
- Kenai Fjords National Park
- Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
- Denali National Park
- Return to Seattle, WA from Fairbanks, AK
Day 1: Anchorage + Glacier Hike in Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is a spectacular glacier and wildlife haven on the Kenai Peninsula. Frigid waters meet the peninsula, where old-growth forests tower along the wild coast and carved-out fjords tell the story of the tidewater glaciers that dominate the landscape (51% of the park is ice-covered).
Rent a 4WD vehicle to head 2 hours south of Anchorage to Seward, AK. Stop for a meal and visit the Visitor Center in town before heading to the park. You could take the Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic Train to Resurrection Bay near the park’s entrance.
There’s only one road in the park: Exit Glacier Road. Once inside the park, walk 1.6 miles along the Glacier View Loop and Glacier Overlook Trail to glimpse Exit Glacier in its blue-hued icy wonder.
Take a walk along the Lower Trail for an awesome glacier photo op. The Resurrection River Trail is located at Mile 7 of the park road. Walk 4.5 miles to Martin Creek for nice river views.
If you want a real challenge, take either of these trails from here, depending on how much time you have:
- Upper Trail: Keep going past Martin Creek for 12 rugged miles of strenuous backcountry hiking where you’ll ford multiple streams on foot and navigate your way along the route
- Harding Icefield Trail: Strenuous 4-mile trail leading to the north edge of Exit Glacier with amazing views along the 3,000’ climb to the 700-square foot Harding Icefield that feeds all 38 glaciers in Kenai
You could see wolves, moose, brown and black bears, beavers, Dall sheep, and mountain goats on these trails.
Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge is within the park, but others are close enough for a quick trip back to the park in the morning. The park has 1 frontcountry campground at Exit Glacier with 12 tent sites. You can’t make reservations, so it’s a gamble, especially between July and August.
Day 2: Sea Kayaking in Kenai Fjords National Park
Today, you’ll set out from Resurrection Bay on a sea kayak tour and get close to some of the stunning glaciers, islands, and marine life. You’ll see humpback whales, Horned puffins, sea lions, and bald eagles from your kayak against the backdrop of hulking ice giants and endless views.
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast, take the Kenai Fjords boat to Fox Island from Seward, and link up with your guide (booked in advance!) to kayak into the bay. Liquid Adventures, Sunny Cove, and Kayak Adventures Worldwide are options.
If you’re not up for a kayak tour, book a boat cruise through Resurrection Bay to see the sights on a full-day tour (about 7 hours).
Paddle the frigid waters with amazing proximity to the glaciers that make Kenai such an iconic park. Slip into coves to reach “secret” areas, like a ghost forest on Fox Island. After your tour, head back to Seward or snag a campsite.
Day 3: Drive to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
The drive to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park takes about 9 hours. This park is stunning, spanning 13.2 million acres of diverse terrain from rugged coastline dotted with glaciers to massive volcanoes, 3 mountain ranges, and boreal forest.
It’s the biggest national park in the U.S. — bigger than Switzerland, Yosemite, and Yellowstone combined. Mountains rise over 18,000’ in the park, creating a striking backdrop with the glaciers, rivers, forests, and meadows. The Copper River, famous for its annual Copper River salmon run between May and September, is here.
Drive 60 miles along the dirt-and-gravel McCarthy Road to get into the park. Stop at the Copper Center Visitor Center to fuel up and check on road conditions. Make sure your rental car agency allows you to drive gravel roads.
It takes about 3 hours each way. Rain and snow often result in ruts and potholes. The mountain and glacier views are stunning, and you’ll pass historic towns like McCarthy and Chitina, spot moose, black bears, and foxes, and cross historic bridges on the road.
At the end of the road, leave your vehicle in a paid parking lot, cross a footbridge, and get to your accommodations in the park via a shuttle, arranged in advance. Kennicott Glacier Lodge and Glacier View Campground are two popular choices here.
Day 4: Root Glacier + Waterfall Hike in Wrangell-St. Elias
Take a scenic 5.7-mile hike to Root Glacier through Kennecott Mill Town, a historic mining town with signature red mill buildings. It’s a fascinating step back in time. Some of the buildings are open and free to tour.
Past the town, you could see lots of birds, bears, and stunning views of Mt. Blackburn (16,390’), Regal Mountain, Donoho Peak, and Stairway Icefall (7,000’).
You might need to cross the seasonal Amazon Creek on the way. About 1.5 miles down the trail and just past Jumbo Creek, turn left at the posted marker and follow along the moraine to the glacier toe. The moderate hike takes about 2.5 hours.
Other options for the day:
- Hike the entire Root Glacier to reach Donoho Falls cascading over the edge for an incredible sight
- Head back on the Root Glacier Trail to reach the Erie Mine Trail with views of Root Glacier, Donoho Peak, Stairway Icefall, and the Erie Mine Bunkhouse
- If you prefer a challenge, take the 4-6 hour hike to the old Bonanza gold mine on the strenuous, 8.25-mile Bonanza Mine Trail with 3,900’ ascent to an old gold mine
Day 5: Drive to Anchorage + Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center
It’s a 6.5-hour drive back to Anchorage from Wrangell-St. Elias. The views on the drive back are beyond postcard-worthy. Enjoy a picnic in the shadow of looming mountains at Copper Center’s Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center (about 4 hours into the drive).
Stretch your legs on one of the short trails from the center before continuing on to Anchorage.
Arrive at your hotel — I recommend staying close to where the Coastal Trail begins downtown, like Snob Hollow Inn, Hotel Captain Cook, or Aviator Hotel Anchorage.
This is a great time to wander downtown Anchorage. There are several breweries and alehouses, restaurants, and shops to check out.
Day 6: Hike the Anchorage Coastal Trail
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail begins at West 2nd Ave. and continues along Cook Inlet to Kincaid Park. On this hike, you’ll enjoy views of Denali, downtown Anchorage, and Cook Inlet. The trail winds 11 miles through Westchester Lagoon, Earthquake Park, Point Woronzof, and Kincaid Park.
You might see beluga whales at Point Woronzof. Moose are often on the trail. Look for red foxes, coyotes, bald eagles, and dozens of bird species.
At the end of the hike in Kincaid Park, you’ll find 40 miles of hiking trails and tons of wildlife. This is a massive park and an excellent place to spend a few hours exploring.
Play some disc golf at the 18-hole course, settle on a Cook Inlet beach to look for whales and passing boats, go fishing in Little Campbell Lake, and look for wildlife in this part of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge.
Head back downtown to grab dinner and get rested for your train ride to Denali tomorrow!
Day 7: Take the Denali Star Train to Denali National Park
Make your way from Anchorage to Denali National Park on the Denali Star Train. Trains depart at 8:20 a.m. between May and September, stopping in Wasilla and Talkeetna before arriving in Denali at 3:40 p.m.
Taiga forest, alpine tundra, snow-capped mountains, abundant wildlife, and jaw-dropping landscapes make Denali one of the most famous parks in America. Keep your eyes peeled for Alaska’s Big Five: Wolf, bear, Dall sheep, moose, and caribou.
As the 6-million-acre Denali National Park comes into view, you’re in for a true Alaskan treat. Disembark from the train and take an arranged shuttle to your booked lodging (like the Grande Denali Lodge or Denali Grizzly Bear Resort). You can even get a free backcountry camping permit to camp in the wilderness.
A large part of the only road through Denali (past Mile 43) is closed through 2026 due to melting permafrost damaging the road. Don’t worry, there’s still plenty to do before Mile 43, and you can still take the park bus tour up to that mile marker for a great view of the parks wildlife.
Start at the Visitor Center to learn about the park and eat at the restaurant. From here, take the easy 3.2-mile McKinley Station Trail from the Visitor Center along Riley Creek to get acquainted with the park’s beauty.
Another option: Ride the hop-on, hop-off East Fork Transit Bus to take any trail that strikes your interest before Mile 43 or just take in the views from the bus.
Day 8: Visit the Savage River Area in Denali
The Savage River Area is at Mile 15 on the park road. Take the free Savage River Shuttle from the Visitor Center to get here for some truly incredible trails and views! One of these trails (Savage Alpine Trail) gives you some of the best chances to glimpse Denali on a clear day.
You have a few options, depending on how strenuous a hike you’re willing to do and what kind of views you’re after:
- The Savage Alpine Trail (4 miles) is steep, strenuous with 1,500’ ascent and high winds, and the most scenic in this area, connecting the Savage River Area with the Mountain Vista Area
- Savage River Loop Trail (2 miles) is an easy, flat riverside walk with rugged scenery like the Savage River Canyon and a nice bridge crossing the river
- Mountain Vista Trail (0.6 miles) is a loop trail at Mile 13 with excellent views of the mountains (including Denali) and a shaded picnic area
The Savage Alpine Trail is well worth it if you’re okay with a strenuous hike in exchange for some of the park’s best views. It takes roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete. You may see grizzly bears on the trail, so stay alert. If you can, do all 3 hikes.
Back at the park entrance, don’t miss the 2-mile Horseshoe Lake Loop Trail (about 1.5 hours) along the Nenana River and Horseshoe Lake. You could book a half-day rafting tour with one of the park’s outfitters to ride the rapids on the Nenana River!
Day 9: Hike the Triple Lakes Trail + Train to Fairbanks
Hire a shuttle (check with your hotel) to bring you to the Triple Lakes trailhead. You won’t have time to do the full 9-mile hike to the Visitor Center Campus, but you can do a 6-mile out-and-back hike to the third lake. Alice did this hike on her trip to Denali which you can check out in this video.
It’s a moderate hike with gorgeous lake views, surrounded by the mountains and forest. Make sure you’re back in time to gather your luggage from your lodge and catch the 4 p.m. Denali Star Train to Fairbanks.
The train ride takes about 4 hours, so you’ll arrive in Fairbanks around 8 p.m. in time for a late dinner and rest.
Day 10: Fly from Fairbanks to Seattle
As travelers know all too well, all good things must come to an end! Catch your flight back to Seattle (about 3.5 hours) and reflect on your amazing Alaskan adventures.
What to Know Before Visiting Alaska’s National Parks
- Denali, Kenai Fjords, and Wrangell-St. Elias are the only Alaskan national parks accessible by road
- Rent a 4WD, high-clearance vehicle
- Prepare to be self-sufficient
- Prepare for cooler weather, even in summer
- Mid-May to September is the best time to visit Alaska national parks
- Bring bug spray and netting
- Check road conditions before setting out
You won’t cram everything in on this trip, and that’s okay — Alaska and its parks are so massive, it would be impossible to.
What you will do, however, is see some of Alaska’s most jaw-dropping landscapes, wildlife, and views on your 10-day trip and come home with a burning desire to come back soon and see more!
If Alaska is on your mind, check out these other articles and videos.
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