Skip to main content

Fall Road Trips in Alaska

Routes

30

Avg Distance

1327 mi

Avg Drive

62h 27m

Destinations

22

Alaska in the fall offers a different kind of adventure, with fewer crowds and unique light. While the state boasts 30 routes averaging 1326 miles and 3747 minutes, the focus here is on the sheer scale and coastal beauty accessible even as temperatures drop. Expect drives with a drive score of 7 and varied terrain, from flat coastal plains to gently rolling hills.

Fuel snapshot for this state

Regular

$4.97/gal

Diesel: $4.80/gal

Typical trip cost

$211–$396

One-way, ~1327 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG

CO₂ per trip

~464 kg

ICE vehicle, one-way average

Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-07-13

Climate through the year: Alaska

Alaska peaks at around 66°F in Jul and cools to 23°F / 11°F in Jan. Wettest month is Sep at ~3.1 in of rain. Table highlights Fall months.

Month High °F Low °F Rain in Snow in
Jan 23 11 0.8 12.4
Feb 27 15 0.9 13.4
Mar 33 19 0.7 11
Apr 45 30 0.4 4
May 56 40 0.7 0.3
Jun 63 48 1
Jul 66 53 1.8
Aug 64 51 2.9
Sep peak 56 43 3.1 0.4
Oct peak 42 31 1.8 5.6
Nov peak 29 18 1.2 12.6
Dec 25 14 1.2 18.2

Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for AK — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.

Fall hazards: what the data says

Recent seismic activity (last 7 days)

37 earthquakes M3.0+ — strongest M5.4 in Alaska.

Source: USGS Earthquake Hazards Program

Historical context — not a real-time advisory. Always check local road conditions before departing.

Planning Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

We've identified 30 routes in Alaska that work well for fall travel, based on drive quality, typical weather conditions, and distance (averaging 1327 miles).
Current regular gas averages $4.97/gallon in Alaska (week of 2026-07-13). Diesel: $4.80/gallon. A typical one-way trip on these routes costs between $211 and $396. Source: US Energy Information Administration.
Across Sep, Oct, Nov, Alaska typically sees daytime highs in the 29–56°F range with about 2 in of rain per month on average. Based on NOAA 1991–2020 monthly climate normals.
USGS logged 37 earthquakes above M3.0 (strongest M5.4) in the last 7 days. Always check current road and weather conditions before departing.
Drive times and distances come from OSRM routing over real OpenStreetMap road networks. Fuel costs use weekly US Energy Information Administration state-level gas prices. Drive scores factor in elevation profile, road variety, and terrain. EV charging data is sourced from NREL. Climate normals come from NOAA NCEI (1991–2020 reference period). Hazard data comes from FEMA and USGS public feeds.
Yes. Click any route to see its full trip page with turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost estimates, elevation profile, stop suggestions, weather conditions, and more.

Fall Routes

Editor's pick

Akutan, AK → Ketchikan, AK

2024.4 mi 103h 6m Score: 7/10 ~$396 fuel
5 tricky spots

This extensive coastal route covers 2024.4 miles, showcasing Alaska's expansive geography. With a drive score of 7 and mostly flat terrain, it’s a significant undertaking for those wanting to experience the breadth of the Alaskan coastline.

Editor's pick

Ketchikan, AK → Dutch Harbor, AK

2014.8 mi 102h 38m Score: 7/10 ~$394 fuel
5 tricky spots

Covering 2014.8 miles, this long-haul drive offers a substantial exploration of Alaska's maritime regions. It features a drive score of 7 and mostly flat terrain, making it a notable option for covering significant distance.

Editor's pick

Ketchikan, AK → Utqiagvik, AK

1843.8 mi 74h 20m Score: 7/10 ~$360 fuel

Through: Wasilla → Fairbanks

5 tricky spots

Traversing 1843.8 miles, this route reaches far north, presenting a drive score of 7 across gently rolling terrain with a maximum elevation of 1498 ft. It’s a considerable journey through diverse Alaskan landscapes.

Juneau, AK → Unalaska, AK

1751.1 mi 94h 55m Score: 7/10 ~$342 fuel
5 tricky spots

Ketchikan, AK → King Cove, AK

1707.9 mi 79h 9m Score: 7/10 ~$334 fuel
5 tricky spots

Sitka, AK → Prudhoe Bay, AK

1674.8 mi 73h 44m Score: 7/10 ~$327 fuel

Through: Wasilla → Fairbanks

5 tricky spots

Ketchikan, AK → Fairbanks North Star Borough, AK

1336.5 mi 57h 43m Score: 7/10 ~$261 fuel

Through: Wasilla → Fairbanks

5 tricky spots

Ketchikan, AK → North Pole, AK

1306.8 mi 55h 57m Score: 7/10 ~$255 fuel

Through: Wasilla → Fairbanks

5 tricky spots

Ketchikan, AK → Fairbanks, AK

1294.2 mi 55h 43m Score: 7/10 ~$253 fuel

Through: Wasilla

5 tricky spots

Ketchikan, AK → College, AK

1290.7 mi 55h 37m Score: 7/10 ~$252 fuel

Through: Wasilla → Fairbanks

5 tricky spots

Palmer, AK → Unalaska, AK

1242.8 mi 57h 51m Score: 7/10 ~$243 fuel
5 tricky spots

Dutch Harbor, AK → Wasilla, AK

1240.4 mi 57h 44m Score: 7/10 ~$243 fuel
5 tricky spots

Dutch Harbor, AK → Palmer, AK

1239.8 mi 57h 45m Score: 7/10 ~$242 fuel
5 tricky spots

Akutan, AK → Eagle River, AK

1221.4 mi 57h 40m Score: 7/10 ~$239 fuel
5 tricky spots

Dutch Harbor, AK → Eagle River, AK

1211.8 mi 57h 10m Score: 7/10 ~$237 fuel
5 tricky spots

Anchorage, AK → Akutan, AK

1208.8 mi 57h 25m Score: 7/10 ~$236 fuel
5 tricky spots

Fairbanks, AK → Wrangell, AK

1206.2 mi 58h 24m Score: 7/10 ~$236 fuel
5 tricky spots

Metlakatla, AK → Kodiak, AK

1199.6 mi 57h 54m Score: 7/10 ~$235 fuel
5 tricky spots

Sitka, AK → North Pole, AK

1188.5 mi 57h 35m Score: 7/10 ~$232 fuel

Through: Wasilla → Fairbanks

5 tricky spots

Sitka, AK → Badger, AK

1184.2 mi 57h 33m Score: 7/10 ~$232 fuel

Through: Wasilla → Fairbanks

5 tricky spots

Ketchikan, AK → Kodiak, AK

1180.9 mi 57h 7m Score: 7/10 ~$231 fuel
5 tricky spots

Sitka, AK → Fairbanks, AK

1175.8 mi 57h 20m Score: 7/10 ~$230 fuel

Through: Wasilla

5 tricky spots

Sitka, AK → College, AK

1172.3 mi 57h 14m Score: 7/10 ~$229 fuel

Through: Wasilla → Fairbanks

5 tricky spots

Sitka, AK → Ester, AK

1166.2 mi 57h 5m Score: 7/10 ~$228 fuel

Through: Wasilla → Fairbanks

5 tricky spots

Fairbanks, AK → Petersburg, AK

1160.5 mi 55h 25m Score: 7/10 ~$227 fuel
5 tricky spots

Fairbanks, AK → Sand Point, AK

1154.1 mi 34h 25m Score: 7/10 ~$226 fuel
5 tricky spots

Sitka, AK → Tok, AK

1135.1 mi 56h 39m Score: 7/10 ~$222 fuel

Through: Palmer → Glenallen

5 tricky spots

Haines, AK → Fairbanks, AK

1095.9 mi 56h 12m Score: 7/10 ~$214 fuel

Through: Wasilla

5 tricky spots

Wrangell, AK → Kodiak, AK

1093 mi 59h 49m Score: 7/10 ~$214 fuel
5 tricky spots

Homer, AK → Metlakatla, AK

1079.8 mi 52h 13m Score: 7/10 ~$211 fuel
5 tricky spots

Explore More