--- title: "Alaska Backroads EV Trip Pack — EV Backroads" description: "Use five routes near Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley before the long expedition roads. Keep the glacier approach as the technical final stage." canonical_url: "https://www.evbackroads.com/adventures/denali-highway-first-expedition" last_updated: "2026-08-09" --- ![Denali Highway in Alaska](/media/photos-ai/24-denali-highway.webp?v=20260808) ![Alaska Backroads route collection](/media/map/adventure-regions/alaska.svg) ADVENTURE ROUTE COLLECTION · ALASKA # Alaska: Gravel-to-Glacier Progression Use five routes near Anchorage and the Mat-Su Valley before the long expedition roads. Keep the glacier approach as the technical final stage. QUICK READ Route stages 8 Plan length 10–16 days High point 4,103 ft Typical season Check each route Base area 63.2129, -147.1989 Save trip pack offline Print trip plan Mark plan ready ALASKA COLLECTION 8 stages, in order - [01 Arctic Valley Road easy](#stage-1) - [02 Hatcher Pass Road easy](#stage-2) - [03 Knik Sand Dunes easy](#stage-3) - [04 Denali Highway easy](#stage-4) - [05 McCarthy Road moderate](#stage-5) - [06 Craigie Creek Road moderate](#stage-6) - [07 Kings River Trail moderate](#stage-7) - [08 Knik Glacier Trail difficult](#stage-8) WHY IT FITS ## Why this progression can fit your trip. The local routes let you test cold-weather systems, gravel, sand, and rough climbs. Denali Highway and McCarthy Road then add expedition distance. WHAT CAN CHANGE THE ANSWER Cold, wind, rain, tire damage, construction, river depth, and unavailable charging can remove a stage. Long highway transfers are part of this pack. ROUTE PROGRESSION ## Add one skill at a time. Drive only the stages that fit your vehicle, experience, weather, and current access. A later stage is not a required finish. 01 easy ### Arctic Valley Road Route distance 6.7 mi Allow 1–2 hours Start near Anchorage. Use the climb to compare energy use uphill and regeneration downhill. SKILL ADDED Build a cold-weather mountain-road baseline near services. Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel. [Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=61.23510&lng=-149.60834&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/alaska/trails/2631-arctic-valley-road) ![Topographic route map for Arctic Valley Road](/media/adventures/regions/maps/arctic-valley-road.webp) TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE ### Arctic Valley Road, from start to finish Climb +2,254 ft Descent −37 ft Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal. 02 easy ### Hatcher Pass Road Route distance 22.5 mi Allow Half day Add a seasonal pass road. Check the gate, weather, and road surface before you leave pavement. SKILL ADDED Add a longer climb and a firm seasonal-access decision. Access note: Source snapshot: Seasonal Closure. Check the live source before travel. [Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=61.76216&lng=-149.45725&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/alaska/trails/2423-hatcher-pass-road) ![Topographic route map for Hatcher Pass Road](/media/adventures/regions/maps/hatcher-pass-road.webp) TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE ### Hatcher Pass Road, from start to finish Climb +897 ft Descent −2,488 ft Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal. 03 easy ### Knik Sand Dunes Route distance 1.8 mi Allow 2–3 hours Use the dunes to learn how soft ground changes energy use and steering. Turn back before the tires dig in. SKILL ADDED Add sand without the glacier route's water crossings. Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel. [Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=61.51978&lng=-148.99391&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/alaska/trails/2265-knik-sand-dunes) ![Topographic route map for Knik Sand Dunes](/media/adventures/regions/maps/knik-sand-dunes.webp) TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE ### Knik Sand Dunes, from start to finish Climb +25 ft Descent −36 ft Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal. ![Denali Highway in Alaska](/media/photos-ai/24-denali-highway.webp?v=20260808) ROUTE VIEW · AI-ASSISTED EV PLACEHOLDER WHERE NOTED 04 easy ### Denali Highway Route distance 150 mi Allow 1–2 days Use the long gravel highway to validate tire, charging, cold-weather, and communication systems. SKILL ADDED Add expedition distance without a technical obstacle. [Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=63.21287&lng=-147.19894&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/alaska/trails/2461-denali-highway)[Open onX Offroad](https://www.onxmaps.com/offroad/trails/us/alaska/denali-highway) ![Topographic route map for Denali Highway](/media/maps/24-denali-highway.webp) TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE ### Denali Highway, from start to finish Climb +4,312 ft Descent −3,594 ft Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal. ![McCarthy Road in Alaska](/media/photos-ai/16-mccarthy-road.webp?v=20260808) ROUTE VIEW · AI-ASSISTED EV PLACEHOLDER WHERE NOTED 05 moderate ### McCarthy Road Route distance 60 mi Allow Full day Add a rougher historic road with no services along the route. Slow down for sharp rock, bridge approaches, and wet sections. SKILL ADDED Add rough ground and a long out-and-back from services. Access note: OPEN for public travel at the latest Alaska DOT update, with fair-to-difficult conditions, soft shoulders, wet rough roadway, and no services along the route. [Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=61.44983&lng=-143.69165&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/alaska/scout-routes/5222-mccarthy-road)[Open onX Offroad](https://www.onxmaps.com/offroad/trails/us/alaska/mccarthy-road)[Check current access](https://dot.alaska.gov/comm/pressbox/arch2026/PR26-0014.shtml) ![Topographic route map for McCarthy Road](/media/maps/16-mccarthy-road.webp) TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE ### McCarthy Road, from start to finish Climb +1,447 ft Descent −657 ft Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal. 06 moderate ### Craigie Creek Road Route distance 4.7 mi Allow Half day Return to the Mat-Su area for a rough mountain road. Walk washed or narrow sections before you drive them. SKILL ADDED Add rougher climbing and route inspection. Access note: Source snapshot: Open. Check the live source before travel. [Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=61.79885&lng=-149.34828&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/alaska/trails/2422-craigie-creek-road) ![Topographic route map for Craigie Creek Road](/media/adventures/regions/maps/craigie-creek-road.webp) TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE ### Craigie Creek Road, from start to finish Climb +2,431 ft Descent −1,156 ft Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal. 07 moderate ### Kings River Trail Route distance 5.1 mi Allow Half day Add a longer local trail with changing access. Use only the open route and protect the return reserve. SKILL ADDED Add uncertain access and more sustained trail driving. Access note: Source snapshot: Partially Open. Check the live source before travel. [Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=61.75722&lng=-148.69974&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/alaska/trails/2420-kings-river-trail) ![Topographic route map for Kings River Trail](/media/adventures/regions/maps/kings-river-trail.webp) TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE ### Kings River Trail, from start to finish Climb +920 ft Descent −7 ft Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal. ![Knik Glacier Trail in Alaska](/media/photos-ai/05-knik-glacier-trail.webp?v=20260808) ROUTE VIEW · AI-ASSISTED EV PLACEHOLDER WHERE NOTED 08 difficult ### Knik Glacier Trail Route distance 22.1 mi Allow Full day Use the glacier approach only with current local information. Glacial channels move. Do not enter water that you have not checked on foot. SKILL ADDED Combine sand, water, route finding, and a changing natural surface. [Open on the Backroads Map](/map?lat=61.46572&lng=-148.79584&z=11&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/alaska/trails/2267-knik-glacier-trail)[Open onX Offroad](https://www.onxmaps.com/offroad/trails/us/alaska/knik-glacier) ![Topographic route map for Knik Glacier Trail](/media/maps/05-knik-glacier-trail.webp) TOPOGRAPHIC ROUTE MAP · ROUTE LINE FROM TRAILS OFFROAD · BASEMAP FROM USGS TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE ### Knik Glacier Trail, from start to finish Climb +194 ft Descent −84 ft Elevation sampled from AWS Terrain Tiles along the published route. Small terrain and GPS differences are normal. ROUTE READINESS ## Do seven checks before you leave pavement. 01 ### surface Long gravel, rough railway-grade road, then sand and glacial river crossings 02 ### clearance Strong tires first; high clearance and suitable water capability for the final stage 03 ### remoteness Dependable services can be very far apart 04 ### charging Confirm each critical charger or overnight outlet directly 05 ### cell Coverage Plan for long areas without service 06 ### weather Cold, wind, rain, and early snow change energy use and road condition 07 ### turnaround Every unverified stop and river crossing needs a complete fallback BEFORE YOU GO ## Make these decisions while you have a signal. - Confirm charging and lodging outlets directly - Carry a complete tire and cold-weather plan - Share the itinerary and overdue procedure TURN AROUND WHEN ## Follow the limits that you set. - A critical charge stop cannot be confirmed - Cold or headwind breaks the energy plan - Water, tire damage, or weather spends the emergency reserve CARRY ## Prepare for common problems. - Full-size spare or equivalent tire plan - Satellite communicator - Warm shelter, food, and water ![Topographic route plate for Alaska: Gravel-to-Glacier Progression](/media/maps/24-denali-highway.webp) FEATURED ROUTE MAP Use the full trail path for orientation. Confirm current access with the land manager. OPEN THE LIVE MAP ## Check the drive home. See the route with open chargers and road-distance charging gaps. Planned stations do not change current coverage. [Build this trip plan](/plan?pack=denali-highway-first-expedition)[Open near this trail](/map?lat=63.21287&lng=-147.19894&z=9&trails=1&packs=1)[Open Trails Offroad](https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/alaska/trails/2461-denali-highway)[Open onX Offroad](https://www.onxmaps.com/offroad/trails/us/alaska/denali-highway)[Browse all adventure collections and trip packs](/adventures)[Share what changed after your trip](/guides/trail-commons?kind=trail&sourceAdventure=denali-highway-first-expedition) ## Sitemap See the full [EV Backroads sitemap](/sitemap.md) for every published page.