A Guide to the Denali Highway: Epic Alaska Road Trip (Updated December 31, 2025)
The Denali Highway (Alaska Route 8) is a 135-mile scenic gravel road connecting Paxson (Richardson Highway) to Cantwell (Parks Highway). This remote route offers vast tundra, glacier views, and peaks in the Alaska Range—perfect for wildlife spotting and off-grid adventure.
Note: This is not the road into Denali National Park (private vehicles limited to Mile 15; beyond Mile 43 closed until 2026 due to landslide/bridge work).
Road Details:
- Paved: First 21 miles from Paxson, last 3 miles to Cantwell.
- Mostly gravel; advisory speed 35 mph (soft spots/rough patches common).
- Open mid-May to mid-September/October (snow closes it in winter; snowmachine access then).
- As of 2025, conditions vary—check 511.alaska.gov or call 511.
Rental Cars: Most companies prohibit gravel roads. Use specialists like Alaska 4×4 Rentals or Alaska Auto Rental (higher rates; require full insurance).
Best Time: June–mid-September (wildflowers, wildlife); fall for colors/caribou migration.
Driving Time: 5–8 hours nonstop; plan 1–3 days with stops/hiking.
Camping: Dispersed allowed on public land (countless pullouts). BLM sites: Tangle Lakes (MP 21.5) & Brushkana Creek (MP 104; $6–12/night, first-come).
Lodges (summer only):
- Denali Highway Cabins (MP 0.25)
- Tangle River Inn (MP 20)
- Maclaren River Lodge (MP 42)
- Alpine Creek Lodge (MP 68)
- Clearwater Mountain Lodge (MP 82.2)
Fuel: Fill in Glennallen/Paxson or Cantwell—no services mid-route.
Mile-by-Mile Highlights (Paxson to Cantwell)
MP 0: Paxson Junction – Start with lake views.
MP 6.5: Alaska Range Viewpoint – Glaciers and turquoise lakes.
MP 13: Wrangell Viewpoint – Mt. Drum, Wrangell, Sanford.
MP 17–38: Tangle Lakes Archaeological District – Ancient sites; trails to lakes.
MP 20: Tangle River Inn.
MP 21.5: Tangle Lakes Campground & Delta River wayside – Boat launch, fishing.
MP 37: Maclaren Summit (4,086 ft) – Alaska’s second-highest pass; epic Alaska Range/Maclaren Glacier views. Short trail available.
MP 42: Maclaren River Lodge & bridge – Glacier views.
MP 79: Susitna River Bridge – One-lane; stunning valley.
MP 104: Brushkana Creek Campground.
MP 124–130: Prime Denali views on clear days.
MP 134.5: Cantwell Junction – End; head north to Denali NP (27 miles) or south to Anchorage.
This remote gem delivers raw Alaska beauty with minimal crowds. Pack spares, food/water, bear spray—and check 511.alaska.gov before going. Questions about the Denali Highway? Ask below!