Self-drive from Anchorage 19-25 May

Question

My husband and I will arrive in Anchorage on 19 May at 3.30pm (after a 24 hour flight). We plan to stay near the airport or mid-town and pick up a rental car the following morning. Although we have a limited time we would love to see as much as possible (not planning on hiking/kayaking but would like to visit the Wildlife Conservation Center and stop at viewpoints).

The current plan (acknowledging that I need to move on bookings) is:

20 May - drive to Denali (option to visit Talkeeta on the way), 5+ hours

21 May - take a morning shuttle (transit bus) into the park - we could then stay a second night OR move south to make the next day drive shorter (maybe to Cantwell or Talkeeta)

22 May - drive to Girdwood or Seward (alaska.org chart says 7-8 hours from Denali to Seward)

23 May - drive to Homer (4-5 hours from Seward)

24 May - drive from Homer to Anchorage (5-6 hours)

25 May - depart Anchorage at midday for our first ever cruise

I understand this is a lot of driving, which we are used to, although not on Alaskan roads. We plan to hire a small/compact car. I appreciate all advice already provided to other posters.

Advice/opinions on my tentative plan would be much appreciated.

Answer

Your tentative Alaska self-drive itinerary is ambitious but certainly doable if you are comfortable with long hours on the road. Here’s a detailed look at each segment and suggestions to help you optimize your trip while keeping it enjoyable and not overly rushed.

Arrival in Anchorage on 19 May:

Since your flight is long and you arrive late afternoon, staying near the airport or mid-town Anchorage is a good plan. Pick up your rental car the following morning to avoid stress after your flight. Mid-size cars are fine for city driving and some highways, but consider a compact SUV if you want a bit more comfort for luggage and the possibility of gravel or uneven roads, especially if you end up venturing onto Denali area side roads.

20 May – Anchorage to Denali:

The drive is about 4.5–5.5 hours to the park entrance, longer if you take Talkeetna detour. Talkeetna is a charming small town worth a short visit or lunch stop.
Leaving early is key to arrive in daylight, check into lodging, and still have time for park visitor center or short viewpoints.

21 May – Denali National Park:

The shuttle or transit bus into the park is a good choice; road access is limited beyond a certain point. Plan for a few hours to see wildlife and scenic views. Bring binoculars and snacks.
You could stay a second night near Denali to break up driving and allow more relaxed sightseeing, which is recommended for first-time visitors, especially to maximize wildlife viewing.
If you want to move south, stopping at Cantwell or Talkeetna reduces the next day’s drive to Girdwood/Seward, but it may limit morning park time.

22 May – Denali to Girdwood/Seward:

This is a very long drive (~7–8 hours). Leaving early is essential. Expect some scenic stops along the Parks Highway (glacier viewpoints, rivers).
Consider splitting this drive with a stop at a point of interest along the way (e.g., Mount Alyeska or scenic overlooks near Talkeetna).

23 May – Girdwood/Seward to Homer:

Drive is approximately 4–5 hours. Homer has stunning views of Kachemak Bay and small-town charm.
Consider stopping at Kenai or Ninilchik for quick photo stops or lunch.
Check ferry options if interested, but driving is fine for your timeframe.

24 May – Homer to Anchorage:

5–6 hours of driving back to Anchorage. Leaving early ensures arrival with time to rest and prepare for your cruise.
Fuel and snacks are important, as stretches between towns can be long with limited services.

25 May – Depart Anchorage:

Plan extra time to return your rental car, check in for the cruise, and account for security. Midday departure aligns well with your schedule if you leave Homer early the previous day.

Additional tips and considerations:

Road conditions in Alaska are generally good on main highways, but expect some slower speeds due to wildlife, narrow roads, or weather conditions.
Fuel up whenever possible; some stretches have limited gas stations.
Driving times are estimates — weather, roadwork, or wildlife can add delays.
Bring layers and rain gear. May can be cool, especially in Denali and along the coast.
Cell coverage can be spotty, particularly in Denali and along Turnagain Arm. Download maps offline or use GPS devices.
If wildlife viewing is important, early mornings are often best; consider adjusting your schedule accordingly.

Overall, your plan is feasible but packed. Staying an extra night near Denali is highly recommended for comfort and better wildlife viewing, while the Denali to Seward drive is the most demanding segment. Otherwise, your itinerary covers the highlights and scenic routes for a first Alaska self-drive adventure.

Self-drive from Anchorage 19-25 May

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