- Admission
- Free
- Hours
- Open 24/7 year-round (subject to winter weather road conditions)
- Duration
- 15-30 minutes
- Parking
- Large paved pullout with ample space for RVs and passenger vehicles
- Access
- Wheelchair accessible paved viewing areas and parking
Broad Pass is one of the most beautiful and expansive mountain passes in Alaska, offering sweeping 360-degree views of the Alaska Range. Despite being surrounded by towering peaks, it is surprisingly low and flat, making it an easy and breathtaking roadside stop. Keep an eye out for migrating caribou and dramatic weather shifts.
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Broad Pass is one of the most beautiful and significant mountain passes in Alaska, situated along the George Parks Highway near Cantwell. At an elevation of 2,300 feet, it is one of the lowest passes in the entire Alaska Range, providing a surprisingly gentle route through an otherwise rugged alpine landscape.
Visitors stopping here are treated to expansive, panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the winding Jack River. The wide, treeless expanse of the pass makes it an exceptional vantage point for spotting wildlife like caribou, moose, and grizzly bears against the tundra backdrop.
Its unique geography has made it a vital transportation corridor for centuries, used first by Indigenous peoples, then by the Alaska Railroad, and eventually by highway travelers. Today, it serves as a favorite roadside photo opportunity and a peaceful transition point between the interior and southcentral regions of the state.
Ratings
landmarkVisitor Tips
- ◆ Have your camera ready, as the wide-open landscape offers some of the best unobstructed mountain photography along the Parks Highway.
- ◆ Plan your stop for late summer or early autumn to witness the tundra transition into a vibrant carpet of reds, oranges, and yellows.
- ◆ Keep an eye out for the Alaska Railroad tracks that run parallel to the highway, as catching a train passing through this vast landscape is a classic photo opportunity.
Heads Up
- ◆ Weather at the pass can change rapidly, with strong winds and sudden temperature drops common even during the summer months.
- ◆ Be cautious when pulling off the highway, as traffic can move quickly and shoulder areas may be soft or narrow in some spots.
- ◆ Mosquitoes can be intense during the peak summer months, so insect repellent is highly recommended if you plan to step out of your vehicle.
Common questions
Can you see Denali from the Broad Pass overlook?
Yes, on clear days, Denali is visible looking north-northwest from the Broad Pass summit area and its roadside pullouts.
Is the Parks Highway through Broad Pass open during the winter?
Yes, the George Parks Highway through Broad Pass is kept open year-round, though winter travelers should prepare for high winds, drifting snow, and icy conditions.
Where is the best place to pull over and take photos at Broad Pass?
There is a paved scenic overlook with interpretive signs located near milepost 201 on the George Parks Highway, offering panoramic views of the valley and the Alaska Range.