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Driving the Spectacular Parks Highway from Anchorage to Denali

Home » DESTINATIONS » North America » United States » Alaska » Driving the Spectacular Parks Highway from Anchorage to Denali

Last Modified: November 13, 2023 //  by Anda //  24 Comments

There aren’t many roads in Alaska. In fact, only about 20% of this state can be traveled by road. One of the few roads Alaska can brag about is the Parks Highway, from Anchorage to Denali. This stretch of road is really spectacular. Driving the Parks Highway is one of the most rewarding experiences that you may have when visiting Alaska. Obviously, the road may be taken in the opposite direction as well, from Denali to Anchorage.

the port of Anchorage, next to the Parks Highway
Sunrise in the port of Anchorage

Driving from Anchorage to Denali by Bus

We drove this road as part of our Alaska Cruise & Land package, but Parks Highway is the ideal road to use for an Alaska road trip. Alaska cruises offer two options for traveling to Denali from Anchorage. One is by train and the other is by bus. They are also among the cruises that have wheelchair accessibility, so if you travel with someone with a disability this cruise is a great option for you.

Driving from Anchorage to Denali by bus is an all-day trip on the Parks Highway. The drive usually takes take between seven and eight hours, depending on how many times you stop. On the way to Denali National Park, the bus makes a few stop at different attractions.

The drive is incredibly scenic and very rewarding. Some of the passengers on the bus are heading for a backpacking trip in Denali. Seeing the beauty of these mountains, I can only imagine how exciting that must be.

As we continue our bus ride, we settle in comfortably in our chairs and watch as the road unfolds, winding through the valley, passing by lakes and beautiful forests.

driving the Parks Highway from Anchorage to Denali
The the Parks Highway, Alaska

The motorcoach is a very convenient way of traveling from Anchorage to Denali. While you don’t have the option of stopping where you’d like for pictures, or enjoy a beautiful scene at your own pace, you can kick back and enjoy the scenery while someone else is doing the driving.

A great alternative to watching the bumper ahead of you. These busses are comfortable and spacious, with oversized windows and restrooms. The drivers are knowledgeable guides and all along the way you receive useful information about the places you see and hear entertaining stories.

Anchorage to Denali scenery
Beautiful scenery on the road from Anchorage to Denali

READ NEXT: Top Things to Do in Ketchikan, Alaska

What You Will See on the Anchorage to Denali Drive

If you have never driven from the south of Alaska to the interior or far north you are missing some of the great nature views the state has to offer.

scenery on the Parks Highway from Anchorage to Denali
Anchorage to Denali

The Parks Highway goes through mountain passes, along the top of the Alaskan Range before descending again and past scenic vistas that are simply breathtaking.

Mount Denali seen from the Parks Highway
Mount Denali

The Anchorage to Denali drive –more commonly referred to as the Parks Highway— is the newest of Alaska’s main highways. It links Anchorage and Fairbanks and provides the most direct access to Denali National Park. 

Mount Denali seen from the Anchorage to Denali drive
Mount Denali

It is a joy to drive with gentle curves, broad shoulders and easy slopes and the scenery is absolutely incredible:  huge mountains, forests, meandering rivers and crystal clear lakes.

Mount Denali
Scenery on the road from Anchorage to Denali

If the weather is clear, you can see some awesome views of Mt McKinley in the distance at several points along the highway.

Mount McKinley
View of Mount McKinley
the Anchorage to Denali drive
Parks Highway from Anchorage to Denali

Stops Along the Way to Denali National Park

Before entering the Denali National Park we stopped for lunch at a small restaurant on the side of the road. The food wasn’t very good, but view of the mountains in the distance and crisp air on that patio made that much the best we ever had.

restaurant stop when driving the Parks Highway
Restaurant on Parks Highway

Al also stopped at the Alaska Veteran’s Memorial, which is located within Denali State Park. The memorial consists of five 20-foot tall concrete panels, one each to represent the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, arranged in a semi-circle.

driving the Parks Highway
Alaska Veteran’s Memorial

That was my chance to take a short stroll through the forest near the monument and take a few shots of the beautiful Alaskan flora. Alaska also enjoys a great deal of wildlife, but if your stay there is short you might not be lucky to see it. The longer your tour is the more opportunity you will have to see wildlife.

Flowers
Flowers

But the pinnacle of this drive is without a question the incomparably beautiful Denali National Park. No visit to Alaska would not be complete without experiencing Denali.

Plants in Alaska
Mushrooms in Alaska
Plants and flowers in Alaska

The park holds six million acres of lakes, tundra, mountain peaks, and wildlife dominated by Mt. McKinley (recently renamed Denali), North America’s highest peak. You will also enjoy the most beautiful scenery on this planet.

View of Denali
View of Denali
Denali

Once you see Denali, you’ll be mesmerized. One day in this gorgeous national park is definitely not enough. But if you want to come back and explore it more, you should just start planning way in advance.

Denali
Denali

Unfortunately, the only lodging option in the park is camping, and those sites fill up pretty quickly. All the other lodging options are outside the park, but the best way to experience Denali’s wildlife is to stay within the park.

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Anchorage to Denali drive

Category: Alaska, DESTINATIONS, United StatesTag: Destination Guides

About Anda

Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Martha

    July 8, 2019 at 8:04 am

    I’m actually heading to Alaska on a cruise next May! I definitely want to drive the Parks Highway though. The Alaska scenery reminds me a little of Colorado and Washington’s landscapes. I love the snowcapped mountains and how they skirt the beautiful blue waters. I definitely would want to take a short hike like you did to experience all the flora and fauna. Did you see any wildlife on your trip? I think that would make this trip even more surreal!

    Reply
  2. Jeanie

    May 31, 2019 at 3:02 pm

    I am so glad I saw your article! The pictures are beautiful. My family is traveling from Anchorage to Denali this summer as part of a cruise that starts with a few days in the interior and I am anxious to know how the highway to Denali is, but according to your post, it’s a nice drive and not scary!

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      June 1, 2019 at 2:38 pm

      The roads in Alaska are very well maintained, not crowded and very picturesque. Your family is going to have a blast there.

      Reply
  3. Bharat & Supriya

    June 26, 2016 at 12:34 pm

    Absolutely gorgeous! We have been contemplating to put Alaska on the top of our travel wishlist and your series of blogs are very inspiring. Best!

    Reply
  4. Beth at Adventuring the Great Wide Somewhere

    November 19, 2015 at 11:36 pm

    Your photos are GORGEOUS! I haven’t been to Alaska myself, but grew up in Washington state. I thought Washington was the most beautiful state, but Alaska is some tough competition!

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      November 20, 2015 at 5:43 pm

      Washington IS one of the most beautiful states, but Alaskan landscape is more dramatic. Next time you go visit your home state, take a tour in Alaska. It’s really beautiful

      Reply
  5. Tami

    November 19, 2015 at 11:48 am

    Beautiful photos!! I’d so love to visit Alaska someday.

    Reply
  6. Nancie Lee

    November 18, 2015 at 7:31 pm

    I’ve wanted to go to Alaska and Denali for a long time. Now I HAVE to GO!! Your photos are inspirational!! My heart wants to see those fantastic panoramas and mountains. I’ve got to start an Alaska fund! haha Thank you for sharing!!

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      November 18, 2015 at 8:10 pm

      An Alaskan fund sounds like a good plan, Nancie. Hope you’ll get to see Alaska.

      Reply
  7. Trish

    November 17, 2015 at 6:20 pm

    Looks beautiful! I’m inspired to go!

    Reply
  8. Suze the Luxury Columnist

    November 16, 2015 at 12:36 pm

    Such stunning photos of the mushrooms, flowers and the mountain peaks! Do you know the Michelle Shocked song, “Anchorage”? Anchored down in Anchorage…great tune!

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      November 16, 2015 at 12:58 pm

      I don’t know that song, Suze. I’ll check it out. Thank you for the tip.

      Reply
  9. Louisette

    November 15, 2015 at 8:58 am

    Stunning scenery ,Wonderfull place Alaska

    Reply
  10. Karen

    November 15, 2015 at 1:20 am

    Gorgeous photos. Visiting Alaska has been a dream of mine for many years. Your photos are keeping my dream fresh. I like the idea of cruise + land too. Did you see much wildlife during this trip?

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      November 15, 2015 at 7:30 pm

      I haven’t seen any, Karen. Very disappointing.

      Reply
  11. Ruth - Tanama Tales

    November 14, 2015 at 8:57 am

    For me, going to a place like this will be a dream come true. If you ask me, I being surrounding by nature is my favorite thing to do / experience. The scenery in your pictures is fantastic (driving by glaciers?) but I imagine it is 20 times more exciting to be there and experience it yourself.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      November 14, 2015 at 11:18 pm

      It sure is, Ruth. I do hope you’ll get to visit Alaska.

      Reply
  12. Lyn @thetravellinglindfields

    November 14, 2015 at 1:50 am

    Denali certainly looks gorgeous in your photos.

    Reply
  13. Rhonda Albom

    November 13, 2015 at 8:35 pm

    I love your photos. Alaska is one of the my favorite places in this beautiful world. We took the train to Denali.

    Reply
  14. Mary {The World Is A Book}

    November 13, 2015 at 7:56 pm

    Gorgeous scenery! We’ve been on two Alaska cruises but haven’t done the land portion to Denali. What a beautiful journey. I just love how snowcapped Mt. MckInley/Denali looks. We’ve thought of flying to Anchorage and driving to Denali one summer and hope it happens soon. I love Alaska!

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      November 13, 2015 at 8:06 pm

      I think Anchorage would be the perfect starting point for a trip to Denali. You’ll enjoy the park tremendously, I’m sure.

      Reply
  15. Vicki Green

    November 13, 2015 at 5:18 pm

    Absolutely gorgeous! Being a wildflower enthusiast, I enjoyed those photos, too.

    Reply
  16. Elaine J. Masters

    November 13, 2015 at 3:11 pm

    So pleased that you had a chance to really explore the interior and waterways with such wonderful weather. Beautiful pictures that have me longing to visit Alaska again.

    Reply
  17. Lydia C. Lee

    November 13, 2015 at 1:09 pm

    Just stunning scenery – that Veterans memorial is really cute (the statue)

    Reply

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