Glenn Highway (AK-1) — Anchorage to Glennallen & Valdez
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Alaska Route Guide — Scenic Drive

Glenn Highway (AK-1) — Anchorage to Glennallen & Valdez

Mountain passes, glacier views, and Alaska wilderness make the Glenn Highway one of the state's most scenic drives.

Distance 305 mi
Duration 3–5 Days
Terrain Easy
Season May – Sep
Total Distance
Total Distance 305 Miles
Recommended
Recommended 3–5 Days
Difficulty
Difficulty Easy
Terrain Type
Terrain Type Mountain 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.

Route Highlights

MILE BY MILE — GLENN HIGHWAY

Mile 0
Anchorage

Departure Point

Start
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Leave Alaska’s largest city and begin one of the state’s officially designated National Scenic Byways.

Mile 110
Matanuska Glacier

Glacier Viewpoint

Glacier
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One of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers, stretching over 27 miles through the Chugach Mountains.

Mile 140
Sheep Mountain

Scenic Stop

Wildlife
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A prime area for spotting Dall sheep along dramatic mountain ridges and alpine terrain.

Mile 190
Glennallen

Junction Town

Hub
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Gateway to Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and the crossroads of the Glenn and Richardson Highways.

Mile 250
Thompson Pass

Mountain Pass

Mountains
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One of Alaska’s most spectacular mountain passes, known for towering peaks and heavy winter snowfall.

Mile 305
Valdez

Coastal Destination

Finish
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Arrive in Valdez, surrounded by waterfalls, glaciers, fjords, and the waters of Prince William Sound.

Travel Logistics

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Glenn Highway offers some of Alaska's finest mountain scenery, glacier viewpoints, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The route is fully paved and suitable for all vehicle types during the summer season.

Fuel Stops

Fuel Stops

  • Anchorage full services
  • Palmer fuel available
  • Glennallen full services
  • Valdez fuel stations available
Road Conditions

Road Conditions

  • Fully paved highway
  • Mountain driving sections
  • Construction possible in summer
  • Weather can change rapidly
Highlights

Highlights

  • Matanuska Glacier
  • Sheep Mountain
  • Thompson Pass
  • Valdez coastline
Recommended Stops

Recommended Stops

  • Palmer
  • Matanuska Glacier
  • Glennallen
  • Valdez Harbor
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