Drive from Anchorage to Valdez

Plan on going to Valdez. We go up every 2 years to fish, and Valdez is our prime location. A neat small town with a remarkable history and fun things to do. If you're going to be there in late August the Silver Salmon Derby and the Women's Derby may be going on when you're there, so I'd call a week or so in advance for reservations. Lots of parks in town (We love Bayside) and all are within walking distance of everything. The town museum and earthquake annex are a must in addition to the Whitney. After that a visit to the old town site is very helpful to understand what happened. Valdez is the home of the southern terminus of the Alaska Pipeline. Be sure to stop at the pipeline interpenetrate site at milepost 88.5 (88.5 mi to Valdez) on the east side. There are a few very steep but short sections on the Richardson on the way down to Valdez, but these are easily done by slowing down, down gearing and enjoying the run. When crossing Thompson Pass (2700') the run down to Valsez is spectacular.If you've towed the western US, you'll have no problems with the Richardson. When in Valdez, consider the Stan Stevens boat tours to the outlying glaciers, seal rookeries and whale watching.

Lots going on and the drive from Anchorage is not at all difficult. We know people who do the round trip in one long day so one way without a few brief stops is easy.

Good luck on the trip. We came up in 2006 for the trip of a lifetime and have been coming back since. ALWAYS more to see and do.

Valdez is cut off at the moment, by a massive avalanche and resultant lake. Might want to add a couple of kayaks to your plan. :)

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.

I am still wayne_tw wrote:
This statement makes no sense.

They're "at Anchorage" in their planning.

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.

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!

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.