If you’re thinking about traveling to Alaska, there’s a choice you’ll have to make: fly or drive. For me, the decision to drive wasn’t just about getting there—it was about everything that happens along the way. Choosing to drive instead of fly let me feel the sheer vastness of Alaska, experience the wild beauty as it unfolded, and share an unforgettable journey with my Dad. What could have been a quick flight turned into a trip I’ll never forget.
When I was hired to make a documentary about Mount Denali, I had two options. Flying would’ve been faster and way less complicated. But as I thought about it, I realized driving would give me something a flight never could: the chance to see what lies between here and there. I wanted to feel the distance, watch the scenery change mile by mile, and earn the arrival. So I decided to take the long way.
To be honest, I wasn’t sure I’d made the right call at first. Thousands of miles stretched ahead of me, and I’d never driven anything like this before. Thankfully, my Dad decided to come along for the ride. He didn’t need much convincing—he was in almost as soon as I brought it up. Having him with me turned what could have been a solo mission into something much more meaningful.
Our home for the journey was my converted Ram ProMaster 2500 van. It wasn’t just a vehicle; it was our mobile base camp. Inside, we had a bed, a small kitchen, cabinets for storage, and even a portable toilet. Solar panels powered everything we needed, so we could camp off-grid whenever we wanted. My Dad slept on the floor, while I took the bed. Maybe I should’ve been a better son and swapped with him, but he didn’t seem to mind—he was just happy to be there.
Of course, the road had its challenges. One of the first things we had to figure out was dealing with the bugs. Alaska’s mosquitoes and biting flies are relentless. Within days, we rigged up makeshift bug nets to keep the van livable. Then there was the sun. The never-ending daylight threw off everything, from our sleep schedules to our sense of time. My Dad also got sick at one point, which made the journey tougher. But even with all of that, we kept moving forward.
Most of the drive was spent listening to podcasts, not music. It wasn’t really planned—it just worked out that way. Music came when we felt like talking or sharing stories. Those quiet conversations, set against the backdrop of endless highways, were some of the best moments of the trip.
The drive itself was full of unforgettable experiences. One of my favorite moments happened at the border between Canada and Alaska. My Dad stood there, one leg in each country, grinning like a kid. It was such a simple thing, but it captured what made this trip special: we weren’t rushing to get somewhere. We were taking the time to enjoy the journey, step by step.
And then there was Bear Glacier. It was the first glacier either of us had seen in America, and it was massive. The wind whipped around us as we stood across the thermal lake, staring at the ice towering into the clouds. It was cold, and I’ll admit, a little intimidating. But it was also incredible. That moment made the journey real in a way flying never could have. Alaska wasn’t just a destination anymore; it was something we’d earned by driving there.
Driving also gave me time to reconnect—with the landscape, with myself, and with my Dad. Growing up, we didn’t spend much time together. He was always working to support our family, and I get that now. This trip gave us the chance to talk about everything we hadn’t before, to share stories, and to just be. Those memories mean more to me than anything else from the trip.
If you have the time, whether it’s a month, six weeks, or longer, I can’t recommend driving to Alaska enough. The road offers something flying never will: a chance to experience the journey. You’ll see how the world changes as you head north, feel the solitude of remote highways, and discover places you never knew existed. Of course, not everyone has the luxury of time. If your main goal is to maximize your days in Alaska, flying might make more sense. But if you’re looking for an adventure, the drive is absolutely worth it.
Choosing to drive to Alaska wasn’t just a way to get there; it was the heart of the trip. From dealing with bugs and long days to seeing glaciers and sharing quiet conversations with my Dad, the road gave me more than I ever expected. Alaska is incredible, but the journey to get there—that’s what I’ll always remember.