Forum Discussion

Glenda2014's avatar
Glenda2014
Explorer
Jan 11, 2017

Alaska May 1st, north or south first?

We plan on being in Alaska about May 1st, only because we wont have the patience to wait any longer! We're retired and have all summer....would it be better to head to Valdez, Seward and Homer/ferry to Kodiak area first or Denali and Fairbanks area first? I'm wondering about weather, crowds?? Maybe there is an obvious answer......but I want to hear
about your experiences....lol....thanks
  • Ernest's avatar
    Ernest
    Explorer
    Jan 11, 2017
    gemert wrote:
    We are going this summer also. Leaving FL April 1st and entering Canada June 1st. Only reservation are Big Bear (or is it Grizzly Bear?)at Denali for the 4th. See ya on the Rd. We have no other clues where or when we will be anywhere.


    Would recommend Teklankia campground in the Denali park. It's about 35 mile in and requires a 3 day minimum stay. If you have a senior pass it will cost about $95 for 3 day including unlimited use of the bus.

    You'll get to drive in and drive out saving at least 1.5 hours on the bus each way. As well as you can stop and see the wild life. We loved it.
  • gemert's avatar
    gemert
    Explorer
    Jan 11, 2017
    We are going this summer also. Leaving FL April 1st and entering Canada June 1st. Only reservation are Big Bear (or is it Grizzly Bear?)at Denali for the 4th. See ya on the Rd. We have no other clues where or when we will be anywhere.
  • Crazy4silvers's avatar
    Crazy4silvers
    Explorer
    Jan 11, 2017
    Glenda2014 wrote:
    We plan on being in Alaska about May 1st, only because we wont have the patience to wait any longer! We're retired and have all summer....would it be better to head to Valdez, Seward and Homer/ferry to Kodiak area first or Denali and Fairbanks area first? I'm wondering about weather, crowds?? Maybe there is an obvious answer......but I want to hear
    about your experiences....lol....thanks


    We live in Fairbanks and generally May 1 will find us w ice still on lakes and trees not yet leafed out. Most tourist things dont open till mid-May to Memorial Day.
  • ORbiker's avatar
    ORbiker
    Explorer
    Jan 11, 2017
    If you have lots of time, come visit Oregon before all the tourists get here. Lots to see.
  • 2gypsies1's avatar
    2gypsies1
    Explorer III
    Jan 11, 2017
    Well.... there definitely won't be any crowds on May 1 and you may not find many, if any, attractions open that early, including RV parks. Most cross the U.S./Canada border around the 3rd or last week of May.

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