Post Cruise Itinerary - Sound feasible?

Question

This will just be my husband and I. In our 60s and we move faster. We like scenery, stopping at little local pubs, doing "local" things. Not into hiking though, but totally willing to do a mile or two. Starting this post-cruise when we will already by in Anchorage and leaving mid-morning Day 1.

Day 1 - Drive to Healy, AK (staying 2 nights)

Day 2 - Explore Denali National Park - perhaps bus or shuttle around. Stay in Healy again.

Day 3 - Drive to Fairbanks mid-morning. Thoughts are going to the Chena Hot Springs or driving to say we were in the Artic Circle (not worth it, right?) Stay in Fairbanks.

Day 4/5/6??? - This is where I get fuzzy.

Option 1: Drive south through Delta Junction and take the Richardson Highway to Glennallen and then onto Anchorage. Not sure where we'd stay. Would we need two nights of stays or just one before catching a 11pm flight out of Anchorage?)

Option 2: Drive south through Delta Junction and onto Tok and then over to Anchorage. Not sure where we'd stay. Same question as Option 1 - would we need two nights of stays or just one if our plane doesn't leave until 11pm?

Option 3: Backtrack the route up (through Healy) and stay in Talkeetna then onto Anchorage?

Answer

Your post-cruise itinerary sounds very feasible, especially given that you prefer scenic drives, local stops, and light walking. Alaska’s road system allows for flexible exploration, but planning distances and overnight stops is key to avoid fatigue and make the most of the experience.

Day 1 – Anchorage to Healy

The drive from Anchorage to Healy is roughly 4.5–5 hours without many extended stops. Plan to leave mid-morning and allow extra time for photo stops, scenic pullouts, or a quick local lunch in towns like Wasilla or Talkeetna.
Healy is a great base for Denali National Park, offering lodges, small local restaurants, and easy access to park shuttles or tours.

Day 2 – Denali National Park

Consider a shuttle bus into the park. The full-day park shuttle can go deep into Denali (up to Eielson Visitor Center) if you want a scenic and wildlife-rich experience, or a half-day shuttle if you prefer a shorter outing.
There are numerous scenic stops, and since you’re comfortable with 1–2 mile walks, you can do short trails like Horseshoe Lake Trail or Savage River Loop.

Day 3 – Healy to Fairbanks

The drive to Fairbanks is roughly 2–2.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to visit local attractions. Chena Hot Springs is about a 1-hour detour from Fairbanks and is very worthwhile for soaking and seeing the ice museum if open.
Driving to the Arctic Circle is possible but adds 3–4 hours one-way on unpaved or less maintained roads. For a short visit, it’s often not worth it unless you specifically want the Arctic Circle photo opportunity.

Days 4–6 – Returning to Anchorage

Here are your options for the return route south, considering comfort and timing:

Option 1: Delta Junction → Glennallen → Anchorage
The Richardson Highway is scenic, with mountainous vistas and river valleys. You could do it in one long day (~6–7 hours), stopping in Glennallen or Gulkana for a rest. For a relaxed pace, consider staying one night en route (Glennallen or Copper Center) and reach Anchorage the next evening.
Option 2: Delta Junction → Tok → Anchorage
This is a more northerly loop and longer drive (~8–9 hours to Anchorage). Only worth it if you want to see Tok or specific attractions along the Alaska Highway. Most travelers avoid this unless returning from the far north. One night stay is advisable.
Option 3: Backtrack through Healy → Talkeetna → Anchorage
This is very scenic, passing through Denali’s southern vistas and Talkeetna’s quaint town. Talkeetna is charming and makes a perfect overnight stop. You could then take a relaxed 2-hour drive to Anchorage the next day, arriving early enough for an 11 PM flight without rushing.

Recommendations:

Option 3 (Healy → Talkeetna → Anchorage) is ideal for a relaxed pace, scenic stops, and minimizing long daily drives.
If you prefer fewer nights, Option 1 with a single overnight in Glennallen works, but the day will be longer.
Option 2 is less practical unless you specifically want to explore Tok and the eastern Alaska Highway.
Plan to leave Anchorage mid-morning on Day 1, and on the return, allow at least 1–2 hours buffer for your final Anchorage arrival before your flight.

Overall, your itinerary allows a comfortable pace, scenic drives, and local stops, with flexibility to adjust based on weather or attractions that catch your eye.

Post Cruise Itinerary - Sound feasible?

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