# Seward Highway

> The Seward Highway runs 127 miles from Anchorage along Turnagain Arm and through the Chugach Mountains to Seward. It holds national, state and All-American Ro

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/destinations/seward-highway/

The Seward Highway runs 127 miles from Anchorage along Turnagain Arm and through the Chugach Mountains to Seward. It holds national, state and All-American Road designations.

- **State:** Alaska
- **Length:** 127 mi (204 km)
- **Start / end:** Anchorage area to Seward
- **Road:** National Scenic Byway, All-American Road
- **Best season:** Summer; check conditions in winter

No toll roads expected for a car.

## What should you know before visiting Seward Highway?

- The first 50 miles run between the Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm. Beluga whales, Dall sheep and eagles can be seen, so use pullouts instead of stopping on the road.
- Stops include Girdwood, the Johnson Pass Trail, the Hope side trip of 18 miles, Summit Lake, Moose Pass and Exit Glacier near Seward.
- Moose and other wildlife can appear on the road. Check the Alaska 511 service for current conditions before you set out, especially outside summer.

## The drive

The route runs between Seward and the Anchorage area; the Potter Marsh viewpoint just south of the city is among the first stops. After the Turnagain Arm section it climbs through mountains with broad views. The ground here dropped in the 1964 earthquake, and hundreds of spruce died in salt water. Girdwood is close to Crow Creek Mine, where visitors pan for gold, and Seward has the Alaska SeaLife Center and the Exit Glacier road.

## Planning

Alaska DOT&PF runs the Alaska 511 service for road conditions. Summer traffic from Anchorage can be heavy, especially on weekends, so start early and allow time for pullouts. Fuel is listed in Anchorage, Girdwood and Seward, and little in between, so fill up in Girdwood. Chugach National Forest campgrounds such as Ptarmigan Creek take reservations, and some sites are first come, first served. For camping outside campgrounds, ask the Chugach National Forest, Chugach State Park and the City of Seward.

## FAQs

**How long is the Seward Highway?**
It is 127 miles (about 204 km) between the Anchorage area and Seward. With stops at Girdwood, Hope or Exit Glacier, plan a full day or more.

**What designations does the Seward Highway hold?**
It is a USDA Forest Service Scenic Byway, an Alaska Scenic Byway and an All-American Road. That reflects the scenery along Turnagain Arm and through the Chugach Mountains.

**Where do I check road conditions?**
Use the Alaska 511 service run by Alaska DOT&PF for current road conditions. Check it before each leg, especially in the cold season.

## Places to see

- [Russian River Falls](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b17-russian-river-falls/)
- [Homer Spit](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b17-homer-spit/)
- [Independence Mine State Historical Park](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b17-independence-mine/)
- [Matanuska Glacier](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b17-matanuska-glacier/)
- [Denali Visitor Center](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b8-denali-visitor/)
- [Exit Glacier](https://camping-spirit.com/places/exit-glacier/)
- [Begich, Boggs Visitor Center](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b17-begich-boggs/)
- [Ninilchik Holy Transfiguration Church](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b17-ninilchik-church/)

## Campsites nearby

- [All campsites in Alaska](https://camping-spirit.com/camping/alaska/)