What do we know about Alaska? We know that its beauty will stop you dead in your tracks. We also know that the endless opportunities for fun won’t keep you dead in your tracks for more than a second. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or an eager visitor of the Last Frontier, chances are you can’t help but give in to the overwhelming urge to journey into the elements and experience the sense of adventure that defines the Alaska spirit. Which brings us to another thing we know for sure about our state: it is relentlessly rugged. The right mode of transportation makes all the difference in how epic your Alaskan adventure will be, and a reliable four-wheel drive most often the preferred choice – regardless of what you’re taking on. Here are three types of Alaskan activities that require a 4×4 vehicle:
Scenic Alaskan Drives in a 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle
Only a fraction of Alaska’s road system is actually paved, and that means some of our best scenic drives require a relentlessly rugged SUV, truck, or Jeep. Whether you’re planning a simple day-trip or want to spend a few days or more soaking it all in, Alaska has countless chances for fun off the beaten path. Denali National Park, the Denali Highway, Hatcher Pass, Matanuska Glacier, and many more all feature stunning views that can’t be missed and are much harder to access without a 4×4. Not to mention the countless off-road opportunities that abound at each. These locations are essentially meant to be explored with a vehicle that can handle the terrain. In other words, where the pavement ends, the fun begins!
Using a 4×4 Vehicle for Fishing & Camping
What Alaskan trip isn’t made perfect without a healthy dose of camping and/or fishing? The possibilities are endless when it comes to finding the right spot. Alaska has every kind of camping option available, from campgrounds to far more remote options. The more remote you get, the more challenging – and rewarding – it becomes to gain access. Many times, the most breathtaking sites are the ones not accessed from a simple turn out from a highway. That’s where your 4×4 comes in handy, as you navigate your way with ease. Don’t forget the add-ons you can utilize! Renting a 4×4 for an Alaskan camping or fishing trip makes sense because of the space and versatility they provide. You can haul extra toys like boats or a camper, and use the abundant space for extra gear like tents, tools, child seats, fish boxes, and more!
Alaskan Winter Sports & 4×4’s
That extra space and functionality come in handy when winter rolls around, and you’re ready for some fun in the snow. Places like Mount Alyeska, Hatcher Pass, and Turnagain Pass are hugely popular for skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling (though around here, we call it “snow machining”)! Using a four-wheel-drive vehicle not only makes for easier access to these locations, plus it lets you haul all the necessary gear much easier. From a safety standpoint as well, a 4×4 offers much better driving security; they are durable, versatile, and mobile enough to handle an Alaskan winter.
These are just some of the fun Alaskan activities you can enjoy to the fullest with a 4×4 rental. Whether you’re planning your trip around a summer excursion under the Midnight Sun or a winter adventure under the Northern Lights, the right vehicle will make for less stress and better versatility. Remember, while many rental companies can provide the right rig for the job, they will still insist on not using their rentals for some of the above activities. Get the full Alaska experience, work with a company that has a real understanding of what your expectations are, and provides 4×4 rentals with less restrictions!