Glenn Highway
Glenn Highway
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
26 reviews
Excellent
12
Very good
12
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MountainMama
CANTON, United States547 contributions
Jun 2020
The Glenn Highway is a must see. We got on it in Glennallen and took it all the way over to Palmer and Anchorage. When you first get on in Glennallen you can't see too much, mostly trees, but just give it about 10 -15 minutes and you will be in heaven! The views along the Glenn are breathtaking! Lions Head is a must see, and once you see it up ahead, you can't mistake it!
Written July 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim T
Kenai, AK1,157 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
The Glenn Highway from Glennallen to Anchorage is one of the most scenic drives in Alaska. Even on a cloudy and rainy day there is beauty to be seen. Multiple creeks and lakes to fish all along the way. Places to to eat abound and plenty of things to experience. Eukeka Lodge, Sheep Mountain Lodge, Lake Louise Road and Lodge, Mendeltna Creek Lodge, Tolsona Lake Lodge just to mention a few. Gunsite Mountian, Kings Mtn, Matanuska Glacier the list goes on and on. Enjoy the drive.
Written August 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anthony
New York City, NY1,007 contributions
Jun 2017 • Friends
We drove the Glenn Highway east from Anchorage to Glenallen. The first half of this stretch is more scenic with many snow-capped mountains. Make sure to stop at the Matanuska Glacier Recreational Site at mile 101 to catch some nice views; it also makes a nice restroom stop.
The second half to Glenallen is less scenic until you approach Glenallen when Mount Drum provides an imposing backdrop.
The second half to Glenallen is less scenic until you approach Glenallen when Mount Drum provides an imposing backdrop.
Written July 16, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rhys J
Llanbedr, UK2,925 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
My wife and I travelled along the Glenn Highway on our escorted ‘Natural Wonders of Alaska’ tour with Titan Travel. We travelled the 179 miles by motor coach from The Lakefront Anchorage Hotel on the shores of Lake Hood near Anchorage to Glenallen and the junction with the Richardson Highway. We then turned south travelling the Richardson Highway to Valdez on the shores of a fjord on the eastern side of Prince William Sound for our two night stay at the Mountain Sky Hotel. Our well informed tour manager explained that the highway was constructed from Anchorage to reach the agricultural community of Palmer and was originally known as the Palmer Road. It was extended during World War II and completed to Glennallen and is now part of the Alaska Highway network. The origins of it's present name is after Captain Edwin Glenn who was the leader of an US Army expedition in 1890s to locate a route to the Alaskan gold fields.
We saw very few other vehicles on the highway during our long journey which meant that we had a very smooth and relaxing ride on our motor coach. We were fortunate to be travelling on a clear sunny day and the views even through the tinted windows of our motor coach were spectacular. The snow and ice covered peaks of the Chugach Mountains were breathtaking and I was captivated by the beauty of the copper coloured landscape around Sheep Mountain and at the Sheep Mountain Lodge, our stop for lunch and a comfort break. Seeing the Matanuska Glacier even from a distance was amazing and also the majestic snow and ice covered slopes of Mount Drum near Glenallen. It's well worth travelling the Glenn Highway from Anchorage to Glenallen for the stunning views and to marvel at the highway's construction through such isolated terrain.
We saw very few other vehicles on the highway during our long journey which meant that we had a very smooth and relaxing ride on our motor coach. We were fortunate to be travelling on a clear sunny day and the views even through the tinted windows of our motor coach were spectacular. The snow and ice covered peaks of the Chugach Mountains were breathtaking and I was captivated by the beauty of the copper coloured landscape around Sheep Mountain and at the Sheep Mountain Lodge, our stop for lunch and a comfort break. Seeing the Matanuska Glacier even from a distance was amazing and also the majestic snow and ice covered slopes of Mount Drum near Glenallen. It's well worth travelling the Glenn Highway from Anchorage to Glenallen for the stunning views and to marvel at the highway's construction through such isolated terrain.
Written March 6, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mhulkman
Carson City, NV23 contributions
Jun 2016 • Family
My apologies to the some of the reviewers below but after driving the Glenn highway last week I completely disagree with the negative comments. My guess is they live in a major city and have never driven on a 2 lane hwy before. We almost decided against this drive because the reviews make it sound like the road is dangerous. I have no idea what they are talking about. The road is as safe or safer as any 2 lane country hwy I have ever driven. The shoulders are NOT wide enough to pull over anywhere you want but there are pullouts and parking areas just about every half mile to mile along the route. And i didnt notice any area that even required guard rails, there is no mtn pass or curves hugging a cliff whatsoever.
From the town of Palmer to mile post 130 is incredible scenery! Ive been to 30+ national parks and the scenery rivals any national park drive. Following the Matanuska river all the way to its source, the Matanuska Glacier was amazing. One of just a few glaciers that you can actually drive up to. We saw several moose along the way. We also spotted dall sheep n mtn goats with binoculars up on sheep mtn. We saw a few trumpeter swans in one of the many lakes n ponds you drive by as well. Plus this drive gives you much more solitude compared to the drive up to denali or down to the kenai peninsula so its a nice break from the crowds for a day.
From the town of Palmer to mile post 130 is incredible scenery! Ive been to 30+ national parks and the scenery rivals any national park drive. Following the Matanuska river all the way to its source, the Matanuska Glacier was amazing. One of just a few glaciers that you can actually drive up to. We saw several moose along the way. We also spotted dall sheep n mtn goats with binoculars up on sheep mtn. We saw a few trumpeter swans in one of the many lakes n ponds you drive by as well. Plus this drive gives you much more solitude compared to the drive up to denali or down to the kenai peninsula so its a nice break from the crowds for a day.
Written June 5, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NAOMI_Alaska
Seward, AK63 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
Note: This road is 179 miles long, going from Anchorage to the junction of the Richardson Highway in Glennallen. This road does NOT go from Seward. You can drive the 120 mile Seward Highway from Seward to Anchorage (gorgeous!) and then connect up to the Glenn.
We drove the Glenn Highway last year in July and this year in June. Both times we drove in the afternoon on a week day, which is a good way to minimize traffic.
From Anchorage the road is blah until you get past Palmer. At this point the road begins to wind up, along the river. The views as you get higher up are lovely, but the curves and climbs are a bit hard on the rv.
I love the view of Matanuska Glacier from the highway. I also like the way, when you get past the glacier the view opens up. As you approach Glennallen, if you are lucky, you get view of Mt. Wrangell.
The road is pretty well maintained and there are rest stops along the way to get out and stretch your legs.
We drove the Glenn Highway last year in July and this year in June. Both times we drove in the afternoon on a week day, which is a good way to minimize traffic.
From Anchorage the road is blah until you get past Palmer. At this point the road begins to wind up, along the river. The views as you get higher up are lovely, but the curves and climbs are a bit hard on the rv.
I love the view of Matanuska Glacier from the highway. I also like the way, when you get past the glacier the view opens up. As you approach Glennallen, if you are lucky, you get view of Mt. Wrangell.
The road is pretty well maintained and there are rest stops along the way to get out and stretch your legs.
Written July 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FDinger
Florida1,384 contributions
Jun 2019 • Family
We drove the Glenn Highway from Glennallen to Palmer as part of a long drive that started in Fairbanks. The views, especially during the second half of the Glenn Highway, were stunning! It’s a very well maintained highway, so enjoy the drive and consider a stop at the Matanuska Glacier.
Written July 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BearFan NC
North Carolina347 contributions
Sep 2016 • Solo
I drove the Glenn Highway in Alaska on September 7, 2016. The drive is one of the most beautiful drives I have ever taken. The fall colors were amazing and made the mountains creeks, rivers and glaciers even more stunning. I highly recommend that you rent a car and take this drive while you are in Alaska. You will be amazed at the unspoiled beauty that you will experience.
Written October 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CrankingChick
Tucson, AZ7,681 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
We drove the Glenn Highway from Glennallen to Anchorage. The eastern part was not very interesting; there were mountains in the distance but they were hard to see because it was a cloudy day. The view became more scenic around Mendeltna and Nelchina where we could see views of Nelchina Glacier. We stopped at Long Rifle Lodge for lunch and they had a great view of Matanuska Glacier right from the dining room. We also stopped at Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Area for views of that glacier. The portion of the drive west of Matanuska that follows the river valley to Palmer is the most scenic, with some curvy sections and grades. There aren't a lot of services along this road so start with a full gas tank and take food (or plan ahead where you can stop at one of the few roadhouses).
Written August 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shulamit657
Jerusalem, Israel257 contributions
Jul 2015
the Glenn Highway runs from Wasilla to Glennellen and is vey scenic. Be sure to stop at Matanuska State Park. there is a nice scenic walk that overlooks the Glacier. there are viewing platforms.!
Written August 13, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm going NUTS planning our trip NEXT Aug. I went seven years ago and did the in-land and cruise. The train brought us to our destinations and now I'm thinking maybe drive to our destinations and get on the cruise after. Does the Glenn Highway run from Anchorage to Denali!?
Written July 20, 2017
Hi Kathy K and it's the George Parks Highway that connects Anchorage and Denali. The Glenn Highway heads east from Anchorage to Glenallen where it connects with the Richardson Highway north to Fairbanks and south to Valdez. Hope you enjoy your next Alaskan adventure as much as I did.
Best wishes / Cofion gorau
Rhys.
Written July 24, 2017
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