CarNPlaneNut

I am looking for ideas for what to do and see in Alaska for early April, 2013. It is spring break, and we are traveling with my two daughters (elementary and middle school age), my wife, and my parents. We will be flying into Anchorage. I have been to Anchorage and Fairbanks myself, but none of the other family members have been to Alaska.

My father wants to see Denali. Is Fairbanks an option for driving? We could fly, if necessary. What other city would be good to see during this time? Attraction recommendations would be helpful too. I would enjoy seeing something to do with the dog races, the pipeline, railroad trip, or Mount McKinley.

Thanks,
Jason

Gardyloo

Not trying to dump on your plans, but early April is, IMO, just about the worst time of the year to visit southcentral Alaska. It's "breakup" time - the snow turns to mud, then ice overnight. Denali Park is inaccessible (past the entrance) until June, the train only runs once a week...

In April people who live in Alaska fly to Hawaii. Take that as a clue?

janisj

I definitely agree w/ Gardyloo. I have several relatives living in Anchorage and even they hate March/April. Melting slushy snow, local flooding from fast snow melt, just not nice.

Go somewhere else and save Alaska for when you can travel at a better time of year.

MichelleY

Agree. Go in the summer.

CarNPlaneNut

Ok, so I hear all of oyu loud and clear. Any recommendations as to where to go. I am an airline pilot, so we fly stand by, so FL or other Top Spring Break destinations are out. That was part of the reason we chose Alaska.

spirobulldog

April, I would choose somewhere in the Southwest. Zion, Bryce, Grand Canyon, Moab, Arches. Perhaps CA Coast/San Francisco/MOnterey or San Diego. I like National Parks, so Big Bend, Carlsbad Caverns/Guadalupe, or Tucson/Saguaro NP.
Smoky Mountains or Shenandoah might be another option.

emalloy

I totally agree with spirobulldog. Go to the NPs

janisj

"That was part of the reason we chose Alaska."

There is a reason you can find lots of flights into AK in the Spring

Definitely consider the SW. You have options for flying into AZ, NM, UT, southern CA or Vegas so there should be some availability somewhere.

CarNPlaneNut

UNCLE..... Ok, so we made reservations in Hawaii-the big island. We will try Alaska in a summer trip. Thanks for all of your responses. Jason

MichelleY

incognitochic

Is mid-late May a better time to go?

MichelleY

No.

spirobulldog

July or August would be though