Hit the Road: Fairbanks Edition
Three long weekend road trip spots that start in Fairbanks and end in adventure.
APD has been fueling Alaska for decades, literally and figuratively. Our team lives, works, and plays here, so we know there’s nothing like a spontaneous weekend road trip to remind you why the Last Frontier is second to none.
Whether you’re chasing mountain views or looking for a fun day with the kids, these three destinations prove you don’t have to go far to find something unforgettable.
Denali National Park & Preserve
About 120 miles south, Denali National Park and Preserve delivers six million acres of wild, untamed Alaska. It’s home to North America’s tallest peak, more wildlife than people, and views that practically beg to be framed.
Hop on a shuttle to spot grizzlies and caribou, tackle a tundra trail like the Savage Alpine Loop, or join a guided photo tour if you’re after the perfect shot for Instagram. Not feeling ambitious? A pair of binoculars and a granola bar will still get you pretty far.
Denali’s a classic for a reason. If you haven’t made the trip yet, consider this your sign.
Ester Dome
Just 25 minutes away, Ester Dome dishes up sweeping views of the Tanana Valley, White Mountains, and even Mount McKinley if the clouds are feeling generous. It’s a go-to for those of us who like our hikes with a side of wild blueberries and maybe a handful of cranberries if you time it right (July and August are prime picking season).
Looking for a little local flavor to go with your outdoor adventure? We recommend swinging by the nearby town of Ester, a onetime mining camp turned artist colony. Shop the Ester Community Market, snack on something homemade, and stick around for live music at the legendary Malemute Saloon. If you’re in town on August 9, don’t miss EsterFest, a grassroots bash with local vendors and musicians that’s peak Alaska in the best way. Highly recommend.
Anchorage
A bit more than 100 miles from Fairbanks, Anchorage isn’t your average city pit stop. With opportunities for bald eagle sightings and scenic trails along the water, Anchorage doubles as a surprisingly solid bird-watching destination. You can also bike the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, browse the Alaska Wild Berry Products shop (yes, that is a 20-foot chocolate waterfall), or get your science fix at Earthquake Park.
Got kids in the car? The Anchorage Museum’s Discovery Center and the Alaska Zoo are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Rolling without little ones? With more than 15 craft breweries in the area, you’ve got options (just maybe not all in one afternoon).
Ready to Roll?
Whether you’ve got a full tank and a long weekend or just a few free hours, there’s no shortage of spots to explore. So pack a snack, top off the tank, and hit the road. We’ll see you out there!
And if you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our Great Outdoors Month blog for even more reasons to love Alaska.
Photo courtesy of Bob Kaufman for Alaska.org
