Anchorage to Haines Drive: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

Did you know that the Glenn Highway (AK-1) from Anchorage to Glennallen was built in the 1940s using a route originally surveyed for a railroad? This is one of the few stretches where you can see the Chugach Mountains rising abruptly from the road.

This guide covers the 570-mile drive from Anchorage, AK to Haines, AK, weaving through three highways: AK-1 (Glenn), AK-4 (Richardson), and AK-1 (Tok Cutoff), ending on AK-7 (Haines Highway). Total driving time without stops is about 9.5 hours, but plan for at least 2-3 days to explore.

Wildlife collisions are common; drive slowly at dawn/dusk. Moose and bears frequent the roadway. Use high beams where safe.

• Family stop: The Musk Ox Farm in Palmer (family-friendly, see fluffy qiviut animals).
• Pet-friendly: Most lodges allow pets; stop at the Tok Dog Musher's Museum for a pet-friendly break.
• Rest zones: Designated pullouts every 10-15 miles on Richardson Highway. The Glennallen Visitor Center has restrooms and picnic tables.

Fatigue management: Break driving every 2 hours. Stop at the Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center for a 30-minute stretch. Hidden off-route spot: The Root Glacier Trail near Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark (requires 4WD approach).

From Anchorage, the Chugach Range looms east. The Matanuska Glacier (mile 102 on Glenn Highway) is a must-stop; you can walk on it via a private access fee. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park (UNESCO site) is accessible from Copper Center; visit the visitor center.

• UNESCO site: Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek (shared with Canada). The park entrance is near mile 106 on Richardson Highway.
• Culinary: Try the Anchor River Inn in Anchor Point for halibut, or the Roadhouse in Tok for sourdough pancakes.
• Local commerce: Handmade jewelry from Native artists at the Copper River Native Association gift shop.

Climatic conditions vary; summer (June-August) offers long daylight and 50-70°F. Spring/fall bring rain and mud. Winter driving is treacherous with ice and darkness.

Fuel stations are sparse, especially between Glennallen and Tok (no services for ~120 miles). Always top off when you see gas. In Haines, fuel is available but expensive.

• Best fuel stops: Anchorage (leave full), Glennallen, Tok (Chevron or Petro Express), Haines Junction (Canada, if crossing) or Haines itself.
• Road conditions: Mostly paved two-lane highway. Watch for frost heaves near Glennallen and wildlife on open stretches.
• Cell service: Reliable near Anchorage, spotty elsewhere. Download offline maps.

For finding best stops and hidden gems between Anchorage and Haines, use how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.