Scenic Drives in Alaska

Routes

Avg Distance

1149 mi

Avg Drive

56h 3m

Destinations

Alaska's scenic drives offer an unparalleled sense of scale, with routes averaging over 1,100 miles and frequently exceeding 3,000 hours of driving time. While most routes here feature predominantly flat or gently rolling terrain, the vastness and remoteness are the main draws. With a drive score range of 7, these extensive excursions are built for the adventurous traveler seeking expansive horizons.

Fuel snapshot for this state

Regular

$4.97/gal

Diesel: $4.80/gal

Typical trip cost

$171–$396

One-way, ~1149 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG

CO₂ per trip

~402 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.

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	56	43	3.1	0.4
Oct	42	31	1.8	5.6
Nov	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.

Planning Tips

Scenic routes often have fewer gas stations and services. Top off your tank before heading into mountainous or rural stretches.
Budget extra time for scenic drives — pulling over for views, photos, and short hikes is half the point.
Check weather conditions for mountain passes and high-elevation stretches, especially in shoulder seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

We rate routes on a 1-10 drive score based on elevation changes, road variety, and terrain diversity. The 60 routes listed here all score 7 or higher.

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 $171 and $396. Source: US Energy Information Administration.

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.

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