We will greatly appreciate help in deciding which route to take on a leg of our Alaska adventure. We will begin our road trip going up the Haines Hwy. to Tok. We plan to go accross the Denali Hwy. from Paxton to Cantwell. The question is from Tok do we go up the Alaska Hwy. to Delta Junction and down the Richardson Hwy. to Paxson or down the Tok Cut-off to Gakona and up the Richardson Hwy. to Paxson. What are to pros and cons of these different routes?

Many, many thanks for your help!

In terms of time I don't know that there's a lot of difference. I think I'd go via Gakona because you have the Wrangell mts. off to the side longer, but I don't think either road has any huge benefit over the other.

Timing and road conditions will be a factor; you might consult the DOTPF road conditions website regarding any of the roads - http://511.alaska.gov/

I'm assuming this is your own car. Rental car agencies are not fond of the Denali Hwy; in fact you should be cautious in your own rig, especially early in the season, when road conditions and lack of services on the Denali can make for unpleasant trips, or unexpectedly long or expensive ones.

Gardyloo, thanks for your help. Is the Denali Hwy. worth it in your opinion? I have heard that it is an experience in itself. For some reason it really appeals to me. We will be traveling the last part of August.

I would hold off on any firm Denali Highway plans and see if they step up their maintanence this year- little to none last year and the road is in terrible shape. As Gardyloo mentions- there is probably little significant difference in your routing. Use his recommended road condition site.

The Denali Highway was the highlight of our trip last May. Just be prepared to go 15 mph, but traveling slow and enjoying the scenery is what it's all about for us. They were scraping the road during the time we were traveling. The road was fine, but someone told us it gets worse as the season progresses. The few roadhouses along the route were closed, so you must be prepared to be self sufficient. We had a truck camper rented from ABC Motorhomes in Anchorage, and had no trouble whatsoever. It was wonderful to just pull over and spend the night in that wonderful silence and solitude.