Alaska Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)

Skagway

Visiting Skagway is like going back in time to the gold-rush era. Not far from the cruise ship terminal is Broad Street, where there are restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and plenty of gem shops. The small town is part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park and offers excursions on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad and gold-panning experiences. We didn’t have time to do a full excursion but strolled around this quaint gold-rush town, picked up some souvenirs, and grabbed some food from local food trucks. #usatravel #alaska #gold #mining

Gateway to the Klondike

#celebratewithtrip With breathtaking view ,great food, and plenty of exciting things to do, Skagway is one of the most popular places to visit in all of Alaska. Although some people deride Skagway as “too touristy”considering the downtown area is lined with gift shop, it is one of my favorite places in all of Alaska. Although it’s true that the crowds can be a bit maddening during the day when there are multiple ships in port, there’s something truly special about evenings when the streets are empty and the mountains are illuminated by the midnight sun. Skagway should absolutely be on your list of places to visit in Alaska. #fallingforfall #tripblazers

The Spooky Brothel

The town of Skagway in Alaska holds many spooky ghost stories about some personalities during the gold rush era that are still haunting the town, especially the Red Onion Saloon. They offer a tour of the old brothel where they showcase the stuff of the girls who used to work there . Looking at those antics gives you the chills, yet, brings out your curiosity how life was during the old days when they all try to survive while having hopes of a better life. #spooktaculartrip

Fly on the glacier with blue ice kiss

Flying over Denali National Park, some of the most incredible mountains I have ever seen. Definitely something I hope everyone gets to see someday

Alaska Aurora Season - Fairbanks

"Alaska 2023-2024 Aurora Season | Fairbanks Denali National Park Hiking Tour Fairbanks Denali National Park Hiking Tour (round trip about 7-8 hours) Denali National Park Walking Tour Expected to depart from ZHIDING Hotel around 10:00 in the morning, drive to Denali. The scenery from Fairbanks to Denali is very beautiful, the magnificent landscape of the Alaska Range accompanies us southward, with rolling snow-capped mountains in the distance and colorful dense forests on both sides. If it snows, the snow-covered branches are like traveling through a fairy tale world. If you are lucky, you can also encounter YESHEGN animals hidden in the jungle. All these gifts from nature will bring you a deep sense of ZHIYU. Denali National Park is the second national park established after the establishment of the U.S. National Park System and the ecological protection area that has been continuously protected for the longest time in the world. In suitable weather and environmental conditions, professional guides who have undergone regular training in the national park and hold certificates will take you into the national park and start a short outdoor hike, allowing you to get closer to the highest peak in North America and feel its charm.

Go to Alaska from June to August for a 5-day tour itinerary

Go to Alaska in June to August😝5-day tour itinerary | Take advantage of the summer, let's go to Alaska together, without the biting cold wind, the sun is shining, the 5-day and 4-night strategy is ready🍃 · 🚕Transportation strategy 📍Anchorage: Ted Stevens International Airport, tickets to Alaska are more expensive, airport bus $7.5, taxi $25 to the city, or take a train🚄 to Anchorage Station 📍Fairbanks: Fairbanks International Airport, there are fewer direct flights, airport bus $3.5 to the city, taxi about $15 📍Denali: Denali National Park Airport, only small planes and helicopters can land, the airport is very close to the park entrance, you can walk or take a taxi 📍Juneau: Juneau International Airport, airport bus $3, taxi about $20 📍Sitka: Sitka Airport, located on a small island, you need to take a ferry to the city, ferry $1, taxi about $10 📍Ketchikan: Ketchikan International Airport, also on a small island, you need to take a ferry to the city, ferry $2, taxi about $15 · 5⃣️Day tour itinerary reference 🔅Day1: Depart from various places--Stay in Anchorage 🔅Day2: Anchorage--Denali National Park (watch wildlife and Denali Peak)--Stay in Denali 🔅Day3: Denali--Fairbanks (visit the Arctic Museum and Ice Sculpture Art Museum)--Stay in Fairbanks 🔅Day4: Fairbanks--Juneau (take a plane or ship, enjoy glaciers and marine life)--Stay in Juneau 🔅Day5: Juneau--Home · 🏠Accommodation strategy 🎄Anchorage: Stay in downtown Anchorage or near the train station, close to the business district and convenient for transportation, shopping and eating🛍 is very convenient, and the consumption is not low 🎄Denali: Stay near the entrance of Denali National Park, convenient for entering the park for sightseeing, you can choose hotels or homestays🏠, the price is higher 🎄Fairbanks: Stay in downtown Fairbanks, there are a variety of accommodation options, from economy to luxury, the price is moderate 🎄Juneau: Stay in downtown Juneau or near the port, convenient for transportation, shopping and eating are also close, the cost performance of hotels and homestays🏠 is good 🎄Sitka: Stay in downtown Sitka or by the sea, you can enjoy the beautiful sea view and mountain view, the prices of hotels and homestays🏠 are different 🎄Ketchikan: Stay in downtown Ketchikan or by the river, you can feel the style and culture of the fishing village, the prices of hotels and homestays🏠 are lower · 🎫Air ticket tips 1⃣️Tuesday is cheap, Sunday is expensive 2⃣️It's cheaper before 8 o'clock every morning, and more expensive after 8 o'clock in the evening 3⃣️Black Friday, Cyber Monday tickets will also be discounted 4⃣️Buy tickets 3 months in advance for holidays and peak seasons, and buy tickets 45-60 days in advance for off-peak seasons .

Never go to Alaska for the aurora! Unless……

You must go to Alaska in winter! A wonderful trip to see the aurora, glaciers and wildlife❄ Babies who are going to Alaska this winter must not miss it! ·——·——·——·——· 🧳Preparation before departure: 🔸Luggage preparation (warm clothes, sunscreen, camera, charger, etc.) 🔸Check the weather (you can check the aurora forecast and snow conditions) - ❄️Alaska weather dressing: 👔End of November, December, January: down jacket, thermal underwear, sweater, trousers, snow boots, hat, gloves, scarf, average daytime temperature -10℃, night -20℃, possible snowfall - 🥘Alaska food check-in place: ♥Anchorage: Alaska's largest city, with a variety of restaurants and cafes, you can taste seafood, barbecue, burgers, pizza and other delicacies ♥Fairbanks: Alaska's second largest city, there are many local snacks, such as blueberry pie ♥Talkeetna: A small town in Alaska, there are some family-style restaurants and bars, you can taste fresh fish and vegetables ♥Denali: Alaska's national park, there are some hotels and restaurants, you can enjoy spectacular mountain views and animals, while enjoying local cuisine - 🚗Transportation suggestions: ◼️Train station: Alaska Railway has two main lines, the south line from Anchorage to Seward, the north line from Anchorage to Fairbanks, you can enjoy the scenery along the way ◼️Alaska city transportation: 🚇Bus: Anchorage and Fairbanks have public bus systems, which can reach the main points of the city, the fare is 2-3 dollars 🚗Taxi: Anchorage and Fairbanks have taxi services, you can 📞 or use mobile apps to make reservations, the starting price is 5 dollars, 3 dollars per mile - ⚠Alaska travel precautions: ❌Do not use flash when watching the aurora, it will affect the experience of others and destroy the beauty of the aurora - ✅Itinerary D1: Tour of Anchorage city, visit Alaska History and Art Museum, taste local food, take a car to Fairbanks at night D2: Tour of Fairbanks city, visit the Arctic Museum, experience ice sculpture art, participate in aurora viewing activities at night D3: Take a car to Talkeetna, enjoy the scenery of the Alaska Range on the way, arrive in the town in the afternoon, free activities, participate in aurora viewing activities at night D4: Take a car to Denali National Park, watch wildlife along the way, after arriving at the park, you can choose to walk, ride, take a boat or fly to visit the park, stay in a hotel in the park at night D5: Continue to visit Denali National Park, enjoy the magnificent scenery of McKinley, the highest peak in North America, return to Anchorage by car in the afternoon

Alaska’s First City

Ketchikan is sometimes referred to as Alaska’s first city. It is a common port for Alaskan cruises, and there are some walking trails and entertainment near the cruise ship terminal. We walked to Creek Street, which has a lot of shops and some cafes and restaurants serving local eats (e.g. crab, salmon, reindeer jerky). A popular attraction is the Alaskan Lumberjack show. It was pouring rain while we were there, but that’s typical Alaskan weather, so wearing layers and waterproof clothing and shoes are important for this excursion. #us #usatravel #alaska

Go to Alaska from June to August for a 5-day tour itinerary

Go to Alaska in June to August😝5-day tour itinerary | Take advantage of the summer, let's go to Alaska together, without the biting cold wind, the sun is shining, the 5-day and 4-night strategy is ready🍃 · 🚕Transportation strategy 📍Anchorage: Ted Stevens International Airport, tickets to Alaska are more expensive, airport bus $7.5, taxi $25 to the city, or take a train🚄 to Anchorage Station 📍Fairbanks: Fairbanks International Airport, there are fewer direct flights, airport bus $3.5 to the city, taxi about $15 📍Denali: Denali National Park Airport, only small planes and helicopters can land, the airport is very close to the park entrance, you can walk or take a taxi 📍Juneau: Juneau International Airport, airport bus $3, taxi about $20 📍Sitka: Sitka Airport, located on a small island, you need to take a ferry to the city, ferry $1, taxi about $10 📍Ketchikan: Ketchikan International Airport, also on a small island, you need to take a ferry to the city, ferry $2, taxi about $15 · 5⃣️Day tour itinerary reference 🔅Day1: Depart from various places--Stay in Anchorage 🔅Day2: Anchorage--Denali National Park (watch wildlife and Denali Peak)--Stay in Denali 🔅Day3: Denali--Fairbanks (visit the Arctic Museum and Ice Sculpture Art Museum)--Stay in Fairbanks 🔅Day4: Fairbanks--Juneau (take a plane or ship, enjoy glaciers and marine life)--Stay in Juneau 🔅Day5: Juneau--Home · 🏠Accommodation strategy 🎄Anchorage: Stay in downtown Anchorage or near the train station, close to the business district and convenient for transportation, shopping and eating🛍 is very convenient, and the consumption is not low 🎄Denali: Stay near the entrance of Denali National Park, convenient for entering the park for sightseeing, you can choose hotels or homestays🏠, the price is higher 🎄Fairbanks: Stay in downtown Fairbanks, there are a variety of accommodation options, from economy to luxury, the price is moderate 🎄Juneau: Stay in downtown Juneau or near the port, convenient for transportation, shopping and eating are also close, the cost performance of hotels and homestays🏠 is good 🎄Sitka: Stay in downtown Sitka or by the sea, you can enjoy the beautiful sea view and mountain view, the prices of hotels and homestays🏠 are different 🎄Ketchikan: Stay in downtown Ketchikan or by the river, you can feel the style and culture of the fishing village, the prices of hotels and homestays🏠 are lower · 🎫Air ticket tips 1⃣️Tuesday is cheap, Sunday is expensive 2⃣️It's cheaper before 8 o'clock every morning, and more expensive after 8 o'clock in the evening 3⃣️Black Friday, Cyber Monday tickets will also be discounted 4⃣️Buy tickets 3 months in advance for holidays and peak seasons, and buy tickets 45-60 days in advance for off-peak seasons .

Alaska First City

#celebratewithtrip Ketchikan also know as the Salmon Capital of the World! Ketchikan, derived from the Tinglit language, is the earliest incorporated city of Alaska. Ketchikan has had a welcome sign in the same original location for over 75 years. The sign arches over Mission Street in downtown Ketchikan so make sure to take picture of it . Creek Street is one of the most popular places to see with things to do in Ketchikan, it is a quaint boardwalk perched on pilings along the Ketchikan Creek. You can visit a brothel turned museum (Dolly’s House), watch salmon spawning, and shop at some of the most unique shops along the way. #tripblazers #fallingforfall

Ketchikan, Alaska - Salmon capital of the world

Ketchikan, Alaska - Salmon capital of the world Ketchikan, Had a good day today. Good time with my work son 。

100,000 year old glaciers await you visit

The Kenai Fjords National Park is an American national park that maintains the Harding Icefield, its outflowing glaciers, and coastal fjords and islands. The park covers an area of 669,984 acres (1,046.9 sq mi; 2,711.3 km 2) [1] on the Kenai Peninsula in south-central Alaska, west of the town of Seward . this is one of the most picturesque areas in Southern Alaska. Seward is a fishing town and should not be overlooked if you decide to drive down from Anchorage. they have hundreds of hiking trails and camping areas for the outdoor enthusiast.  #travel #wanderlust #travelling #traveller #travelphotography #instatravel #adventure #alaska #travelgram #travelpassion #travellifestyle #myjourney #wonderlust #tripblazers #ilovetravel #camping #traveling #traveladdicted #travelgoals #traveljournal #igtravel #traveladdict #travelpics #bestvacations #travelphotos #traveler #tourist #travelblog #tourism #hiking

There are nearly 40 glaciers in Harding Icefield in Kenai Fjord National Park. This time I watched the Exit Glacier. If you have people in your class who are not suitable for high-intensity mountain climbing, it is recommended to take a look at the Glacier Viewpoints at the bottom to see the glacier. Walked almost 10 minutes from the visitor center. Don't look at the Harding Icefield Trail, which has a total of only 4.1 mile. Considering the steepness, you need to return to the top after climbing to the top. It takes about 8 hours to go back and forth. Climbing this trail will have a lot of angles to see the Exit Glacier, and you can see a large glacier after climbing to the top. When the walk came, the weather was not very good, it was rainy. Visibility is not very far. Be careful to keep warm, and the more you climb, the more you feel cold. Fortunately, the blue of the glacier is enough to make people intoxicated, but it is also a reward.

Wonderful day at Kenai Fjords National Park

#2024wish A wonderful national park and the most beautiful one that I have ever seen. The national park was stunning and you required to have a full hike equipment as you will need a long hike to the beautiful view. It’s really impressive when you are here , it’s stunning and we love it so much. You should be here once in a life time and highly recommended. In 2024, I wish to visit Iceland to experience different kind of winter adventure . #awesomepic #awesomepic

Unmissable Alaskan scenery in winter

🌌 Alaska, a mysterious and magnificent place 👀 Here you can see ❄️ Brilliant auroras and glaciers 🏔️ Spectacular wildlife and snow mountains 💃 Unique indigenous culture and history Alaska🌨 is a 🌟 travel destination where you can experience the wonderful collision of ice and fire~ 🥰 For those who want to experience a different winter journey, hurry up and 🐴 stay this guide~ ↓——·——·——↓ ❗ Pay attention when coming to Alaska in winter 1⃣️ The temperature in Alaska in winter is very low, be sure to wear warm clothes, bring gloves, hats, scarves and other warm items 2⃣️ The daylight in Alaska in winter is very short, about only 4-5 hours, arrange your itinerary reasonably, play popular attractions during the day, and chase the aurora at night 3⃣️ The road conditions in Alaska in winter are relatively slippery, be careful when driving, avoid speeding or sudden braking ↓——·——·——↓ 🍂 Scenic spot check-in 🔸 Denali National Park: Explore the magnificent scenery of North America's highest peak, Denali Mountain, and enjoy winter activities such as snow dog sledding and snowmobiling 🛷 🔸 Fairbanks: The best place to chase the aurora, you can also experience ice sculpture art, ice wine bar, ice fishing and other ice and snow fun ❄️ 🔸 Anchorage: Alaska's largest city, experience indigenous culture and history, you can also taste a variety of seafood and local cuisine 🍽 🔸 Kenai Fjords National Park: Take a boat to tour the glacier fjords, watch seals, sea lions, dolphins, whales and other marine life 🐳 ↓——·——·——↓ 📋 Scenic spot tour route reference Day 1: Anchorage, city attractions recommended: Alaska Native Heritage Center-Alaska Museum-Alaska Zoo Day 2: Take the Alaska Railway to Denali National Park, enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way, and stay in the hotel in the park Day 3: Visit Denali National Park, participate in winter activities such as snow dog sledding and snowmobiling, and watch the aurora at night Day 4: Take the Alaska Railway back to Anchorage, enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way, and stay in a hotel in the city Day 5: Drive to Seward, visit Kenai Fjords National Park, take a boat to tour the glacier fjords, watch marine life, and return to Anchorage at night Day 6: Fly to Fairbanks, visit the city's attractions, such as the Arctic Circle Museum, Gold Mine Museum, Ice Sculpture Art Museum, etc. Day 7: Visit the attractions around Fairbanks, such as Chena Hot Springs, Arctic Circle Adventure, Ice Fishing, etc., and watch the aurora at night Day 8: Fairbanks back home ↓——·——·——↓ 🥩 Alaska food check-in King crab, salmon, 🦌 meat, 🐳 meat, ice cream, grilled cheese, pancakes, Alaska beer, every bite makes you feel the unique flavor and charm of Alaska!

Alaska 5-7 day private tour,

🟡Alaska private small group, 5-7 days are available! Fancy chasing lights, double city roaming waiting for you to play💃🏻 . · 1️⃣【5 day tour】: Encounter the aurora DAY❶: Fairbanks-Northern Lights Train-Northern Lights Log Cabin Observation DAY❷: Fairbanks-Jenna Hot Springs DAY❸: Thomas Northern Lights Bus-Dalton Highway-Crossing the Arctic Circle DAY❹: Fairbanks Free Tour-Dog Sled/Snowmobile/Curling Fishing Barbecue/Blue Ice Cave Adventure DAY❺: Fairbanks Airport Drop-off · 2️⃣ 【7 day tour】: Double city panorama (can stay in the planet cabin) 𝐃𝐀𝐘 ❶ HOME-Fairbanks Airport Pick-up-Northern Lights Observation Log Cabin 𝐃𝐀𝐘 ❷ Fairbanks-Santa Claus's House-Polar Museum-Take the Northern Lights Train Dynamic Observation 𝐃𝐀𝐘 ❸ Dog sled and other polar activities-Jenna Hot Springs-Log Cabin Aurora Observation 𝐃𝐀𝐘 ❹ Crossing the Arctic Circle Adventure Tour-Frozen Foot Town-Northern Lights Observation Log Cabin 𝐃𝐀𝐘 ❺ Fairbanks-Alaska Northern Lights Train-Anchorage 𝐃𝐀𝐘 ❻ Anchorage-Matanuska Glacier Hiking-Anchorage Hotel 𝐃𝐀𝐘 ❼ Anchorage Airport Drop-off- HOME · 🌟Tour Highlights: 1️⃣【Luxury small group】Only two people are needed to form a group, no need to fight with strangers, super comfortable 2⃣【Various observations】Snow log cabin observation, wilderness chasing light observation, planet cabin observation, cube cabin observation 3⃣【Internet celebrity accommodation】The world's limited planet cabin, cube glass house, out of the circle of friends! 4️⃣【Jenna Hot Springs】Unforgettable romantic experience 5️⃣【Polar activities】Dog sled, snowmobile, curling fishing, blue ice cave adventure, etc. 6️⃣【Butler service】Free pick-up and drop-off 24h, no need

For many people, Alaska is a continent full of admiration for nature. It is also a land for dreams, a perfect place to pursue the aurora. The University of Alaska has built this Northern Polar Museum on the campus of Fairbanks, using a full collection to convey the events that took place on the continent, including the process of Alaska becoming the 49th state of the United States, running through the Alaska pipeline. The story, the Japanese photographer Hoshino Donovah's Alaska works. The appearance of this museum is in the form of neat white lines and curved lines, giving a simple and clean beauty. It reminds people of the snow igloo at first glance, especially when the university appears on a sunny day after flying. Carefully understand its beauty. The Museum of North is a museum at UAF University, the northernmost university in the United States, where the museum displays the history and geography of Alaska in great detail. Among them are specimens of animals such as polar bears, which are impressive. If you want to recommend Alaska's museum, this Northern Polar Museum is probably the most popular. There are so many exhibits inside, it is worth a visit. If you come to Fairbanks in Aurora, remember to come here to see the most visible brown bear. The size is really a little scary. University of Alaska Museum of the North Address: 907 Yukon Dr

Alaska Glacier Tour and super value strategy summarized by boyfriend

The first time to go to Alaska Glacier Tour🗻 buddies👬 don't miss this super practical Alaska Glacier Tour strategy, which includes travel routes, transportation🚗 travel, food🍱, super comprehensive yo · 🔎What should I pay attention to when I come to Alaska❓ 1⃣Alaska's summer is from June to August, which is the best season to watch glaciers, but it is also the peak tourist season, so you need to book flights and hotels in advance 2⃣Alaska's winter is from September to May, which is the best season to see the aurora, but it is also a cold and dry season, so you need to pay attention to keeping warm and sun protection 3⃣When traveling in Alaska, respect the local natural environment and wildlife, do not feed or approach at will, and do not litter 4⃣When traveling in Alaska, pay attention to safety, especially on glaciers or snow mountains, follow the guide's instructions, and do not act alone · 🛳How to get to Alaska The main cities in Alaska that can be reached directly by plane✈️ are Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau The Alaska Railroad Company provides train🚋 services from Anchorage to Fairbanks, Seward, and Whittier, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way . 🚕Alaska five-day four-night itinerary strategy 🔅𝑫𝒂𝒚①Glacier City Anchorage✈ 🔅𝑫𝒂𝒚②Anchorage→Kenai Fjords National Park→Kenai Fjords Glacier and Wildlife Cruise→Night in Kenai Fjords 🔅𝑫𝒂𝒚③Kenai Fjords→Matanuska Glacier→Matanuska Glacier Hiking or Helicopter Tour→Night in Matanuska Glacier 🔅𝑫𝒂𝒚④Matanuska Glacier→Denali National Park→Denali Experience Flight Tour→Night in Denali 🔅𝑫𝒂𝒚⑤Denali National Park→Anchorage→Return home🏡 🏙Come to Alaska🗻 to enjoy the beauty of the glacier📸! · 🍱About Alaska specialty food😋 ❶Alaska King Crab🦀 The meat is tender and juicy, super delicious ❷🦌Rich aroma, tender meat, high protein and low fat ❸Alaska Ice Cream🍦 Made with fresh milk and wild berries, the taste is smooth and refreshing ❹Alaska Beer🍻 Brewed with local malt and fruit, the wine is rich There are other kinds of Alaska food waiting for you to taste. That's all for this share

Never go to Alaska for the aurora! Unless……

You must go to Alaska in winter! A wonderful trip to see the aurora, glaciers and wildlife❄ Babies who are going to Alaska this winter must not miss it! ·——·——·——·——· 🧳Preparation before departure: 🔸Luggage preparation (warm clothes, sunscreen, camera, charger, etc.) 🔸Check the weather (you can check the aurora forecast and snow conditions) - ❄️Alaska weather dressing: 👔End of November, December, January: down jacket, thermal underwear, sweater, trousers, snow boots, hat, gloves, scarf, average daytime temperature -10℃, night -20℃, possible snowfall - 🥘Alaska food check-in place: ♥Anchorage: Alaska's largest city, with a variety of restaurants and cafes, you can taste seafood, barbecue, burgers, pizza and other delicacies ♥Fairbanks: Alaska's second largest city, there are many local snacks, such as blueberry pie ♥Talkeetna: A small town in Alaska, there are some family-style restaurants and bars, you can taste fresh fish and vegetables ♥Denali: Alaska's national park, there are some hotels and restaurants, you can enjoy spectacular mountain views and animals, while enjoying local cuisine - 🚗Transportation suggestions: ◼️Train station: Alaska Railway has two main lines, the south line from Anchorage to Seward, the north line from Anchorage to Fairbanks, you can enjoy the scenery along the way ◼️Alaska city transportation: 🚇Bus: Anchorage and Fairbanks have public bus systems, which can reach the main points of the city, the fare is 2-3 dollars 🚗Taxi: Anchorage and Fairbanks have taxi services, you can 📞 or use mobile apps to make reservations, the starting price is 5 dollars, 3 dollars per mile - ⚠Alaska travel precautions: ❌Do not use flash when watching the aurora, it will affect the experience of others and destroy the beauty of the aurora - ✅Itinerary D1: Tour of Anchorage city, visit Alaska History and Art Museum, taste local food, take a car to Fairbanks at night D2: Tour of Fairbanks city, visit the Arctic Museum, experience ice sculpture art, participate in aurora viewing activities at night D3: Take a car to Talkeetna, enjoy the scenery of the Alaska Range on the way, arrive in the town in the afternoon, free activities, participate in aurora viewing activities at night D4: Take a car to Denali National Park, watch wildlife along the way, after arriving at the park, you can choose to walk, ride, take a boat or fly to visit the park, stay in a hotel in the park at night D5: Continue to visit Denali National Park, enjoy the magnificent scenery of McKinley, the highest peak in North America, return to Anchorage by car in the afternoon