10 Day Alaska Itinerary | Your Epic Alaska Dream Road Trip

Alaska’s untamed beauty—towering mountains, pristine lakes, and glaciers—beckons the world’s adventurers. A land of vivid wildlife, the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis, and the Midnight Sun, it promises unforgettable experiences. This beauty is best experienced in an Alaska road trip.

With its vast terrain, planning your perfect Alaskan road trip may feel overwhelming. This 10 day Alaska itinerary simplifies your journey, offering a roadmap to explore Alaska’s awe-inspiring wonders, even with limited time.

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Alaska Vacation Planning: Road Trip

I knew almost nothing about the Last Frontier before we visited the 49th state, other than stunning photos and comments I’ve seen and read. It took me days (if not weeks) to put together the perfect 10 Day Alaska Itinerary for our road trip in between working the 9-5 and doing research.

We even called the Alaska police for questions about driving and parking an RV in Alaska while we were yet in the planning stages. One thing you will learn is that Alaska is set up for RV driving, meaning, it is RV friendly. This 10 Day Alaska Itinerary also includes tips on where to park your RV, motorhome, or vehicles for restful nights, for free.

This 10 Day Alaska Itinerary guide covers everything you need for the ultimate Alaska road trip, including the best time to visit and the most awe-inspiring destinations to explore. From glaciers to wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, this 10 Day Alaska Itinerary promises an adventure you’ll never forget. Let’s dive into the details!

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Key Highlights of Your 10 Day Alaska Itinerary

• Stunning Natural Landscapes: From the icy wonders of Matanuska Glacier to the jaw-dropping views of Turnagain Arm, this 10 Day Alaska Itinerary is packed with the state’s most scenic destinations.
• Wildlife Encounters: Keep an eye out for Alaska’s diverse wildlife, including whales, moose, and bald eagles, as you drive along the Seward Highway and explore Kenai Fjords.
• Adventure Activities: From dog sledding on glaciers to kayaking in Spencer Glacier, your 10 Day Alaska Itinerary is brimming with adrenaline-pumping activities.
• Cultural Experiences: Spend time in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, and learn about its history and culture before you head out to explore more of the state.

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Overview of Your Alaska Road Trip Itinerary

Alaska is vast, it is roughly 2.5 times larger than Texas in terms of land area, and with limited time, it can be overwhelming to plan your trip. This 10 Day Alaska Itinerary focuses on the highlights of Southcentral Alaska, which includes Anchorage, Girdwood, the Kenai Peninsula, and Valdez. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or simply someone who enjoys stunning scenery, this itinerary offers a balance of activities and relaxation.

Below is a breakdown of how you will spend your 10 days in Alaska. 

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Breakdown of your 10 Day Alaska itinerary

• Day 1: Anchorage
• Day 2: Anchorage to Girdwood via the Seward Highway
• Day 3: Things to Do in Girdwood
• Day 4: Drive to Seward
• Day 5: All Day Matanuska Glacier Hike
• Day 6: Aboard the Alaska Railroad
• Day 7: Drive to Valdez
• Day 8: Valdez to Anchorage
• Day 9: Explore Anchorage
• Day 10: Farewell to Alaska – Flying Out of Anchorage

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Map of your 10 Days in Alaska

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner.

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The Ultimate 10 Day Alaska Itinerary: Road Trip

Day 1: Anchorage

You will start your 10 Day Alaska Itinerary for your road trip in its largest city, Anchorage. You will not need a vehicle today, so you can make arrangements to collect it on the second day of your vacation. You can get on Uber of Lyft for transportation. Today is more about taking it easy before you embark on the road trip of your lifetime in the following days.

If you are renting a motorhome, which I highly recommend, you may be able to arrange with the rental company to stay in your motorhome the night before, as some people have been able to do. This saves you accommodation expenses.

Since we will be staying in a motorhome for more than a week, we decided to stay in a hotel on our first night in Alaska. We booked the hotel using points. More about points and travel hacking here. Make sure to call the hotel for shuttle pick up at the airport as some hotels recommend.

Anchorage, Alaska, is home to a variety of museums and historical sites that offer a glimpse into the state’s rich cultural and natural history. 

One day is the perfect amount of time to explore Anchorage, however, you could always extend your 10 Days in Alaska with a few extra nights tapped onto the start or end of the road trip.

If you have extra time in Anchorage, hike up Flattop Mountain for panoramic views of the city and surrounding wilderness. This moderate trail is family-friendly and rewards hikers with stunning scenery. For a more relaxed experience, the 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail offers breathtaking coastal views, wildlife sightings, and scenic vistas of Anchorage, making it one of the U.S.’s most beautiful coastal trails.

While you’re in the city, don’t forget to keep an eye out for Mt. Denali—on clear days, the towering peak is visible even from Anchorage. Though sightings are rare, catching a glimpse of North America’s highest mountain is a true Alaskan highlight.

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Day 2: Anchorage to Girdwood via the Seward Highway

Today, you’ll collect your rental and kick off your 10 Day Alaska Itinerary adventure.

You can ride share or hire a taxi to get to the rental place when it is time to pick it up. Usually, they have a specific time when you are able to get your vehicle.

If you are renting a car, I recommend DiscoverCars because you can find, compare and rent a car globally with good customer service.

After you pick up your rental, you can stop by grocery stores to buy some food in your rental or motorhome. Do not buy too much food because you may end up not using all of them like most RV’ers we met, including us. Besides, there are many places to buy food if you run out along the way.

As you drive from Anchorage to Girdwood to start your Alaska road trip, you will cover a distance of approximately 38 miles (61 km) which typically takes about 45 to 50 minutes under normal traffic conditions and without stopping at viewpoints.

The most common route is via the scenic Seward Highway (AK-1), which offers beautiful views of the Turnagain Arm, surrounding mountains, glaciers, and the coastline.

Turnagain Arm

Turnagain Arm, located just south of Anchorage, is one of America’s most scenic drives, offering breathtaking views of wildlife, natural beauty, and outdoor activities. With numerous pull-offs along the Seward Highway, you can enjoy panoramic views and take photos at popular spots like Beluga Point, where you might spot beluga whales, and Bird Point, known for its views of Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Mountains.

This Alaska road trip route also passes through Chugach State Park, one of the largest in the U.S., featuring diverse landscapes like coastal rainforests and alpine tundra.

Driving time: 40 minutes (53 km/33 miles) from Anchorage.

Portage Lake

Portage Lake is a stunning glacial lake located in the Chugach National Forest in Alaska. Surrounded by towering mountains and lush forests, Portage Lake offers breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere.

The best ways to experience Portage Lake is by taking a boat tour, hiking, and kayaking.

From Anchorage: Head south on the Seward Highway (AK-1) for about 50 miles. Turn onto Portage Glacier Road: This turn is well-marked and will take you directly to the lake. Continue on this road for about 5 miles.

Once you are done at Portage Lake, you can drive back out towards Girdwood for the night, depending on when you go see Portage Lake. 

Girdwood, Alaska, is a picturesque mountain town located about 36 miles south of Anchorage. It is a haven for outdoor activities such as skiing and snowboarding, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.

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Day 3: Exploring Girdwood

Dog Sledding

Today you will take a short helicopter ride from Girdwood to Punchbowl Glacier, where you meet your guides—and the dogs—at a remote base camp. You will also learn about the mushing lifestyle and the history of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Then you take in the breathtaking scenery as a team of sled dogs pulls you across an alpine snowfield. On top of that, you get a chance to drive the sled.

Book Dog Sledding Tour here. The tour has a complementary pickup option from your hotel or accommodation in Girdwood.

The entire excursion – helicopter ride and dog sledding, is pricey, but it is one of those unique experiences in your lifetime that you get to do at least once and will easily make the highlight of your trip to Alaska. I’m so proud we did it. Punchbowl Glacier where you will experience dog sledding in a glacier is accessible only by helicopter.

Alyeska Aerial Tram

After the dog sledding excursion, you will head to the Alyeska Aerial Tram located at the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood.

The tram ascends 2,300 feet from the base to the top of Mount Alyeska, and so you can enjoy the spectacular and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and Turnagain Arm.

You can book the Tram Tickets here.

After you explore Girdwood, you can continue your Alaska road trip head down south on Seward Highway toward Sterling Highway to Tern Lake.

Tern Lake

Tern Lake is a beautiful and serene lake located on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, surrounded by the Kenai Mountains and lush forests. It is also a great boondocking spot, so you can park your motorhome here for a restful night, and to wake up to a refreshing misty morning lake.

Tern Lake is conveniently located at the junction of the Seward and Sterling Highways, making it easily accessible for a day trip or a quick stop.

Driving time: 58 minutes (91 km/56.6 miles) from Alyeska Resort to Tern Lake.

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Day 4: Drive to Seward

Your destination today in your 10 Day Alaska Itinerary for your Alaska road trip is Seward. Seward, Alaska, is a charming coastal city located on Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula. It is the gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park, offering dramatic fjords, glaciers, and abundant wildlife.

Driving time: 46 minutes (58.2 km/36.2 miles) from Tern Lake to Seward.

Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise

One of the ways to access Kenai Fjords National Park is by a cruise ship, out of Seward Port. You can take the boat tours to explore the fjords and see lots of wildlife and amazing glaciers up close.

Discover the glaciers and wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park and enjoy jaw-dropping scenery as an experienced naturalist provides engaging commentary.

This cruise does go out into the open Gulf of Alaska so it is not recommended for anyone who is prone to motion sickness. The half-day Resurrection Bay cruises are much better options if motion sickness is a concern.

With this tour, you will see gigantic blue glaciers up close and even hear them calving or breaking off big chunks of ice. You can book the 6-hour cruise here.

Exit Glacier

A visit to Exit Glacier is a must-do in your 10 Day Alaska Itinerary, as it is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska. The glacier is part of Kenai Fjords National Park, and there are several trails around it, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes like the Harding Icefield Trail. It was raining when we were in this area so we didn’t get to hike with our child with us.

10 Day Alaska Itinerary Tip: The Exit Glacier area is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, moose, and mountain goats, making it a great spot for wildlife watching as well.

The road to Exit Glacier is open from mid-May to mid-October. On the road to Exit Glacier, on Herman Leirer Rd, is a parking lot that is perfect for boondocking. You can spend the night here along with other RV’ers. The place is so peaceful, has a bathroom facility, and a view of the exit glacier as you pull out of the lot.

Drive Back to Anchorage

Depending on how late you finish today’s activities, you may continue your Alaska road trip and head out of Seward towards Anchorage or stay at the recommended accommodations above. If you decided to not spend the night in Seward, you can stop by the old Seward highway to park or boondock for the night, so you will be ready on the next day.

Old Seward Highway Parking, Wild Camping is located at: GPS: 60.84542, -149.05648.

Driving time: 1.5 hours (127.8 km/79.4 miles) from Exit Glacier to Parking.

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Day 5: All Day Matanuska Glacier Hike

The Matanuska Glacier Hike is one of the highlights of the 10 Day Alaska Itinerary and provides a thrilling experience of Alaska’s icy landscape. This guided glacier hike offers breathtaking views and a safe, exciting adventure across the massive icefield.

The tour offers convenient transportation from Anchorage, providing stunning 180-degree views en route your Alaska road trip, covering a distance of 130 km (80 miles). A knowledgeable guide will lead you across the glacier, offering insights into its icy expanse. The hike is moderate and family-friendly, with easy access for all ages.

You can book the Matanuska Glacier Hike tour here. The operator will pick you up around Anchorage.

Going back to Anchorage, the tour will drop you off back at pick up point. In Anchorage, you can boondock or park for the night at Cabela’s RV parking where a lot of RV’s and motorhomes are parking even for several nights, for free.

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Day 6: Aboard the Alaska Railroad

Day 6 of your 10 Day Alaska Itinerary features a scenic and most bucket-listed Alaska Railroad ride to Spencer Glacier. Enjoy breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, rivers, and wildlife as you pass through Girdwood, Whittier, and Portage Tunnel, before arriving at the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop—accessible only by rail. See our review here.

This unique train journey offers an unforgettable perspective of Alaska’s stunning wilderness.

On this train ride, you will get to see Alaska from a different perspective, and see an Alaskan Sunset on the Turnagain Arm on your way back to Anchorage. A truly remarkable and unique experience. Alaska Railroad Anchorage to Seward Round-Trip Same Day Return is one of their day routes.

Spencer Glacier

Spencer Glacier, located 60 miles south of Anchorage in Chugach National Forest, is only accessible by the Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery Train.

After disembarking at the Spencer Whistle Stop, you’ll walk a well-maintained 1.3-mile trail to Spencer Lake, where you can enjoy stunning views of the glacier and nearby icebergs. Activities like hiking, kayaking, and rafting are popular here.

After exploring, return to the Whistle Stop to catch the train back to Anchorage, where you can ride share to your hotel or vehicle.

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Day 7: Drive to Valdez

A drive to and from Valdez will provide you with some of the most scenic views of Alaska. Your 10 Day Alaska Itinerary takes you through pristine wilderness, with plenty of opportunities for photos and short hikes.

Glenn Highway

The Glenn Highway, also known as Alaska Route 1, is a scenic and historic route that stretches from Anchorage to Glennallen for about 179 miles (288 km), with a total length of 328 miles (528 km) including the Tok cut-off from Glenallen.

Glen highway offers stunning views of the Chugach and Talkeetna Mountains, as well as the Matanuska Glacier. It’s known for its dramatic landscapes, including river valleys, alpine meadows, and glacier-carved terrains.

The Glen Highway is perfect for Alaska road trip, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and photography.

Driving time: 3 hours 8 minutes (293 km/182 miles) from Anchorage to Glenallen.

Richardson Highway

The Richardson Highway is one of Alaska’s most historic and scenic routes, stretching 368 miles from Fairbanks to Valdez. I’m glad we embarked on this Alaska road trip. Glen highway ends along this road in Glenallen.

The highway runs through diverse landscapes, including the Chugach Mountains, Copper River Valley, and the Alaska Range.

There are several campground and scenic pull outs along Richardson Highway. One such pull out is called Glacier views 360 degrees. Here you can boondock and enjoy the best spot to camp with Glaciers all around you for wonderful views right next to Hwy before finally getting to Valdez.

The Thompson Pass is a section of the highway, just before your Alaska road trip brings you to Valdez, which is known for its heavy snowfall and breathtaking scenery.

Driving time: 2 hours 2 minutes (188 km/117 miles) from Glenallen to Valdez.

Exploring Valdez

Valdez has a fascinating history, from its beginnings as a Gold Rush town to its role in the 1964 Alaska earthquake and the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. The town has however rebuilt and remains an important port and commercial fishing hub.

Valdez is a stunning Alaska road trip destination filled with natural beauty. The Railroad Tunnel of 1906, carved into Keystone Canyon, remains a testament to Alaska’s railway history despite being unfinished.

Nearby, Rudleston Falls cascades dramatically over the canyon walls, while Horsetail Falls, 17 miles from Valdez, turns into an icy spectacle in winter.

Bridal Veil Falls offers a serene photo stop, while Valdez Glacier Lake showcases floating icebergs. In summer, kayaking here is popular, and in winter, the lake becomes a perfect spot for ice skating and adventure.

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Day 8: Valdez to Anchorage

Today you will drive to your starting point and final destination on this Alaska road trip, Anchorage. The total distance from Valdez to Anchorage via the Alaska Highway 4 (Richardson Hwy) and Alaska Highway 1 (Glen Highway) is 481 km (299 miles) and the drive time is around 5-6 hours without stops. 

The road trip drive from Valdez to Anchorage is as stunning journey through some of Alaska’s most breathtaking landscapes, as is the Alaska road trip to get here. Stopping on the scenic spots along this route can easily take a full day, so take and enjoy your time.

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Day 9: Explore Anchorage

This is a great opportunity if there are some more places left on your list that you didn’t have time to visit on the first day of your 10 Day Alaska Itinerary. This is the time to go shopping and buy souvenirs too. Also check your fridge and see if you have food you need to give to fellow travelers or donate to food bank. We did have unopened food we left in the RV since the rental could donate them for us.

Rental Return

Before heading out to explore more of Anchorage, you would return your rental vehicle. Great Alaskan Holidays was very efficient and it didn’t take us long for the return. Their shuttle brought us to the airport, and from there we ride shared to Alaska Zoo.

Alaska Zoo

If you have not seen much wildlife this past week’s road trip, today is the best chance to see them at Alaska Zoo. The Alaska Zoo in Anchorage is a wonderful place to explore, especially if you’re interested in Arctic and sub-Arctic wildlife. Here you will see Polar Bears, Black Bears, and Brown Bears, among other interesting and diverse animals. Our four year old really had a great time here, and even us adults, so you would most probably too.

Anchorage Museum

If your flight doesn’t leave till the afternoon, you may still be able to explore the Alaska Museum in Anchorage. The Anchorage Museum is a must-visit destination in Alaska, offering a rich blend of art, history, ethnography, ecology, and science.

The museum is dedicated to exploring the land, peoples, art, and history of Alaska, including indigenous cultures. The Anchorage Museum provides a comprehensive look at Alaska’s unique heritage and environment. The photo below reads: “In the future, whoever holds Alaska will hold the world”.

You can book museum admission tickets in advance here.

Alternatively, a quick visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center provides an opportunity to see the state’s iconic wildlife up close one last time. If you’re feeling adventurous, a stroll along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail will offer stunning views of Cook Inlet and the surrounding mountain ranges.

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Day 10: Farewell to Alaska – Flying Out of Anchorage

This 10 Day Alaska Itinerary is designed for those looking to experience the best of Alaska in a relatively short period. As your 10 day Alaska itinerary adventure comes to a close, the final day in Anchorage offers a bittersweet moment to reflect on the unforgettable journey.

After exploring glaciers, and cruising through fjords, it’s time to say goodbye to the Last Frontier. Whether you’ve soaked in every panoramic view or captured countless photos, the memories from this extraordinary trip will stay with you long after you board your flight.

While the flight may take you back to the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the serenity of Alaska’s untamed beauty will remain with you, waiting to call you back for your next adventure. Safe travels on your 10 Day Alaska Itinerary road trip, and until next time, Alaska!

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Tips for Your 10 Day Alaska Itinerary

1. Renting an RV: Alaska is perfect for RV travel, and this 10 Day Alaska Itinerary includes several stops that are RV-friendly, offering the flexibility to stay in various locations along the way.
2. Packing Essentials: Make sure to pack layered clothing, as the weather can vary from day to day. Don’t forget your camera to capture the unforgettable views on your 10 Day Alaska Itinerary! We also used magic bags to save space on our luggage.
3. Book in Advance: Many popular attractions, like dog sledding or glacier tours, require reservations, so it’s best to book early to secure your spot during your 10 Day Alaska Itinerary.

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Conclusion

This 10 Day Alaska Itinerary will guide you through one of the most spectacular and diverse landscapes in the world through an Alaska road trip. Whether you’re traveling for adventure, relaxation, or to witness the incredible beauty of Alaska, this guide ensures that you’ll experience the best of the state in just 10 days. Ready to begin your Alaskan adventure? Your Alaska road trip journey awaits!

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Useful Info for Your 9 Day Alaska Road Trip

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Ready to Explore Alaska?

Start planning your own Alaska road trip itinerary today! Check out our suggested accommodations, book your tickets in advance, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Trust us, Alaska is waiting to be explored—and with this itinerary, you won’t miss a single highlight.

Top activities in Alaska:

• Summer Glacier Dog Sledding Tour from Girdwood
• Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier and Wildlife Cruise
• Full Day Matanuska Glacier Hike and Tour
• Alaska Railroad Anchorage to Seward Round-Trip Same Day Return

Top places to stay in Alaska:

• Bed and Breakfast in Anchorage: Jewel Lake Bed & Breakfast
• Unique Stays in Girdwood: Alyeska Resort
• Mid-range Accommodation in Seward: Gateway Hotel
• Budget Hotel in Valdez: Keystone Hotel

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For more about Alaska, please check out these guides:

• 10 Day Alaska Itinerary | Your Epic Alaska Dream Road Trip
• Our Alaska Train Journey | Spectacular Day Tour From Anchorage
• Ultimate Things To Do in Punch Bowl Glacier
• Dog Sledding in Alaska: How to Experience mushing in Summer
• All Other Destinations

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