Posted in Alaska Nature July 10, 2021 by Carey Seward

This Scenic Highway In Alaska Is Absolutely Stunning And You Need To Take It

Just north of Anchorage is this easy scenic drive up to the top of Rendezvous Peak. From this vantage point at almost 3000 feet, you get a spectacular bird’s eye view of Alaska’s incredible natural splendor. See all of downtown Anchorage and across the Cook Inlet. Bring your camera and stop all along the way to capture the mountain vistas. There is also an abundance of wildlife in the area and you are quite likely to see a moose or two. Enjoy this scenic drive for a quick getaway from the hubbub of Anchorage to the fresh air of the Chugach Mountains. When it comes to the best scenic drives in Alaska, this one is among the top.

Directions: From downtown Anchorage, take the Glenn Highway north 6.1 miles and turn onto Arctic Valley Road. It is a 45-minute drive to the end. Visit the Interactive Map here.

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Arctic Valley Road takes off from the Glenn Highway and heads up Rendezvous Peak. Leave the busy traffic behind and cruise up this small, winding mountain road.

The road curves up the mountain for 45 minutes of peaceful country driving. There are plenty of pullouts to stop at and take photos, as well as loads of trails to explore.

You are sure to see a few moose friends, and maybe a bald eagle or a hawk or two. Wildlife abounds in this area as it sits outside the bustling and sometimes noisy city.

Anchorage can be grey and rainy much of the time, but that doesn't stop the bright fall colors from popping through when the time is right.

From the higher-up spots, you can see the whole city of Anchorage and surrounding areas. The Cook Inlet is radiant, and you can see the large forested island in the middle of the Turnagain Arm named Fire Island as well.

Arctic Valley Road turns into Ski Bowl Road and leads to the Arctic Valley Ski Resort. In the winter, this is a fully-functional resort, and in the summertime, it's great for hiking, camping, music concerts, and weddings.

Even further up, the Rendezvous Peak Trail leads to the top and affords the most glorious 360-degree views of the region. But don't worry: the drive itself will fill your eyes will mountain vistas without any hiking required.

On a clear day, the Chugach will be at its most stunning, and you may even catch a glimpse of Denali in the distance.

Find yourself in the middle of the glorious Chugach Mountain Range on a scenic drive on the Arctic Valley Road.

Check out more scenic drives here: These 16 Beautiful Byways In Alaska Are Perfect For A Scenic Drive.

Have you taken a scenic drive on Arctic Valley Road? Tell us about it in the comments! What are your favorite scenic drives in Alaska?

Address: Arctic Valley Road, Arctic Valley Rd, Anchorage, AK, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Scenic Drives In Alaska

July 15, 2021

Tori Jane

How long is Arctic Valley Road in Alaska?

Believe it or not, the amazing Arctic Valley Road in Alaska is just six miles long, but don’t let that deter you from driving it one of these days. Arctic Valley Road is easily one of the most incredible, scenic drives in all of Alaska – if not the entire continent. It’s one of the most beautiful points of pride in North America, and we don’t blame you for going back again and again. It’s 45 minutes of sheer, pristine bliss that you just won’t find anywhere else – not even in other known scenic states like Colorado. Best of all, it’s close to Anchorage, so once you’re done you can head back to town for shopping, dining, and more.

What are some incredibly scenic drives in Alaska?

Oh, goodness, where to begin? Alaska is known worldwide for its breathtaking scenery and awe-inspiring beauty, and as a result, it’s kind of like every drive is a scenic drive out here! Some particularly notable favorites of ours include such gems as the Taylor Highway to the Top of the World Highway, a 105-mile stretch of highway with views to die for. We’re also big fans of the north and south branches of the unforgettable Sterling Highway, which we recommend taking in summer for the full epicness to become obvious. The Richardson Highway is also a favorite, and it’s also long, coming in at an impressive (and scenic) 101 miles in length. For more great drives in Alaska, visit this article.

Where are the most beautiful places in Alaska?

…you mean, like, other than all of it? Seriously – the entire state is a natural masterpiece just waiting to be explored. It’s vast – coming in at 663,300 square miles – but all throughout that vastness is the incredible natural beauty that’s sure to take your breath away every single time. Some ideas for the more incredible places include the Denali National Park and Preserve. Let’s put it this way: it’s a national park for a reason, and part of that reason is its incredible landscape. The Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge is another great one, and speaking of national parks, there’s also the absolutely incredible Glacier Bay National Park, which is pretty much guaranteed to take your breath away.

Address: Arctic Valley Road, Arctic Valley Rd, Anchorage, AK, USA