If you’re dreaming of Alaska but don’t want to cram your days with back-to-back tours or endless driving, a 6-day fall road trip hits the sweet spot. We spent time exploring from Seward to Denali, giving ourselves time to breathe, pivot when the weather shifted (which it did often), and enjoy this raw, moody, and unbelievably beautiful part of Alaska.

This trip had its share of rain, canceled plans, and long stretches of road (like our Iceland Ring Road Itinerary)—but also glaciers, wildlife, and the kind of scenery that makes you feel very small in the best way possible.

Table of Contents Show

Day 1: Arrival in Anchorage + Drive to Seward

We landed in Anchorage in the afternoon, picked up our rental car, picked up groceries, and hit the road toward Seward—a roughly 2.5-hour drive that winds through the stunning Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Mountains. By the time we arrived, rain was moving in (a theme for this trip), so we settled into our cozy Airbnb, made dinner, and enjoyed the sound of the storm rolling through.

Day 2: Stormy Seas & A Canceled Kayak Tour

Our kayaking excursion was canceled due to a storm rolling through, but we decided to tough it out and hop on a last-minute boat tour of Kenai Fjords National Park with Kenai Fjords Tours.

Kenai Fjords National Park is where Alaska’s wild coastline and icy wilderness collide. Just outside Seward, the park is home to towering tidewater glaciers, emerald fjords, and abundant marine wildlife—from sea otters to humpback whales. Even on stormy days, the dramatic mix of rugged cliffs and crashing waves makes it unforgettable. Whether by kayak, cruise, or scenic trail, Kenai Fjords is the kind of place that reminds you how small we really are.

“Rough seas” is an understatement—it was a wild ride with 10-foot seas that made about half of the tour-goers sick (thankfully not us). Despite the weather and less-than-ideal conditions, we caught glimpses of bald eagles, otters, orca whales, and rugged glaciers. It was absolutely worth it, but we sure were glad to be back on land after it was over.

We headed over to Sweet Darlings for some sweet treats—a reward for surviving the seas. That night, we dried off, cooked dinner at our Airbnb, and called it an early night.

Day 3: Exit Glacier + Drive Back to Anchorage

We checked out after breakfast and drove to Exit Glacier. Just outside Seward, Exit Glacier is one of the few glaciers in Alaska you can easily walk right up to. A short trail leads to viewpoints where you can see deep blue ice and the signs marking how far the glacier has retreated over the years—a sobering reminder of how quickly Alaska’s landscape is changing.

It’s an easy, accessible stop that delivers big payoff, especially if you’re short on time or want a glacier experience without booking a tour.The short hike to the overlook was easy and scenic, with blue ice peeking through the mist.

Afterward, we made the drive back to Anchorage, stopped for lunch, and spent the afternoon at the Anchorage Museum, a great rainy-day option. Make sure to check out the Alaska exhibition that tells Alaska’s story, it’s phenomenal.

That evening, we explored a few shops downtown and grabbed reindeer sausages from Red Umbrella Reindeer for dinner (an Alaskan specialty). They were delicious!

Day 4: Flightseeing in Talkeetna + Drive to Denali

We left Anchorage early to reach Talkeetna for a 10:15 a.m. flightseeing tour with Talkeetna Air Taxi. It was a splurge but it was absolutely worth every penny.

We took the “Grand Denali” tour, which is billed as the definitive flightseeing experience over the Alaska Range. The route crosses the Alaska Range, takes in the arctic alpine tundra of the remote northern side of Denali National Park, and showcases dramatic features like the Great Gorge of the Ruth Glacier and the Wickersham Wall.

It was about 2 hours in the air (we opted to add a glacier landing). For us, the clear skies at take-off made it one of the best decisions of the trip—seeing Denali (North America’s highest peak at 20,310 feet) and the surrounding peaks from above is a perspective you won’t get any other way.

After a quick lunch at Flying Squirrel Bakery & Cafe (try the birch steamer!), we drove north to Denali National Park, checking into our hotel with enough time to enjoy some tasty burgers for dinner at 49th State Brewing.

Day 5: Exploring Denali by Bus

We spent the day exploring Denali National Park and Preserve via the transit bus to Eielson Visitor Center. It’s a long ride but packed with wildlife sightings: grizzlies, caribou, and moose wandering freely through open tundra. The scenery changes constantly, and the sense of scale is unreal. It’s easy to hop off for photos or short walks, then hop back on as space allows. We did the 2-mile Savage River Loop hike and enjoyed a mellow walk along the river (without any bear encounters thankfully!).

Denali National Park feels like stepping into another world—six million acres of untouched wilderness, one long road, and the towering presence of North America’s highest peak. Even if Denali itself hides behind clouds, the landscapes alone make the journey worth it; it’s quiet, vast, and humbling.

Taking the transit bus deep into Denali reminded us how much we love slow, immersive travel, the kind that gives you space to notice things. It’s the same mindset behind my Choosing Experiences Over Things post.

Day 6: Denali to Anchorage

After breakfast, we started the five-hour drive back to Anchorage. The fall colors along the Parks Highway were stunning—golden birch and red tundra stretching for miles. Once in town, we checked into our hotel and debated hiking Flattop Mountain, but opted for a steamy bowl of phở (the perfect cold weather food) and bánh mì at Phở Lena instead. We spent the evening packing and reflecting on our six days, hundreds of miles, and countless reminders that Alaska doesn’t need perfect weather to be unforgettable.

Tips for a Fall Alaska Road Trip

Expect unpredictable weather. Bring layers, rain gear, and patience—plans can change quickly.

Start early. Daylight fades quickly in late fall due to Alaska’s northerly location.
Stock up before you go. Food and gas options become sparse between towns. We brought lots of prepackaged meals and snacks to cover the gaps.
Book tours in advance. Denali buses and tours tend fill up quickly even in shoulder season.
Download offline maps. You’ll lose service often while on the road.
Be flexible with your schedule. Rainy days are inevitable—embrace them. You might need to pivot from an outdoor activity to an indoor one at a moment’s notice.
Take your time. The drives are long, but that’s where Alaska really shines. Stop at the pull-offs to take photos and pause to appreciate the natural beauty.

Final Thoughts

This trip wasn’t smooth sailing (literally), but it reminded us why we keep seeking out quieter, wilder places. Traveling childfree meant we could lean into the unexpected, skip what didn’t work, and linger when something felt special.

You can also read how we use travel to reconnect with what matters most in my Travel as a Reset Button post.

If you’re looking for an authentic fall road trip through Alaska, this route balances the wild and the practical—just don’t forget your rain gear.

Have you done an Alaska road trip? Drop a comment with your favorite spots—I’d love to hear what surprised you most about traveling in the Last Frontier.

6-Day Fall Road Trip Through Alaska: From Seward to Denali (Childfree & Adventure-Focused)