Alaska Thanksgiving Road Trip: 6-Day Fairbanks & Anchorage Itinerary

We just returned from an incredible 6-day, 5-night self-drive adventure from Anchorage to Fairbanks and back — perfect for a small group of four! Here’s everything you need to know to plan your own winter getaway. 🚗 Car Rental: Rented a 4x4 with snow tires from Alaska 4x4 at ANC Airport. Initially considered one-way rental (ANC to FAI) but decided against it due to a $650 drop-off fee. Main highways between Anchorage and Fairbanks are well-plowed and safe. Expect 6.5–7 hours of drive time nonstop. Be cautious on icy side roads near Denali and remote aurora viewing spots — drive slowly! 🏨 Accommodation: Anchorage: Stayed at Aviator Hotel in downtown — clean, cozy, and convenient. Fairbanks: Booked a charming forest cabin Airbnb — perfect for the aurora chase! 🗓️ Day-by-Day Itinerary: Day 0: Arrive in Anchorage, pick up the rental car, and check into the hotel. Day 1: Matanuska Glacier Hike ❄️ Absolutely recommend! The views are breathtaking and the hike is manageable. Dress warmly — face masks, gloves, and ear protection are a must. Book in advance: MATANUSKA GLACIER TOUR. Day 2: Denali National Park 🏔️Took a short trail from the visitor center to a frozen lake (~1 hour round trip). Sunset starts around 3:30 PM — head back early! Trails can be slippery and steep. Bring microspikes if you have them. Day 3: Chena Hot Springs ♨️ Soaked in –20°C natural springs — hair freezes within minutes ❄️✨! Changing rooms are dated and crowded, but the experience is worth it. Went aurora hunting that night — saw faint lights at 9 PM and spectacular dancing greens around midnight! Used the Aurora app (KP 2.33 + alert). Day 4: Ice Fishing 🎣 + Dog Sledding 🛷 Tried ice fishing (no luck, but the fish were teasing the bait!). Dog sledding was fun but FREEZING — layers are essential! Phones died quickly in the cold. Day 5: Drive Back to ANC + Beluga Point 🏞️ Departed at 5:40 AM, arrived in Anchorage around 1 PM. Explored Beluga Point — stunning coastal views with snow-capped mountains. Did some tax-free shopping downtown. 👚 What to Wear: Thermal layers, waterproof boots, glove liners + mittens, balaclava, hand warmers. 💡 Tips: Download offline maps and aurora forecast apps. Pack snacks and a thermos — limited food options on the road. Always keep your devices warm — cold kills batteries fast! A November road trip in Alaska is cold but absolutely magical — from glaciers and hot springs to northern lights and husky rides… would you dare to try it? 🐾💙 #US #Alaska #Denali