9 Scenic Hidden Gems In Alaska For The Ultimate Road Trip
Towering peaks, remote trails, and wide-open roads—there’s more to Alaska than the usual cruise stops and postcard views. Tucked away from the main tourist circuits are places that feel untouched, where the scenery is raw and the crowds are few.
These hidden gems offer the kind of road trip magic you can’t plan for but will never forget. If you’re up for detours that lead to glacier views, ghost towns, and steaming hot springs, this is the adventure you’ve been waiting for.
1. McCarthy And The Wrangell-St. Elias Backcountry
Rugged wilderness awaits at the end of a 60-mile gravel road that tests even the most adventurous spirits. The journey to McCarthy rewards travelers with America’s largest national park spread before them like an untamed canvas.
Bring sturdy hiking boots and bear spray when exploring Wrangell-St. Elias’s glaciers and abandoned copper mines. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, though shuttle services operate during summer months.
2. Hatcher Pass
Alpine meadows burst with wildflowers during brief summer months in this mountain paradise just an hour from Anchorage. The winding road climbs through valleys before revealing panoramic views that few tourists ever witness.
Hiker-friendly trails range from easy walks to challenging summit routes. The pass is typically open to vehicles from July to September, though winter brings excellent backcountry skiing opportunities for the adventurous road tripper.
3. Matanuska Glacier
Walk directly onto a massive river of ancient ice that’s accessible right from the Glenn Highway. Unlike most Alaskan glaciers that require boats or planes to reach, this 27-mile-long frozen giant practically meets the road.
Matanuska offers both guided ice treks with crampons and helmets or self-guided viewing from established platforms. The glacier’s blue ice caves and crevasses create otherworldly photo opportunities during the 2-3 hour exploration.
4. Nabesna Road
Forty-two miles of gravel stretch into wilderness that few tourists ever experience, following an old mining route through valleys carved by ancient glaciers. Wildlife sightings—from grizzlies to caribou—are common along this untamed corridor.
A high-clearance vehicle handles the Nabesna Road’s occasional rough patches best. The journey rewards drivers with pristine lakes, hiking trails to abandoned gold mines, and fishing spots where competition consists only of eagles and bears.
5. Eagle River Nature Center
Tucked away at the edge of Chugach State Park lies a gateway to wilderness that’s surprisingly close to Anchorage. Boardwalk trails wind through boreal forest where moose often graze within camera range of delighted visitors.
Eagle River Nature Center offers ranger programs and wildlife viewing platforms perfect for spotting eagles, salmon, and sometimes bears. The Albert Loop Trail creates an ideal 3-mile break from driving, while overnight yurts provide a rustic stopover option.
6. Kennicott Ghost Town
Frozen in time since its abandonment in 1938, this perfectly preserved mining community tells stories of copper boom days through its weathered red buildings. Kennicott’s mill building towers 14 stories against a backdrop of mountains and glaciers.
Guided tours reveal fascinating details about the harsh mining life, while independent explorers can wander the historic structures. Allow at least half a day to fully appreciate this remarkable piece of Alaskan history.
7. Delta Junction Hot Springs
Steaming pools nestled in forest clearings offer the perfect antidote to hours behind the wheel. These natural thermal oases remain uncrowded even during peak season, as most tourists rush toward more famous destinations.
Delta Junction’s hot springs maintain comfortable temperatures year-round. Simple changing facilities and picnic areas make them ideal for half-day stops. Winter visitors might catch the northern lights dancing above while soaking in nature’s hot tub.
8. Hope, Alaska
Gold rush charm persists in this tiny coastal hamlet where colorful cabins line gravel streets and time seems to slow down. Founded in 1896, the village retains its frontier character while offering unexpected culinary delights.
Hope’s Sea View Cafe serves legendary halibut sandwiches worth the detour alone. Nearby Resurrection Creek invites gold panning adventures, while Gull Rock Trail provides spectacular Turnagain Arm views. The town’s population barely reaches 200, ensuring an authentic Alaskan experience.
9. Chena Hot Springs And The Aurora Ice Museum
Geothermal magic meets ice artistry at this unique destination where you can soak in steaming outdoor pools while watching for the northern lights. The natural hot springs maintain 106°F year-round, creating surreal steam clouds in winter’s sub-zero temperatures.
Inside the Aurora Ice Museum, master carvers have created a fantastical world that stays frozen even in summer. Plan to spend a full day exploring both attractions, with evening hours reserved for the springs when aurora viewing chances peak.