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Hello, my husband and I are traveling to Anchorage on Sept 2 . We will have 3.5 days until we leave very early on the 6th. We are renting a car. Trying to prioritize to get the most out of the trip. Is it feasible to see both Denali and Kenai Fjords? Thinking of driving south straight from the airport. I’m assuming we could do a boat tour the following day and then start driving toward Denali. TIA

Answer

With 3.5 days in Anchorage and a rental car, it is possible to experience both Kenai Fjords and Denali, but it will be a fairly tight schedule and involve significant driving. Careful planning will help you maximize your time.

Suggested Approach:

Day 1 – Arrival & Kenai Fjords: After picking up your rental car, consider driving south toward Seward (approx. 2.5-3 hours). If time allows, check into a local hotel or lodge and get some rest. The next day, you can do a Kenai Fjords boat tour in the morning, which typically lasts 4-6 hours and offers glacier and wildlife viewing.
Day 2 – Kenai Fjords / Drive North: If you did the tour in the morning, you could start driving back north in the afternoon toward Anchorage or an intermediate stop like Talkeetna, which is a convenient staging point for Denali. Alternatively, you could do the tour first thing in the morning, then drive directly to the Denali area in the late afternoon (approx. 4-5 hours from Seward to Talkeetna).
Day 3 – Denali National Park: Spend a full day exploring Denali. If you want to see wildlife, consider a Denali shuttle or guided tour into the park, since private vehicles can only go a limited distance into the park. You’ll get mountain views, wildlife spotting, and short hikes suitable for your pace.
Day 4 – Return to Anchorage: Drive back to Anchorage in the morning for your early departure on the 6th. The drive from Denali to Anchorage takes approximately 4-5 hours, so plan for extra time to ensure you make your flight comfortably.

Tips and Considerations:

Driving distances in Alaska are long; plan for 4-6 hours of driving per day on travel days.
Book Kenai Fjords tours and Denali shuttles in advance, especially since early September is still a busy time.
Talkeetna is a good overnight stop if you want to split the drive between Seward and Denali.
Fuel stations and services are limited in some areas, so fill up when you can.
If you want more time in Denali, you could consider skipping the Kenai Fjords tour or doing a shorter wildlife cruise from Seward or Whittier.

In summary, it’s feasible but ambitious. You can do Kenai Fjords first, then drive north for Denali, but expect several hours of driving each day and early mornings to make the most of your time.

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