Originally Posted by
pseudoswede
We're trying to roam Alaska for a few days around Memorial Day (yes, a last-minute kind of thing) before a southbound cruise (probably 5/30 on Princess). We're a group of 9--two super seniors (both very mobile), four adults, a teen, a tween, and a 10-year-old
Here is what I've devised so far...
Day 1 - Fly DEN-ANC-FAI
Day 2 - Rent a car from Arctic Outfitters, drive to Arctic Circle sign post and back
Day 3 - Do something, then fly FAI-(SCC)-BRW
Day 4 - Do a tour of Utqiaġvik, fly BRW-(FAI)-ANC, pick up a rental car (or two)
Day 5 - Do something, then drive to Denali National Park
Day 6 - Tour Denali
Day 7 - Do something, then drive back to Anchorage
Day 8 - Do something, then transfer to Whittier for the cruise
I haven't priced out if it's just as cheap to return the rental car(s) to Whittier than Anchorage, it it's about the same price, then maybe we'll head that way instead of Anchorage on Day 7.
My soon-to-be-80 dad (who climbed Mt McKinley in 1978), wants to touch the Arctic Ocean. He wants to do the whole Dalton Highway, but I don't think the rest of the family is into it. Those that want to do the drive to the sign post can hop in a car; the rest (like my mom) can stay in Fairbanks. Then we, as a family, will go visit the northernmost city in the US.
Nice quite the adventure!
The Dalton drive you will encounter many Semi trucks that are driving fast on the highway. It is gravel and best to pull way over to the right and stop when you see one coming. Every time I have done it I have taken lots of big rocks to the windshield so make sure that your car rental place covers that. Paying for a new windshield after the trip would add to the cost. I have not checked in a while but many car rentals used to prohibit travel on the dalton and Denali highway.
Barrow / Utqiaġvik has public transportation so that is an option. A taxi ride to the dump to see the polar bears used to be possible.
Flightseeing in Talkeetna is worth the money if it is clear. They will fly all night if the mountain is out so just call if the weather looks good when in the area, I used K2 in past.
Maybe consider taking the train from Fairbanks to Denali. The train is always fun and you will have spent a bit in the car and it might be a nice break. There are some packages that include rail and lodging.
I don't know what your budget is but wonder lake lodge provides transportation to the lodge. It is expensive but I would try to avoid spending time on the school buses, which is the typical way people tour denali park. It is 7 hours of torture unless you are very short.
Price train vs car rental. Summer car rental in AK is very expensive often over $100 a day for a SUV or Van. Might be cheaper to try ride share?