Are we there, yet?
What a lot of people don't realize when they start thinking about a trip to Alaska is that most residents of the Lower 48 will drive farther just getting to the start of the Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, than they will on the Alaska Highway itself.
The Alaska Highway is about 1,500 miles long if you measure from Dawson Creek all the way to Fairbanks. Only those who live in the Pacific Northwest have fewer miles than that to drive to reach Dawson Creek. Here's some examples of approximate distances to Dawson Creek using the shortest routes possible:
Seattle: 800 miles
San Francisco: 1,650 miles
Denver: 1,800 miles
Chicago: 2,050 miles
New York City: 2,900 miles.
Figure these numbers into your trek north and it quickly becomes evident that driving on the Alaska Highway itself is often a relatively small percentage of the trip.
Some years back, our son got married in Orlando, Florida. We drove down from Alaska. The distance from our driveway to where we parked in Orlando was 5,001 miles. We were in a bit of a hurry and got there in 10 days, including a two-day stop at my sister's house in Wisconsin. I don't really recommend doing it that fast unless some pressing need requires it. There is just too much to see and do between your home and Alaska.
The Alaska Highway is about 1,500 miles long if you measure from Dawson Creek all the way to Fairbanks. Only those who live in the Pacific Northwest have fewer miles than that to drive to reach Dawson Creek. Here's some examples of approximate distances to Dawson Creek using the shortest routes possible:
Seattle: 800 miles
San Francisco: 1,650 miles
Denver: 1,800 miles
Chicago: 2,050 miles
New York City: 2,900 miles.
Figure these numbers into your trek north and it quickly becomes evident that driving on the Alaska Highway itself is often a relatively small percentage of the trip.
Some years back, our son got married in Orlando, Florida. We drove down from Alaska. The distance from our driveway to where we parked in Orlando was 5,001 miles. We were in a bit of a hurry and got there in 10 days, including a two-day stop at my sister's house in Wisconsin. I don't really recommend doing it that fast unless some pressing need requires it. There is just too much to see and do between your home and Alaska.
Labels: Distances
posted by Ron Dalby at
8/07/2007 10:03:00 AM
5 Comments:
We agree that taking it slowly is better.
Life is about the journey, not the destination!!
Still -- what an awesome destination.
By
Anonymous, at August 18, 2007 5:58 PM
We made the drive from Southwest New Mexico - only 80 miles from the Mexican border - to the Arctic Circle in 2005 and it was an 8800 mile wonderful trip. We only had 32 days vacation so it was a lot faster trip than we would have liked but it was still the most awesome trip we've ever taken. We enjoyed seeing different parts of 10 states of the lower 48 as well as Canada and of course we drove a lot of Alaska. We never could have seen all this or met all the wonderful people we did without our RV and the Grace of God. I could go on & on about all the things we got to see and do but I'm sure that would be like telling someone how the movie turns out before they get to see it for themselves. I would advise anyone to make saving their pennies for this trip of a lifetime a priority! We are glad we did. Next.... Australia by RV.
By
Anonymous, at August 18, 2007 8:34 PM
I have to agree that the best part of going to Alaska is the drive through Canada. Breathtaking views and way more wildlife.
Been there done that, want to go again. Past full-timers for over 12 years.
Stancil & Leona Dunn
Hot Springs, AR
By
Leona Dunn, at August 19, 2007 7:50 AM
Our trip tp Alaska from OKlahoma 4 years ago put over 12,000 miles on the motorhome, and took 2 months. We planned the trip for over 1 1/2 years before going. But it was worth it all!!
By
Anonymous, at August 19, 2007 12:32 PM
Sure, but that stretch of the Alaska Hwy. between Destruction Bay, Kluane Lk., Yukon, and Tok, Alaska, (abt. 220 mi.) SEEMS longer than any drive from Key West to Dawson Creek. WOW, talk about "dips" and "splits"... But the Alaska scenery is more than worth it!!
By
Stephen, at August 21, 2007 7:13 AM
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