Dalton Highway (Haul Road) & Arctic Circle

Fairbanks to Coldfoot = 259 m / 415 km
Fairbanks to Deadhorse = 498 m / 798 km
Highest Point = Atigun Pass 4,800 ft/1,463 m

The Dalton (more commonly referred to as the Haul Road) is  Alaska's most remote, isolated and challenging wilderness route. It is also unique both in scenic beauty and lack of services. Facilities along the road are extremely limited, and road conditions vary widely.  From Fairbanks to the Arctic Ocean, you will pass through several geographic zones including boreal forests, tundra, mountains, and the arctic coastal plain.  Only the Dalton offers stunning views of the Brooks range, access to the Yukon River and trans-Alaska Pipeline, access the Gates of the Arctic National Park, and many other  opportunities for backcountry exploration.   

Vehicle repair is extremely limited, there are no emergency facilities and no access by private vehicle to the Arctic Ocean.  The road ends in the service community of Deadhorse.  Commercial tour from the hotel in Deadhorse to the Arctic Ocean are available.  Reservations are required..  For complete information on this route, including publications, lodging, & transportation please contact the Fairbanks Visitors Center.

Construction of the road began in 1974 from Fairbanks, it parallels the trans-Alaska Pipeline all the way to the Arctic Ocean. It originally was used solely for the transportation of material and supplies between Fairbanks and Prudhoe Bay. Officially, the road begins at mile 73 (from Fairbanks) on the Elliot Highway and ends at Deadhorse 13 miles from the Arctic Ocean. Access to the Arctic Ocean is only available through Deadhorse 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.

For an excellent publication on traveling the Dalton contact the BLM 1150 University Ave. Fairbanks, AK.  99709. 

See the BLM website for much more information on Gates of the Arctic National Park  Contact Alaska Ourdoor Rentals and Guides at www.akbike.com to arrange canoe & kayak rentals to explore the rivers in this interior Arctic region.  Fishing (grayling, burbot, whitefish, salmon and Dolly Varden) is considered to be very good in many of the rivers along the highway.

Getting to the Arctic Circle and beyond.
There are a few ways to travel the Haul Road.  Keep in mind that most car rental companies to not allow their vehicles on this route as part of the road is still gravel and their are extremely few services along the route.  The ones that do, usually rent 4-wheel drive vehicles and will not cover any damage / problems you may have while on the route. 

Arctic Circle Tours
Alpenglow Alaska/Yukon Trails 800 770-7275
Offers day tour departing Fairbanks at 8:30a, arriving back in Fairbanks around 6:30p.  Tour stops at the Alyeska Pipeline Viewing Center, crosses the mighty Yukon River on the longest suspension bridge in Alaska, and on to the Arctic Circle.  Includes door-to-door service, morning & afternoon snacks, lunch, & personalized certificate for crossing the Circle.  Informative. Photo-opportunities.  Scenic.  

Trans-Arctic Circle Treks Ltd. 800 479-8908
Offers a variety of multiple day tours and fly-drive options to Deadhorse and on the Arctic Ocean. 

Northern Alaska Tour Company 
Offers multiple day excursions throughout the interior and far north, including the Arctic Circle, Barrow, Kotzebue.  

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