10 Day Alaska Itinerary (January 2026 Update)
Alaska’s Southcentral region and Denali offer epic landscapes, wildlife, and adventure—perfect for first-timers on this classic road trip loop from Anchorage.
This itinerary remains solid in 2026, with highlights like glaciers, fjords, and mountains. Denali Park Road construction limits access beyond Mile 43 (Pretty Rocks bridge project), shortening bus tours but keeping the park open and scenic.
Quick Tips for 2026
- Best Time: June-August for warm weather and long days; May/September shoulders save money with fewer crowds. Winter (Oct-Apr) brings northern lights but cold and closures.
- Costs: Alaska stays pricey. Rentals average $100-200+/day in summer (higher in peak). Gas ~$4-5/gallon. Hotels $150-300/night; camping $20-40. Food and activities add up—budget $200-400/day per person.
- Savings: Book early, camp, cook meals, visit shoulders. Rent a car for flexibility (essential outside Anchorage).
10 Day Itinerary Overview
Focus on driving the Parks and Seward Highways with stops in Denali, Seward, Homer, and Girdwood.
Day 1: Arrive Anchorage
Settle in, explore downtown or midtown eats like Moose’s Tooth.
Day 2: Drive to Denali (~4-5 hours)
Stop in Talkeetna or Denali State Park viewpoints.
Days 3-4: Denali National Park
Bus tours limited to ~Mile 43 in 2026 (Tundra Wilderness to East Fork/Murie Cabin). Spot bears, moose, caribou. Add flightseeing for Denali views/glacier landings—highly recommended.
Day 5: Drive to Seward (~6-7 hours)
Scenic Seward Highway stops.
Day 6: Kenai Fjords National Park
Book a wildlife/glacier cruise (Major Marine recommended)—prime whale season mid-May to mid-August for humpbacks/orcas.
Day 7: Drive to Homer (~3.5 hours)
Explore Kenai Peninsula en route.
Day 8: Homer
Walk the Spit, cross to Kachemak Bay, fish or hike.
Day 9: Drive to Girdwood (~3.5 hours)
Stop at Portage Glacier or Byron Glacier.
Day 10: Girdwood/Turnagain Arm + Depart Anchorage
Hike Winner Creek or visit Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Late flights common.
This loop captures Alaska’s magic—book buses/flights early for Denali. Safe travels in 2026!