New Ways to Discover Alaska

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Alaska is a state with endless possibilities. Its landscape is vast and widely uninhibited by human civilization. Its culture is unique and intriguing. And, best of all, its opportunities for discovery are boundless. While we often favor using Alaska SUV rentals to explore the state, we also know that there are countless other ways to uncover the great secrets of this land. We’d like to share them with our Alaska SUV rentals clients now.

Below you will find different ways to discover Alaska. These will show you uninhibited glimpses into the wildlife and natural world of the state and are guaranteed to astonish you. Whether you want to find a free new route or are willing to pay for a tour, there’s a little something for everyone. All we ask in return is that you embrace the landscape with your eyes wide open.

While there are the usual ways to explore the state – kayaking, hiking, boat tours, etc. – we wanted to offer a few that you may not have thought of. The Majestic Alaska Tour and a road trip on the Seward Highway show other sides of Alaska, or in the case of the tour offer a comprehensive Alaskan experience.

Majestic Alaska Tour

The Majestic Alaska Tour begins in 2017, but if you opt for this route, you’ll want to book now. Early payment is required, and they only accept bookings up until January – assuming there are still spots available by then. The tour spans 8 days and shows you nearly every aspect of Alaskan culture and landscape. However, we will warn that it is certainly not for those looking to see Alaska on a budget. This tour is $2498 per person during its cheapest season, and goes up to $2696 per person in peak months. Optional experiences are also available, but it’ll cost extra.

Yet, you’re not paying that price for nothing. This trip will take you from Fairbanks to Denali National Park, over the Alaska railroad to Anchorage and down to the Kenai Fjords National Park before arriving in Seward. Final destination in Anchorage, as it is the most convenient travel hub.

This trip will include many of your meals and hotels, but it will also offer you a chance to explore the state with some guidance. You can miss a lot of important history when simply driving through in your Alaska SUV rentals. This tour will teach you of the indigenous peoples of the state and their cultural heritage. It will let you taste the local flavors of each city, and glimpse the wildlife native to that land, and many other unforgettable opportunities.

If you’re unwilling to spend the money, however, our Alaska SUV rentals agents would be happy to offer you a list of must-see spots and restaurants where you can gain a similar experience. Much of Alaska’s beauty is outlined on this blog already.

Take your Alaska SUV rentals down Seward Highway

As we mentioned, we tend toward the ways we can discover Alaska in our car rentals. The Seward Highway is one such way to uncap the mysteries of this state while enjoying a drive.

This road stretches from Anchorage to Resurrection Bay in Seward at mile 0, and traverses through numerous villages, towns, and passes on the way. Because of the adverse weather in the winter, we’d advise driving this 127-mile road in the summer. While it is entirely possible to take this trip in a single day, why not make a weekend of it? Explore the finer details and quirky sights of Alaska.

The Seward Highway will give you the benefit of seeing all of the wildlife that Alaska has to offer, as well as mountains and foothills, oceans and cliffs, icebergs and ice fields, rivers and green fields. You’ll find beavers, belugas, waterfowl, sea lions, moose, black bears, marmots, and many other creatures. Along the way are great spots for fishing including what is known as the fisherman’s paradise at Bird Creek.

We could go on about the incredible and awe-inspiring diversity on this route, but it could take an entire novel. You’ll just have to see for yourself.

Explore Alaska this fall with the help of Avis Alaska SUV rentals. Reserve your vehicle today to make sure you don’t miss out on discovering this great state.

Take your Alaska Rental Car to Hike at Alyeska

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After driving in your Alaska rental car, you may be looking to stretch your legs a bit. Fortunately, Alaska is known for its incredible hiking trails and mountain paths. The landscape is unique in comparison to the other states, and it is often by foot, bike, or water that our Alaska rental car clients choose to uncover its secrets. Because Alaskans are proud of our state, we prefer ways to discover its interiors without invading too much upon its natural workings. The beautiful resort of Alyeska is no different.

Alyeska Resort in Girdwood is renowned for its fantastic ski courses. Throughout the summer months, however, after the snow has melted and drifted off into the rivers, these mountains become a haven for hikers. In fact, the mountains are riddled with surprise paths and unexpected offshoots from the trail.

The Alyeska resort has even ensured there are trails and paths for all levels of hiking. Below we will outline the trails that are available, as well as those within each skill level. All you need to do is make sure to pack your Alaska rental car with a lunch, a sweater, and proper walking shoes.

Looking for a work out?

If you’re an experienced hiker who is looking for a bit of a challenge, then the North Face Trail is the one for you. Stretching 2000 feet vertically and spanning 2.2 miles, it is America’s longest double black diamond ski run. This trail is certainly not for the faint of heart. It offers a steep, unrelenting journey to the top and rewards you with a spectacular view and a mighty workout. You’ll definitely make sure you want to bring a camera for this one – the views from the top of the trail are breathtaking.

After such a hike you’ll likely be a little peckish. Fortunately, you’ll find a chalet at the top where you can enjoy a meal. Not up to hiking all the way back down? Take the Alyeska Resort gondola to the bottom for free.

Easy hikes

The easiest hiking trail is up and around Chair 7 lift. Following the chair lift up you’ll see many offshoots and other trails that can be trekked. Follow the one closest to Chair 7, and at the top, turn right to grab lunch in the Bake Shop at the Bear Cub Quad. When you turn back to Chair 7, you’ll be able to trace it back down to bottom.

If you’re looking for an intermediate hiking experience, there are other trail options that you’ll see when you reach the top of the trail at Chair 7 lift. Rather than turn right, take any of these other options and you’ll be given a slightly more challenging path. If you want to avoid super difficult, though, do not take the trail marked as Spoon Line, which offers trails of the hardest skill level.

Start from the base

If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, your best bet is to grab a map of the trails and start off on one of the many paths that begin at the base of the mountain. These include: Winner Creek Trail; Upper Winner Creek Trail; Winner Creek Extension Trail; Multi-Use Nordic Loop; Girdwood to Indian Bike Bath; Upper Tram Terminal Trails; The North Face Trail; and South Bowl Trails. Be warned: the last three on this list are more challenging.

Once you start on a trail, you’ll find myriad forks and marked paths that will take you through the labyrinth of the mountain. Why not wander? As long as you bring a map, you can find your way back. We advise bringing a marker to make note of your route on your map as you go – just in case. And of course, make sure you don’t forget your water bottles in your Alaska rental car!

Hiking around Alaska is a top-notch way to learn its secrets. Start off on a hiking road trip around the state this year when you reserve your Alaska rental car from Avis.

 

Where to Take Your Alaska Rental Car Golfing

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While Alaska isn’t particularly known for being the golf state, it certainly has its share of greens that are worth a visit. As the golfing season is beginning to wind down, we thought we’d outline our favorite spots to tee-off from this summer. Perhaps you’ll be able to catch a few holes on the greens listed below – if you haven’t already. After a day exploring the more rugged sides of the state, you’ll need a little relaxation and tranquility. So load up your Alaska rental car with your best irons, and get ready for a few hours of down time on the green.

Anchorage Golf Course

As many of our Alaska rental car clients end up staying in or near Anchorage (for part of their trip, anyway), we thought we’d start off with a course close to home. The Anchorage Golf Course offers a season running from around May 15 to October 15. For a full 18 hole set, juniors pay $25 and adults $65.

However, this course is not for the faint-hearted. Anchorage Golf Course was thoughtfully and artfully designed by architect Bill Newcomb to be both a challenge and a breathtaking experience for golfers. Surrounded by Chugach Mountains, Cook Inlet, and Mount McKinley, you’ll have plenty to look at while you’re tracking your ball. The stunning vistas are one of the aspects that makes this golf course so appealing and unique. Juxtaposed with the spectacular natural sights is the Anchorage skyline.

As we said, though, this golf course is certainly not for amateurs. It spans across 6,600 yards and forces its players to navigate water hazards and blind tee shots.

Bear Valley on Kodiak Island

If you’ve taken your Alaska rental car as far as Kodiak Island, then you’ll quickly discover that there is not a wide variety of golf courses in this region. Bear Valley Golf Course, then, will be your oasis. The nine-hole course is the only green on the island, and stays open from May until September. Amenities include a driving range and a full service pro shop.

During the summer solstice, you’ll find this course to be quite the gem. As its closing hour simply state that it closes “two hours before sunset” you’ll find plenty of flexibility with golfing hours with the midnight sun.

Black Diamond Golf Course

You may have realized by now that Alaska is home to many unique golf course designs. Well, the Black Diamond Golf Course definitely does not disappoint. Similar to Anchorage’s course, Black Diamond is bordered by mountains as well as a mountain lake. On your downtime, you’ll get a close glance at wildlife and wildflowers in this region. Singularly Alaskan, this course is located right on top of the Alaskan tundra. Many golfers have said that this is the closest they can find in North America to the traditional Scottish courses.

You’ll find the course by Alaska rental car on the George Parks Highway. But we must warn you to pack well – because of its location on the Alaskan tundra, this course doesn’t offer a warm tee-off in the sun. Wear a sweater and comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that will help you keep your grip as you traverse the 9-hole green in the 3.5 hours that you’re there.

The course is only open from May 24 to September 24, however. So get a move on and check out this incredibly unique Alaskan golfing experience!

These are just a few of our favorites. Of course, Alaska has many other golf courses that offer incredible views and a challenging golfing experience. What’s your preferred course? Why just try one? Pack up the irons and take a golf road trip around the state in your Alaska rental car. Reserve your vehicle today.