Alyeska in May - Worth It?

[tbenson81]

Is there anything see here in the month of May? We have an extra day to kill in ANC and were probably going to drive to Portage Glacier and was thinking about maybe stopping in Alyeska. Is it worth the stop here, taking the tram up the mountain or anything? Thanks!

 

Tony

[Budget Queen]

Yes, worth it if it's clear?? However, if you have this extra time, perhaps adjust and use it where you could use more elsewhere. It's not hard to underestimate distances and attractions that may be of interest.

[GlacierLady]

The tram ride is really pretty on a clear day. A few other things in the area to do... jet boat rides, paragliding, zipline, http://www.alyeskaadventures.com

 

A right turn just before the Portage turn off is where you can see alot of animals...http://www.alaskawildlife.org

[tbenson81]

Awesome - thanks for the links Glacier lady

 

BQ- where else would you advise going? We are going to Seward and Denali also but just have 1 day to kill in ANC......

 

Wildlife conversation center, Alyeska, portage glacier, drive turnagain arm, beluga point seems to be the best bet so far......

 

Is there something we are missing?

[GlacierLady]

Are you driving to/from Seward? All those you have listed could be done on the drive.

[tbenson81]

Per BQ's suggestion we are taking the train to Seward due to it being superior scenically than other legs of the AKRR

[GlacierLady]

The train is a very nice, relaxing ride. The tracks and road run parallel all of Turnagain Arm so it will be a repeat but if looking to kill time ....rent a car and drive along Turnagain Arm looking for Dall Sheep at Windy Point, mile 106, nice pullover there. Also look for cars stopped and check out what they see. That's your biggest tip for seeing a moose along the road. Belugas won't be here yet. Alyeska if the weather is nice. The Wildlife Conservation Center is very worthwhile and would be my biggest reason for the drive other than scenery. Portage Glacier is so-so, it's receded way far back. The vistor center is nice and the surrounding area very pretty.

Make sure to do Exit Glacier while in Seward, no comparision between the 2. If your really looking to kill time you could drive the tunnel to Whittier and say you've been there. Nothing much in Whittier but the tunnel is the longest in the US. I'm assuming your cruise ends in Seward. It's an hour drive from Anch to Portage/game farm.

 

Lots to do in Anch depending on your interests. Alaska Fur Exchange and Alaska Wildberry products are 2 of my favorite tourist stops, a couple blocks from each other. Also in that same area is Arctic Roadrunner Burgers. Nice place to eat outside next to a creek. Lots of longtime customer's pictures line the wall to take you back in history.

 

Horse Trekkin does a great job if you want to go riding. Alaska Zoo is next door.

[tbenson81]

You Rock!