Dalton Highway Road Trip (January 2026 Update)
The Dalton Highway (Alaska Route 11) remains one of America’s most epic and remote adventures—a 414-mile mostly gravel haul road from near Fairbanks to Deadhorse/Prudhoe Bay, paralleling the Trans-Alaska Pipeline through tundra, the Brooks Range, and the Arctic.
This 7-day itinerary is for the truly adventurous—expect rough conditions, limited services, and stunning isolation. In 2026, the road is well-maintained overall (mix of gravel and some paved sections), but check 511.alaska.gov for real-time updates on weather, construction, or flooding (e.g., Sagavanirktok River issues near Deadhorse).
Key Tips for 2026
- Best Time: Mid-May to mid-September; June-August warmest with 24-hour daylight. Avoid winter unless experienced (extreme cold, ice roads).
- Vehicle: Most standard rentals prohibit the Dalton—use specialists like Alaska 4×4 Rentals or GoNorth (4WD recommended, often with extras like spares/CB radios). Carry 2+ spare tires, repair kit, extra fuel (jerry cans), food/water, and a satellite communicator (e.g., Garmin inReach—no cell service most of the way).
- Gas Stations: Only three reliable spots—Yukon Crossing (Mile 56, seasonal), Coldfoot (Mile 175), Deadhorse (multiple, expensive). North of Coldfoot: 240 miles no services.
- Arctic Ocean Access: Still restricted—book a shuttle tour in Deadhorse (e.g., via Deadhorse Camp or Northern Alaska Tour Company; advance reservation required for security).
- Costs: High—fuel $5-7+/gallon remote; tours $200-300/person; prepare for self-sufficiency.
7-Day Itinerary
Day 0: Arrive Fairbanks
Stock up on supplies, rent vehicle. Overnight in town.
Day 1: Fairbanks → Arctic Circle (~200 miles)
Cross Yukon River bridge, Finger Mountain trail, hit the iconic Arctic Circle sign for photos.
Camp nearby.
Day 2: Arctic Circle → Coldfoot (~60 miles)
Brooks Range views, Grayling Lake (moose spotting), arrive Coldfoot for fuel/food/visitor center. Camp at Marion Creek.
Day 3: Coldfoot → Galbraith Lake (~140 miles)
Wiseman historic town, stunning Sukakpak Mountain pullout, climb Atigun Pass (Continental Divide, Dall sheep possible).
Wild camp.
Day 4: Galbraith Lake → Deadhorse (~140 miles)
Tundra plains, caribou herds possible, arrive industrial Deadhorse.
Overnight camp/hotel.
Day 5: Arctic Ocean Tour
Shuttle to Prudhoe Bay oil fields and Arctic Ocean (toe-dip if accessible). Extra time for hiking (e.g., into Gates of the Arctic or ANWR from pullouts).
Days 6-7: Return to Fairbanks (~500 miles)
Break up the long drive with stops; explore Fairbanks on arrival before flying out.
This trip is raw Alaska—wildlife, vast emptiness, and true frontier vibes. Drive defensively (trucks have right-of-way), pack out everything, and embrace the adventure!