Where to plug in extra nights?

Question

Planning a visit to Alaska for 17 nights beginning mid May. I visited in May a couple of years ago. This will be first trip for my husband. We are mid 60’s. I’ve been on a couple glacier cruises and he doesn’t like water however I may still consider one in Valdez and possibly Homer if we can find good hikes (guided or group for safety) that he can do those days.

I have a rough itinerary but looking for suggestions on where to plug in 2 extra nights. We have reserved a car that is allowed per the written rental contract on gravel roads.

Current plans are:

Evening travel to ANC (2nights, 1 full day)

trolley tour, Tony Knowles Trail, Aviation Museum

Drive to Seward (3 nights, 2 full days)

Sea Life Center, Exit Glacier, other ideas?

Drive to Homer (3 nights, 2 full days)

Homer spit Trail, maybe Seldovia Rainbow Tours?

Homer Farmers Market, other ideas?

Drive to Girdwood via Hope (2 nights, 1 full day)

Tram? Byron Glacier Trail

Drive To Denali via Talkeetna (2 nights, 1 full day)

Transit Bus

Drive to Paxson via Denali Highway (1 nights Paxson)

Drive to Valdez (2 nights, 1 full day)

Valdez Dock Point Trail, Solomon gulch, cruise for me? hike for him?

Drive to ANC via Matanuska and Palmer

Where do we add the extra two nights? Denali, Valdez? An extra day in Anchorage? Drive the McCarthy road?

Appreciate any suggestions.

Answer

Your 17-night Alaska itinerary already covers a lot of ground and includes some of the most iconic regions, but adding two extra nights can provide more flexibility and allow for a slightly more relaxed pace or extra exploration in key areas. Here’s a detailed analysis of options for where to plug in those extra nights:

1. Denali National Park:

Denali is often considered the crown jewel of Alaska for land-based exploration, and a single full day for a transit bus may feel rushed, especially with your husband preferring hikes and you potentially doing a more adventurous activity. Adding an extra night here could allow for:

More time on the park bus tours or shuttle exploration, perhaps covering different segments than the standard transit route.
A guided day hike on trails like Horseshoe Lake or Triple Lakes, which are accessible and safe for mid-level hikers.
Flexibility in case of inclement weather, which is common in May.

2. Valdez:

Valdez is beautiful but limited in terms of activities if your husband isn’t interested in cruises. An extra night could allow for:

A full day hiking the Valdez Glacier trails, Solomon Gulch, or Keystone Canyon, while you take a shorter cruise if desired.
Better scheduling flexibility for potential flightseeing or scenic tours that require good weather.
Relaxing downtime in town and more time exploring local history and small trails.

3. Anchorage:

An extra night in Anchorage can be useful, but it tends to be more urban, and your itinerary already includes two nights with activities like the trolley tour and Tony Knowles Trail. Unless you want a buffer day for rest or museum exploration, extra nights here may not add as much value.

4. McCarthy/Kennecott Road:

The McCarthy/Kennecott Road is a rugged and historic area with mining history, glaciers, and unique hiking opportunities. Adding a night in the McCarthy/Kennecott area could be very rewarding if:

You’re comfortable with gravel road driving and limited amenities.
You’d enjoy exploring the Kennecott Mine National Historic Landmark, glacier hiking, or guided walks.
It would be an adventurous addition for both scenery and Alaska history.

Suggested adjustments based on your itinerary and interests:

Add 1 extra night in Denali: allows more hiking options, more relaxed transit bus day, and better weather buffer.
Add 1 extra night in Valdez: gives flexibility for hikes while you do a potential short cruise, and reduces the rush of driving back through Matanuska and Palmer the next day.

Alternative if you prefer adventure over relaxation:

Add 2 nights on McCarthy/Kennecott Road after Paxson or as a detour from Valdez. This would shorten other legs slightly but offers unique hiking, glacier views, and historic exploration.

Overall recommendation:

For a balance of sightseeing, hiking, and comfort for a mid-60s couple, the combination of 1 extra night in Denali and 1 extra night in Valdez is likely the most practical and enjoyable. It reduces the pressure of long drives and gives more flexibility in case of weather delays for tours or hikes.

Where to plug in extra nights?

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