Soak up the last splashes of fall color and views by going for a road trip around Alaska. Peak foliage in most of Alaska is in September, but the first snow on the mountains makes late fall just as perfect for scenic Alaska drives. Plus, roads are much quieter after the busy summer tourist season ends.
But fair warning: Although October brings plenty of stunning, sunny days with dry roads, it can also bring wintry conditions. Before setting out on any fall road trip, check the weather and make sure you and your vehicle are prepared for whatever you may encounter.
Ensure your vehicle (especially your tires) is right for the road surface and conditions—whether paved, gravel, or high-clearance four-wheel-drive. It’s also a good idea to keep a well-stocked emergency kit in your car in case you’re delayed or run into issues. Lastly, days are getting short, so plan to drive in daylight, and fill up before long stretches without services.
1. Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway
The Glenn Highway runs from Anchorage through Palmer to Glennallen, and its western stretch, from Anchorage to Eureka Summit, is a designated National Scenic Byway.
Start in Anchorage to see the Chugach Mountains. Make time to explore Palmer—where you can visit the Musk Ox Farm—then follow the road near the Matanuska River. Stop at the Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Area at Mile 101 for views of the glacier from the highway.
Eureka Summit is the highest point along the roadway, and here you can see four mountain ranges: the Alaska Range, Talkeetna Mountains, Wrangell-St. Elias Mountains, and the Chugach Mountains.
2. Hatcher Pass
Hatcher Pass Road is a gorgeous scenic drive that also provides access to Independence Mine State Historical Park.
The road over the summit is a steep, narrow gravel route that closes once snow arrives, so it’s already shut for the season. But the paved Palmer-Fishhook Road from Palmer stays open year-round to near Independence Mine State Historical Park, offering snowy mountain views without the summit drive.
Four-wheel drive is recommended from October through May. Be sure to check road status and conditions before heading out.
3. Parks Highway
The Parks Highway—also known as Alaska Route 3—connects Anchorage and Fairbanks. It also leads to the road to access Denali National Park and Preserve, though the highway is named for George Parks, a former territorial governor.
The highway is paved and over 300 miles long, so you might want to take several days to enjoy it, or just drive part of it. One of the most spectacular parts of this drive is seeing Denali (federally renamed Mount McKinley in 2025), the tallest mountain in North America at 20,310 feet.
Along this route, you’ll find plenty of great places to stop, including Denali State Park, which is approximately half the size of Rhode Island, located between Mile 135 and Mile 164 of the Parks Highway.
Nancy Lake State Recreation Area is at Mile 67.2 of the Parks Highway, near the community of Willow. Talkeetna, Healy, and Cantwell are also along the way, and you’ll definitely want to spend some time in Fairbanks.
4. Seward Highway
The Seward Highway is so scenic that it is recognized as an Alaska Scenic Byway, All-American Road, and USDA Forest Service Scenic Byway. It runs from Anchorage, past the Girdwood turnoff, to Seward, with beautiful views of the mountains and coast, including the waters of Turnagain Arm.
Along the way, you’ll find plenty of places to stop and appreciate your surroundings. Potter Marsh is a favorite birding destination, with a wooden boardwalk. Keep an eye out for eagles, their nests, and a host of other avian species. Also look for moose, muskrats, and many other species.
Beluga Point is another popular place to stop. It’s right on the Turnagain Arm, making it a perfect place to stretch your legs and snap some great photos. It is named for the belugas that are commonly seen in the area during summer, but keep your eyes out in fall—you never know what wildlife you may see.
5. Denali National Park Road
After the tour buses stop running for the season, Denali National Park opens its road for people to drive a section of the park road in their personal vehicles.
Through mid-October, private vehicles can drive to Teklanika at Mile 30. After Oct. 15, the road stays open to Mountain Vista (around Mile 13) until snow closes it at Park Headquarters for the winter. That can happen any day now, so check the park’s road status before you go. If you make it to Mountain Vista, the short Mountain Vista Loop offers big views of the Alaska Range.
When you visit the park, keep an eye out for wildlife such as moose, bears, wolves, and Dall sheep, among others. Visiting in the fall by car is an incredible opportunity to see a side of Denali National Park that not many people experience.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Related: 10 places to go in Alaska now that the tourists are gone
Kristen Pope
Kristen Pope is a freelance writer who covers outdoor adventure, travel, science, and any way people can connect with the outdoors.
