I drove on Alaska's 4 most dangerous roads even though I hate to drive. It was terrifying, but also one of the best trips I've ever taken.

Jessica AllenNov 5, 2022, 16:43 IST

I spent 18 nights in Alaska on a family road trip, even though I hate driving.Garrett Ziegler

I spent 18 nights in Alaska on a family road trip where we drove approximately 2,1000 miles.
I hate driving but a car offered more freedom than a tour and allowed us to see four national parks.

This summer, I traveled to Alaska with my husband and son. We spent 18 nights exploring four national parks and drove approximately 2,1000 miles.

I went on a 2,000-mile road trip through Alaska with my husband, pictured here with me, and our child.Garrett Ziegler

Our itinerary had us on four roads known for their challenges.

Google Maps

Because of our planned route, we were unable to rent from any of the major chain car rental companies.

The further we got from Anchorage, the fewer vehicles we saw.Garrett Ziegler

Once we found our car rental company, we still had to take on significant research and pre-trip planning.

Our Jeep Cherokee SUV car rental, aka, "Hobart the Great Stormrider."Garrett Ziegler

Throughout our drive, I was surprised to see so much mud everywhere, all the time, on every road.

A muddy road near Clearwater, Alaska.Garrett Ziegler

One of the biggest lessons I learned while driving in Alaska is, don't rely on GPS. I think "The Milepost" is the number-one most important resource to purchase, pack, and use.

My trusty copy of "The Milepost."Jessica Allen

One of the biggest lessons I learned while driving in Alaska is, don't rely on GPS. I think "The Milepost" is the number-one most important resource to purchase, pack, and use.

Our first major road was the Glenn Highway. I found driving on it to be scary, with tons of tight curves.

The majestic Matanuska Glacier is visible from the Glenn Highway.Garrett Ziegler

I thought the next portion, McCarthy Road, did not live up to its reputation of being a terrible road for driving.

Big boulders mark the entrance to the McCarthy Road.Garrett Ziegler

While most of our drive on McCarthy Road went smoother than I expected, I became anxious when we had to drive over a one-lane bridge, which was the scariest part of the drive.

Driving over the Kuskulana Bridge on McCarthy Road required steady nerves.Garrett Ziegler

While most of our drive on McCarthy Road went smoother than I expected, I became anxious when we had to drive over a one-lane bridge, which was the scariest part of the drive.

Unlike McCarthy Road, I thought the Denali Highway was way worse than I expected it to be.

I thought the verdant, lake-filled tundra surrounding parts of the Denali Highway made it feel as if dinosaurs had only recently departed.Garrett Ziegler

When we reached the Dalton Highway, driving there lived up to our expectations. The remote road required intense concentration, I thought.

Our car was covered in mud after driving on the Dalton Highway.Garrett Ziegler

On the Dalton Highway, we passed the Arctic Circle, but I did not think it felt markedly colder, and we did not see Santa.

We kept our eyes peeled, but sadly did not see Santa during our time north of the Arctic Circle.Garrett Ziegler

We learned many lessons on our drive, including that car maintenance is key, as is driving defensively. And if you see a group of cars pulled off to the side of the road, do it too, and think twice before getting out.

The Dalton Highway gets a thumbs up from my son.Garrett Ziegler

We learned many lessons on our drive, including that car maintenance is key, as is driving defensively. And if you see a group of cars pulled off to the side of the road, do it too, and think twice before getting out.

Overall, I thought driving in Alaska added an additional layer of adventure to an already adventurous vacation and I'm so glad I did it. It's a gorgeous place — if you can manage to enjoy the view from the road.

My family had an amazing time in Alaska.Garrett Ziegler

Overall, I thought driving in Alaska added an additional layer of adventure to an already adventurous vacation and I'm so glad I did it. It's a gorgeous place — if you can manage to enjoy the view from the road.

An upcoming global cruise will let travelers live on a luxury cruise ship for 155 nights — see what it'll be like aboard the sailing

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

I drove on Alaska's 4 most dangerous roads even though I hate to drive. It was terrifying, but also one of the best trips I've ever taken.

This summer, I traveled to Alaska with my husband and son. We spent 18 nights exploring four national parks and drove approximately 2,1000 miles.

Our itinerary had us on four roads known for their challenges.

Because of our planned route, we were unable to rent from any of the major chain car rental companies.

Once we found our car rental company, we still had to take on significant research and pre-trip planning.

Throughout our drive, I was surprised to see so much mud everywhere, all the time, on every road.

One of the biggest lessons I learned while driving in Alaska is, don't rely on GPS. I think "The Milepost" is the number-one most important resource to purchase, pack, and use.

Our first major road was the Glenn Highway. I found driving on it to be scary, with tons of tight curves.

I thought the next portion, McCarthy Road, did not live up to its reputation of being a terrible road for driving.

While most of our drive on McCarthy Road went smoother than I expected, I became anxious when we had to drive over a one-lane bridge, which was the scariest part of the drive.

Unlike McCarthy Road, I thought the Denali Highway was way worse than I expected it to be.

When we reached the Dalton Highway, driving there lived up to our expectations. The remote road required intense concentration, I thought.

On the Dalton Highway, we passed the Arctic Circle, but I did not think it felt markedly colder, and we did not see Santa.

We learned many lessons on our drive, including that car maintenance is key, as is driving defensively. And if you see a group of cars pulled off to the side of the road, do it too, and think twice before getting out.

Overall, I thought driving in Alaska added an additional layer of adventure to an already adventurous vacation and I'm so glad I did it. It's a gorgeous place — if you can manage to enjoy the view from the road.