How many miles is the Denali Highway?
Usa, north-america
217 km
838 m
hard
Year-round
Cruising Alaska's Denali Highway (Route 8) is like stepping into a postcard! This 135-mile stretch between Paxson and Cantwell offers unbelievable views. Fair warning: most of it's unpaved, so be prepared for gravel, potential potholes, and some serious dust – especially after rain. Think "washboard" roads and keep your speed around 30 mph.
Don't expect a perfectly smooth ride, but the scenery? Totally worth it! Just be sure to pack a spare tire, because flats can happen. Some rental companies might not love you taking their cars on this route, so double-check.
This beauty is usually closed from late October to late May due to snow. The road climbs from the forest to the tundra near the Alaska Range. Starting at 2,750 feet near Paxson, you'll eventually hit a max elevation of 4,101 feet.
Factor in 4-5 hours to drive it straight through, but you'll want to add extra time to soak it all in, snap photos, and maybe even camp overnight. It's not a crowded road, so you might only see a handful of other cars.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 217 km
- Max Elevation
- 838 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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