Denali to Valdez
 

Looking at the Milepost I see that the Denali Hwy is unpaved. What would be the best route to Valdez: Up the George Parks Hwy to Fairbanks and down the Alaska Hwy with an overnight in Paxson or Copper Center, or back down through Anchorage with an overnight in route?

Coming from Denali, before you get to Anchorage, there is a highway that comes in about Wasilla and heads east going through Palmer to Glenallen, then south to Valdez. (I can't find my copy of the Milepost, so I can't tell you the name of the highway.) This was a pretty drive, but we were in a motorhome and I don't remember passing any towns with accommodations. Glenallen is essentially just a crossroads. This would be a much shorter route than going up to Fairbanks, of course. If it interests you, just check out whether there is anyplace to overnight.

The poster above is correct... that's the easiest drive. It's called the Glenn Highway.

Your other option is to take the Seward Highway then head to Whittier. Then take the Alaska ferry to Valdez.

Going up to Fairbanks is definitely the long route.

Yep across the Glenn Highway. There is a car rental company in Anchorage that does rent cars they allow across the Denali Highway, if of interest?? www.anchorage.net

For clairfications the about would be referencing the Richardson Fairbanks-Valdez. The most scenic is Glennallen to Valdez.

I haven't checked my map, but it seems when we figured it last year before making the trip, that the distances and driving times of both directions are surprisingly close. We did DNP, Fairbanks, overnighted Paxson (drove the paved section of Denali Hwy--what a treat--gorgeous), then on to Valdez the next day with stops at Copper Center & the Princess hotel there for the view & lunch, waterfalls along the way, Thompson Pass, Whittington Glacier, etc.

We couldn't see backtracking, and we're glad we went the route we did. On a clear day, the views from Delta Junction on towards Glenallen of the Wrangell-St. Elias range is beautiful, plus the Alaska Range is in view along the opposite side of the road for many, many miles.

We went early June so the smoke from wildfires was not an issue for us.

Enjoy your trip!