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Drives Alaska Fairbanks, Denali and Interior Alaska

Chena Hot Springs Road

Chena Hot Springs Road · Steese Expressway → Chena Hot Springs Resort

Leisurely53 mi1 hr1,800 ft climbHigh point ≈ 1,200 ftOne way
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The drive

Chena Hot Springs Road runs 52.7 miles east of Fairbanks up the Chena River valley to Chena Hot Springs Resort. The drive takes about 1 hr 2 min, with 1,762 feet of climb and a high point of 1,175 feet. It is a long river-valley run with gentle bends through spruce and birch.

About 26 miles in, the road enters the 254,000-acre Chena River State Recreation Area. State biologists name sloughs and ponds along the road as moose habitat, including Flat Creek Slough, Slough Lake and Hodgins Slough.

The road is a dead end at the resort. It is maintained to the resort year round.

Along the way

  1. Steese Expressway (Chena Hot Springs Road)
  2. Chena Hot Springs Resort
Elevation
1,800 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 1,200 ft
Steese ExpresswayChena Hot Springs Resort
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
Steese ExpresswayChena Hot Springs Resort
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Moose are common near the road, particularly at dawn and dusk.
  • The road dead-ends at the resort, so plan fuel for the round trip.
  • Winter brings snow and ice, though the road is plowed.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Alaska 511.

Questions about this drive

How long does Chena Hot Springs Road take?

The drive from the Steese Expressway to Chena Hot Springs Resort is 52.7 miles and takes about 1 hr 2 min.

Can you see moose on Chena Hot Springs Road?

Often. The state recreation area has beaver ponds and sloughs where moose graze, and mornings and evenings are best.

Is Chena Hot Springs Road open in winter?

It is maintained to the resort year round, so check Alaska 511 for conditions.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
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Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Chena Hot Springs Road, from Steese Expressway to Chena Hot Springs Resort