How is this 8-day drive trip, starting and ending in Anchorage. Destinations - Seward (2 nights), Talkeetna (1 night), Denali Park (2 nights), Wrangell St. Elias NP (2 nights).
Are the roads in good condition and we like the fact that we can travel at our own pace. Will it be scenic along the way (I can't imagine it not being scenic).

This is our first time to this grand state and I don't think my husband can stand the slower pace of a cruise. We would do a 1 day cruise at the Kejai Fords. Any help or thoughts would be appreciated. We are flying in/out of Anchorage.

What are your plans in Copper Center (Wrangell NP)???? There is not much there and it requires a boatload of driving to get there? (you aren't planning on driving there from Denali Park are you?? at least 6-7 hours) Key attraction in my opinion is the fly in to Kennicott Mine, but this is a very undeveloped area, and by far the most scenic portion of the highway is Glennallen to Valdez. Most certainly- yes- these roads are in great condition. Necessary- get a copy of THE MILEPOST after 3-05. With only 7 nights- I think you are putting on too many miles, especially if this includes your travel days, you are leaving no time for Anchorage which certainly is worthwhile and the area around.

My husband would be interested in the Kennicott mine visit but I am not sure about the fly in -- it sounds expensive. We can adjust for more time in Anchorage -- planning to go Mid-August.

We have not been to the Kennicott Mine but enjoyed a visit to Independence Mine between Wasilla and Palmer. It was a gold mine not a copper mine. Some of the buildings have been restored. It could be a stop on your way to Talkeetna. The drive north to Talkeetna from Anchorage is pretty but there aren't a lot of places to stop along the way. It gets exciting when Mt McKinley comes into view. OTH the drive south from Anchorage to Seward has spectacular scenery and you will want to make several stops just to look. (Somehow it is always low tide when we make this trip so we never see whales.) In early August the silvers were running up Bird Creek which runs under the highway. If you stop to look at things, take the tram ride up Mt Alyeska, and make other stops, the trip to Seward could easily take up most of the day.

These 2 mines are totally different. So it pays to research and see if they are of interest? http://www.mccarthy-kennicott.com/MccarthyAir/

As already stated, too much driving. Concentrate on Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali and Seward.

Thanks for the informed replies -- we look forward to this drive.