If you are headed to the Anchorage, Alaska area for your next getaway, you probably feel like you have a lot to see in a short amount of time. One great way to get to see a destination is to see whether it has any designated scenic byways, which are chosen for their cultural, historical, recreational, scenic, and even archeological features. Alaska happens to have 11 State Scenic Highways, 2 National Scenic Byways, and one All-American Road.
Traveling by scenic byway allows you to take in the sights and even stop at particular attractions at your own will. You can make the scenic drive a day trip or even spread it out over the course of your vacation. The name of the game is flexibility. That’s the great thing about designated scenic drives, especially in such a large and diverse state like Alaska.
If you plan on taking advantage of Alaska’s National Scenic Byways or scenic highways, then we recommend that you rent an RV in Alaska. This way, you can travel comfortably and do not have to worry about finding lodging on your AK journey. Traveling by Alaskan RV rental is definitely the way to tour this vast state. If you are flying into Anchorage, you can easily get an Alaska RV rental almost as soon as you step off the plane and be ready to hit the road.
But which road? One of the National Scenic Byways in the Anchorage area is the Glenn Highway. The Glenn Highway Day Trip takes you through the Matanuska Susitna Valley, where you can see sparkling waterways set with a backdrop of glorious mountain landscapes. A few of the attractions along the way include the following:
- Arctic Valley – here you can pick delicious berries in the summer and enjoy some good hiking, a favorite spot for many locals.
- Chugach State Park – take advantage of the nature programs, trails, and other amenities and sights that this park has to offer.
- Eklutna Historical Park – do you know about the Athabaskan Dena’ina Indians connection to the Russian Orthodox culture? Learn about it here! Also, don’t forget to check out nearby Eklutna Lake, where you can enjoy some outdoor recreation.
- Knik Glacier – located near Wasilla, this glacier is truly magnificent. However, you will have to get out of your RV and arrange transportation to see it up close, because Knik Glacier is not accessible by vehicle.
These are just a few of the main attractions you will see on your trip along the Glenn Highway. In case you want to keep driving around in your Alaska motor home rental, the Glenn Highway also connects with the Parks Highway in Wasilla, the Richardson Highway in Glenallen, and the Alaska-Canada Highway in Tok. Alaska really does a great job of helping its visitors see its beautiful landscapes and unique wildlife with its scenic drives, so be sure to take advantage of it next time you are in the Anchorage area.