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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
If the weather is clear, you can see some awesome views of Mt McKinley in the distance at several points along the highway.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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I love how you described the journey along the Parks Highway—not just as a drive, but as a truly scenic adventure filled with mountains, forests, and peaceful landscapes. It really highlights why this route is considered one of the most rewarding in Alaska . Your tips and personal insights make it even more helpful for anyone planning this trip.
The Parks Highway drive sounds absolutely incredible! I loved reading about your experience, especially the part about enjoying a mediocre meal with a million-dollar view of the mountains. Your photos of the Alaska Veteran’s Memorial and the flora are stunning and really capture the unique beauty of the area. It’s a bummer you didn’t spot much wildlife, but I guess that just adds to the magic and mystery of Alaska. Thanks for the honest and inspiring account—this has definitely moved Denali higher on my wishlist
The description of driving the Parks Highway from Anchorage to Denali really captures how spectacular Alaska’s landscapes are. I love how you highlighted the scenic mountain views, forests, and peaceful lakes along the way. It sounds like an unforgettable road trip experience. Your tips and personal insights make it easy for travelers to imagine the journey and start planning their own Alaska adventure. Thanks for sharing! 🌄🚗
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!
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!
The roads in Alaska are very well maintained, not crowded and very picturesque. Your family is going to have a blast there.
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!
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!
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
Beautiful photos!! I’d so love to visit Alaska someday.
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!!
An Alaskan fund sounds like a good plan, Nancie. Hope you’ll get to see Alaska.
Looks beautiful! I’m inspired to go!
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!
I don’t know that song, Suze. I’ll check it out. Thank you for the tip.
Stunning scenery ,Wonderfull place Alaska
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?
I haven’t seen any, Karen. Very disappointing.
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.
It sure is, Ruth. I do hope you’ll get to visit Alaska.
Denali certainly looks gorgeous in your photos.
I love your photos. Alaska is one of the my favorite places in this beautiful world. We took the train to Denali.
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!
I think Anchorage would be the perfect starting point for a trip to Denali. You’ll enjoy the park tremendously, I’m sure.
Absolutely gorgeous! Being a wildflower enthusiast, I enjoyed those photos, too.
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.
Just stunning scenery – that Veterans memorial is really cute (the statue)