To experience the best scenic drives in Alaska, through the most beautiful and breathtaking country, you’ve got to explore one of these six spectacular trips. Each highway and road takes you through different historic Alaskan towns and provides plenty of recreational and entertaining stops along the way. Don’t rush through these drives, take your time and make sure there is a lot of space on your camera for all the great pictures you’re going to take while traveling through Alaska!

1. Taylor Highway to Top of the World Highway
Taylor Highway, Taylor Hwy, Chicken, AK, USA
JLS Photography - Alaska | Flickr
Taylor Highway is 105 miles long, spanning the gap between Tetlin Junction to Boundary at the edge of the Yukon Territory. The route also ties into Jack Wade Junction where the Top of the World Highway takes off toward Dawson City. Taylor Highway passes through the town of Chicken whose name came from early settlers that couldn’t spell Ptarmigan.
2. Steese Highway
Steese Highway, Steese Hwy, Fairbanks, AK, USA
Bureau of Land Management | Flickr
The Steese Highway connects Fox to Circle, bringing the traveler within 50 miles of the Arctic Circle. Scenic and National Recreation areas are accessible via the Steese Highway as well as the relaxing Circle Hot Springs. Travel this road during the summer solstice to experience the infamous midnight sun!
3. Copper River Highway
Copper River Highway, Copper River Hwy, Cordova, AK, USA
B Mully | Flickr
The Copper River Highway is slightly shorter than most, covering only 52 miles between the Alaska Marine Highway Terminal to the Million Dollar Bridge. Though it’s short, those 52 miles are packed with incredible sights of natural Alaskan wilderness as it travels along the abandoned railroad once used to transport copper from Copper River. If you’re traveling at the right time of year, you can visit the Shorebird Festival for some awesome photography opportunities.

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4. Walden Point Road
Walden Pnt Road, Walden Pnt Rd, Metlakatla, AK 99926, USA
Alaska Best Lodges Website
Another short route with an abundance of breathtaking views is the trip from Metlakatla to Annette Bay via Waldon Point Road, and trust me, it is nothing short of stunning. Along your way to Annette Bay you’ll travel with forest to your left and vast ocean overlooks to your right. Sights of Gravina Island, Prince of Whales Island, and Percy Island will captivate you but don’t forget to keep your eyes open for nearby wildlife like wolves and blacktail deer!

5. Sterling Highway
Sterling Highway, Sterling Hwy, Soldotna, AK, USA
Kelly Marcum | Flickr
The Sterling Highway has two parts, the north and south segments. Both are equally as memorable, offering their own sights and attractions along the way. The northern portion of the Sterling Highway travels from Sterling Wye to Skilak Lake covering 38 miles and passing the shocking blue-green waters of Kenai Lake. The southern portion travels 29 miles from Anchor Point to the Homer Spit. The southern leg of the Sterling Highway gives you awesome views of the three volcanoes that make up the Pacific "Ring of Fire." There are many Alaska day trips to drive, and the Sterling Highway is one you’ll want to put at the top of that list!

6. Richardson Highway
Richardson Highway, Richardson Hwy, Salcha, AK, USA
Gusjer | Flickr
Richardson Highways is another long route that’s been divided into two portions traveling north of Anchorage. The northern segment covers 101 miles from Fort Greely to Fairbanks passing through the town of North Pole where you can visit the Santa Claus House, home of the massive santa statue. The southern segment will take your breath away from Valdez to Glenallen. The 128-mile stretch takes you past the enormous Worthington Glacier and travels along the Copper River offering you great shots of Alaskan wildlife! The Richardson Highway will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Alaska.

Have you taken any of these gorgeous drives? What did you think? Which of these roads is your favorite to travel? What other scenic drives in Alaska would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments below! If you have pictures from any of your drives, make sure to share them with us!

For more scenic drives in Alaska, check out our ultimate Alaska natural wonders road trip. And don’t forget to look at our road trip packing list before you go!

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More to Explore

Best Scenic Drives In Alaska

Megan McDonald | July 17, 2020

What are the major highways in Alaska?

The major highways in Alaska include:

  • Richardson Highway
  • Seward Highway
  • George Parks Highway
  • Sterling Highway

 

The Richardson connects Valdez to Fairbanks, the Sterling connects Cooper Landing to Homer and connects to the Seward Highway, and the Seward Highway connects Seward to Anchorage. The George Parks Highway connects Anchorage to Fairbanks, and the Glenn Highway connects Glenallen to Anchorage before connecting to the Richardson Highway. All of these highways are beautiful to travel in their own right!

What is the oldest highway in Alaska?

The Richardson Highway is the longest-standing highway in Alaska.

In 1898 it started out as a trail from Valdez to Eagle for miners looking for gold. Major Wilds P. Richardson pushed to have the road upgraded in 1910, and by 1920 automobiles were driving it. The road was paved in 1957. This incredible highway takes you through Thompson Pass which peaks at 2,805 feet, and is the sight of some of the largest deposits of snowfall in the state. Nevertheless, the highway stays open all year round, and there is a dedicated team who regularly plows the road for travelers. 

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