Day 1 Fairbanks
Arrival in Fairbanks, the Golden Heart city. Visit the state of the art Visitors Bureau situated at the Chena River. Go for a leisurely stroll along the river or opt for a canoe trip or a guided river cruise on the sternwheeler.
Day 2 Fairbanks to Black Rapids Glacier Area (177 miles)
The Richardson Highway brings you to North Pole, where Santa Claus lives, then follows the Delta River with views over the Alaska Range. As one of the first roads, leading gold miners from Valdez to the Interior, the Sullivan Roadhouse and Rika’s Roadhouse bring old history alive. Modern industry is visible as well, with the road following the pipeline that transports crude oil from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez. Overnight between Delta Junction or in Paxson area.
Day 3 Black Rapids Glacier Area to McCarthy (198 miles)
South along Alpine Tundra and the Copper River, you reach Glennallen and later the Edgerton Highway, which leads to Chitina, the Gateway to the McCarthy Road and the Wrangell St Elias National Park. The road ends just before McCarthy, a very charming ghost town that was once an important town for the world’s formerly most productive copper mine in Kennecott.
Day 4 McCarthy/Kennicott
Free day to explore the area. Go on a glacier hike, visit the old copper mine in Kennicott on a guided tour, take a hike in the park or go on a scenic flight and enjoy the incredible scenery from above. See our suggested add-ons for more information.
Day 5 McCarthy to MacLaren River Lodge (169 miles)
After your drive back on the McCarthy Road and a bit of civilization in Glennallen, you head back to Paxson and turn west to start your journey on the Denali Highway. Driving this rough gravel road feels like a true expedition into wilderness, with amazing scenery, vast tundra, views of breathtaking snow-covered mountains.
Overnight halfway into Denali Highway
Day 6 MacLaren River Lodge to Fairbanks (245 miles)
On you go on this amazing rough road with million dollar views. From Cantwell you head north on the Parks Highway. Either all the way to Fairbanks, or, if you wish to add in a night or two at Denali National Park, we are happy to quote you an extended version of this trip.
Day 7 Fairbanks
End of your tour. Return your SUV at the same time as picked up.
