Points of Interest between Anchorage, Alaska to Fort Smith, Arkansas

picture of Anchorage, Alaska

The Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Anchorage, Alaska to Fort Smith, Arkansas

An overview of the trip

Embarking on a road trip from Anchorage, Alaska, to Fort Smith, Arkansas, is a dream for many road trippers. The round trip of 9,000 miles can take approximately three to four weeks, depending on the stops along the way. Lloydminster, AB, marks the halfway point; this charming town is located on the border of Alberta and Saskatchewan provinces. The trip has a lot to offer, from breathtaking landscapes to incredible experiences, making it a must-do for adventure and nature enthusiasts.

Top five things to do

  1. Explore Denali National Park and Preserve, AK

Denali National Park is a must-visit spot when traveling from Anchorage. The park is home to Denali Mountain, the highest mountain peak in North America, with an elevation of 20,310 feet. The park provides a variety of fun activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing tours. The awe-inspiring landscapes, glaciers, and wildlife will captivate visitors.

> Interesting Fact: Denali National Park and Preserve is home to more than 39 mammal species, including bears, wolves, beavers, and moose.

  1. Discover Jasper National Park, AB

Jasper National Park offers an extraordinary experience on this road trip. It is a vast stretch of land with unparalleled beauty, awe-inspiring wildlife, countless waterfalls, and stunning landscapes. This park provides an excellent opportunity to hike, camp, catch phenomenal sunsets, and stargaze under the sky's canvas.

> Interesting Fact: Jasper National Park contains over 600 glaciers, more than any other national park in Canada.

  1. Visit Yellowstone National Park, WY

Yellowstone National Park is a true marvel of untouched natural beauty. The park encompasses almost 3,500 square miles of land, featuring lakes, rivers, canyons, and hot springs. Visitors to Yellowstone will have nearly endless recreation opportunities, from fishing and boating to hiking and wildlife watching.

> Interesting Fact: Yellowstone National Park houses approximately 700 grizzly bears, making it one of the largest grizzly bear populations in the contiguous United States.

  1. Experience Zion National Park, UT

Zion National Park has some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States, attracting millions of visitors every year. This park is renowned for its colorful cliffs, unique red rock formations, and has some of the best hikes in the United States. Visitors can also enjoy camping, stargazing, horseback riding, and canyoneering.

> Interesting Fact: The Virgin River, which runs through Zion Canyon, carved the park's towering mountains and deep gorges over millions of years.

  1. Explore Ozark National Forest, AR

Ozark National Forest is a beautiful expanse of land, offering visitors a chance to enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, and floating on the Buffalo National River. This park features over 1.2 million acres of pristine wilderness home to unique wildlife and rare plant species.

> Interesting Fact: Ozark National Forest has over 500 miles of amazing trails that offer visitors an excellent opportunity to explore the forests and waterfalls.

Conclusion

The road trip from Anchorage, Alaska, to Fort Smith, Arkansas, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With so many picturesque locations to visit along the way, the trip can take anywhere between three to four weeks to complete. From Denali National Park to Ozark National Forest, each destination has something unique to offer. With spectacular natural beauty and endless recreational opportunities, this road trip has something for everyone.