The ULTIMATE 10 day Alaska road trip (3 itinerary options!)

Planning a trip to Alaska? We’re sharing three Alaska itinerary options for 10 days, which will take you to national parks, coastal towns, hidden gems, and more!

Alaska is a must-visit destination in the United States. Where else can you easily experience glaciers, epic mountain peaks, rugged coastlines, and a variety of wildlife, all in one state?

During the summer of 2022, we were lucky enough to “live” and travel around Alaska in our home on wheels. Throughout our time in the state, we got to experience so many of its popular and more off the beaten path destinations. We hiked to gorgeous blue lakes, walked on multiple glaciers, saw hundreds of seals, witnessed glaciers calving, and so much more.

It was the trip of a lifetime (and hopefully not the only one!), but we’ll be the first to admit that planning a trip to Alaska can be a bit intimidating. With so many things to do, how do you even decide what to prioritize?

That’s what we’re here for! In this guide we’re sharing three different Alaska itineraries for 10 days, all based on our experience. With 10 days in Alaska, you will be able to travel a bit further than if you only had 7 days, spend more time in specific places, and soak up even more scenery. 

While you can’t see it all in 10 days (heck, we barely scratched the surface in 2.5 months!), we can promise that you’ll get to experience what makes Alaska special.

Looking for more things to do in Alaska?

• How to spend 7 days in Alaska (4 itinerary options!)
• The ULTIMATE guide to driving the Alaska Highway
• The 24 BEST hikes in Alaska
• The ULTIMATE Summer Alaska Packing List
• Things to do in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park (The largest in the US!)
• 12+ FUN things to do in Valdez, Alaska
• 8+ EPIC things to do in Hatcher Pass in Alaska 
• The ULTIMATE guide to visiting Denali National Park (Mile 0-43)
• 8 things to do in Kenai Fjords National Park
• Watch all of our Alaska vlogs
• Read all of our Alaska guides

Getting to Alaska

You can fly, drive (read our guide to driving the Alaska Highway!), or take a cruise or ferry to Alaska. Although if you take a cruise, your itinerary will be mostly decided based on your cruise schedule.

When to visit Alaska

While visiting Alaska throughout the year offers different activities and experiences, these itineraries are focused on the summer months and early fall (May through September). This is when all of these activities should be accessible.

If you’re planning to go in the very early or late ends of this time frame, be sure to double check that any activities you book will be operating. Some businesses open late and/or close early for the season. 

How to get around

Because these are road trips, we highly recommend driving your own vehicle or renting a car.

In our opinion, Alaska is best explored by campervan or RV. Whether you decide to bring your own or rent one, we have a huge guide with everything you need to know about RVing Alaska!

Do you need 4×4?

While 4×4 could help you access more remote, epic boondocking spots in Alaska, it’s not required. Our van is RWD and we had no issues visiting all of the stops listed on these 10 day Alaska itineraries! 

Plan for construction delays

A common joke in Alaska is that there are two seasons: winter and construction season. The summertime is a popular time for construction to occur and we experienced it in multiple areas across the state. While sometimes it doesn’t cause much of a delay, other times it might, so make sure to allot extra time to get places.

Don’t want to drive? Take the train!

You can also take a train for some of these destinations. There are trains that run from Anchorage to Denali and Seward. Parts of each itinerary could be done by train and Option #2 could be done solely by train!

Where to stay 

Since these itineraries are for road trips, you will have to move around almost daily. We’ll list suggested places to stay under each day!

Kenai Peninsula road trip (Option #1)

This 10 day Alaska itinerary focuses on the epic Kenai Peninsula. After arriving and spending a day in Anchorage, you’ll head south to the small coastal towns of Homer and Seward. In Seward you’ll get to experience Kenai Fjords National Park and its glaciers and wildlife. From there you can stop in the unique town of Whittier before ending your trip back in Anchorage.

Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage
Day 2: Anchorage
Day 3: Drive to Homer
Days 4 & 5: Homer, Alaska
Day 6: Drive to Seward 
Days 7 & 8: Kenai Fjords National Park
Day 9: Visit Whittier and travel back to Anchorage
Day 10: Explore Anchorage and travel home

Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage

Welcome to Alaska! Depending on where you’re traveling from, you may arrive later in the day or be exhausted from traveling. So we suggest taking this day easy!

If you have time, you could spend this day exploring some of Anchorage (we have suggestions under day 2 and 10!). At the minimum, you’ll need to eat, and we suggest grabbing dinner at Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria. This pizza spot has some unique combinations and their own beer!

Warning, this is a VERY popular place to eat in town and can have a long wait. Arrive early if you can! If you don’t want to wait, check out Bear Tooth Theatrepub, which is owned by Moose’s Tooth and serves the same pizza. 

Where to stay

You will want to stay in Anchorage for the next two nights! Here are some lodging options.

Campgrounds: Ship Creek RV Park, Eagle River Campground

FREE Dispersed Camping: Cabela’s (this is a VERY popular free camping spot in Anchorage. There were 30+ RVs every night we stayed here!)

Hotels: Embassy Suites Anchorage, Hyatt Place – Midtown, Courtyard by Marriott 

Vacation Rentals: Downtown Studio Apartment, Carriage House, Modern Anchorage Getaway

Day 2: Anchorage

While you may have come to Alaska for the scenery, don’t skip out on the Anchorage area! With delicious local food and amazing hikes just minutes from downtown, it has a ton to offer. There are a couple ways you could spend a full day in Anchorage, depending on your interests.

Itinerary- Option #1

This first option combines lots of food, with a couple nature experiences. It’s the best of all worlds!

• Start with breakfast at Snow City Cafe! This spot is VERY popular and gets super busy, so arrive early!
• Ride the Tony Knowles Coastal Path! This is a bike path that runs from downtown Anchorage, past the airport (you can watch planes take off and land over your head!), and along the water. There’s a good chance you’ll see some wildlife along the way. We saw multiple moose! Don’t have a bike with you? You can rent bikes from Pablo’s Bicycle Rentals.
• After your ride, have lunch at El Green-Go’s. This is a delicious Mexican food truck! 
• Get ice cream from Wild Scoops. You MUST get the baked Alaska topping!
• Still have some energy and time left? Check out Flattop Mountain! This hike is just 30 minutes from downtown and offers amazing views of the Chugach Mountains and Anchorage from above. It’s only 2.8 miles, but it is steep! You could visit the Eagle River Nature Center, for beautiful scenery with less effort or go kayaking on Eklutna Lake!
• Have dinner at 49th State Brewery, a popular spot for both beer lovers and non-drinkers.

Itinerary- Option #2

Prefer to only explore the area’s epic scenery? Here’s a second option that gives you the choice between our two favorite hikes in the Anchorage area!

• Grab a quick coffee and breakfast from Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop and hit the road!
• Hike in the Chugach Mountains! There are so many good hikes in this area, but we really loved these two.
  • Option #1: Crow Pass to Crystal Lake. This hike is a section of the larger Crow Pass Trail. It will take you through lush mountains, up lots of rocks, and past waterfalls (keep an eye out for mountain goats too!), to a beautiful lake. Make sure to continue on another half mile past the AllTrails route to see Raven Glacier as well!
  • Option #2: South Fork Valley Trail. This hike takes you through a scenic valley, ending at two different colored lakes, right next to each other. Eagle Lake is a glacial lake, with a milky blue color. While Symphony Lake is a dark blue, from snow melt. The contrast is spectacular! And bonus: if you like to fish, this is a great spot to catch trout and grayling (make sure you have a fishing license). Adam hiked with his fly rod and caught a few!
• After your hike, grab dinner at 49th State Brewery, but make sure to save some room for dessert!
• Enjoy delicious ice cream from Wild Scoops. You MUST get the baked Alaska topping!

Where to stay

For day 2, we suggest staying in Anchorage at one of the recommended spots from day 1!

Day 3: Drive to Homer

Let the Kenai Peninsula road trip begin! Today you’ll be driving 4+ hours to Homer, Alaska, a small town located along Kachemak Bay, at the end of the Kenai Peninsula. Nicknamed the Halibut Capital of the World, this small town is known for its amazing fishing, plus jaw dropping scenery.

Not only is Homer itself great to visit, but the drive to and from Homer is stunning! We suggest leaving bright and early to have time to make some stops along the way.

Itinerary

• Grab a quick coffee from Kaladi Brothers (a popular local chain) or Goldie’s Coffee Roasters (an amazing women-run coffee stand) for the road!
• On your way to Homer, take a one hour (round trip) detour to visit the tiny town of Hope. Hope is said to be one of the first gold rush towns in Alaska. It is located right on the water and oozes authentic Alaskan charm! While you won’t have time for all of the items listed below, here are some suggestions for your time in Hope:
  • Have breakfast at Creekbend Cafe.
  • Grab a coffee from Grounds for Hope Espresso. This is a super cute coffee stand next to a library and bookstore! 
  • Wander around town a bit, walking down to the Turnagain Arm, and learning a bit of the area’s history at the Hope and Sunrise Historical Society Museum (opens at 12 PM).
  • Hike the Palmer Creek Lakes Trail, which is a beautiful 30 minute drive out of town. The hike is under 3 miles roundtrip (but steep) and features two beautiful lakes, a waterfall, and lots of mountain scenery. It’s an amazing bang for your buck!
• Once back on the road, you’ll have a 3 hour drive to Homer. There are many more amazing stops you could make, but we will save those suggestions for Day 6.
• After arriving in Homer, check into your accommodation and head into town for dinner! We suggest Swell Taco for some delicious tacos! 
• If you drink alcohol, grab a drink and listen to live music at the Salty Dawg Saloon. There are literally thousands of dollars hanging on the walls!

Where to stay

You will want to stay in Homer for the next 3 nights!

Campgrounds: Mariner Park, Fishing Hole Campground, Homer Spit Campground, Heritage RV Park, Homer KOA

Hotels: Land’s End Resort, Otter Beach Lodges, Aspen Suites Hotel

Vacation Rentals: Charming Up the Hill Cabin, Modern New Cabin with amazing views, Bluff Cabin

Day 4: Homer

What makes Homer special is not only the scenery and town itself, but its location as a launching off point for excursions and adventures. And for your first full day in Homer you have a handful of options of things to do. Depending on which you choose, you may have time for only one activity or you may be able to squeeze in a few things.

Things to do in Homer

• Enjoy a delicious brunch at either Two Sisters Bakery or Wild Honey Bistro, both located off of the Homer Spit.  
• Spend a couple hours relaxing and exploring Bishops Beach.
• Wander around the Homer Spit, checking out its different shops.
• Take a day trip (by plane!) to Katmai National Park! Emerald Air offers day trips to Brooks Falls, the most popular area to visit, where you can see bears catching and eating salmon. Note: This will be an all day excursion and is very expensive.
• Go on a halibut fishing tour! As the Halibut Capital of the World, Homer is the perfect place to try to catch some halibut. You can see tour providers here. Most tours will be a ¾ day or full day.
• Enjoy dinner at AK Fish Fryers or Kachemak Shellfish Growers.

Where to stay

You’ll want to stay in Homer again this evening. We listed some accommodations under day 3!

Day 5: Homer

For your last day in Homer, you’ll be going on a day trip to Kachemak Bay State Park!

Kachemak Bay State Park became Alaska’s first state park in 1972 and combined with the adjoining Kachemak Bay State Wilderness park, it consists of almost 400,000 acres of forest, mountains, glaciers, rocky coves and ocean, and tons of wildlife, including sea otters, whales, black bears, and more!

The park is only accessible by plane or boat, with over 80 miles of hiking trails to explore once on land, many of which require different drop off points by boat. While there are tons of amazing spots to check out in the park, we personally recommend going to the Grewingk Glacier Lake. While we backpacked to the lake and slept along the lakeshore, it makes for a good day trip as well!

Itinerary

• Catch a water taxi in the morning to Kachemak Bay State Park. There are a bunch of water taxi providers in town:
  • Kachemak Bay Adventures – Alan’s Water Taxi (who we used)
  • Mako’s Water Taxi
  • Ashore Water Taxi
  • 49 North Alaskan Adventures
• You will likely start at Glacier Spit trailhead, taking the Glacier Lake trail. From here, it’s a pretty easy and flat walk to Grewingk Glacier. But we suggest taking a 1 mile (each way) detour to a tram, where you can pull yourself over a glacial river. It is a ton of fun!
• After the tram, hop back onto the Glacier Lake trail. It will eventually meet up with the Saddle trail, which you’ll take the rest of the way to Grewingk Glacier Lake.
• Once at the lake, admire all of the icebergs in the water and the glacier off in the distance. This is a great spot for a picnic!
• Your water taxi will tell you which trailhead to return to for your ride back, but it will likely be the Saddle trail (most common for afternoon pickups). This trail is quite a bit steeper and has better views than the Glacier Lake trail.
• After getting picked up and getting back to Homer, grab dinner at Finn’s Pizza and make sure to get dessert at Carmen’s Gelato. This gelato is AMAZING!

Where to stay

You’ll want to stay in Homer for one final night!

Day 6: Drive to Seward

Today you’ll head across the Kenai Peninsula to Seward! The drive from Homer to Seward is about 3 hours and 15 minutes, but there are quite a few places you could stop along the way, so we suggest making this a whole day adventure.

Itinerary

• Have breakfast and coffee at La Baleine Café in Homer and then hit the road!
• On the way to Seward, check out one (or a couple) of the following:
  • Hike the Skilak Lookout Trail. This 4.1 mile (round trip) hike takes you to a spectacular overlook of Skilak Lake. This is a huge, bright blue lake surrounded by mountains!
  • Try to spot bears at Russian River Falls. This almost 5 mile (round trip) hike is a great opportunity to see bears catching and eating salmon. If you don’t want to splurge for the pricey trip to Katmai, this could be a good, much more affordable option. However, it is slightly less epic and your chances are not as high to see bears.
  • Kayak on Upper Trail Lake! This is a beautiful blue lake nestled between mountain peaks. If you have your own kayak, you can park here (we free camped here as well!) and launch or you can rent kayaks or do a tour with Moose Pass Adventures.
• After arriving in Seward, check into your accommodation and grab dinner in town. Lone Chicharron Taqueria, Firebrand BBQ, and The Cookery are some good options! One important thing to know about Seward is that many restaurants close 1-2 days of the week. Make sure to check the hours in advance!

Where to stay

You will want to stay in Seward for the next three nights! Here are a handful of options to check out.

Campgrounds: Miller’s Landing North Campground & RV Park, Resurrection South Campground, Resurrection North Campground & RV Park, or Exit Glacier National Park Campground (tents only)

FREE Dispersed Camping: Exit Glacier Road Special Use Area (where we stayed!)

Hotels: Resurrection Lodge on the Bay, Harbor 360 Hotel, or Seward Gateway Hotel

Vacation Rentals: Modern Cabin with hot tub, Coffee House Cottage, or Abode Well Cabin

Day 7: Kenai Fjords National Park

Today you’ll be exploring the breathtaking Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward. And to kick things off, see the park from the water by taking a boat cruise! Along this cruise you’ll likely get to see whales, seals, sea lions, puffins, glaciers calving, and so much more. It is absolutely phenomenal!

Day 8: Kenai Fjords National Park

Today you’ll continue exploring Kenai Fjords National Park, but this time by foot! Your day will be spent in the Exit Glacier area of the park, which is the only part you can drive to. This region is home to the Exit Glacier, which is a rapidly shrinking glacier, receding more than 2,300 feet since 2004. So now is the best time to visit!

But depending on your interests and how much you want to hike, you have a couple choices while in this area.

Itinerary- Option #1

Start the morning by hiking the Exit Glacier View Loop and/or the Exit Glacier Overlook Trail. These trails are both very easy and short and you can learn more about them here!

After finishing the Exit Glacier hike, hike the Harding Icefield Trail, which starts along the same trail as the Exit Glacier hike, so you will already have a small amount of it done.

This 9+ mile hike was one of our favorite hikes in all of Alaska! You’ll get to view the Harding Icefield, which is the largest icefield entirely in the United States at 700 square miles and almost 4,000 feet deep. And it is the source of 38 glaciers in the park, including the Exit Glacier!

Along the hike you’ll see higher up views of Exit Glacier, potentially see marmots and other wildlife, hike through the forest and up on the tundra terrain, and at the end, see endless ice. It is a wild experience that makes you feel like you’re on another planet. We will say though, it is very challenging, but even if you cannot make it all the way to the end, it’s still worth doing as much as you can. 

Itinerary-Option #2

If you aren’t up for such a challenging day of hiking, you could book a tour to walk on Exit Glacier or go ice climbing instead! There are several guide companies in town that will take you on a safe trip onto the glacial ice including Exit Glacier Guides and Kenai Backcountry Adventures.

While we didn’t personally climb at Exit Glacier, we did an ice climbing tour in Alaska at the Matanuska Glacier, which was UNREAL! You can watch this video to see what our experience was like!

Where to stay

You’ll continue to stay in Seward this evening.

Day 9: Whittier and drive back to Anchorage

Today you’ll drive back towards Anchorage, but on the way, visit the small coastal town of Whittier, a 2 hour drive from Seward! 

Whittier is one of, if not the most, unique towns we have ever visited. And it’s a whole adventure just to get to it! What was once a WWII military base is now a small town that offers lots of outdoor adventure opportunities. 

However, getting to Whittier will require a little bit of preplanning. You’ll be driving through the Anton Anderson Tunnel, which is only open from 5:30 AM-11:15 PM in the summer. Cars and trains take turns going through in one direction, so if you don’t time your visit correctly, you may have to wait a bit. You can see the full schedule for both directions here. 

Things to do in Whittier

After arriving in Whittier from the tunnel, we suggest choosing 2 of these 4 activities for the rest of your day, depending on what your interests are and the amount of time you have to spend.

• Hike the Portage Pass Trail to see amazing views of Whittier, plus tons of mountains and glaciers, including the Portage Glacier at the end!
• If you’d like to see the Portage Glacier from the water instead, go on the Portage Glacier Cruise!
• Jet ski tours are a fun and unique way to explore the area and check out more glaciers!
• Hike the Emerald Cove Trail. Beware – this trail can be VERY muddy. Like, get your legs stuck in the mud kind of muddy. But if you are prepared and can get past the mud, you’re in for a treat! We saw salmon in the stream, picked berries, admired a waterfall, and had the cove all to ourselves!

If you need lunch or dinner while in Whittier, check out Wild Catch Cafe. And after a fun day in the area, head back to Anchorage, which is under a 1.5 hour drive.

Where to stay

You will want to stay in Anchorage this evening and we listed some options under day 1!

Day 10: Explore Anchorage and travel home

For your final day in Alaska you’ll be back in Anchorage! Depending on what time you leave to head home, you could squeeze a lot into a day. We suggest looking at Day 2 and choosing any activities that you were unable to get to then.

Looking for even more ideas? Check out:

• Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center or Anchorage Museum
• Check out a nearby Reindeer Farm or Musk Ox Farm
• Ride the Anchorage Trolley Tour

Want more details on all of these destinations? Check out these guides!
How to visit Grewingk Glacier Lake at Kachemak Bay State Park (Day Hike AND Backpacking!)
8 things to do in Kenai Fjords National Park
How to experience the Exit Glacier Hike in Kenai Fjords National Park
Hiking the Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park
How to hike the Portage Pass Trail in Whittier

National Park exploring (Option #2)

If your goal is to just visit National Parks in Alaska, this 10 day Alaska itinerary is for you! While you’ll only be able to see 2 of the state’s 8 National Parks, they are very different from each other, giving you a well rounded trip. And compared to the 7 day version we offer of this itinerary, you’ll have more time in the parks, plus the chance to visit a cute, quirky nearby town. 

Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage
Day 2: Drive to Denali National Park
Days 3 & 4: Denali National Park
Day 5: Talkeetna and drive to Anchorage
Day 6: Anchorage
Day 7: Drive to Seward
Days 8 & 9: Kenai Fjords National Park
Day 10: Drive back to Anchorage and travel home

Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage

Yay, you made it to Alaska! Since this day is a travel day, you may be adjusting to a new time zone and be wiped from travel. So we suggest taking this day easy!

But since you’ll likely be hungry, make sure to grab dinner at Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria. This pizza spot has some unique combinations and their own beer!

Warning, this is a VERY popular place to eat in town and can have a long wait. Arrive early if you can! If you don’t want to wait, check out Bear Tooth Theatrepub, which is owned by Moose’s Tooth and serves the same pizza. 

Where to stay

You’ll want to stay in Anchorage for this night.

Campgrounds: Ship Creek RV Park, Eagle River Campground

FREE Dispersed Camping: Cabela’s (this is a VERY popular free camping spot in Anchorage. There were 30+ RVs every night we stayed here!)

Hotels: Embassy Suites Anchorage, Hyatt Place – Midtown, Courtyard by Marriott 

Vacation Rentals: Downtown Studio Apartment, Carriage House, Modern Anchorage Getaway

Day 2: Drive to Denali National Park

Today you’ll get the chance to see the tallest mountain in North America! It’s about a 4 hour (237 mile) drive from Anchorage to Denali National Park. But plan for longer, as we encountered construction on this stretch of the drive.

Itinerary

• Once arriving in Denali National Park, hike the Mount Healy Overlook Trail. This trail is located at the beginning of the park, making it really easy to access. It is mostly through the trees, but at the top you have the chance to see your first glimpse of Denali, plus the surrounding mountains.
• For dinner, check out Moose-AKa’s or Prospector’s Pizzeria & Alehouse.

Important things to know before visiting Denali National Park

• You aren’t guaranteed to see the mountain. Even though Denali is the tallest mountain in North America, it can still be difficult to see. Only 30% of visitors get to see Denali when they visit because of weather that can block it. The mountain can be seen from the Park Road as early as mile 9 and you get a great view on the Savage Alpine trail too!
• There is only one road in the park (Park Road). On top of that, only the first 15 miles is open to private vehicles for most of the year. After mile 15, you’ll need to take a park bus, which costs extra. There is plenty to see and do in the first 15 miles if you don’t care to ride the bus.
• It costs $15 per person for a 7 day pass, for those 16 and older, to visit Denali National Park year round. Unless you have the America the Beautiful pass!

Where to stay

We suggest staying in or near Denali National Park for days 2 and 3!

Campgrounds in the park: Riley Creek Campground, Teklanika River Campground, Savage River Campground, Sanctuary River Campground (tents only, access by bus), Igloo Creek Campground (tents only, access by bus)

Campgrounds outside the park: Cantwell RV Park, Denali RV Park & Motel

FREE Dispersed Camping: Roadside pull off near park, pull off behind trees

Hotels: Backwoods Lodge, Denali Lakeview Inn, McKinley Creekside Cabins

Vacation Rentals: Denali Hideaway, The Taiga Studio Apartment

Day 3: Denali National Park

For your first full day in Denali National Park, you’ll head a bit further into the park to see more mountain scenery and maybe even some wildlife! Plus, you’ll complete our favorite hike in the first part of the park!

Itinerary

• Spend the morning on a bus tour. There are two types of tours to choose from, a narrated bus tour or non-narrated transit bus. On the narrated bus tour, you’ll get to hear about the park from a trained naturalist. There are a couple different narrated tours offered, including the Tundra Wilderness Tour and the Denali Natural History Tour. The tours range in length from 4.5-5.5 hours and are the more expensive option.
  
  On the non-narrated transit bus, you’ll ride all the way to East Fork, where you can then hop off and walk the remaining part of the road that is open. You are also able to hop off wherever you’d like to do an off trail hike, but this should only be done by hikers with navigation skills. During our visit, we explored the road closure area and did an off trail hike and both were a great experience!
  
• After riding the bus, hike the Savage Alpine trail, which you can also combine with the Savage River trail. This was our favorite hike in Denali National Park. You can get amazing views of Denali from here (on a clear day). Plus the trail is mostly above the treeline, so regardless of Denali, you have great views the entire time!
• Spend the rest of the day relaxing. If you decide to go out for dinner, check out Moose-AKa’s or Prospector’s Pizzeria & Alehouse.

Where to stay

We recommend staying in or near Denali National Park. Check out the spots recommended under day 2!

Day 4: Denali National Park

For your last day in Denali National Park, you’ll tackle another hike, plus meet some furry friends, before heading to your next destination in Alaska. 

Itinerary

• Grab some coffee and breakfast at The Black Bear.
• Want to meet some huskies? Attend a sled dog demonstration! These demonstrations are given 3 times a day at 10 AM, 2 PM, and 4 PM and last for 30 minutes. You’ll learn a bit about dog sledding and also get to meet the dogs. There is limited parking at the kennels, so you’ll need to walk there or ride the free park shuttle, which leaves 40 minutes before the demonstration. 
• Hike the Horseshoe Lake Trail, which is an easy hike with views of a river, an emerald colored lake, and beaver dams!
• Spend the rest of the day driving to Talkeetna, a small town located about 2.5 hours from the park.
• Grab dinner from either Mountain High Pizza Pie, Shirley’s Burger Barn, The Salmon Spot, or Denali Brewpub.

Where to stay

For this night, you’ll want to stay in Talkeetna. Here are some options!

Campgrounds: Talkeetna Camper Park, Woodpecker RV Retreat, Montana Creek Campground, Talkeetna Lake Retreat

FREE Dispersed Camping: Free campground off Parks Highway, Susitna River Bank  

Hotels: Susitna River Lodgings, Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, Denali Fireside Cabins & Suites 

Vacation Rentals: Modern Log Cabin with En Suite Sauna, 2nd Street Retreat, Tiny House Cabin

Day 5: Talkeetna and drive to Anchorage

Today you’ll spend part of the day in Talkeetna, a quirky, charming, riverfront town, before heading down to Anchorage! 

Itinerary

• Kick off your morning in Talkeetna with coffee and breakfast at Conscious Coffee.
• If your budget allows, go on a flightseeing tour of Denali National Park with K2 Aviation! While our budget did not allow for this in Alaska, we have heard incredible things. Not only will you get to see Denali (if it’s clear enough), but get an amazing high up view of Alaska!

Want to save some money on this tour or experience? Book it on Tripadvisor and use our code APLUSK10 for 10% off!

• Spend some time wandering around Talkeetna and its different shops. And as you explore, keep an eye out for Talkeetna’s mayor. The mayor isn’t your typical mayor though, he’s a cat named Denali. We spent a good part of our morning walking around town looking for him, including at Nagley’s where he is known to hang out, but never found him. Hopefully you’ll have better luck than we did!
• Have lunch at Talkeetna Spinach Bread, an amazing airstream food truck with cheesy, spinach garlic bread. If you only eat at one place in Talkeetna, this is the spot!
• Learn about birch syrup at Alaska Birch Syrup & Wild Harvest. They offer a free short tour where they explain the process to make birch syrup. Plus how it’s different from maple syrup! And at the end you get to do a tasting of the different grades of syrup. They also sell birch related products, plus ice cream!
• For the rest of the day, drive to Anchorage, which is about a 2 hour drive. 
• Have dinner in Anchorage! A few spots to check out are Rustic Goat, Hula Hands, Lucky Wishbone, or Taco King (our go-to quick spot for tacos!). 

Where to stay

You will want to stay in Anchorage for the next two nights. We listed some lodging options under day 1!

Day 6: Anchorage

Take a break from driving today to enjoy the local eats and nature in and around Anchorage! While exploring a city may not be what you came to Alaska for, there are tons of amazing hikes, scenic views, and natural experiences, all within 30 minutes of the city!

Depending on what interests you the most, here are two itinerary options!

Itinerary- Option #1

This first option combines lots of food, with a couple nature experiences. It’s the best of all worlds!

• Start with breakfast at Snow City Cafe! This spot is VERY popular and gets super busy, so arrive early!
• Ride the Tony Knowles Coastal Path, a path that runs from downtown Anchorage, past the airport (you can watch planes take off and land over your head!), and along the water. There’s a good chance you’ll see some wildlife along the way. During our ride, we saw multiple moose! Don’t have a bike with you? You can rent bikes from Pablo’s Bicycle Rentals.
• After your ride, have lunch at El Green-Go’s, a delicious Mexican food truck right downtown.
• Get ice cream from Wild Scoops. You MUST get the baked Alaska topping!
• Still have some energy and time left? Check out Flattop Mountain! This hike is just 30 minutes from downtown and offers amazing views of the Chugach Mountains and Anchorage from above. It’s only 2.8 miles, but it is steep! You could also visit the Eagle River Nature Center, for beautiful scenery with less effort or go kayaking on Eklutna Lake!
• Have dinner at 49th State Brewery, a popular spot for both beer lovers and non-drinkers.

Itinerary- Option #2

Prefer to only explore the area’s epic scenery? Thankfully Anchorage offers a lot of that! Here’s a second itinerary that gives you the choice between our two favorite hikes near Anchorage. 

• Grab a quick coffee from Kaladi Brothers (a popular local chain) or Goldie’s Coffee Roasters (an amazing women-run coffee stand) and hit the road!
• Hike in the Chugach Mountains! There are so many good hikes in this area, but we especially loved these two.
  • Option #1: Crow Pass to Crystal Lake. This hike is a section of the larger Crow Pass Trail. It will take you through lush mountains, up lots of rocks, and past waterfalls (keep an eye out for mountain goats too!), to a beautiful lake. Make sure to continue on another half mile past the AllTrails route to see Raven Glacier as well!
  • Option #2: South Fork Valley Trail. This hike takes you through a scenic valley, ending at two different colored lakes, right next to each other. Eagle Lake is a glacial lake, with a milky blue color. While Symphony Lake is a dark blue, from snow melt. The contrast is spectacular! And bonus: if you like to fish, this is a great spot to catch trout and grayling (make sure you have a fishing license). Adam hiked with his fly rod and caught a few!
• After your hike, grab dinner at 49th State Brewery, but make sure to save some room for dessert!
• Enjoy delicious ice cream from Wild Scoops. You MUST get the baked Alaska topping!

Where to stay

You will stay in Anchorage again this evening.

Day 7: Drive to Seward

Today you’ll be driving to Seward and getting to your second national park in Alaska, Kenai Fjords! This was our favorite national park out of the three we visited in Alaska. It is home to numerous fjords, mountains, forests, tons of wildlife, dozens of glaciers, and the largest ice field entirely in the United States. It combines everything that makes Alaska unique and majestic, all into one park!

The drive from Anchorage to Seward is about 2.5 hours, so if you arrive in Seward by mid-day, you’ll have time to explore part of the park too! 

Itinerary

• Grab coffee and breakfast at Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop in Anchorage and hit the road! 
• Once arriving in Seward, head to Miller’s Landing Cafe for some lunch with a view! You may even luck out and get to see a fishing tour return and see their catch!
• Spend what’s left of the day at Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park, the only area of the park accessible by vehicle. We suggest hiking the Exit Glacier View Loop and/or the Exit Glacier Overlook Trail. You can learn more about Exit Glacier and read how to hike both of the trails here!
• After a few hours in the park, head back to Seward and have dinner at Lone Chicharron Taqueria, Firebrand BBQ, or The Cookery. One important thing to know about Seward is that many restaurants close 1-2 days of the week. Make sure to check the hours in advance!

Where to stay

You will want to stay in Seward for the next three nights!

Campgrounds: Miller’s Landing North Campground & RV Park, Resurrection South Campground, Resurrection North Campground & RV Park, or Exit Glacier National Park Campground (tents only)

FREE Dispersed Camping: Exit Glacier Road Special Use Area (where we stayed!)

Hotels: Resurrection Lodge on the Bay, Harbor 360 Hotel, or Seward Gateway Hotel

Vacation Rentals: Modern Cabin with hot tub, Coffee House Cottage, or Abode Well Cabin

Day 8: Kenai Fjords National Park

Today you’ll continue exploring Kenai Fjords National Park, but this time by water! One of the BEST things to do in the park is to take a boat cruise. These cruises will take you by glaciers, fjords, and give you the chance to see lots of wildlife. It was one of our favorite days ever!

Itinerary

• Have coffee and a quick bite to eat at Resurrect Art Coffee House.
• There are a handful of boat cruise options, but we highly recommend the 7.5 hour tour with Major Marine. You will go by two tidewater glaciers (and may get to see them calving!), have lots of time to search for wildlife, plus savor the scenery around you. It was truly one of the best days of our entire life!

SAVE on this tour: If booking on Tripadvisor, make sure to use our code APLUSK10 for 10% off!

• After a magical day on the water, have dinner at a local spot in Seward. We listed a few options under day 7!

Where to stay

You’ll continue to stay in Seward this evening.

Day 9: Kenai Fjords National Park

For your final day in Kenai Fjords National Park, you have a few options, including tackling one of our favorite hikes in Alaska, getting up close and personal with the icy scenery, or going for an excursion!

Itinerary

• Grab a quick coffee in Seward at Summit Sips, which is open early, making it a great coffee spot before a long day in the park.
• For your day in the park, choose from the following:
  • Hike the Harding Icefield Trail. The Harding Icefield is the largest icefield entirely in the United States at 700 square miles and almost 4,000 feet deep. And on this difficult 9+ mile hike, you’ll not only get to view the icefield, but see Exit Glacier from above, walk through gorgeous alpine terrain, and more. You’ll feel like you’re on another planet at times!
  • Walk or ice climb on the Exit Glacier. Want to experience a glacier up close? Book a tour to walk on Exit Glacier or go ice climbing. There are several guide companies in town that will take you on a safe trip onto the glacial ice including Exit Glacier Guides and Kenai Backcountry Adventures. 
  • Fishing or kayaking tour: You could also book a fishing charter in Seward or a kayaking tour with Liquid Adventures, Kayak Adventures Worldwide, or Adventure 60 North.
• End the day with dinner in Seward. 

Where to stay

You’ll stay in Seward for one final night!

Day 10: Drive back to Anchorage and travel home

For your final day in Alaska, make the 2.5 hour drive back to Anchorage and catch a flight back home. Since many flights leave Alaska very late at night (or even the following morning), you will likely have some time to explore more today!

We suggest looking at day 6 and choosing any activities that you were unable to get to then. But here are a few more ideas:

• Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center or Anchorage Museum
• Check out a nearby Reindeer Farm or Musk Ox Farm
• Ride the Anchorage Trolley Tour

Want more details on all of these destinations? Check out these guides!

The 24 BEST hikes in Alaska
Hiking the Mount Healy Overlook Trail
How to hike the Savage Alpine Trail
Hiking the Horseshoe Lake Trail
The ULTIMATE guide to visiting Denali National Park (Mile 0-43)
8 things to do in Kenai Fjords National Park
How to experience the Exit Glacier Hike in Kenai Fjords National Park
Hiking the Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park

Off the beaten path (Option #3)

Although such a small part of Alaska is actually accessible by vehicle, it can still be a challenge to fit in every beautiful, drive-able spot into one trip. And with this 10 day Alaska itinerary we’re including places that are a bit harder to get to and slightly less popular with the average visitor, but just as epic!

While you won’t find Denali or Kenai Fjords on this itinerary, what you will find is a more remote national park experience, a coastal town loaded with wildlife, and our favorite area in Alaska to hike. 

Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage
Day 2: Drive to McCarthy
Days 3 & 4: Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Day 5: Drive to Valdez
Days 6 & 7: Valdez
Day 8: Drive to Palmer
Day 9: Hatcher Pass
Day 10: Explore Anchorage and return home

Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage

Your Alaska adventure begins! Depending on where you’re traveling from and what time you arrive, you may be exhausted, so we suggest taking this day easy!

If you have time and energy, you could explore some of Anchorage (check out our suggestions under day 6!). Regardless of what time you arrive, you’ll likely be hungry, so we suggest grabbing some unique pizza (and beer, if you are a beer drinker) at Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria. 

This is quite possibly the most popular place to eat in Anchorage, so be prepared to wait for a bit. If you don’t want to wait, check out Bear Tooth Theatrepub, which is owned by Moose’s Tooth and serves the same pizza. 

Where to stay

For this night, you’ll want to stay in Anchorage!

Campgrounds: Ship Creek RV Park, Eagle River Campground

FREE Dispersed Camping: Cabela’s (this is a VERY popular free camping spot in Anchorage. There were 30+ RVs every night we stayed here!)

Hotels: Embassy Suites Anchorage, Hyatt Place – Midtown, Courtyard by Marriott 

Vacation Rentals: Downtown Studio Apartment, Carriage House, Modern Anchorage Getaway

Day 2: Drive to McCarthy

Today you’re going to make the drive from Anchorage to McCarthy, a tiny town located at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. It is going to be a LONG day of driving (about 7 hours), but the scenery will be incredible the entire way!

Itinerary

• First stop: coffee! You have a long day ahead, so make sure to get some caffeine (and  maybe a quick bite to eat) to hold you over for a bit. We love both Kaladi Brothers (a popular local chain) or Goldie’s Coffee Roasters (an amazing women-run coffee stand).
• While there are some amazing stops to make along this drive, for the sake of time, we suggest making limited longer stops so that you can get to McCarthy at a reasonable time. However, a couple quicker stops you can make are:
  • Any and all overlooks on the side of the road. There are quite a few and are all amazing!
  • Overlook of the Matanuska Glacier
  • Sheep Mountain Lodge for lunch
• Glennallen will be your halfway-ish point for the drive. Make sure to stop here and fuel up! It will probably be your “cheapest” (still not cheap) fuel for a bit.
• From Glennallen, you’ll turn right onto the Richardson Highway. Along this stretch you can find the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Visitor Center, which is a great stop to take a restroom break, learn about the park and chat with rangers, and get some souvenirs! 
• You’ll follow the Richardson Highway for about 30 miles before turning left onto the Edgerton Highway, which connects with the McCarthy Road after 33 miles. Along this stretch of the drive, make a quick stop at Liberty Falls.
• McCarthy Road is the final road you’ll take to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and McCarthy. It’s an unpaved, 59 mile road that takes about 2 hours one way. Read our full guide to driving McCarthy Road to get a better idea of what to expect.
• The McCarthy Road ends right at a footbridge and if you plan to stay in McCarthy or at the Kennicott Glacier Lodge, you will need to walk across the bridge and take a shuttle the rest of the way. If you’re in an RV or van, you can camp right by the bridge, which we will share about below!
• For the rest of the day, we suggest relaxing! You likely won’t make it to the park until closer to dinnertime. If you’re in an RV or have access to a kitchen, it may be a good night to cook. But if you want to eat out, McCarthy has a few good spots, including The Potato (our pick), The New Golden Saloon, and Salmon & Bear Restaurant.

Where to stay

You will want to stay in or near McCarthy/Kennecott for the next three nights!

Campgrounds: Base Camp Kennicott– this camping area is right at the end of McCarthy Road. It is a large parking area where you can park to visit the Kennecott area ($10/day), plus has a variety of spaces to camp ($30/night). There are no designated campsites here and no amenities, minus an outhouse, but it’s very convenient if planning to visit this area of the park!

We stayed here for one night before hiking into the park, as well as parked our van here while we were camping by Root Glacier, and it worked well!

Hotels: Kennicott Glacier Lodge, Kennecott Guesthouse, Ma Johnson’s Historical Hotel, McCarthy Guesthouse, or Lancaster’s Backpacker Hotel

Vacation Rentals: Historic Kennicott Copper Cottage, Cozy Trapper Cabin, Meadow Cabin, Blackburn Cabins

Day 3: Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Today you’re going to begin exploring Wrangell-St. Elias National Park! This park encompasses 13 million acres in Southcentral Alaska, making it the largest national park in the United States.

But beyond that impressive title, it is also home to 9 of the 16 highest peaks in the US and one of the greatest concentrations of glaciers of North America. Nature isn’t all that it boasts though, it also has some interesting copper mining history, which you can see firsthand in the park.

Note: dogs are allowed on trails in this park, as long as they are on a leash.

Itinerary

• Take a shuttle, walk, or ride a bike to Kennecott. If you need a bite to eat or coffee along the way, swing by The Potato in McCarthy.
• Spend the morning wandering around the Kennecott mines. If you can, go on one of the paid tours of the Kennecott Mill.
• For lunch, check out the Meatza Wagon, which is located in Kennecott, so it’s a great lunch spot while in the park. They offer a variety of sandwich, tacos, and salad options. 
• Hike the Root Glacier Trail. There are over 5,000 square miles of glacial ice in the park and the Root Glacier is the most accessible. And what is extra cool (literally) is that you are allowed to walk ON the glacier…by yourself too! While you can hire a guide to take you onto the glacier (or go ice climbing), you are allowed to explore it on your own. The only caveat is that you MUST have microspikes or crampons. It is unsafe to walk on the glacier without them.
• Spend the rest of the day wandering around McCarthy and grabbing dinner in town!

Where to stay

You will want to stay in or near McCarthy/Kennecott again tonight at one of the options we listed under day 2! Another option is to camp by the Root Glacier, which is what we did. We left our van at Base Camp Kennicott, hiked into the park with our backpacking gear, and slept overlooking the glacier. You can read more about that experience in this guide or watch our experience here!

What we loved about doing this is that we were closer to activities within the park for our second day. Plus, being able to camp overlooking a glacier isn’t something you get to do everyday! 

Day 4: Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

For your second and final day in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park you have a couple different options. But whichever one you pick will be an amazing adventure!

Itinerary- Option #1

• Up for a hike? We highly recommend the Bonanza Mine Trail. The Bonanza Mine was one of five mines on Bonanza Peak in the early 20th century. At the time, the President of the Kennecott Copper Company claimed it was the richest known concentration of copper ore in the world. The mines produced 1.1 billion pounds of copper from 1909 to 1938, worth reportedly over $200 million in gross revenues!

Today you can see the ruins of the mine along the Bonanza Mine trail. But we will say, this hike isn’t for everyone. It’s very steep, gaining almost 1,000 feet per mile. And the first half is through the trees, which isn’t very exciting. But once you get above the trees, it’s spectacular! You will have sweeping views of the Chugach Mountains, Mt. Blackburn, and glaciers. And as you get closer to the mine, you’ll see a waterfall, mine ruins, copper on the ground, and old mining artifacts. It’s the perfect combination of nature and history!

Itinerary- Option #2

• Spend today seeing the park from a different perspective. One of the best ways to experience Wrangell-St. Elias is through a flightseeing tour. It wasn’t in our budget for this past trip, but everyone we talked to that did it raved about it. Wrangell Mountain Air in McCarthy offers a variety of tours, which can take you over glaciers and right by some of the tallest mountains in the United States.
• Another fun way to see the park is by water! St. Elias Alpine Guides and Raft the Wrangells offer a couple different kayaking and rafting tours. And what’s even cooler is that both offer a combo rafting + flightseeing tour!

Regardless of which you choose, end your day in McCarthy, dining at one of the spots we listed on Day 3.

Where to stay

This will be your final night staying in or near McCarthy/Kennecott.

Day 5: Drive to Valdez

On the 5th day of this 10 day Alaska itinerary you’ll be heading to one of our favorite coastal towns in Alaska…Valdez! Valdez is loaded with towering peaks, coastal views, fjords, giant waterfalls, a scenic canyon, glaciers, wildlife, and so much more. It’s an outdoor lover’s paradise!

Itinerary

• Leave the McCarthy area bright and early to make the drive to Valdez. This drive is about 4.5 hours, but plan for longer, as McCarthy Road can be slow going.
• As you get closer to Valdez, the scenery gets pretty epic! You first will pass the Worthington Glacier, which is one of Alaska’s most road accessible glaciers. It’s right along the Richardson Highway and while you can pay $5 to visit it at the Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site, the trails to get close to it are closed, so we preferred to view it from a pull off on the road.
• After seeing the Worthington Glacier, you’ll reach Thompson Pass. This mountain pass sits at 2,678 feet and is known as the snowiest place in all of Alaska and possibly the United States, receiving an average of over 500 inches per year. It also holds the record for snowiest day in Alaska at 62 inches!
  
  Beyond its records, it’s just a jaw dropping place, with extremely jagged peaks in the backdrop, plus glaciers tucked into many mountains. While you can admire the INSANE scenery from the road (we gasped the first time we saw it!), we suggest wandering around a bit by foot. There aren’t any marked trails, but you can follow this AllTrails route and also see where we explored on our trail recording.
• Once leaving Thompson Pass, the epicness continues as you drive through Keystone Canyon. This is a 3 mile drive through a narrow canyon with towering rock walls and waterfalls cascading down. It is spectacular! Along the way you’ll drive by Rudleston Falls, an old railroad tunnel, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horsetail Falls. Make sure to stop by and check out each one! No hiking is required, as they are all next to the road.
• After a long, but beautiful drive, you’ll finally make it to Valdez! Check into your accommodation and enjoy dinner at Nat Shack, one of our favorite spots in town, The Potato, or grab beer and a po boy from Poor Betty’s at Valdez Brewing.

Where to stay

You will want to stay in Valdez for the next three nights!

Campgrounds: Bear Paw RV Park, Bear Paw RV Park II, Allison Point Campground, Valdez Glacier Campground, Valdez KOA Journey

FREE Dispersed Camping: Haul Road, Thompson Pass, Valdez Riverbed

Hotels: Best Western Valdez Harbor Inn, Totem Hotel and Suites

Vacation Rentals: Tiny Home, Tiny Home 2, Kade’s Cabin

Day 6: Valdez

Today is your first full day in Valdez and you’ll spend it exploring the town, some of its local eateries, natural beauty, and wildlife! 

Itinerary

• Start your morning with coffee from The Coffee Co, which is one of our favorite coffee shops in Alaska! If they have the Hipster Moose Mocha drink, you MUST get it! Take your coffee to go and wander around the harbor area of Valdez.
• While you’re wandering around grab some breakfast at Magpie’s on the Fly.
• Check out Valdez Glacier Lake! This lake is a short drive from town and is where the 20 mile long Valdez Glacier terminates. You unfortunately can no longer see the glacier from the lakeshore, as it has receded too much, but you can see big ice chunks floating on the lake! We checked out the lake just from the shore, but you can also kayak, SUP board, or raft. If you have your own, you can launch it here, but if not, you can rent a kayak through Valdez Play and Stay. 
• Back in town, have lunch at Nat Shack or The Potato and enjoy it by the water.
• Visit the Solomon Gulch Hatchery! The hatchery is open to the public and you can do a self guided tour of the hatchery, as well as just watch sea lions, seals, bald eagles, and if you’re lucky, a bear, feasting on salmon. It was one of the WILDEST things we have ever experienced. We felt like we were watching National Geographic here!
• While at the hatchery, make sure to check out the waterfall right across the street. And if you have time, hike to the Solomon Gulch viewpoint and lake.
• End the day by attending a Far North Follies show! This is a local theater group that puts on vaudeville shows at Magpie’s on the Fly. You’ll get to learn some history about Valdez in a fun way, with singing and dancing. All while enjoying a meal! You can see their full schedule here! During the summer, they tend to have shows every Friday and Saturday night.

Where to stay

You will stay in Valdez again tonight. Check out the suggestions we listed under day 5!

Day 7: Valdez

Today you’ll get to experience some of the epic glaciers (and wildlife) in the Prince William Sound, on a boat cruise or kayaking trip from Valdez!

Itinerary

You have a couple options when it comes to your tour today!

Option #1- Boat Cruise
There are a couple different boat cruise options in Valdez, which can take you to two popular glaciers. The first option is the Columbia Glacier, which is the second largest tidewater glacier in North America. Another is the Meares Glacier, which is one of the only tidewater glaciers in North America that is advancing. Stans Stephen Glacier & Wildlife Tours offers a 6 hour cruise to Columbia Glacier and an 8 hour cruise to the Meares Glacier.

Want to save some money? Book your glacier tour on Tripadvisor and use our code APLUSK10 for 10% off!

Option #2- Kayaking + Boat Cruise
Besides going on a boat tour, you can also do kayaking + cruise combo trips with Anadyr Adventures to the Columbia Glacier face, Columbia Iceberg, or Shoup Glacier. These give you a great mix of relaxation and adventure! 

After a fun day out on the water, grab dinner in town at one of the spots we have listed. And celebrate your last night in Valdez with ice cream at Northern Treats (cash only).

Where to stay

Tonight will be your last night staying in Valdez!

Day 8: Drive to Palmer

Today you’ll begin your journey back towards Anchorage. But instead of driving straight there, you’re going to stop in Palmer, which is close to tomorrow’s epic adventure.

This drive will be about 6 hours and will follow the same route as day 2. And similar to day 2, you likely won’t have a ton of time for long stops. But if you have some time along the way, hike up Lion’s Head. This 2.1 mile hike is short, but oh boy is it STEEP! And muddy!

However, for those who like a challenge, it’s well worth it for the incredible views of the Matanuska Glacier at the top. Plus views of mountains in every direction, which all have a slightly different look to them.

Whether you do the Lion’s Head hike or not, end your day with dinner at Palmer Alehouse. You could also check out a Reindeer Farm or Musk Ox Farm in Palmer if you arrive early enough.

Where to stay

You’ll want to stay in Palmer tonight, as it’s close to where you’ll hike tomorrow!

Campgrounds: Gold Mint Trailhead Parking Lot ($15), Government Peak Campground 

FREE Dispersed Camping: Spot along Willow-Fishhook Road (there are a few along this road)

Hotels: Hatcher Pass Lodge, Hatcher Pass Cabins, Alaska Knotty Pine B&B, Meier Lake Resort

Day 9: Hatcher Pass

For your last full day in Alaska, you’ll be visiting our favorite mountainous area in the state, Hatcher Pass. This is a section of the Talkeetna Mountains with 300,000 acres of mountainous terrain, more than 30 summits, and numerous glaciers. It’s a mountain lover’s paradise!

Itinerary

Today you’ll have a couple options of what to do in Hatcher Pass, depending on how much you want to hike.

• Option #1: Hike the Reed Lakes Trail. This is an almost 9 mile hike that takes you to two stunning blue lakes, surrounded by mountains. It’s the best day hike in the area and quite possibly one of the best in Alaska! After you finish the hike, check out  Independence Mine State Historical Park.
• Option #2: If you’re not up for a long hike, check out a combination of the April Bowl Trail (2.2 miles, but steep!), Hatcher Pass viewpoint, Independence Mine State Historical Park, or Gold Cord Lake (1.5 miles). 

After exploring the area, head to Anchorage (1 hour, 15 minutes) for the night. For dinner, head to 49th State Brewery, a popular spot for both beer lovers and non-drinkers. And make sure to save room for dessert at Wild Scoops. You MUST get the baked Alaska topping! 

Where to stay

Tonight you’ll stay in Anchorage. Reference Day 1 to see our list of suggested spots!

Day 10: Explore Anchorage and return home

It’s your final day in Alaska *cue sad music*, but depending on what time your flight leaves (many leave late), you could still squeeze in a day of activities!

Itinerary

• Start with breakfast at Snow City Cafe! This spot is VERY popular and gets super busy, so arrive early!
• Ride the Tony Knowles Coastal Path! This is a bike path that runs from downtown Anchorage, past the airport (you can watch planes take off and land over your head!), and along the water. There’s a good chance you’ll see some wildlife along the way. We saw multiple moose! Don’t have a bike with you? You can rent bikes from Pablo’s Bicycle Rentals.
• After your ride, have lunch at El Green-Go’s. This is a delicious Mexican food truck! 
• Still have some energy and time left? Check out Flattop Mountain! This hike is just 30 minutes from downtown and offers amazing views of the Chugach Mountains and Anchorage from above. It’s only 2.8 miles, but it is steep! You could visit the Eagle River Nature Center, for beautiful scenery with less effort or go kayaking on Eklutna Lake!
• Have dinner at Rustic Goat, Hula Hands, Lucky Wishbone, or Taco King (our go-to quick spot for tacos!).

Want more details on all of these destinations? Check out these guides!

How to drive McCarthy Road to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
The BEST things to do in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park (The largest in the US!)
Hiking the Bonanza Mine Trail in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
How to hike the Root Glacier trail in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
12+ FUN things to do in Valdez, Alaska
8+ EPIC things to do in Hatcher Pass in Alaska 
The 24 BEST hikes in Alaska

Helpful tips for your 10 days in Alaska

Before you head to Alaska, here are a few final tips to make your trip go as smoothly as possible!

What to pack for Alaska

Alaska is a difficult place to pack for. In one day you can experience sun, rain, and a variety of temperatures. So having a variety of items is a must! We created the ULTIMATE Summer Alaska Packing List to help you figure out what to bring. 

Download offline maps

There are many areas in these 10 day Alaska itineraries where you won’t have the best cell service. Make sure to download offline Google Maps and offline AllTrails maps.

Want to get 30% off an AllTrails+ membership? Click this link or use our code aplusk30 (you must redeem this code on the website, not the app)!

We use AllTrails+ on every single hike and it is the most helpful hiking tool out there! Some of the features we love are offline maps (so we can navigate even without cell service), wrong-turn alerts, and its 3D maps feature, so we can get a feel for trails before we hike.

Pack snacks and meals

Dining out can get expensive in Alaska and some areas are remote, without many dining options. We recommend packing snacks, plus meals, to save some money and make things easier.

If you plan to cook, we highly recommend getting your groceries in Anchorage. You’ll be able to find multiple large grocery stores, plus Walmart and Target, which will offer the best selection and prices. The smaller towns do have grocery stores, but your options will be limited and expect to pay a good amount more.

If you’re flying to Alaska and have extra room in your bag, bring some snacks with you! You will likely find cheaper snacks back home and can ensure you bring items you love.

Ready to spend 10 days in Alaska?

Pin our 10 day Alaska itineraries to help you plan your adventure!