Unforgettable Day Trips from Black Sheep

Nestled in the Talkeetna Mountains, Hatcher Pass is a breathtaking destination offering rugged peaks, alpine meadows, and rich gold mining history. Located just 40 minutes north of Black Sheep, this scenic area feels like something straight out of The Chronicles of Narnia, with its misty mountain peaks, untouched wilderness, and landscapes that change dramatically with the seasons.

Set against the backdrop of the Chugach Mountains, Palmer, is a charming valley town where fertile farmland meets wild, untamed landscapes. Known for its rich agricultural history, towering peaks, and glacier-fed rivers, Palmer offers a striking contrast of pastoral beauty and rugged adventure. Located just 25 minutes east of Black Sheep, this vibrant community is home to sprawling fields, local markets, and the iconic Matanuska Glacier—an ever-changing river of ice that carves through the valley like something out of an Arctic dream.

Framed by the towering Chugach Mountains and the glacial waters of Cook Inlet, this main hub—where most travelers first arrive—is just an hour south of Black Sheep. Anchorage offers essential shopping (Costco), dining, and cultural experiences while serving as a gateway to Alaska’s natural beauty. If a bridge spanned the inlet, Black Sheep would be a mere 20-minute drive, but instead, the scenic route around the Knik Arm brings you through breathtaking valley landscapes. Eklutna Lake, located 35 minutes from Black Sheep, is a glacial-fed gem in Chugach State Park, perfect for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting.

On the way to Fairbanks, you’ll pass one of Alaska’s greatest landmarks—Denali, North America’s tallest peak. Just a few hours north of Black Sheep, this stretch of road takes you through glacial valleys, alpine tundra, and endless mountain views, with chances to spot moose, caribou, and bears along the way.

Further north, Fairbanks welcomes you with wide-open skies, boreal forest, and a deep sense of Alaskan interior life. From midnight sun hikes in summer to aurora viewing in winter, the region offers a raw, unforgettable beauty—and a soak in the nearby Chena Hot Springs is the perfect way to relax after the journey.

Surrounded by steep fjords and tidewater glaciers, Valdez is one of Alaska’s most stunning coastal towns—and getting there is part of the experience. From Black Sheep, the drive takes you northeast along the Glenn Highway, passing scenic farmland and the towering Matanuska Glacier. The route winds through the vast Copper River Basin, then climbs into the Chugach Mountains, where Thompson Pass offers sweeping alpine views and access to Worthington Glacier. As you descend into Valdez, waterfalls like Bridal Veil and Horsetail Falls cascade down sheer cliffs lining the road.

Once in Valdez, you can visit the Solomon Gulch Hatchery, take a glacier or wildlife cruise through Prince William Sound, or hike along coastal trails surrounded by dramatic mountains and ocean views. It’s a destination that combines raw beauty with unforgettable outdoor adventure.

The Kenai Peninsula is a stunning mix of rugged wilderness, seaside charm, and adventure at every turn. From Black Sheep, head south along the Seward Highway, where jagged peaks rise above Turnagain Arm and beluga whales are sometimes spotted in the water below. A detour through the Anton Anderson Tunnel leads to Whittier, a quiet port town known for glacier cruises through Prince William Sound and up-close views of calving ice and marine wildlife.

Further along the highway, stop in Hope, a scenic town with gold rush roots, peaceful trails, and sweeping views of the inlet. Whether you're headed to Seward for ocean excursions, Homer for fishing and art, or simply taking in the drive, the Kenai Peninsula is a classic Alaskan journey—where mountains meet the sea in the most unforgettable way.