Dalton Highway
United States, north-america
666 km
1,415 m
difficult
June to August
The Dalton Highway is a 666-kilometer gravel and dirt road running from the Elliott Highway junction north of Fairbanks to Deadhorse near Prudhoe Bay on Alaska's North Slope. Built in 1974 as a supply road for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System and the Prudhoe Bay oil fields, the highway is one of the most isolated roads in the United States. It crosses the Yukon River, traverses the Brooks Range through Atigun Pass (1,415 m), and crosses the Arctic Circle, passing through terrain that ranges from boreal forest to treeless Arctic tundra.
The road is unpaved for most of its length, with a surface of gravel and dirt that becomes treacherous when wet or during freeze-thaw cycles. Services are extremely limited: only three places along the entire 666-kilometer route offer fuel, food, and lodging - at the Yukon River crossing, Coldfoot (population around 10), and Deadhorse. Flat tires from the sharp gravel are common, and travelers are advised to carry at least two full-sized spare tires. The road is shared with massive 18-wheel supply trucks heading to and from the oil fields, which throw up blinding clouds of dust and gravel.
Despite its challenges, the Dalton Highway offers unparalleled wilderness experiences. The road passes through some of the last truly wild landscapes in North America, with opportunities to see caribou, grizzly bears, muskoxen, wolves, and Arctic foxes. The midnight sun illuminates the landscape 24 hours a day from June through July, while the northern lights dance across the sky in winter. The highway is open year-round, though winter temperatures can drop below minus 50 degrees Celsius, and white-out conditions from blowing snow can close the road for days at a time.
Where is it?
Dalton Highway is located in Alaska, United States (north-america). Coordinates: 66.5000, -150.0000
Driving Tips
Carry at least two spare tires and extra fuel. Only three service stops in 666 km. Watch for 18-wheeler trucks and give them space. No cell phone coverage for most of the route. Headlights on at all times due to dust.
Road Surface
Gravel and dirt
Road Details
- Country
- United States
- Continent
- north-america
- Region
- Alaska
- Length
- 666 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,415 m
- Difficulty
- difficult
- Surface
- Gravel and dirt
- Best Season
- June to August
- Coordinates
- 66.5000, -150.0000
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