Parks Highway (AK-3) — Anchorage to Fairbanks via Denali
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Alaska Route Guide — Most Popular

Parks Highway (AK-3) — Anchorage to Fairbanks via Denali

Alaska's most famous highway linking Anchorage, Denali National Park, and Fairbanks through stunning wilderness scenery.

Distance 360 mi
Duration 3–5 Days
Terrain Easy
Season Year Round
Total Distance
Total Distance 360 Miles
Recommended
Recommended 3–5 Days
Difficulty
Difficulty Easy
Terrain Type
Terrain Type Paved Highway
Best Season
Best Season May – Sep
Best Vehicle
Best Vehicle SUV 4WD
Best Vehicle for This Route

CHOOSE YOUR RIG

GMC Yukon XL 4WD
Family Choice

GMC Yukon XL 4WD

Premium full-size SUV with spacious seating, 4WD capability & comfortable touring across Alaska statewide.

Toyota RAV4 AWD
Family Friendly

Toyota RAV4 AWD

Versatile AWD crossover with fuel-efficient performance, spacious comfort & easy Alaska travel statewide.

Route Highlights

MILE BY MILE — PARKS HIGHWAY

Mile 0
Anchorage

Departure Point

Start
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Begin your journey from Alaska’s largest city and gateway to the state’s most famous road trip route.

Mile 115
Talkeetna

Historic Town

Scenic
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A charming mountain town offering flightseeing tours, river adventures, and some of the best Denali views in Alaska.

Mile 240
Denali National Park

National Park

Wildlife
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Home to Denali, North America’s tallest peak, plus grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and breathtaking tundra landscapes.

Mile 250
Denali Viewpoint South

Scenic Stop

Views
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One of the best roadside viewpoints for clear-weather views of Denali and the Alaska Range.

Mile 300
Nenana

Historic Community

River
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Located along the Tanana River and famous for the annual Nenana Ice Classic tradition.

Mile 360
Fairbanks

Destination

Finish
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Reach Interior Alaska’s largest city and the gateway to Arctic adventures and the Dalton Highway.

Travel Logistics

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Parks Highway is Alaska's most traveled road trip route, connecting Anchorage, Denali National Park, and Fairbanks entirely by paved highway with excellent services along the way.

Fuel Stops

Fuel Stops

  • Anchorage full services
  • Talkeetna area fuel stations
  • Healy fuel available near Denali
  • Fairbanks full services
Road Conditions

Road Conditions

  • Fully paved highway
  • Suitable for all rental vehicles
  • Open year-round
  • Seasonal construction possible
Wildlife & Safety

Wildlife & Safety

  • Moose commonly seen roadside
  • Grizzly bears in Denali region
  • Caribou and Dall sheep sightings
  • Excellent birdwatching opportunities
Camping & Activities

Camping & Activities

  • Talkeetna
  • Denali National Park
  • Denali Viewpoints
  • Nenana Historic Area
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