11 day road trip RT from Anchorage June/July

Question

Hi everyone,

Was looking to get some feedback and suggestions on the trip we have mapped out. Is it doable, things to see along the way, places to stay, good food or local eats? Group of 7 traveling with 3 generations ranging from 13 to 75 year old. Looking for a passenger van instead of 2 cars, any advice on other car options other than Turo?

Day 1: Arrive and stay near Girdwood

Day 2: Conservation Center, Portage Glacier Cruise, Drive to Seward

Day 3: Kenai Fjord Cruise

Day 4: Exit Glacier in the morning, Drive to Soldotna or Kenai - need suggestions of things to do/see

Day 5: Drive to Whittier for ferry to Valdez

Day 6: Drive to Matanuska Glacier with stops along the way- any highlights on the way?, glacier hike, spend the night somewhere between Palmer and Willow

Day 7: Drive to Denali- any highlights on the way?

Day 8: Denali shuttle bus

Day 9: Denali- suggestions on activities?

Day 10: Drive to Talkeetna, evening flightseeing

Day 11: Flightseeing if not possible the day before, Drive to Anchorage for evening flight

Any and all feedback is appreciated. Thank you.

Answer

Your 11-day Alaska road trip itinerary is ambitious but generally doable, especially with a mix of sightseeing, glacier visits, and Denali exploration. Traveling with three generations, it’s smart to pace the driving and allow for frequent stops for stretching, meals, and photo opportunities. Here’s a detailed look at your plan with suggestions:

Vehicle Recommendations:

For 7 passengers plus luggage, a full-size passenger van is ideal. Options outside Turo include major rental companies like Enterprise, Avis, and Alamo – check availability for the Ford Transit, Chevrolet Express, or similar. Book early, as vans are limited in Alaska during summer.
Consider AWD or 4x4 if you plan any side trips to gravel roads or Denali area.

Day-by-Day Suggestions:

Day 1 – Anchorage to Girdwood: Quick drive (~1 hr). Girdwood has Alyeska Resort and scenic viewpoints. Consider stopping at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center near Portage for animal viewing.
Day 2 – Portage Glacier Cruise, drive to Seward: Portage Glacier Cruise is excellent; afterward, continue along the Seward Highway, one of the most scenic drives in Alaska. Pull over at Beluga Point for potential wildlife viewing and photo ops.
Day 3 – Kenai Fjord Cruise: A must-do. Harbor 360 or Major Marine tours are good choices. Bring warm layers and waterproof gear.
Day 4 – Exit Glacier, drive to Soldotna/Kenai: Walk the Exit Glacier trail in the morning. On the way to Soldotna, consider a quick stop at the Alaska Salmon Bake (Kenai River) or short hikes along the river. Soldotna has restaurants for dinner and easy access to the Kenai River for wildlife spotting.
Day 5 – Drive to Whittier, ferry to Valdez: Whittier is small; plan fueling up and snacks in advance. The ferry ride is scenic but check schedules; the Alaska Marine Highway operates on set times.
Day 6 – Drive to Matanuska Glacier: From Valdez, drive north toward Palmer. Stops worth considering include Thompson Pass viewpoints, Worthington Glacier, and scenic photo ops along the Glenn Highway. Glacier hikes at Matanuska are available via MICA or Nova Guides.
Day 7 – Drive to Denali: Long drive (~5-6 hrs). Possible stops: Talkeetna for lunch or coffee, overlook points along Parks Highway, and maybe a brief detour to Eielson Visitor Center or viewpoints near Cantwell.
Day 8 – Denali Shuttle Bus: East Fork Shuttle to mile 43 is recommended. Flag down opportunities to hike, stretch, and wildlife watch. Bring snacks and water; bathrooms are limited.
Day 9 – Denali activities: Consider short ranger-led hikes, sled dog demos, or a river walk near the entrance. For those wanting more adventure, consider the Savage River trail for a moderate 2–3 hr hike.
Day 10 – Drive to Talkeetna, evening flightseeing: Quick drive (~2.5–3 hrs). Flightseeing tours with glacier landings are popular; book in advance. Enjoy the small-town charm of Talkeetna, including local shops and cafés.
Day 11 – Flightseeing (if missed prior), drive to Anchorage: Return to Anchorage (~2 hrs). Consider a final stop at Eagle River Nature Center or a scenic pullout along the Parks Highway if time allows before catching your flight.

Food & Dining Recommendations:

Girdwood: Seven Glaciers Restaurant at Alyeska (upscale) or Bake Shop for casual.
Seward: The Cookery, Ray’s Waterfront, or Seward Brewing Company.
Soldotna/Kenai: Kenai River Brewing Company, Soldotna Pizza Company.
Talkeetna: Talkeetna Roadhouse, Denali Brewpub.
Snacks & groceries: Walmart or small local markets in Palmer, Healy, and Cantwell along the route.

Overall, your route is very scenic and highlights major Alaska experiences: glaciers, wildlife, Denali, and coastal fjords. Be flexible with timing, especially with ferry schedules, long drives, and flightseeing tours. Early booking for accommodations and activities is highly recommended for July.

11 day road trip RT from Anchorage June/July

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