I saw some comments in a closed forum, that were helpful, but would love some more information. We are planning our trip to Alaska and are now at Anchorage and would like to visit Valdez. We tow a 24 foot trailer with a 1500 Suburban. We have towed it to the lower 48 without difficulty (Praise) but alway check grades and roads for each drive in advance, but we just feel very unsure about the drive to Valdez. It is the Glenn highway. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated! We plan to be at this point in late August. Thanks. Sandee:?(sorry I was unclear) we are not in Alaska, but in our planning using the Milepost we have planned as far as Anchorage to Valdez.

morsdaggy wrote:We are planning our trip to Alaska and are now at Anchorage and would like to visit Valdez. This statement makes no sense. In the same sentence you claim to be planning a trip to Alsaka but also state you are in Alaska now at Anchorage.Either way, you should invest in the Milepost Guide which will give you maps, sites to see, and a mile by mile of every highway "up North." Don't go without it.

We drove it in 2009 with our then 35' MH pulling our Libby and experienced no problems whatsoever. I can't imagine your combination having a problem either. It's a beautiful drive and Valdez is well worth visiting. Make a point to see the Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum while there - you will not be disappointed!

I love both the Glenn and Richardson Highways between Anchorage and Valdez - certainly one of the most dramatic drives in the state. Both are in great shape (well, the Richardson is closed by a massive avalanche right now and will be for a while). The only really tough climb is the 7 1/2 miles from Keystone Canyon to Thompson Pass as you leave Valdez - I don't know what the grade is, but my old MCI was puffing. As well as generally awesome scenery, it offers great glacier options - the Matanuska and the Worthington.

I am still wayne_tw wrote:This statement makes no sense.They're "at Anchorage" in their planning.

If you are in Anchorage with your planning, you shouldn't have any problems with going on to Valdez and then back out. There are no high passes on the Alaska Highway or on the Alaska Highway system. The highest pass is Atigun on the haul road and it just get over 4,000 ft. From Anchorage the Glenn Hwy is the one you want to Glennallen, turn right on the Richardson Hwy and head to Valdez. Thompson Pass is the one that you will head down to get to Valdez. The gas station there at the corner of the Glenn and Richardson is handy to get fuel. But most people will find it is the most expensive fuel they buy all summer in Alaska.So you will go down from less than 4,000 ft to sea level or close to that at Valdez. It is a beautiful drive, much of the time you will have Mt. Drum in your windshield view, as you head east toward Glennallen from the Palmer area. Coming back up out of Valdez, you will be pulling slower but you shouldn't have any problems.

Drive from Anchorage to Valdez | Good Sam Community

PA12DRVR
Explorer
Feb 03, 2014
To the OP: You shouldn't have any problems from Los Anchorage to Valdez if you've pulled your rig to Anchorage from the L48 already.

My thoughts on this leg:

- One of the more scenic drives in Alaska. An often underappreciated part of the drive (IMNSHO) is the drive from Palmer to about Eureka: along the Matanuska river through some pretty nice mountain scenery. I think this part is nicest in the fall or winter, but that's just me.

-There will be some fairly steep parts on the Glenn Highway between Palmer and Sheep Mountain: not very high in elevation, but relatively steep. If your truck/trailer combination is prone to wheezing, there might be a time or two you want to pull off and enjoy the scenery.

- Ditto above (as mentioned by ExploreNorth) for the pull up Thompson pass out of Valdez.

- As Sue mentioned, be sure to see Horsetail and Bridal Veil falls on the way to Valdez.
sue_t
Explorer
Feb 03, 2014
Images of the Richardson Highway to Valdez, in & out, start here
http://suethomas.ca/20100824_Nabesna-Blueberry.html

No problems towing our 25' fifth wheel in or out.

Bridal Veil Falls and Horsetail Falls are attractive, indeed. Be sure to pull well off the highway if you wish to stop and keep your own eyes open while driving through Keystone Canyon for those that don't pull off the highway so well.
Scottiemom
Nomad
Feb 03, 2014
Veebyes wrote:
I'm pretty sure these, Horse Tail Falls are on the way to Valdez. Be sure to STOP & enjoy them. You come around a corner & BOOM they are there.

Amazing how many people whiz on by & miss one of the most spectacular falls in Alaska.

Thanks for the name of the falls! I went back to our pictures from this past summer and I have about a half dozen I took here, but didn't have a name on them! Beautiful!

Dale
garyhaupt
Explorer
Feb 02, 2014
I am still wayne_tw wrote:
explorenorth wrote:
I am still wayne_tw wrote:
This statement makes no sense.

They're "at Anchorage" in their planning.

An assumption on your part as the syntax would dictate otherwise.

"An assumption on your part as the syntax would dictate otherwise. "

That damned sin-tax. Gets us every time.

Gary Haupt
lonnie4801
Explorer
Feb 02, 2014
We did it in 2005, 2009, and 2013. You can review our trip logs and photos at the web site in my signature.
Veebyes
Explorer II
Feb 02, 2014
I'm pretty sure these, Horse Tail Falls are on the way to Valdez. Be sure to STOP & enjoy them. You come around a corner & BOOM they are there.

Amazing how many people whiz on by & miss one of the most spectacular falls in Alaska.
Tee_Jay
Explorer
Feb 02, 2014
The Glenn has had some major rebuilds in the past 10 years. Glen Hwy Pics from Alaska Dispatch, plus others from around the state.

One caution is to use lower gears decending from Thompson Pass.
Community Alumni
Feb 02, 2014
I am still wayne_tw wrote:
explorenorth wrote:
I am still wayne_tw wrote:
This statement makes no sense.

They're "at Anchorage" in their planning.

An assumption on your part as the syntax would dictate otherwise.

The OP has issued a clarification by editing his post. It should be clear to everyone now that he is in the planning stage.

... Eric
Veebyes
Explorer II
Feb 02, 2014
No matter where you go paved roads & the grades are no worse than you will find in the lower 48. Yes, there are a few sections notorious for frost heaves & construction but they are no worse than you will find in or around any city with its potholes. Drive at a speed appropriate for the road & all will be fine.

Alaska & the Canadian North are not mysterious uncivilized places. They actually do have Walmart & McDonalds up there.
I_am_still_wayn
Explorer
Feb 02, 2014
explorenorth wrote:
I am still wayne_tw wrote:
This statement makes no sense.

They're "at Anchorage" in their planning.

An assumption on your part as the syntax would dictate otherwise.