Drive from Fairbanks to Valdez (or in reverse, from Valdez to Fairbanks) and your journey will take you past soaring mountain peaks, stunning scenery and many historical sites. The route takes you along the Richardson Highway, the first modern road built in Alaska.
It ranks as one of the most scenic drives in Alaska and should be included in your Alaska road trip itinerary.
To make the most of your Fairbanks to Valdez drive, we recommend setting aside at least two full days. Better still and if time allows, take a road trip and enjoy the great things to do in Valdez Alaska before you travel back to Fairbanks.
- ABOUT THE FAIRBANKS TO VALDEZ DRIVE
- BEST FAIRBANKS TO VALDEZ MUST-SEE STOPS
- 1. NORTH POLE & SANTA CLAUS HOUSE
- 2. DELTA RIVER & ALASKA RANGE OVERLOOK
- 3. BIG DELTA BRIDGE & TRANS-ALASKA PIPELINE
- 4. RIKA'S ROADHOUSE AT BIG DELTA STATE HISTORICAL PARK
- 5. DELTA JUNCTION
- 6. TRANS-ALASKA PIPELINE VIEW
- 7. RAINBOW RIDGE SCENIC VIEW
- 8. RICHARDSON MONUMENT
- 9. SUMMIT LAKE
- 10. PAXSON JUNCTION
- 11. JUNCTION OF GLENN HIGHWAY AND RICHARDSON HIGHWAY
- 12. WRANGELL MOUNTAINS & COPPER RIVER
- 13. WRANGELL RANGE VIEWPOINT – WILLOW LAKE
- 15. MCCARTHY AND KENNICOTT – SIDE TRIP
- 16. WORTHINGTON GLACIER STATE RECREATION SITE
- 17. THOMPSON PASS
- 18. BRIDAL VEIL FALLS & HORSETAIL FALLS
- 19. OLD VALDEZ TOWN
- VALDEZ
- HOW TO DECIDE WHICH STOPS ARE WORTHWHILE?
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT THE FAIRBANKS TO VALDEZ DRIVE
This drive takes you through Alaska’s adventure corridor and includes spectacular scenery, historic roadhouses, mighty rivers, glacier views and rich history. Although the journey is long, like most Alaskan highways, the views are incredibly rewarding, and the time well spent.
In fact, the road trip will take you across two mountain passes along the way.
- Fairbanks to Valdez drive time is approximately 7.5 to 8 hours without stops.
- The mileage from Fairbanks to Valdez is approximately 363 miles.
- Breaking the journey up, the distance from Fairbanks to Delta Junction is 96 miles and the distance from Fairbanks to Glennallen is 248 miles.
- The best time to drive the Alaska Richardson Highway is during the summer months. You don’t want to miss a thing on this epic route, so the long daylight hours are ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting.
Top Tip: Check out these amazing things to do in Fairbanks before you set off
Richardson Highway conditions are good and the well-maintained road easy to drive. If you are driving during the winter, be sure to check weather conditions before starting your journey.
While this post describes the very best stops between Fairbanks and Valdez, if you are travelling in the other direction, simply follow the stops in reverse. Ready to enjoy your Fairbanks to Valdez road trip?
This post includes a Richardson Highway Alaska map showing details of all stops along the way, plus photos and top tips to help you plan your drive.
Buckle up for a memorable journey!
BEST FAIRBANKS TO VALDEZ MUST-SEE STOPS
This drive begins in Fairbanks so be sure to fill up with fuel and shop for snacks before setting off. Refuel at Delta Junction and Glennallen.
While all the stops are worthy of exploring, your time will probably be limited so you will have to choose the ones which interest you most.
If you are continuing your journey from Valdez to Anchorage, you can easily fit in some additional stops along the way as we did. (Valdez to Glennallen)
1. NORTH POLE & SANTA CLAUS HOUSE
- Mile 349 Richardson Highway (19 miles from Fairbanks)
- How To Get To North Pole: From Airport Way, take the 1st right and join Richardson Hwy. Turn right onto E. 5th Ave, and then right again on St. Nicholas Dr. Santa Claus house will be on the left hand side. (101 St. Nicholas Drive)
- Recommended Length of Stay: Allow 30 minutes
- Parking Fee: No
Just 20 minutes from Fairbanks, your first stop is a Christmas-themed town, beloved by locals and visitors alike. Yes Christmas is alive year-round in North Pole, Alaska.
Follow the candy canes lighting up the lamp posts as you arrive at the white-painted Santa Claus House. Just outside the store is a 42 foot tall, three-dimensional Santa Claus statue, perfectly placed to welcome you to the store.
Filled with all things Christmas including décor, ornaments, clothing and sweets, the big draw is an original letter from Santa! Carry on a tradition started by the Miller Family over 65 years ago, and get your letter postmarked from the North Pole and stamped with an official Santa seal!
2. DELTA RIVER & ALASKA RANGE OVERLOOK
- Mile 297 (71 miles from Fairbanks)
- How To Get To The Viewpoint: There are several spots along this stretch of Richardson Highway to pull over.
- Recommended Length of Stay: Allow 5-10 minutes for photos, wildlife spotting and to enjoy the view.
This is a great place to stop and simply enjoy the incredible panoramic views across the Delta River towards the mighty Alaska Range. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as caribou, moose and bears down on the riverbed.
3. BIG DELTA BRIDGE & TRANS-ALASKA PIPELINE
- Mile 275.4
- How To Get To Big Delta Bridge : Along the Richardson Highway
- Recommended Length of Stay: Drive over or brief photo stop at parking area at east end of the bridge.
- Parking Fee: Free
These two bridges are elevated 40 feet above the Tanana River, and at 1200 foot long, provides great views of the Alaska Range to the South.
4. RIKA’S ROADHOUSE AT BIG DELTA STATE HISTORICAL PARK
- Mile 275
- How To Get To Big Delta State Historical Park : Take the Richardson highway South 93 miles, turn left on Rika Road, arrive into Big Delta.
- Recommended Length of Stay: Allow up to an hour
- Admission Fee: None
The community of Big Delta began during the Gold Rush era, as a trading post and roadhouse serving prospectors and travellers. The route was later improved by a ferry.
Known for many years as McCarty, it served as an overnight stop with the roadhouse providing accommodation.
At Big Delta State Historical Park you get the chance to learn about Alaska’s tremendous history. The 10-acre site houses the Delta Historical Society Museum displaying Alaskan life artifacts and a display of historic photographs.
Grab a pamphlet and take a self-tour, enjoy refreshments at the restaurant and browse the local Alaskan-made items in the gift shop.
5. DELTA JUNCTION
- Mile 266 (102 miles from Fairbanks)
- Recommended Length of Stay: Allow up to an hour to browse the visitor center, museum and grab a bite to eat.
- Parking Fee: None
At this junction turning left will take you southbound to Tok, while staying right will continue your road trip to Valdez.
Things to do at Delta Junction include:
#1. DELTA JUNCTION VISITOR CENTER
This unique visitor center is located at the end of the Alaska Highway where it meets with the Richardson Highway. In fact, if you’ve travelled the 1,422 miles of Alaska Highway, you can purchase a dollar certificate to congratulate you on the your trip!
Pick up free travel guides and brochures, chat with well-trained staff, purchase souvenirs and come face-to-face with a mounted Delta bison. There is a great display of sample furs to touch, plus other mounted animals adorning the walls.
Outside is a monument marking the end of the Alaska Highway, that begins in Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
#2. SULLIVAN ROADHOUSE HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Stroll across the grass from the visitor center to this unassuming log cabin and home to Sullivan Roadhouse Historical Museum. Built in 1905 by the Sullivan’s, take a step back in time and experience the lives of Alaskan travellers from over 100 years ago.
Recreated rooms, wonderful artifacts and an extensive collection of photographs are all packed into this oldest roadhouse in Alaska’s interior.
I would allow 30 minutes here to look at photos etc.
Open with free admission May-Sep, 10am-5pm daily. Closed in winter
#3. BUFFALO CENTER DRIVE-IN
Located on the left hand of the highway and sitting next to the Sullivan Roadhouse, this makes a great refreshment stop. Order at the window or pull up and a car hop will take your order at your vehicle.
Open during the summer only.
Top Tip: Order your burger and eat at one of the picnic tables, then get an ice cream to take away and explore the exterior of the roadhouse.
The views along this next stretch of the route are stunning. Never-ending snow-capped mountain views, green forests and wilderness!
6. TRANS-ALASKA PIPELINE VIEW
- Mile 216 Richardson Hwy
- How To Get To Pipeline Viewpoint: Pull into parking area off the Richardson Highway
- Recommended Length of Stay: Allow 5-10 minutes
- Parking Fee: Free
There are several places along the route to view the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. From this parking area you can get a close-up view of the pipeline which is built in a zigzag pattern. This allows for movement due to extreme temperature change, allowing it to expand and contract.
7. RAINBOW RIDGE SCENIC VIEW
- Mile 206 Richardson Hwy
- How To Get To Viewpoint: There are several viewpoints along the highway.
- Recommended Length of Stay: Stop for a photo or admire the view as you drive past.
The ridge is named for its multi-coloured slopes and are an incredible sight. Bands of reds and greens are volcanic rock, while yellow and pastel bands are siltstone.
Rainbow Mountain at 6,550 feet is the highest ridge point. Keep a look out for grazing Dall sheep who appear as white dots on the slopes.
The Delta River parallels the highway to the west, while Rainbow Ridge rises from the east side of the highway. It is certainly an incredible sight as you drive along the route.
8. RICHARDSON MONUMENT
- Mile 197 Richardson Hwy
- How To Get To Viewpoint: There is free parking off the highway
- Recommended Length of Stay: 10-15 minutes
This monument honors the contribution of Captain Wilds P. Richardson as Alaska’s first great road builder. The highway is named after the former Alaska road commission director, who used his engineering ability to present the need to build Alaska’s first road.
Enjoying a fabulous position, you also get a good view of Gulkana Glacier to the northeast.
9. SUMMIT LAKE
- Mile 195 Richardson Hwy
- Recommended Length of Stay: 5 minutes or enjoy views as you drive along.
- Parking: There are several free parking areas bordering the lake between mile 191 and 194.
Summit Lake hosts the annual Arctic Man Race, a very popular and famous event. The first member skis down a 4,000 foot slope and meets up with their partner, who tows them behind a snow machine.
They are pulled on a rope at up to 80mph uphill, dropped off at the top of the mountain, when the skier has to ski down again to the bottom to finish the race.
10. PAXSON JUNCTION
- Mile 185 (183 miles from Fairbanks)
- Recommended Length of Stay: Drive by
Paxson, at mile 185, is the junction with Denali Highway. The mostly gravel road starts at Richardson Highway and ends at Cantwell Junction, where it merges with the Parks Highway. From here you are only about 28 miles from Denali National Park.
While the 133 mile route is scenic, most rental car companies do not allow their vehicles to be driven on the road.
Continuing on your road trip, you pass Paxson Lake where there is parking for fishing.
11. JUNCTION OF GLENN HIGHWAY AND RICHARDSON HIGHWAY
- Mile 115
- Continue on the Richardson Highway
Also known as “the hub”, just off to the right is a petrol station with restrooms so fill up here before continuing your journey. You can also purchase coffee and snacks too.
12. WRANGELL MOUNTAINS & COPPER RIVER
- Mile 88 Richardson Hwy
- Latitude: 62.08129551 | Longitude: -145.4361856
- Recommended Length of Stay: 15 minutes
About 3 miles south of the junction, is a great place to view the Wrangell Mountains and Copper River. Although not officially signposted, you will see a pull in on the left hand side of the road, so keep a close look out.
Wrangell Mountains are incredibly dramatic, and on a cloudless day you can see Mt. Drum straight ahead of you. On its left side is Mt. Sanford while on its right is Mt. Wrangell.
Adding to the scenic view, is Copper River, cutting its way through the valley floor. It’s hard to believe that this area was once deep underwater.
At mile 102, you can take a quick side trip to Copper Center which is one Alaska Interior’s oldest non-native communities. Stop for a look inside George I. Ashby Museum, which has a good selection of artifacts and mementos from the pioneer days.
13. WRANGELL RANGE VIEWPOINT – WILLOW LAKE
- Mile 80 Richardson Hwy
- How To Get To : Pull into the free public parking space off the highway
- Recommended Time: Allow 15 minutes
From this point, the Wrangell Mountain Range is more than 50 miles away. This mammoth range is over 5,000 square miles with an amazing 12 peaks above 10,000 feet. What an incredible backdrop for the log cabin across the lake!
15. MCCARTHY AND KENNICOTT – SIDE TRIP
At mile 82 is the junction of Richardson and Edgerton Highways. Edgerton Highway leads south to Chitina, Kennicott, McCarthy and access to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the largest of Alaska’s stunning national parks.
We have a separate post detailing the best things to do in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. From hiking the Root Glacier Trail to exploring McCarthy and Kennecott.
16. WORTHINGTON GLACIER STATE RECREATION SITE
- Mile 29 Richardson Hwy
- How To Get There : Turn at the sign for Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site
- Recommended Time: Either view from the highway or allow 20 minutes
- Parking Fee: $5 day use charge
You get great views of Worthington Glacier from Richardson Highway, but if you have time, gain drive-up access for a closer peek. The 113-acre park has trails, restrooms and picnic site.
The trail closest to the glacier was closed when we visited, due to a mudslide. However, you can take a short walk on a paved, wheel-chair accessible trail to a viewing platform overlooking the glacier. There are information boards and a viewing scope and lovely views across the lake.
17. THOMPSON PASS
- Mile 26 Richardson Hwy
- Recommended Time: Allow 30 minutes for a short hike or drive by
At an elevation of 2,678 feet, Thompson Pass is the highest point along this stretch of highway. Park in one of the numerous pullouts and simply explore.
The stunning unimpeded views, scattered alpine wildflowers and scenic vistas make it a lovely place to stop.
At mile 22 you will pass a sign welcoming you to Valdez. Continue along the route.
18. BRIDAL VEIL FALLS & HORSETAIL FALLS
- Mile 13.9/13.4 Richardson Hwy (354.5 miles from Fairbanks)
- Recommended Time: Allow 5-10 minutes
- Parking: There are pullouts from the highway
Appearing first on your left hand side is Bridal Veil Falls. Park opposite in the large pullout, being careful of traffic if you cross the road for a closer look. The Valdez Goat Trail starts here and is 2.5 miles long.
Literally round the bend on the right hand side is the elegant Horsetail Falls, which fed by snow melt is an impressive sight. You have easy viewing here as you literally pull up beside the falls.
19. OLD VALDEZ TOWN
About 4 miles from Valdez is the original location of the port and city. Following the 1964 magnitude 9.2 earthquake, the town was moved to its present location. A few signs remain, indicating where some buildings stood, but there is little else to see.
If you are interested in the site, follow Alaska Avenue on your left hand side.
VALDEZ
- From the Alaska Avenue turn continue another 4 miles to Valdez and the end of the Richardson Highway. (Mile 0)
You made it! Welcome to the ancestral lands of the Suacit, and the gateway to discovering glaciers, mountains, wildlife and more.
Valdez is sandwiched between the Chugach Mountains and Prince William Sound, and has a true Alaskan small town feel and atmosphere. We definitely recommend spending 2-4 days here to enjoy all the best things to do in Valdez.
On the outskirts of town is gorgeous Valdez Glacier Lake, with unimpeded views of the snow-capped Chugach Mountains
In downtown Valdez there are small museums, shops, restaurants and great opportunities for spotting wildlife.
But you have to head out on the water to fully appreciate incredible Prince William Sound. Day-long boat cruises leave frequently from the harbor, taking you to some of the best vantage points for viewing wildlife, glaciers and mountains.
HOW TO DECIDE WHICH STOPS ARE WORTHWHILE?
You can see how stopping at the majority of stops, including side trips and hiking some trails or experiencing activities will add up timewise. Only you can decide what interests you, but as a help to narrow things down, we did the following:
- Fairbanks To Summit Lake, where we stayed the night. (166 miles)
- Summit Lake to Chitina, where we stayed overnight ready for the early morning shuttle to McCarthy. (144 miles)
- Chitina to Kenney Lake, where we stayed overnight after the afternoon shuttle from McCarthy. (27 miles)
- Kenney Lake to Valdez (94 miles)
We visited in early-June to early-July and made full use of the long daylight hours, which meant staying outdoors longer and not feeling rushed finding your accommodation in the dark.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
*Is the Fairbanks to Valdez drive worth it?
Yes absolutely! The scenery is stunning with never-ending mountain views.
*Can You Get From The Ferry From Whittier to Valdez?
Yes you can reach Valdez via the Alaska Marine Highway, and the ferry ride between Valdez and Whittier is approximately 6 hours. Ferry services begin in July and run only on Sundays.
*Are There Any Flights From Fairbanks To Valdez?
Alaska Airlines do not operate flights to Fairbanks to Valdez.
*Does Alaska Railroad Run Trains To Valdez?
No
*Is It Possible To Go Camping in Valdez?
Yes, there are camping sites at Blueberry Lake, about 30 minutes north of Valdez, plus ones in town. If you are in an RV there are several RV parks in Valdez AK.
You also have a selection of hotels and vacation rentals to choose from, if you are not camping.
*Will I see The Northern Lights?
It’s possible to spot the Northern Lights in Valdez from late summer or early fall through spring, though the darker winter months are best. However, Valdez’s coastal location and weather means spotting the aurora here is less reliable than in other parts of Alaska such as Fairbanks.
*Where Can I Buy Fuel?
You can buy fuel at Delta Junction and Glennallen.
*Should I Include Anything Specific On My Alaska Packing List?
The best advice with regards to packing is to wear layers which are breathable and can be easily removed if you are too warm.
Driving along Alaska Richardson Highway between Fairbanks and Valdez is incredibly scenic with plenty of amazing stops along the way. If you have any questions about the drive, or indeed any tips, please comment in the space below.
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