Richardson Highway (AK-4) — Valdez to Fairbanks
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Alaska Route Guide — Historic Highway

Richardson Highway (AK-4) — Valdez to Fairbanks

Alaska's oldest highway delivers glaciers, waterfalls, mountain passes, and Interior wilderness between Valdez and Fairbanks.

Distance 365 mi
Duration 3–5 Days
Terrain Easy
Season May – Sep
Total Distance
Total Distance 365 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 — RICHARDSON HIGHWAY

Mile 0
Valdez

Departure Point

Start
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Begin in the coastal town of Valdez, surrounded by fjords, glaciers, waterfalls, and Prince William Sound.

Mile 25
Keystone Canyon

Scenic Canyon

Waterfalls
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Home to Bridal Veil Falls and Horsetail Falls, two of Alaska’s most photographed roadside waterfalls.

Mile 65
Thompson Pass

Mountain Pass

Mountains
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One of Alaska’s highest and snowiest highway passes, offering spectacular alpine scenery.

Mile 120
Worthington Glacier

Glacier Stop

Glacier
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An easily accessible glacier located directly beside the highway near Thompson Pass.

Mile 255
Delta Junction

Historic Junction

Landmark
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Official northern end of the Alaska Highway and an important crossroads in Interior Alaska.

Mile 365
Fairbanks

Destination

Finish
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Arrive in Fairbanks, the gateway to Alaska’s Arctic region and northern adventures.

Travel Logistics

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Richardson Highway is Alaska's oldest major road and one of its most scenic. Travelers experience coastal fjords, waterfalls, glaciers, mountain passes, and Interior Alaska landscapes on a fully paved route.

Fuel Stops

Fuel Stops

  • Valdez full services
  • Glennallen fuel available
  • Delta Junction fuel stations
  • Fairbanks full services
Road Conditions

Road Conditions

  • Fully paved highway
  • Open year-round
  • Mountain weather changes quickly
  • Watch for frost heaves and wildlife
Highlights

Highlights

  • Keystone Canyon
  • Worthington Glacier
  • Thompson Pass
  • Alaska Pipeline viewpoints
Recommended Stops

Recommended Stops

  • Bridal Veil Falls
  • Worthington Glacier
  • Glennallen
  • Delta Junction Visitor Center
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