Finally departing for Alaska…if I don’t choke…

[ZeeBabar]

I had posted for advice on the Spring trip forum a couple of months back and after getting feedback here and elsewhere, decided April was not such a good month to do a solo road trip driving from St. Louis, MO to Alaska for a 74+ year old, tall guy (6’4”) with creaky knees and a troublesome back driving a rather small sports car, a Porsche Cayman. Heard about potholes and frost heaves and still very cold weather with snow. Decided to shelve it.

Now, 2 months later, I am somewhat ready. Bought the Milepost, traded my cramped Porsche for a bit more comfortable coupe (Infiniti). One advice I received was to follow this route..” The other main route would be to go by way of Kansas City and Lincoln NB to follow I-80. US-30 and/or US-34 along the Platte River, the old Oregon Trail. Continuing on I-80 to Rawlins WY and picking up US-387/US-26 would take you to Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Parks before continuing along the eastern side of the Rockies to Edmonton. This route would be about 400 miles longer than the shortest one possible, and so you would need to take at least 5 days for it. But it would perhaps be the most scenic and historical of the routes available to you.”.

On the other hand, I have already been to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons so wondering if I should take a shorter route but still leaning towards the above route.

I will have loads of more detailed questions from you experts and those who have travelled to Alaska in recent years but, first…

1. After visiting Yellowstone NP, where best to enter Canada? Looking for good roads and services, (prefer motels to stay) as I head towards Edmonton.

2. From Yellowstone, open to suggestions on how best to get to Dawson Creek.

I know if I get to Dawson Creek, I am less likely to turn around and return home. It’s scary and everyone, from my family to my friends, think it’s a crazy idea to go there. I am nervous and hoping I find fellow trippers heading the same way. Expect to leave on May 30th from AST. Louis.

[glc]

Take US-89 north out of Yellowstone to Great Falls MT, then I-15 to the border. Take AB-4 north to Lethbridge, then AB-3 west to Monarch, AB-23 north to AB-520 west to AB-2 north to Calgary and Edmonton. Take AB-16 west to AB-43/AB-43X/AB-43 north to BC-2 to Dawson Creek. You should be able to find lodging in Lethbridge, Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton, and Grande Prairie.

[DonnaR57]

You're not crazy -- they're the ones who have no idea what they're missing, in terms of adventure and gorgeous scenery. We have a few members who have been up the Al-Can, myself included, and at least one who has been up there solo not just once but two or three times.

Yeah, frost-heaves aren't for the faint at heart.

GLC has given you a great route to get you from MO to Dawson Creek. When in Dawson Creek, be sure to visit the Visitor Center there and the official start of the Highway.


Donna

[ZeeBabar]

I plan to leave home on May 24th or 25th. This leaves me with some issues. If I go on the route planned, to Yellowstone/Grand Tetons, I would get there on the Memorial Day weekend, likely having difficulties with lodging, traffic and more.

Another option is to take the shortest route, cross over into Canada from North Dakota, head to Edmonton and then Dawson Creek and on to Alaska. Has anyone crossed over from North Dakota?

[glc]

Best way using primarily Interstates in the US is I-55 out of STL to Bloomington, I-39 into Wisconsin, I-90/I-94 through MSP to Fargo, I-29 to the border, that's a major crossing, MB-75 to Winnipeg, Trans Canada 1 to Portage La Prairie, then Trans Canada 16 to Edmonton, then as previously posted.

[ZeeBabar]

Best way using primarily Interstates in the US is I-55 out of STL to Bloomington, I-39 into Wisconsin, I-90/I-94 through MSP to Fargo, I-29 to the border, that's a major crossing, MB-75 to Winnipeg, Trans Canada 1 to Portage La Prairie, then Trans Canada 16 to Edmonton, then as previously posted.

Thank you!

[DonnaR57]

I forgot to mention: pack mosquito repellant. This time of the year, June/July, is prime season!


Donna

[ZeeBabar]

Best way using primarily Interstates in the US is I-55 out of STL to Bloomington, I-39 into Wisconsin, I-90/I-94 through MSP to Fargo, I-29 to the border, that's a major crossing, MB-75 to Winnipeg, Trans Canada 1 to Portage La Prairie, then Trans Canada 16 to Edmonton, then as previously posted.

Hearing of heavy wildfires, road closures and more. Apparently, lots of smoke everywhere. Wonder if it’s worth it if I cannot drive thru or if I cannot enjoy the scenery because of the smoke. I was leaving on the 24th, expected to be in Dawson Creek on May 28th to start on the Alcan highway.

Wonder whether I should head west in the USA, try catch some other route.

Please suggest…

[glc]

https://cwfis.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/interactive-map

[Lifemagician]

Hearing of heavy wildfires, road closures and more. Apparently, lots of smoke everywhere. Wonder if it’s worth it if I cannot drive thru or if I cannot enjoy the scenery because of the smoke. I was leaving on the 24th, expected to be in Dawson Creek on May 28th to start on the Alcan highway.

My first trip to Alaska, when I still knew very little about North America, and certainly was not aware that much of Alaska was on fire, has many precious memories. I was in a rented sedan and tent camping. I recall well at 4pm that first day, it was almost dark as the sun was blotted out by the smoke. That first morning when I awoke in Tok there was more than a 1/4" of ash on my tent and car. The carwash was doing well! Progress was slow as there were many road closures with long delays. But they were opportunities to get to know other travellers. Some in motor homes even made tea for those who would like some. It was a memorable trip - so much more because of all those unplanned delays. Talking to others on the road, who were much more knowledgable than myself, helped me to go places I may never have thought to go.

This was all still half a decade before I found RTA.

And YES! I was told by all whom I met that I was crazy. Better being thought of as crazy, than not have that wonderful memory for the rest of your life. I was crazy enough to go back another three times, twice when I was older than yourself.

Stop trying to plan everything to the day. You don't know what to expect when you get there, it may all be quite different to what you have expected. In May and early June you should not have difficulty with accommodation. All of Alaska is set up for the influx from the south.

Relax, go, and take each day as it comes. You will never regret it.

And be sure to look for the OLD ALASKA HIGHWAY. Taking the new road will have you miss out on much, if not most, of the wildlife. It's still a good and well maintained road. The new highway was built to facilitate the many trucks which used to clog the old road.

Can't wait to read the Roadtrip Field Report.

Lifey