Self Drive Trip Ideas between 7 - 10 nights

Question

Hello,

I need help with planning a road trip for 7 to 10 nights starting and ending in Anchorage. I am a wildlife photographer and would love ideas on where to see wildlife on the land and sea.

Thank you so much for your help!

Answer

Planning a 7–10 night self-drive trip in Alaska starting and ending in Anchorage offers a wealth of wildlife photography opportunities on both land and sea. Since your focus is wildlife, it’s best to combine coastal areas known for marine life with interior routes where terrestrial animals like moose, bears, and caribou are commonly seen.

Here’s a suggested itinerary with highlights for wildlife photography:

Day 1: Anchorage Arrival – Explore local spots like Kincaid Park, Potter Marsh, and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for moose, eagles, and waterfowl right near town.
Days 2–3: Seward & Kenai Fjords National Park – Drive south along the scenic Seward Highway. Stay in Seward or nearby. Take a Kenai Fjords wildlife cruise to photograph sea otters, seals, puffins, whales, and glaciers. Hike the Exit Glacier trail for bears and mountain goats in summer.
Days 4–5: Homer & Kachemak Bay – Drive to Homer for excellent shore and sea-based wildlife photography. Consider a boat tour of Kachemak Bay for sea lions, harbor seals, otters, and seabirds. Bear viewing opportunities exist in remote areas via guided tours.
Days 6–7: Denali National Park (via Talkeetna) – Drive north to Talkeetna, a great base for Denali day trips. Take a shuttle or guided tour into Denali National Park for moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and possibly grizzly bears. Denali’s wide-open vistas are excellent for landscape and wildlife shots together.
Day 8: Fairbanks Option (optional) – If your schedule allows, continue north to Fairbanks for potential Arctic wildlife viewing and to catch northern birds or visit wildlife sanctuaries.
Days 9–10: Return to Anchorage – Drive back south along the George Parks Highway. Stop at roadside pullouts and lakes like Byers Lake or Denali Viewpoints for moose and eagles. Conclude in Anchorage with any missed local wildlife photography.

Additional Tips:

Alaska wildlife is most active early morning and late evening, so plan your drives and photo sessions accordingly.
Bring binoculars and a telephoto lens for bears, eagles, and other wildlife at a safe distance.
Consider local guides for bear-viewing and boat tours—they can position you in the best spots safely.
Check road conditions in advance, especially for Denali and remote areas, to avoid detours or closures.
For sea wildlife photography, calm weather days provide the best light and water conditions.

This itinerary balances coastal marine wildlife and interior terrestrial species, giving you diverse photographic opportunities within a 7–10 night self-drive framework, without overly long consecutive driving days.

Self Drive Trip Ideas between 7 - 10 nights

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