Dalton Highway (AK-11) — Fairbanks to the Arctic Circle & Prudhoe Bay
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Alaska Route Guide — Expert Level

Dalton Highway (AK-11) — Fairbanks to the Arctic Circle & Prudhoe Bay

Alaska's most legendary road trip. Travel beyond the Arctic Circle through mountains, tundra, and remote wilderness to Prudhoe Bay on the Arctic Ocean.

Distance 414 mi
Duration 3–5 Days
Terrain Expert
Season Jun – Sep
Total Distance
Total Distance 414 Miles
Recommended
Recommended 3–5 Days
Difficulty
Difficulty Expert
Terrain Type
Terrain Type Arctic Gravel Highway
Best Season
Best Season Jun – Sep
Best Vehicle
Best Vehicle 4×4 Truck Camper
Best Vehicle for This Route

CHOOSE YOUR RIG

Route Highlights

MILE BY MILE — DALTON HIGHWAY

Mile 0
Fairbanks

Departure Point

Start
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The journey begins in Fairbanks, the last major city before entering Alaska’s Arctic wilderness. Stock up on supplies, fuel, and emergency equipment before departure.

Mile 56
Yukon River Camp

Fuel & Services

Fuel
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Cross the legendary Yukon River on the Dalton Highway Bridge. Seasonal fuel, meals, and basic services are available here.

Mile 115
Arctic Circle

Landmark

Arctic
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One of Alaska’s most famous milestones. Travelers stop here for photos and to officially cross into the Arctic region.

Mile 175
Coldfoot

Service Stop

Fuel
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The northernmost truck stop in the United States. Fuel, lodging, meals, and visitor information are available.

Mile 244
Atigun Pass

Mountain Pass

Mountains
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At 4,739 feet, Atigun Pass is the highest year-round highway pass in Alaska, crossing the Brooks Range with dramatic mountain scenery.

Mile 284
North Slope

Tundra Region

Tundra
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The landscape transforms into vast Arctic tundra with opportunities to spot caribou, musk oxen, foxes, and migratory birds.

Mile 414
Deadhorse / Prudhoe Bay

Arctic Ocean Destination

Finish
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The northern end of the Dalton Highway. Prudhoe Bay sits on Alaska’s Arctic Coast and serves as the endpoint of North America’s most remote highway adventure.

Travel Logistics

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Dalton Highway is one of the most remote roads in North America. Proper preparation, vehicle selection, and planning are essential for a safe and successful Arctic journey.

Fuel Stops

Fuel Stops

  • Fill completely in Fairbanks before departure
  • Yukon River Camp — Mile 56
  • Coldfoot — Mile 175
  • Deadhorse — Mile 414
Road Conditions

Road Conditions

  1. Mix of paved and gravel surfaces
  2. Calcium chloride can create muddy conditions after rain
  3. Frequent construction during summer
  4. Flying rocks and truck traffic are common
Wildlife & Safety

Wildlife & Safety

  • Caribou frequently seen north of Atigun Pass
  • Moose common south of the Brooks Range
  • Grizzly bears occasionally visible along the route
  • Maintain safe wildlife viewing distances
Communications

Communications

  • Limited cell service beyond Fairbanks
  • Download offline maps before departure
  • Carry food and water reserves
  • Emergency communication devices recommended
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