If you’re looking for a scenic road trip that takes you through some of the most beautiful natural scenery Alaska has to offer, look no further than the drive from Anchorage to Valdez. This route will take you past towering mountains, pristine lakes, and sprawling glaciers. If you’re up for an adventure, take the drive from Anchorage to Valdez and make the most of your time in Alaska.
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Anchorage to Valdez Drive
The distance between Anchorage to Valdez is approximately 299.3 miles (481.6 km). Driving from Anchorage to Valdez takes approximately 5 hours and 29 minutes, depending on the route you take and how many stops you make along the way. The fastest way to get from Anchorage to Valdez is to take the Glenn Highway (AK-1) and Richardson Highway (AK-4 N), which will take you through scenic towns such as Glennallen and Gakona before reaching Valdez.
The Glenn Highway is a 180-mile stretch of road that takes you from Anchorage to Glennallen, while the Richardson Highway is a 119-mile stretch that takes you from Glennallen to Valdez.
How Far is Anchorage from Valdez by Plane?
The flight distance from Anchorage to Valdez is approximately 125 miles (201.1 km). The flight time from Anchorage to Valdez is approximately 50 minutes.
There are several flights that depart from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) and arrive at Valdez Airport (VDZ), so be sure to check the schedule in advance and book your tickets early.
What is the Time Difference between Anchorage and Valdez?
There is no time difference between Anchorage and Valdez as they are both in the Alaska Time Zone (AKT).
The AKT is four hours behind Eastern Standard Time (EST). This means that if it is 12:00 pm EST, it is 8:00 am AKT. It’s important to keep in mind the time difference if you’re traveling from outside Alaska to Anchorage or Valdez to avoid any confusion with scheduled events or appointments.
The Cheapest Way to Get from Anchorage to Valdez
The cheapest way to get from Anchorage to Valdez is by car. Renting a car in Anchorage is easy and relatively affordable, and it gives you the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Depending on the rental company and the type of car you choose, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150 per day for a rental car.
Anchorage to Valdez Drive – Rent A Car In Anchorage
Here are some car rental companies to rent a car from in Anchorage:
- Alamo: starts at $55 per day
- Avis: starts at $60 per day
- Budget: starts at $50 per day
- Enterprise: starts at $55 per day
- Hertz: starts at $65 per day
- National: starts at $60 per day
Gas prices will also vary depending on where you fill up, but you can expect to spend around $57 for a full tank. This is based on an average of $3.833 per gallon, and a standard car that holds 15 gallons of gas.
Anchorage to Valdez – Driving Stops Along The Way
Here are some stops you can make along the way:
Matanuska Glacier
Matanuska Glacier is one of the largest and most accessible glaciers in Alaska. Located about 100 miles northeast of Anchorage, it stretches for 27 miles and is over four miles wide at its terminus. The glacier is popular among tourists and locals alike, who come to hike on its icy surface or take guided tours to explore its unique features, such as ice caves and crevasses. Matanuska Glacier is also a great place to witness the power and beauty of nature, with its towering ice walls and turquoise blue meltwater streams.
Worthington Glacier
Worthington Glacier is located in the Chugach Mountains of Alaska, along the Richardson Highway about 30 miles northeast of Valdez. The glacier is approximately 4 miles long and covers an area of about 4 square miles. It is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska, and visitors can easily view the glacier from the road or take a short hike to get a closer look. The glacier is named after a geologist named C.W. Worthington, who conducted surveys in the area in the early 1900s. The Worthington Glacier is a popular destination for hiking, climbing, and exploring the crevasses and ice caves.
Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is a picturesque waterfall located along the Richardson Highway, about 12 miles south of Glennallen in Alaska. The waterfall cascades down a rocky face and creates a mist that resembles a bridal veil, hence its name. The falls can be easily accessed from the highway, and visitors can park their car and take a short hike to get a closer look. The area around Bridal Veil Falls is also popular for camping and hiking, with several trails leading through the surrounding forests and mountains.
Thompson Pass
Thompson Pass is a mountain pass located in the Chugach Mountains of Alaska, USA. It is named after Captain Robert Thompson, who was an explorer and prospector in the area during the late 1800s. The pass is situated at an elevation of 2,805 feet (855 meters) and is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, particularly for skiing and snowmobiling. It receives heavy snowfall, with an average annual snowfall of 500 inches (1,270 cm), making it one of the snowiest places in Alaska. The views from Thompson Pass are breathtaking, and visitors can take advantage of several hiking trails that offer stunning vistas of the surrounding glaciers and mountains.
Best Driving Route from Anchorage to Valdez
The best driving route from Anchorage to Valdez is the Glenn Highway and Richardson Highway. This route offers stunning views of mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls, and takes you through some of Alaska’s most scenic towns.
Here’s a breakdown of the driving route:
- Start on the Glenn Highway (AK-1) heading northeast from Anchorage.
- Continue on the Glenn Highway for about 100 miles until you reach the town of Glennallen.
- In Glennallen, turn left onto the Richardson Highway (AK-4) heading southeast towards Valdez.
- Continue on the Richardson Highway for about 137 miles until you reach Valdez.
This route will take you approximately 6 hours to complete, but plan for additional time if you want to make stops along the way.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, driving from Anchorage to Valdez is a breathtaking experience that takes you through some of the most stunning natural landscapes Alaska has to offer. The drive is approximately 6 hours, depending on the route and stops you make along the way. While the flight from Anchorage to Valdez takes just over an hour, driving allows you to see and experience the beauty of the region firsthand. With plenty of stops to make along the way, including visits to glaciers and waterfalls, this road trip is an adventure that should not be missed.