Glenn Highway -- Scenic drive could become nationally recognized by government

I was driving to a meeting not long ago and this thought kept creeping into my mind -- Alaskans are truly spoiled by our surroundings. Particularly those of us who work and live here in the Mat-Su Valley.

I'm sure it helped that it was a glorious fall day. But really, it seems anywhere we drive in the Mat-Su Valley we are treated to a fantastic view of some sort.

This particular drive found me on the Glenn Highway -- the "transportation corridor" that links Anchorage to Tok. It is so much more than a transportation corridor, though.

It is a road of incredible beauty and amazing features.

Traversing the valley between the Chugach Mountains to the south and scenic Talkeetna Mountains to the north, the Glenn Highway is a destination in itself.

In fact, there is an effort under way to recognize the Glenn Highway as a national scenic byway -- a designation reserved for those roadways that are truly unique and outstanding.

It seems to be a natural fit for the Glenn Highway, because the roadway really does have it all.

For highways to be considered national scenic byway, they must possess one of six intrinsic qualities -- scenic, recreational, natural, historic, cultural or archaeological value.

If you haven't journeyed along the Glenn Highway for a while, it is worth the trip. And as you drive, think about the qualities that make the trip so enjoyable.

Scenic and natural. The vistas of the river, the glacier, the mountains and the lakes speak for themselves. The Glenn Highway can sometimes be frustrating in that there is too much for a driver to look at besides the road.

If given a choice, I'd recommend asking someone else to drive so you can take in scenic qualities.

There is also abundant wildlife in the area -- from moose, caribou and bear to birds and smaller mammals.

Recreational. Whether in the summer or winter, Alaska recreationalists know that adventure lies all along this corridor. Boating, fishing, hiking, rock and fossil hunting, rafting, biking, camping, glacier trekking and more are accessed via the Glenn in the summer.

Winter offers early snows and great trails for snowmachiners and cross-country skiers. And the corridor supports a series of great roadside lodges and amenities for the end of a long day of playing.

Saunas, hot tubs and excellent pie are a few of my favorite amenities.

Historical, cultural and archaeological. There is so much to learn along the Glenn Highway.

From the Native settlement and history of Chickaloon, to the coal fields of Sutton, to the homesteads and colony history near Palmer to the distinctive geological history that shaped the landscape, the Glenn Highway has many stories to tell.

The problem for the Glenn Highway is not which of the scenic byway qualities apply -- they all do -- but which qualities should be emphasized.

For this task, the Alaska Department of Transportation relies on a "partnership board" of community representatives and a series of public hearings for input.

To date, the communities, businesses and individuals along the corridor support the national scenic byway effort. The program's focus is recognition, not regulation.

Once recognized, the highway is eligible for federal grant monies for improvements, marketing efforts and interpretive displays. For more information, you can contact DOT.

Take this drive. You won't be disappointed.

Explore King Mountain, Eureka Summit, the Matanuska River and Matanuska Glacier areas. Visit Chickaloon and Sutton.

I've promised myself the next time I take that drive, I will embrace the thought that's sure to creep back into my mind -- that we are spoiled to live here, to drive here.

And on the Glenn Highway, it truly is the journey, not the destination, that should be enjoyed.