Alaska’s Richardson and Denali highways
From Valdez past waterfalls and a roadside glacier, along the Wrangell Mountains, then across the gravel Denali Highway to Denali National Park.
- Distance
- 555 km (345 mi)
- Driving
- 6 h 10 min
- Suggested days
- 6
- Stops
- 8
- States
- AK
- Updated
- May 24, 2026
At a glance: 6-day road trip of about 555 km (345 mi) with 8 stops, from Valdez to Denali Visitor Center. About 6 h 10 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Alaska
Route description
Valdez, at the end of the pipeline, sits in a fjord ringed by mountains. The Richardson Highway (AK-4) leaves through Keystone Canyon, where Bridal Veil and Horsetail falls pour down beside the road, then climbs to Thompson Pass, one of the snowiest places in Alaska.
Just past the pass, Worthington Glacier comes down almost to the highway, with a short path to the viewpoint. North of here, the road crosses the Copper River Basin; stop at the Wrangell-St. Elias visitor center near Copper Center for views of the volcanoes of America’s largest national park.
Beyond Glennallen, the Richardson continues north to Paxson, where the Denali Highway turns west. It is 135 miles long and mostly gravel, open only in summer, with tundra, lakes and the Alaska Range on the horizon; Maclaren Summit is one of the highest points. Many rental companies prohibit this road, so check your contract.
At Cantwell, turn north on the Parks Highway to the entrance of Denali National Park. Private cars can drive only the first 15 miles of the park road; beyond that, buses run into the park. Bring bug spray, a spare tire and plenty of fuel.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Valdez
AK - 240 km
Worthington Glacier
NatureValdez, AKA glacier that comes down almost to the Richardson Highway near Thompson Pass, with a short paved path to the viewpoint.
- 3111 km
Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center
NatureCopper Center, AKThe main visitor center for the largest national park in the United States, with views of Mount Drum and the Wrangell volcanoes on clear days.
- 422 km
Glennallen
AK - 5123 km
Paxson
AK - 665 km
Maclaren Summit
ViewsPaxson, AKAt about 4,086 feet, one of the highest road passes in Alaska, on the gravel Denali Highway. Tundra, kettle lakes and the Alaska Range spread out all around.
- 7149 km
Cantwell
AK - 845 km
Denali Visitor Center
NatureDenali Park, AKThe starting point for Denali National Park, with exhibits, trails and the bus depot for the park road, which private cars can drive only for the first 15 miles.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
6 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Valdez → Worthington Glacier · 25 mi · 0 h 26 min
- Day 2: Worthington Glacier → Glennallen · 83 mi · 1 h 29 minOn the way: Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center.
- Day 3: Glennallen → Paxson · 77 mi · 1 h 22 min
- Day 4: Paxson → Maclaren Summit · 40 mi · 0 h 43 min
- Day 5: Maclaren Summit → Cantwell · 92 mi · 1 h 39 min
- Day 6: Cantwell → Denali Visitor Center · 28 mi · 0 h 30 min
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually June–July. Cold, short days in November–April. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is Alaska’s Richardson and Denali highways?
6-day road trip of about 555 km (345 mi) with 8 stops, from Valdez to Denali Visitor Center. About 6 h 10 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Alaska’s Richardson and Denali highways?
We suggest 6 days: about 6 h 10 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Alaska’s Richardson and Denali highways start and end?
It starts in Valdez and ends in Denali Visitor Center.
Which states does Alaska’s Richardson and Denali highways pass through?
Alaska.
When is the best time for Alaska’s Richardson and Denali highways?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually June–July. Cold, short days in November–April. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
.jpg){kind=link}