Guide to Alaska
这篇 blog 的中文版本。
Foreword
Alaska is located outside the contiguous United States, bordered by Canada to the east and separated from Russia by the Bering Strait to the west, with the Arctic Ocean to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. Alaska is the largest state in the U.S., with an area greater than the combined size of the next five largest states in the mainland. It is home to breathtaking natural landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers, and forests, along with an abundance of wildlife resources. This blog was originally prepared as a travel guide for the Alaska trip with V1ncent, Steven, Tina, and Chenghong from March 24 to April 2, 2025, covering the state’s major attractions and itinerary planning. The 10-day, 9-night journey was filled with the magnificent scenery of the far north, along with challenges, thrills, and the serenity of the return. In fond remembrance.
Main Attractions
Anchorage Downtown and Surroundings
▪ Anchorage Museum
Anchorage Museum was established in 1968 and is located in downtown Anchorage. It is the largest museum in Alaska, showcasing the state’s history, natural landscapes, ecology, and indigenous cultures.
Opening Hours (October to April of the following year):
Monday: Closed;
Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM;
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
Note: On the first Friday of each month, opening hours are extended to 9:00 PM, and admission is free after 6:00 PM.
Admission:
$25 Adults (ages 18-64)
$20 Alaska Residents (ages 18-64)
$18 Youth (ages 13-17), Seniors (ages 65+), Military, Students
$12 Children (ages 6-12)*
Children aged 5 and under, museum members, and federally recognized tribal members are free.
Expected Visited Duration: 2 hours.
Address: 625 C St, Anchorage, AK 99501;
Phone: +1 907-929-9200;
Website: Anchorage Museum.
▪ Alaska Zoo (not visited)
Alaska Zoo, established in 1969, is located in the southeastern corner of Anchorage. The zoo is home to numerous native Alaskan animals and species that live in the Arctic or sub-Arctic regions, as well as some non-native animals.
Opening Hours:
November to February of the following year: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Tuesday open until 6:00 PM);
March to April: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (open until 6:00 PM during Dino Lights event);
May, September: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM;
June to August: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Note: The zoo’s opening hours may vary during public holidays each year.
Admission:
$25 Adults (ages 16 and older, non-residents);
$18 Alaska Residents (ages 16 and older), must show student ID;
$16 Seniors (ages 65 and older) or Military, must show military service proof;
$12 Youth (ages 3-15);
Children aged 2 and under are free.
Expected Visited Duration: 2 hours.
Address: 4731 O’Malley Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507;
Phone: +1 907-346-3242;
Website: Alaska Zoo.
▪ Alaska Botanical Garden (not visited)
Alaska Botanical Garden is located in the eastern suburbs of Anchorage. The garden is home to over 1,200 species of plants. In winter, the garden hosts a light show, with visiting hours divided into daytime and nighttime.
Opening Hours (Daytime):
Monday to Thursday: Appointment required;
Friday to Saturday: 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.;
Sunday: Closed.
Note:
1, Monday to Thursday requires an appointment by calling 907-770-3692;
2, The last entry time on Friday to Saturday is 3:30 p.m.;
Admission: $5, free for children under 6 and garden members.
Opening Hours (Winter Night):
Friday to Saturday: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Note: The last entry time on Friday and Saturday is 7:30 p.m.
Admission: $10 (non-members), $6 (members), free for children under 6.
Expected Visited Duration: 1 hour.
Address: 4601 Campbell Airstrip Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507;
Phone: +1 907-770-3692;
Website: Alaska Botanical Garden.
▪ Earthquake Park
Earthquake Park is located north of Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, at the southwest corner of the city of Anchorage. The park is dedicated to commemorating the Great Alaska Earthquake that occurred on March 27, 1964 (also known as Good Friday Earthquake, as it happened to fall on Good Friday). The earthquake had a magnitude of 8.5 and a moment magnitude of 9.2, making it the strongest earthquake ever recorded in North America and the second strongest earthquake globally since the advent of systematic seismic measurement methods in 1900. The earthquake triggered a tsunami, resulting in a total of 139 deaths and $300 million in damages in the Alaska region. The park contains existing geological features from the earthquake.
Opening Hours: Open all day.
Admission: Free.
Expected Visited Duration: 1 hour.
Address: 5101 Point Woronzof Rd, Anchorage, AK 99502;
Phone: +1 907-3434-355;
Website: No official website. For more information, please refer to alaska.org and Visit Alaska.
▪ Flattop Mountain
Flattop Mountain is located in the southeastern suburbs of Anchorage and is one of the city’s iconic attractions. The summit of Flattop Mountain has an elevation of about 1,070 meters, making it the highest peak in the Anchorage area. The summit offers panoramic views of the city, Cook Inlet, and the Alaska Range.
Opening Hours：Open all day.
Admission：Free.
Expected Visited Duration：2 hours or more.
Address: 3101 Glen Alps Road Anchorage, AK 99516；
Website: No official website. For more information, please refer to alaska.org and Visit Alaska.
Note⚠:
The Flattop Mountain area covers a vast region with a variety of hiking routes, some of which can be quite steep. It is generally recommended to drive or take the shuttle bus running between downtown and Flattop Mountain to reach the parking lot located at Glen Alps. From there, several destinations are available:
1, Starting from the Glen Alps parking lot, walk along the Blueberry Trail to the end. This section is approximately 0.5 km long and takes about 30 minutes.
2, After reaching Blueberry Hill, you may continue to the summit of Flattop Mountain. This section is relatively steep and takes about 1 hour.
3, If time permits, you can head further toward Williwaw Lakes or Wolverine Peak. This route is approximately 9 km long and takes about 4 hours. If you choose this route, please plan for at least one full day.
▪ Kenai Fjords National Park
At the meeting point of mountains, glaciers, and the ocean lies Kenai Fjords National Park, located in Seward, about 200 kilometers south of Anchorage. Kenai Fjords National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Alaska and the only one in the U.S. National Park System themed around glaciers. The park is home to numerous glaciers, marine life, and bird species.
Boarding a cruise from Seward Harbor, we sailed along Resurrection Bay toward the waters where the southern part of Kenai Fjords National Park meets the North Pacific. The surface of Resurrection Bay, unlike the open ocean, is unusually calm and austere, creating a striking contrast with the marine animals that accompany the journey. The pristine forests lining both shores are part of the national park, yet in winter’s icy grip, they temporarily lose their vitality, leaving only the dark depths of the woods and the snow-capped peaks. According to the guide, in summer the scenery transforms completely, with the possibility of spotting mountain goats clinging to the cliffs.
Opening Hours: Open all day.
Admission: Free.
Estimated Visit Duration: 1 day or more.
Address: Seward, AK 99664；
Phone: +1 9074220500；
Website: Kenai Fjords National Park。
Note⚠：
During the winter, most roads and visitor centers in Kenai Fjords National Park are closed, and walking into the park requires traversing approximately 13 kilometers of uninhabited area.
Optional: The safest and most convenient way to explore Kenai Fjords National Park is by taking a boat tour (which is the option we ultimately chose). There are two boat tour companies in Kenai Fjords National Park - Kenai Fjords Tours and Major Marine Tours. Given the timing of our trip to Alaska, at that time both companies only had one route available: Spring Resurrection Bay Tour and Spring Wildlife Cruise.
Departure Time: 12:00 PM.
Ticket Price: Approximately $100 (Spring Resurrection Bay Tour); Approximately $115 (Spring Wildlife Cruise)
Duration: 4 hours.
Address: Kenai Fjords Tours: TBA; Major Marine Tours: 1412 4th Ave, Seward, Alaska 99664;
Phone: Kenai Fjords Tours: +1 800-808-8068; Major Marine Tours: +1 800-764-7300;
Fairbanks Downtown and Surroundings
▪ University of Alaska Museum of the North
The University of Alaska Museum of the North is located on the University of Alaska campus in the northwest corner of downtown Fairbanks, and its exterior resembles an igloo. The museum’s theme is the history, nature, and local culture of the Arctic region.
Opening Hours:
Winter Hours (September 16 - May 14):
Monday to Sunday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Summer Hours (May 15 - September 15):
Monday to Sunday: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Note: The entrance will close 30 minutes before closing time. Hours are subject to change.
Admission:
$20 Adults (18-64 years)
$16 Seniors (65 years and older), Alaska Residents, Active Military, Children (6-17 years)
$14 Group Rate (8 or more people)
Free for Museum Staff, University of Alaska Faculty, Students, Children 5 and under, and EBT Cardholders.
Estimated Visit Duration: 2 hours.
Address: 1962 Yukon Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99775;
Phone: +1 907-474-7505;
Website: University of Alaska Museum of the North。
▪ Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center
The Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center is located in the northern part of downtown Fairbanks and serves as a comprehensive center for visitor information, cultural exhibits, and community events.
Inside the Morris Thompson Cultural Center, visitors can pick up free postcards featuring Fairbanks themes, as well as stamps for commemorative cancellations. A postcard sent from the Arctic might just become a delightful surprise!
Opening Hours:
January 2 - May 26:
Daily 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
May 27 - September 3:
Daily 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
September 4 - December 31:
Daily 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Admission: Free.
Estimated Visit Duration: 30 minutes.
Address: 101 Dunkel Street Fairbanks, AK 99701;
Phone: 907-459-3700;
Website: Morris Thompson Cultural Center。
▪ Santa Claus House
Where it’s Christmas Every Day! The Santa Claus House is located in the North Pole, at the southeastern corner of Fairbanks. It resembles a giant Christmas village and gift shop, featuring a wide array of Christmas decorations, gifts, and handmade crafts from Alaska. You can even send postcards from Santa Claus!
Opening Hours:
Daily 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. except for the following holidays:
January 1, 2;
Easter Sunday (April 20);
Thanksgiving (November 27);
Christmas (December 25, 26, 27). (They must be out delivering presents!)
Admission: Free.
Estimated Visit Duration: 1 hour.
Address: 101 St Nicholas Dr, North Pole, AK 99705;
Phone: +1 907-488-2200;
Website: Santa Claus House。
▪ Fairbanks Ice Museum (not visited)
The Fairbanks Ice Museum is located in downtown Fairbanks. The museum features a variety of ice sculptures.
Opening Hours:
Daily 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Admission:
$15 Adults;
$10 Children (6-14 years);
$12 Group (10 or more people).
Fee of Ice Sculpture Exhibition：
$10 Adults;
$8 Children (6-14 years);
$8 Group (10 or more people).
Estimated Visit Duration: 1 hour.
Address: 500 2nd Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701;
Phone: +1 907-451-8222;
Website: Fairbanks Ice Museum。
▪ Running Reindeer Ranch
Running Reindeer Ranch is a family-owned establishment where the owners have spent decades living alongside reindeer. Here, you can listen to the ranchers explain the fascinating habits, unique personalities, and life journeys of these amazing animals. You can even experience close encounters with the reindeer, take photos while holding a fawn, and purchase gifts made from shed antlers at the end of your visit. The hot chocolate provided is also wonderfully warming, isn’t it, ptr?
Opening Hours:
Daily with two time slots: 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Admission:
$120 Adults;
$110 Children (3-11 years);
Free Infants (0-2 years).
Estimated Visit Duration: 2-2.5 hours.
Address: Running Reindeer Ranch, 1470 Ivans Alley Fairbanks, AK 99709;
Phone: +1 907-455-4998;
Website: Running Reindeer Ranch。
Note: Reservations are required in advance, with a visitor limit of 4-22 people.
▪ Dalton Highway
The road of the brave to the Arctic! The Dalton Highway stretches 666 kilometers from Fairbanks to Deadhorse, next to the Arctic Ocean. Built in 1974 for the construction of the Alaska oil pipeline, most of the road is unpaved and is one of the most remote and treacherous roads in the United States. The Dalton Highway offers stunning scenery, crossing the Arctic Circle, the Alaska Range, and the Arctic tundra, and passes through another national park in Alaska: Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. The famous Arctic Circle sign is located at 65°52′50″N, 185 kilometers along the Dalton Highway (near Coldfoot).
Although Alaska has countless breathtaking landscapes, the scenery along the Dalton Highway left the deepest impression on me. Departing from Fairbanks, the urban landscape was quickly left behind, replaced by vast, mysterious white plains, rolling hills, unreachable snow-capped mountains in the distance, and a lonely road stretching into the unknown. For hundreds of kilometers, the route was almost entirely uninhabited, with no houses or even cell signal, only the occasional truck and swirling dust reminding us of human existence. The sights along the Dalton Highway may not be as spectacular as many other attractions in Alaska, but the eternal tranquility and solitude are even more moving.
After crossing the Yukon River, the Dalton Highway welcomes its only supply station in the first half: the Yukon River Supply Station. Here, you can replenish food and fuel (due to the distance from the city, the fuel price here is twice that of Fairbanks), and you can also send a postcard from the Yukon River.
When we reached the Arctic Circle sign, it was already 7:30 PM, and the sky was getting darker, but it recorded the moment when a group of people first entered the Arctic Circle.
When we returned from the Arctic Circle sign, it was already 8:30 PM. The return journey was anything but straightforward. As night gradually fell, the temperature outside the car dropped below zero, and all the sights of the day were slowly swallowed by darkness. The fuel gauge showed only half a tank remaining. To make matters worse, shortly after leaving the Arctic Circle sign, the vehicle emitted a tire pressure warning: the pressure in the right rear tire was slowly decreasing. This was like a bolt from the blue—the Yukon River Supply Station had already closed, and Fairbanks was nearly 400 kilometers away. If the tire were to lose all its pressure, we would be unable to safely navigate the icy mountain roads and would have to wait for rescue in the desolate wilderness.
Fortunately, things did not get worse. The rate of tire pressure loss was not as fast as we had imagined, and a rough estimate told us that there was still some room for maneuver. Under the starry sky, two faint headlights slowly moved forward in the darkness. Nature is great and awe-inspiring, the vast night marks 14 hours of isolation from the world. In a daze, it seemed that we really merged into this darkness, wandering in the boundless universe and starlight.
It was 3:30 AM when we returned to our accommodation in Fairbanks. After 14 hours of trekking, this self-driving journey along the Dalton Highway finally came to an end.
Estimated driving time (whole journey): 11 hours (the final actual duration was 14 hours).
2, Most areas along the Dalton Highway are signal-free wilderness, so it is recommended to prepare offline maps in advance;
3, Some sections of the Dalton Highway are mountainous, and the road surface may be icy in winter. Please drive carefully and do not exceed the speed limit in mountainous areas. Drivers should have relatively rich driving experience;
4, Please be careful of the sand and gravel kicked up when meeting large trucks, as they may shatter the windshield;
5, The unpaved sections of the Dalton Highway have many potholes and potential sharp stones, which can easily damage car tires at high speeds. If possible, please prepare a spare tire in advance and learn how to change a tire;
6, Please carry emergency supplies, including sufficient food, water, warm clothing, blankets, etc. If possible, a satellite phone is a very useful communication tool.
Western/Eastern Loop
▪ Matanuska Glacier
Matanuska Glacier is located on the Eastern Loop (Glenn Highway) connecting Anchorage and Fairbanks, about 160 kilometers northeast of Anchorage. It is one of the largest glaciers in Alaska and the largest accessible by car in the world. The Matanuska River originates from the meltwater of Matanuska Glacier.
Matanuska Glacier stretches for hundreds of kilometers, and the accessible areas are just the tip of the iceberg. Isn’t that right, milady? In addition, the hiking routes on the glacier differ between summer and winter. In winter, the frozen rivers allow access to more distant areas.
Opening Hours：Open all day.
Admission：Free.
Estimated Visit Duration：2 hours.
Note：Although Matanuska Glacier itself is free of charge, we need a guide to take us on a glacier hike.
Departure Times：Available at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m.
Fees：
$150 Adults；
$30 Children 12 and under；
$50 Active Military；
$50 Alaska Residents；
$60 Friends and Family of Alaska Residents (must be accompanied by a local resident during the visit).
Website: Matanuska Glacier。
▪ Denali National Park and Preserve
Denali National Park and Preserve is located along the George Parks Highway, connecting Anchorage and Fairbanks, approximately 380 kilometers from Anchorage and 200 kilometers from Fairbanks. The park is centered around North America’s highest peak, Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley, with an elevation of 6,190 meters), and covers about 24,585 square kilometers. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including brown bears, caribou, wolves, and moose.
Denali National Park and Preserve has a visitor center where you can pick up information brochures and maps related to the scenic area. Winter in Denali is often characterized by heavy snowfall, blanketing the landscape in white. All public transportation systems in the area will also be suspended. In contrast, summer appears to be more vibrant. Near the entrance to the scenic area, there is also a post office where you can send a postcard from Denali.
Denali National Park and Preserve has many hiking trails, with a wide range of difficulty levels and required times, suitable for hikers of all levels!
Opening Hours: Open all day.
Tickets:
$15 Adults;
Free for children aged 15 and under.
Estimated Visit Duration: 1 day or more.
There are multiple hiking/biking trails available in the park. For more information, please visit the Winter Visitor Guide and the Denali National Park and Preserve official website.
Phone: +1 907-683-9532;
Website: Denali National Park and Preserve.
Park Map (From the official website of Denali National Park)：
2. At 1.3 miles (about 2 kilometers) into the road is the Murie Science and Learning Center, which serves as a visitor center during the winter. Here, visitors can pick up brochures with information about Denali National Park and Preserve and rent snowshoes, among other things.
3. The climate within Denali National Park and Preserve is highly variable, and during the winter, temperatures can drop suddenly to -30 degrees Celsius, so visitors should be well-prepared for the cold.
4. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including potentially dangerous grizzly bears. When walking in the park, visitors should not feed the wildlife. According to park guidelines, visitors should maintain a distance of at least 25 yards from wildlife and at least 300 yards from bears.
Did you know?
•Denali National Park was established in 1917, originally to protect the Dall sheep.
•Denali National Park was originally named Mount McKinley National Park after then-President William McKinley. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter signed the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, renaming the park Denali National Park and Preserve. "Denali" means "the high one" in Athabaskan.
▪ Castner Glacier (not visited)
Castner Glacier is located about 450 kilometers from Anchorage along the Eastern Loop. It is a magical and beautiful natural landscape formed by glacial activity.
Opening Hours: Open all day.
Admission: Free. (If you join a tour group, the fee depends on the group.)
Estimated Visit Duration: 1-2 hours.
Note: It is said that in recent years, due to natural erosion and oxidation, parts of Castner Glacier have collapsed, and its color has become dimmer.
Travel Arrangements
Anchorage
Time: March 24, Monday 3:00 p.m. to March 27, Thursday 12:00 p.m.
Location:
Located west of Anchorage Airport and south of downtown. About a 7-minute drive from the airport and a 15-minute drive from downtown.
Fairbanks
Time: March 27, Thursday 3:00 p.m. to March 30, Sunday 10:00 a.m.
Location:
Located in the northwest suburbs of Fairbanks, about a 15-minute drive from the airport.
Cantwell
Time: March 30, Sunday 4:00 p.m. to April 1, Tuesday 11:00 a.m.
Location: MP 133.7 Denali Highway, Cantwell, AK 99729, USA.
Located in the middle of the Western loop in the town of Cantwell, about a 30-minute drive from the entrance to Denali National Park.
Phone: +1 (907)-987-0960.
Note: There is a gas station located not far to the north of this location.
Travel Itinerary
Anchorage
| Location | Date | Itinerary |
|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | March 24 | Expected to arrive at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport at 12:55 p.m., Flight No.: 123. |
| Afternoon: Check in and shop for supplies at a downtown supermarket. | ||
| March 25 | Morning: Anchorage Museum, Anchorage Train Station. | |
| Afternoon: Flattop Mountain. | ||
| March 26 | Morning: Kenai Fjords National Park. | |
| Afternoon: Kenai Fjords National Park. | ||
| March 27 | Morning: |
|
| Afternoon: Matanuska Glacier (It is recommended to arrive at the glacier before 12:30 p.m. and must arrive at the glacier before 1:30 p.m.). |
Fairbanks
| Location | Date | Itinerary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairbanks | March 27 | Expected to arrive at the accommodation at 8:00 p.m. | |
| March 28 | Morning: University of Alaska Museum of the North | ||
| Afternoon: |
|||
| March 29 | Option 1 | Morning: Running Reindeer Ranch. | |
| Afternoon: Dalton Highway (to the Arctic Circle sign). | |||
| Morning: Dalton Highway. | |||
| Afternoon: Dalton Highway. | |||
| March 30 | Morning: Check out from Fairbanks, visit Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, and after lunch head to Denali National Park and Preserve. | ||
Cantwell
| Location | Date | Itinerary |
|---|---|---|
| Denali National Park and Preserve and Surroundings | March 30 | Expected to arrive at the accommodation at 4:00 p.m. Plan to visit Denali National Park and Preserve for information. |
| March 31 | Morning: Denali National Park and Preserve. | |
| Afternoon: Denali National Park and Preserve. | ||
| April 1 | Morning: Check out from Cantwell, return to Anchorage and drop off the car. | |
| Afternoon: Store luggage at the airport, visit Earthquake Park. Expected return flight departure time: 8:30 p.m. Flight number: UA123. |
Appendix I: Main Action Route
Anchorage → Matanuska Glacier → Fairbanks
Depart from the accommodation in Anchorage (5436 Dorbrandt St, Anchorage, AK 99518, USA), pass by Matanuska Glacier, and arrive at the accommodation in Fairbanks (620 Eton Boulevard Lower Unit, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709, USA). The total distance is 700 kilometers, and the estimated total driving time is about 8 hours.
Timeline: March 27, Thursday, depart for Matanuska Glacier at 10:00 a.m., expected arrival at Matanuska Glacier at 12:30 p.m.; depart from Matanuska Glacier at 3:30 p.m., expected arrival at the accommodation in Fairbanks at 8:30 p.m.
Fairbanks → Dalton Highway (Arctic Circle Sign) → Fairbanks
According to Option 1 (i.e., only reaching the Arctic Circle sign on the Dalton Highway), depart from the accommodation in Fairbanks (620 Eton Boulevard Lower Unit, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709, USA), arrive at the Arctic Circle sign on the Dalton Highway, and return the same way. The total distance is about 620 kilometers, and the estimated driving time is about 11 hours.
Timeline: March 29, Saturday, expected departure at 1:30 p.m., arrival at the Arctic Circle sign at 6:00 p.m., return to Fairbanks at 10:30 p.m.
Fairbanks → Cantwell, Denali National Park and Preserve → Anchorage
Depart from the accommodation in Fairbanks (620 Eton Boulevard Lower Unit, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709, USA), stop in Cantwell to explore Denali National Park and Preserve, and finally return to Anchorage. The total distance is about 580 kilometers, and the estimated driving time is about 6 hours and 30 minutes.
Timeline: March 30, 10:00 a.m. depart from the accommodation in Fairbanks, expected arrival in Cantwell at 12:30 p.m.; April 1, 7:30 a.m. depart from Cantwell, expected arrival at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport at 11:40 a.m. (car rental return must be completed by 1:00 p.m.).