Advisability of late summer Alaska drive up

When we went in 2013, we left in May and went up returning the first of August. We did not experience big crowds anywhere. We were told numerous times that we were about 2 weeks ahead of the caravans.

We had a great time and the potential for bad weather, i.e., snow, was not likely since summer was approaching.

Dale

mockturtle wrote:
It tends to be rainier later in the summer.

I agree that is the normal trend but this past 10 days has been "Chamber of Commerce" weather days. Bright sunshine, no clouds, light winds, with temps in the upper 60s! Other that the week of July 4th this has been the best weather all summer for us.

Was there in 2016 late August to about September 10 and the weather was perfect. Mix of sun and rain but no freezing temps.
As for crowds we thought it was pretty busy at most attractions that weren't closed down. Camping was wide open about everywhere. No problems.

It tends to be rainier later in the summer.

I can only speak for 2016 and 2018. We did Taylor/Top of the World in 2016 the second week in September and the road was frozen but no snow. So it was perfect travelling. Spent one night on the side of the road on Top of the Road in the snow but bynon the next day everything was great.

This year we are still in Valdez and the temp is currently 63 at 6:00pm! So far so good.
IT's a roll of the dice this late in the season for snow. I don't think you have to worry about getting snowed out and having the spend the winter in the Canadian Rockies, BUT, be prepared to wait two or three days for a storm to blow through and the roads to clear.

Probably not much help but that is what we have experienced, anyway.

Many campgrounds close after Labor Day but there is usually spots available in the places that are still open. Parks here in Valdez are running about 25% currently.