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It’s fair to say that Alaska is a must-visit destination for many RV enthusiasts. Based on the number of RVs we encountered on Alaskan roads this summer, I believe this assertion holds true. Most travelers, including us, tend to gravitate towards the Anchorage area, Kenai Peninsula, coastal towns such as Valdez, Homer, and Seward, and onward to Denali National Park. While many stick to Highways 1, 2, and 3, forming a rough triangle between Tok, Fairbanks, and Anchorage, few are aware of a lesser-known route called the Denali Highway, which connects Cantwell to Paxson.
Exploring the Denali Highway
The Denali Highway is lesser-known primarily because, until recently, most of it was unpaved and mainly served as a local access road between southern and central Alaska. Spanning 135 miles, the Denali Highway traverses stunning public lands and offers numerous free camping opportunities along the roadside for visitors to savor the landscapes from various perspectives. Although I had previously driven this highway back in 2017, my fiancé had not experienced it. After spending time with friends near Denali National Park, we thought it would be a good idea to head east towards Canada via the Denali Highway. With some extra time on our hands, we opted for a leisurely two-night, three-day journey along the 135-mile stretch.
Highlights Along the Denali Highway
As we departed Cantwell, the Denali Highway initially remained gravel for about 30 miles before transitioning back to paved road. Unfortunately, when we hit the gravel section, the weather was gloomy, with clouds hiding the mountain ranges. For optimal travel conditions, late June and July are the ideal months to visit Alaska, as early fall sets in during August. We arrived in early August and encountered very little sunshine throughout our three-week stay. Our first day on the Denali Highway was mostly overcast and dim, but as we settled in for the night near the Susitna River, the sun broke through the clouds for a brief moment, illuminating the area. My fiancé, Meg, took this chance to pick blueberries, which she later used to make sweet rolls and jam.
The following day, we continued our journey, pausing for an easy hike at Maclaren Summit near the Maclaren River. This 8-mile trail rewards hikers with panoramic views of the valley and takes you through prime spots for blueberry picking. After our hike, we pressed on and discovered a delightful camping spot overlooking 7 Mile Lake. We enjoyed a peaceful evening with hardly any traffic passing by. The next morning, we awoke to sunshine and savored a slow sunrise while sipping our coffee. At this point, we were merely about 15 miles from the highway’s end. We made a brief stop for another hike at Tangle River Campground before finishing the highway and then headed north to Delta Junction, which is a road worth driving if you have the chance.
Is It Worth the Trip?
We might not have fully explored what the Denali Highway region has to offer, but with the temperatures dropping and rain lingering over us, we felt three days was sufficient for this visit. There are countless hiking trails, water activities (with abundant lakes and rivers), fishing spots, and endless camping sites along the Denali Highway. However, I must caution potential travelers about the condition of the roads in Alaska, including the Denali Highway. Much of the state is under the influence of permafrost, which can lead to bumpy road conditions. Driving too quickly may send your belongings flying and your head hitting the ceiling of your vehicle—a fun surprise for the first five minutes, but quickly becomes unpleasant. Allocate plenty of time for traveling between destinations in Alaska; the vast distances can be misleading, and the roads may present significant challenges at times.
Alaska is a stunning state filled with a multitude of areas to discover, so be sure to budget ample time for driving and exploration. If you have the opportunity, make sure to travel the Denali Highway—you won’t be disappointed. And most importantly, enjoy your adventure!
To see more of the Denali Highway, check out our YouTube experience. For more photos, videos, and stories from our travels, search for us on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and visit our website, Slow Roamers.
More About RVing in Alaska:
Remote RV Adventures in Alaska’s Backcountry
RV Itinerary for Anchorage, Alaska
Top 10 Waterfalls in Alaska
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