Seward Highway is an awe-inspiring route in Alaska
Usa, north-america
204 km
300 m
hard
Year-round
Get ready for the Seward Highway in Alaska—it's pure eye candy! Seriously, every single direction is just breathtaking.
This 127-mile stretch of paved road is the only way to cruise between Anchorage and Seward. It’s known as Alaska Route 9 near Seward, switching to AK-1 as you head towards Anchorage. This highway is a big deal, racking up awards as a USDA Forest Service Scenic Byway, Alaska Scenic Byway, and an All-American Road!
The highest point is Turnagain Pass, clocking in at 984 feet. It's usually open year-round, but keep an eye out for snow closures—Alaska weather can be wild!
This road is all about the journey, not the destination. Picture winding curves and panoramic views that demand you take it slow and savor every moment. All in all, it's about a five-hour drive, but why rush? A lot of folks stretch it into a multi-day adventure to really soak it all in. You'll pass fishing villages, old mining towns, and lush national forests. Pan for gold at Crow Creek Mine? Yes, please! In one hour, you'll climb 1,000 feet into the mountains and descend back to sea level, then wind through the raw Alaskan wilderness, snaking from Anchorage down the Kenai Peninsula to Seward on Resurrection Bay.
Word on the street is it's one of Alaska’s trickier roads, especially the Anchorage to Portage Glacier part. It opened back in '51 and cuts through the Kenai Peninsula, Chugach National Forest, Turnagain Arm, and Kenai Mountains.
Summer’s the prime time to visit—hello, daylight! Keep your eyes peeled for waterfalls, glaciers, Dall sheep, eagles, moose, and even beluga whales.
Where is it?
Seward Highway is an awe-inspiring route in Alaska is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 42.2103, -101.5223
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 204 km
- Max Elevation
- 300 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.2103, -101.5223
Related Roads in north-america
hardLa Plata Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, let's talk about La Plata Pass in Colorado! This bad boy sits way up there at 10,183 feet in Lake County, and trust me, the views are worth the climb. You'll be cruising on CO-82, a paved road with some seriously steep grades that will test your engine (and maybe your nerves!). Nestled in the majestic Sawatch Range, La Plata Pass offers stunning scenery, but heads up: it's usually closed from October to May due to snow. Plan accordingly!
extremeHow long is Red Grade Road in Wyoming?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Red Grade Road in Wyoming's Sheridan County, a wild ride that'll take you from the town of Big Horn (off US-87) way out west into the Bighorn Mountains and over to US-14. This 44.3-mile stretch is mostly unpaved, a true backcountry adventure! Keep in mind, this high-altitude road climbs from 7,000 feet up to a whopping 9,350 feet above sea level. That means seasonal closures are a thing (typically December 15th to April 1st), so plan accordingly. And even when it's open, weather can change everything. Now, let's talk about the challenge. It's steep, seriously steep, and there aren't any guardrails to hold you back! You'll want a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle to navigate the rocks and rough terrain. Sadly, there have been accidents here, likely due to loose gravel, so take it slow and steady. Once you get to the top, things smooth out a bit with smoother gravel roads. It’s not an extreme 4x4 challenge, but some spots demand decent clearance and some seriously steep climbs and drops. So, is it worth it? Absolutely! Set aside 3-4 hours and get ready for insane views of the Powder River Basin. The scenery is incredible - think limber pine, ponderosa pine, aspen, and fir trees all around. This road is a photographer's dream and an adventurer's playground!
moderateHow long is the Haines Highway?
🇨🇦 Canada
The Haines Highway is hands down one of the most stunning drives in North America, especially if you hit it during fall colors! This incredible route stretches for 152 miles (245 km) from Haines, Alaska, all the way to Haines Junction in the Yukon, Canada. Fun fact: it basically follows an old trail used by the Chilkat/Tinglit First Nations. You can drive it year-round on a well-maintained, two-lane paved road that's usually clear of snow by May. But if you're planning a trip between September 15th and June 1st, keep an eye on the weather forecast. Built back in 1943 by the U.S. Army, the highway shadows the Chilkat River for over 20 miles. The road climbs to a peak elevation of 3,320 feet (1,012m), giving you unforgettable views of glaciated mountains. Prepare to be amazed by everything from coastal forests to alpine tundra. The Haines Highway winds its way through the Chilkat River flats before climbing to the summit, eventually dropping down to Haines Junction. One thing to remember: services are limited along this stretch, so stock up on gas and supplies before you set off!
easyExplore the Scenic Beauty of Alberta Provincial Highway 40
🇨🇦 Canada
# Alberta Highway 40: A Must-Drive Alpine Adventure If you're looking for one of Canada's most stunning road trips, Highway 40 in Alberta absolutely delivers. This epic 1,021 km (634 miles) stretch winds from the small mountain town of Coleman in the southwest all the way up to Grande Prairie in the northwest—and trust me, every kilometer is worth it. You'll know this route by a few names: Highway 40, the Bighorn Highway, or the Kananaskis Trail. Fair warning though—some sections are paved while others are gravel, so come prepared for a bit of variety. The real showstopper? Highwood Pass, where you'll summit at an impressive 2,217m (7,273ft)—the highest elevation of any highway crossing in Canada. You'll be cruising right near the treeline, surrounded by snow patches that stubbornly stick around even during summer months. It's genuinely spectacular, but heads up: this section closes annually from December 1 to June 14, and winter weather can shut things down without warning elsewhere on the route. What makes this drive truly special is the wildlife and scenery. Throughout your journey, you'll spot bears, elk, moose, mountain goats, and coyotes roaming against a backdrop of jaw-dropping mountain vistas. The Canadian Rockies frame every turn, making this one of those road trips that'll have you stopping constantly for photos. Whether you're after a day trip or a longer adventure, Highway 40 captures the raw beauty of western Alberta in a way that'll stay with you long after you've returned home.