Anchorage Is my itinerary too agressive?

[CasinoJoan]

Hello

 

We will be arriving in Anchorage on June 7th and driving to Seward that Saturday.

 

On Thursday we plan on local sightseeing.

 

Because we need to get to Iditarod outside Seward on Saturday by 1:30pm we are planning on taking the whole day Friday and do some touring of Seward Highway outside Anchorage.

 

Here is the tentative route... don't know timing but tried to follow the map.

 

Leave Anchorage and stop at ANCHORAGE COASTAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

then onto GRIDWOOD for the tram ride then

a stop at PORTAGE and I gather that BEGICH BOGGS CENTER is located there for another stop.

Wasn't sure we would have time for TURNAGAIN PASS or HOPE as can not figure out how far apart everything is...

 

THEN I read that Hatcher Pass was better then Portage.. and I believe that is in the opposite direction. Right?

 

HELP! Thanks in advance.

Getting very excited about our trip to Alaska but unfortunately have read too much information and getting very confused. :confused:

 

Joan

[Budget Queen]

Ok, not sure of your post??? If you are not, I suggest you overnight in Seward Friday night and NOT go back to Anchorage- there is no point?? Then you have the am in Seward for some more activities if of interest.

 

But of your routing, you will be driving past the Turnagain Arm for about 55 miles. Allow time for stops at the pull offs, some hiking too if of interest. Don't bother with Alyeska tram if not clear. Portage Glacier visitor center is worth a stop, some hiking in the area to also consider. The Wildlife Preserve - allow an hour if of interest. (I like my wildlife in the wild :) ) As for Hope allow 1 1/2 hours, since the road can be a little rough. Interesting museum.

 

Hatcher Pass is NORTH of Anchorage, round trip from Anchorage- allow 4 hours, another hour if touring the mine- verify opening, you might be too early.

 

If you were to do that in the am- then you could easily do the Seward Highway activities and get to Seward that night. This is my recommended routing and timing rather than back tracking, unless you have plenty of time??

[CasinoJoan]

Hi Budge Queen

 

Sorry for the confusion... my thoughts are faster then my typing.

 

We are leaving on the Celebrity Summit on June 10th.... arriving in Anchorage on June 7th. We already scheduled to spend three nights in Anchorage (didn't read all the great info earlier or would have done differently and spend a night in Seward BUT at this point can not do that).

 

So to be able to get to the ship early enough it will be necessary for us to see some Seward Highway highlights on that Friday... just want to be sure we can do it in one day without a lot of effort but mainly so we can enjoy what we see. Does that make sense?

 

Originally, our intention was to just spend the whole day going to Seward but last minute decided on the Iditarod Dog Sled. Plus, not being veteran cruisers thought we could not get on the ship until late BUT found out we could actually board a lot earlier.

 

I gather Alyeska Tram is one place we can skip. Will check out information on the museum in Hope... how much time there?

 

Do appreciate all of your help and I think Cruise Critic should give you a medal of recognition for all the help you give everybody!

 

Thanks again

Joan from Kentucky

[Chenega]

You'll see lots of sights on the drive to Seward as it is. Hope is very interesting but it is expendable if you are rushed for time. In my opinion, the same applies to the Alyeska Tram.

 

Do plan to spend some time at Portage and the Begich-Boggs Visitor Center. It's just been remodeled with new exhibits on Prince William Sound and the award-winning movie, "Voices From the Ice".

 

Take the time to visit Exit Glacier just outside of Whittier. It is one of the most accessible in the area and part of the national park. Time permitting, I always recommend the Alaska Sealife Center in Seward as well.

 

Best of all, if this weather holds, you are going to have a gorgeous drive through Turnagain Pass and the Kenai Mountains to Seward.

[GlacierLady]

OOps Chenega...Exit Glacier isn't near Whittier, but 14 miles out of Seward. Ididaride is on the way there. Portage Glacier is the one near Whittier. ( I think you know that. :))

 

Joan...How are you getting to Seward for your cruise? Depending on that you could have time for a multiple of things. I highly suggest getting the Milepost Book. Gives great detailed info on the roads. Allow 3 hours driving time one way, Anch-Seward. Hope cutoff is about 1/2 way.

[CasinoJoan]

Hi

 

We have a rental car - picking up Thursday late and will be dropping off in Seward. Friday we want to do as much as possible (backtracking necessary) outside of Anchorage - on Seward Highway. Can you see a lot in one day? Where can I get a copy of the Milepost Book? Is it actually a three hour drive from Anchorage to Seward without any stops?

 

Definitely want to go to Portage and see Begich-Boggs. Are there stops along Turnagain Pass and the Kenai Mountains that one should visit?

 

Will want to definitely stop at Exit Glacier and understand it is right down the road from Ididaride. Do you come to Exit Glacier first or Ididaride? How long does it take to get to the cruise docks from Ididaride or Exit Glacier?

 

Whew!!! So many questions and appreciate all the help.

 

Joan

[GlacierLady]

Ididaride is on the way to Exit Glacier. The road ends at the glacier. The drive is about 20 mins from town, 10 mins from Ididaride.

 

You can buy the Milepost book at almost any store in Alaska. Walmart in Anch sells for 18.88, Safeway $22. Most books store have or will order also.

There are many pull offs with scenic views. The most popular is watching for whales and Dall Sheep at Beluga Point.

 

I always say allow 3 hours but it can be longer. It has taken me over 6 before but that is uncommon for that long, usually because the road is closed for an accident or really bad weather. I've done it in 2 hours but thats no traffic, no stops and a heavy foot, some parts are 65mph.

 

It really is too bad you can't cancel your last night in Anch to spend in Seward, esp since you want to head this way anyways.

[CasinoJoan]

Ididaride is on the way to Exit Glacier. The road ends at the glacier. The drive is about 20 mins from town, 10 mins from Ididaride.

 

You can buy the Milepost book at almost any store in Alaska. Walmart in Anch sells for 18.88, Safeway $22. Most books store have or will order also.

There are many pull offs with scenic views. The most popular is watching for whales and Dall Sheep at Beluga Point.

 

I always say allow 3 hours but it can be longer. It has taken me over 6 before but that is uncommon for that long, usually because the road is closed for an accident or really bad weather. I've done it in 2 hours but thats no traffic, no stops and a heavy foot, some parts are 65mph.

 

 

 

It really is too bad you can't cancel your last night in Anch to spend in Seward, esp since you want to head this way anyways.

 

Hi

 

Yes, I agree we should have planned one night in Seward (one of my daughters did THINK and that is what they are doing).

 

Thanks for all your help. Will be leaving Wednesday - will close out my computer on Tuesday so if you have anything to add I will be checking.

 

Have you ever met anyone you have helped with their Alaska adventures?

 

Joan

[GlacierLady]

Yes, I have met quite a few.

 

If you decide to head down past Hope,towards Seward,you could eat lunch at Summit Lake Lodge or drive even farther down 30 mins to Cooper Landing and eat lunch around there. Your still 45 mins from Seward, but head towards Homer at the wye. Very pretty area popular with rafting and fishing. There is horseback riding at Alaska Horsemen or in Anch with Horse Trekkin Alaska, which is also a toursaver 2-1.

 

Have a wonderful time and I hope this weather is a repeat while your here, 70's and sunny.

[CasinoJoan]

Yes, I have met quite a few.

 

If you decide to head down past Hope,towards Seward,you could eat lunch at Summit Lake Lodge or drive even farther down 30 mins to Cooper Landing and eat lunch around there. Your still 45 mins from Seward, but head towards Homer at the wye. Very pretty area popular with rafting and fishing. There is horseback riding at Alaska Horsemen or in Anch with Horse Trekkin Alaska, which is also a toursaver 2-1.

 

Have a wonderful time and I hope this weather is a repeat while your here, 70's and sunny.

 

Hello Glacier Lady

 

Have been trying to follow the weather and it seems that you have warmer temperatures then normal.... hope it continues BUT then again if I am in Alaska think I should get a little chilly so I feel like I am there...:confused:

Is that confusing?

 

Again thanks for all... very excited about our trip.

 

Joan