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Parks Highway

Connecting Alaska's two largest cities - Anchorage and Fairbanks - the George Parks Highway travels through spectacular wilderness into the heart of Alaska.

The Parks Highway was first called the Anchorage - Fairbanks Highway when it was completed in 1971, but was renamed for George A. Parks, territorial governor of Alaska (1925 to 1933). The highway offers a number of opportunities to see North America's tallest peak, Mount McKinley. It also provides access to Denali National Park and Preserve.

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South Denali Wayside in the Fall. Credit: Aneta Synan, Alaska DOT&PF

Byway Highlights

  • Hike among the 48-miles of trails in Denali State Park.
  • Just past scenic Byers Lake, pause at the Alaska Veterans Memorial for a few moments.
  • Locate a photographer's dream photo at the south end of the Hurricane Gulch Bridge and don't forget to pick some berries on the way.
  • For the adventurous, hike the 27-mile Little Coal Creek Trail.
  • Imagine summiting the majestic Mount McKinley (20,320 feet) while you look at the mountain at Broad Pass, a 2,400-foot pass featuring diverse growth and a unique perspective. An incredible photo opportunity of the Alaska Range exists here.
  • Whitewater rafting is popular in the turbulent Nenana River.
  • Stop in Healy and learn more about Alaska's largest coal-mining operation.
Calendar of Annual Events

February

  • Winterfest
    Denali National Park
    907-683-2294

March

  • Ice Classic Tripod Weekend
    Nenana
    907-683-INFO
Byers Lake photo
Kayakers enjoy a day on Byers Lake off the Parks Highway

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Parks Highway in the Fall. Credit: Aneta Synan, Alaska DOT&PF
Visitor Contact Information

 

Questions about the Scenic Byways web site? emaildot.scenic.byways@alaska.gov