Dalton Highway
Dalton Highway (Haul Road)
& The Arctic
Fairbanks to Coldfoot = 259 m / 415 km
Fairbanks to Deadhorse = 498 m / 798 km
Highest Point = Atigun Pass 4,800 ft/1,463 m
To see this route in detail, click on the map to the right. Use your browser's "Back Button" to return to this page.
The Dalton is probably Alaska's most remote and challenging road. The route offers stunning views of the Brooks range, access to the Yukon River, arctic tundra regions, and endless opportunities for the backcountry explorer. For any adventurer it offers unparalleled scenic beauty, recreational opportunities and wildlife. Services along the road are extremely limited, and road conditions vary widely. If you plan to explore this area on your own - BE PREPARED!!
GETTING HERE:
There are a few
ways to travel the Haul Road (Dalton Highway). Keep in mind that very few car rental companies allow you to take their rented vehicles on this route. The ones that do, usually require that you rent a 4-wheel drive, and will not cover any damage / problems you may have while on the route. If
you decide to use this method, be very sure you understand what your
responsibilities may be.
There are a few tour/travel companies that offer service between Fairbanks and Prudhoe Bay.
Trans-Arctic Circle Treks Ltd. offers a variety of tour and fly-drive options either to the Arctic Circle, or all the way to Deadhorse on the Arctic Ocean. 1-800-479-8908.
Dalton Highway Express: offers transportation to any point between Fairbanks and Prudhoe Bay on the arctic coast - 3 times a week in the summer months.. They are equipped to transport gear for hikers. One day trips to the Arctic Circle are also available.
Northern Alaska Tour Company: also offers a wide variety of excursions throughout the interior and far north, including the Arctic Circle, Barrow, Kotzebue and more.
Construction of the road began in 1974. From Fairbanks the route parallels the trans-Alaska Pipeline all the way to the Arctic Ocean. The Dalton was originally closed to the public and used solely for the transportation of material and supplies between Fairbanks and Prudhoe Bay. The Dalton proper actually begins at mile 73 (from Fairbanks) on the Elliot Highway ends at Deadhorse a few miles from the Arctic Ocean. Access to the Arctic Ocean is only available through local tour operators.
2.1
million acres of public land along the Dalton are managed by the Bureau of Land Management. There are 4 established public campgrounds. Campgrounds listed here with distance from Fairbanks. 1)Hess Creek 97 mi/156 km; 2)Arctic Circle 189 mi/302 km; 3)Prospect Camp/Jim River 210 mi/337 km 4)Marion Creek Campground 253 mi/405 km -$6. The Dalton Highway also allows limited access to the Brooks Range, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and
the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge. It is possible to hike into these areas from the road, but generally a plane is required to venture into the best parts. See the BLM website for much more information on Gates of the Arctic National Park.
Fishing (grayling, burbot, whitefish, salmon and Dolly Varden) is considered to be very good in many of the rivers along the highway.
Coldfoot: Located at mile 175 in the southern part of the
Brooks Range is 248 miles north of Fairbanks. Population is about 25 in
summer but drops to 10 in the winter months. This is a subarctic region
and temperatures range from 15 to -20 in the winters; to an average of 70 in the
summer. Visitor facilities are few here and you should plan ahead if you are not
planning to camp/hike.
The National Park Service, BLM, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service operate a
visitor center here. They offer information and regular presentations on
the natural and cultural history of the Arctic. The visitor center sells
USGS topographical maps of the area. Open from June 1 through September
1.
Deadhorse: 498 miles north of Fairbanks. Located on the arctic plain at the edge of the Arctic Ocean. Population is about 4,000 workers depending on the oilfield activity. Winter temperatures stay well below zero (-55 to -65F). The sun does not rise for 56 days in winter. But, from about April to August the daylight hours are continuous and temperatures can reach into the high 70's. There are some visitor Facilities located here, but very few. Advanced planning is always recommended. Access to the Ocean is restricted and unescorted visitors are not allowed - i.e., you must take a tour if you wish to see the Arctic Ocean.
For more information on getting to the remote areas including Gates of the Arctic, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge or for information on camping, hiking, fishing or other recreational opportunities, see "Alaska & Yukon Parks".