For most of the planet, the sun has always been a reliable, life-giving, and predictable partner. But imagine if the sun never rose above the horizon, or if it stayed above the horizon for weeks at a time. These extreme conditions are a reality high above Alaska's Arctic Circle, and a visit to the region will give you a new appreciation for that big star in the sky. Find out how to travel along the famous Dalton Highway and experience this phenomenon above the Arctic Circle.
Where is the Arctic Circle in Alaska?
The Arctic Circle is an imaginary line around the Earth drawn parallel to the equator. Anything above that line is called the “North Pole.” In Alaska, there is a sign marking the location of the Arctic Circle, about a five-hour drive north of Fairbanks along the Elliott and Dalton Highways. The higher you travel above the Arctic Circle, the more extreme your experience of sunlight becomes. On the winter solstice, the Arctic Circle marks the place where the sun does not rise above the horizon. The further north you go from there, the longer the sun remains steadily below the horizon.This winter phenomenon is called polar night. Conversely, a polar day occurs in the North Pole around the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in June. midnight sunwhere the sun never sets.
If you want to experience both extremes for yourself in the United States, there's only one place to go: Alaska. The first step is to arrive in Fairbanks, about a few hundred miles south of the Arctic Circle. The journey begins here.
How can you cross the Arctic Circle quickly?
There are many ways to access Alaska's Arctic region, but what's the quickest way? Boarding a plane. Before your flight north from Fairbanks, make time for lunch at East His Rump Pizza, located on the other side of the runway at Fairbanks' International Airport. Grab a table by the window to get a view of the local air traffic arriving and departing. Small planes serve as taxis to some of Alaska's most remote locations, including communities above the Arctic Circle.
Visitors can take “bush flights” to Arctic communities and villages with airlines such as Wright Air, Brooks Range Aviation, and Coyote Air. However, don't expect to book your flight tickets online. Reservations are usually made by phone. If you're looking for a guided tour from Fairbanks that includes a flight above the Arctic Circle, Northern Alaska Tour Company offers a variety of options throughout the year.
How do I drive across the Arctic Circle?
Not for the faint of heart, driving the rugged Dalton Highway in the Arctic Circle is a must-do for those looking for an extraordinary experience in northern Alaska. If you want to get around without the stress of renting a car or want to manage your self-driving arrangements, Dalton Highway Express offers affordable up and down routes with multiple stops each week from May to September. Offered at affordable rates. This is as close to a taxi fare as you can get and a fraction of the price of a private charter.
If you're heading north with a large group, you may want to invest in a private charter van that lets you travel at your own pace with an experienced driver. The aforementioned Northern Alaska Tour Company also offers round-trip private charters. Finally, if you are an experienced backcountry traveler and have experience driving (and surviving!) in rough, mountainous terrain, self-driving may be an option for you.
Can I drive the Dalton Highway by myself?
yes! Originally built in the '70s, the Dalton Highway is a rugged 414-mile stretch of road from Livengood to Deadhorse that provides infrastructure to support the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. During that time, the road was only open to truck drivers transporting supplies to the Prudhoe Bay oil fields. As a result, this road is still referred to as the “transport road” by local residents and truck drivers.
Haul Road was opened to tourist traffic in the 1990s, but drivers should be careful. The road infrastructure is still first and foremost a communal corridor. Drivers should never expect “normal” conditions on this stretch of road. Lots of gravel in the summer, driving at low speeds to avoid dust (summer) and ice (winter), inevitable rock chips kicked up by traffic, lots of potholes big enough to blow out a tire, and Fairbanks. It is well known that cell phones do not work after leaving the country. It took over 6 hours to reach Coldfoot Camp. The closest medical facilities are at the end of the road in Fairbanks or Deadhorse. During the entire 414-mile trip, there are only three stops to refuel and four overnight stops.
To reach this part of Alaska, start by driving the Elliott Highway 133 miles north from Fairbanks (about 2 hours at moderate speed). There you'll find a large sign marking Dalton Highway Mile #1 and another sign explaining the historical background of this road.
Most rental car companies do not allow guests to drive on the Dalton Highway. You definitely don't want to roll the dice. Due to the remoteness of this area, AAA and other towing services do not service this area, so a tow from Dalton to Fairbanks can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000, or more. It is rumored that it will take. A stranded driver may be waiting 24 hours (or more) for a tow truck to arrive. In other words, self-sufficiency is key. A few companies allow their vehicles to travel north, including GoNorth, Alaska 4×4 Rentals, Arctic Outfitters, and Alaska Auto Rental.
What do I need to drive on the Dalton Highway?
- Must have experience driving in mountainous areas or dangerous conditions.
- Some form of satellite communications equipment. Cell phone service will not be available for most of the trip.
- Backup essentials like a spare full-size tire, an emergency kit, and food and water in case something breaks down.
- If you drive your own car, have a spare gas tank.
- CB Radio: Truckers rule the roads and this is how you communicate with them. Expect to see many semi-trucks and oversized cargo. Professional drivers use radio to tell them when to pull over, about potential obstacles ahead, and when to turn in extreme weather.
Where can I stop or stay along the Dalton Highway?
There appear to be many service roads that divert from the Dalton River, but most of them are gated roads to access the pipeline. There are only four roadside stops with services and accommodation, and several other unique stops for visitors.
Notable stops along the Dalton Highway include:
- Mile 56: Yukon River Camp (YRC) is a truck stop located across the Yukon River Bridge that offers fuel, snacks, and an occasional cafe menu. There are also inns where you can book basic accommodation with running water and a generator. YRC has no cell service or his WiFi.
- Mile 98: Finger Mountain It's a great spot to stretch your legs in the summer. There are several outhouses. During the summer months, you can find his trail a short walk to the finger-shaped rock that gives this area its name.
- 115.2 miles: This pull-off has outdoor cabins and a Bureau of Land Management-managed campground for summer reservations, as well as an “official” sign marking the Arctic Circle, making for great photo opportunities.
If you have time, don't just look back at the Arctic Circle. There's plenty to see north of 115 miles, including the majestic Brooks Range.
- Mile 175: Coldfoot Camp It's about 6-7 hours from Fairbanks and offers better gas stations, a full-menu cafe, and an inn where you can stay overnight in rustic accommodations with running water and a generator. The community of Coldfoot has an airstrip for bush flights, as it serves as a base for many visitors to the area for the Gate of the Arctic National Park, winter Northern Lights tours, and other Arctic activities . Coldfoot has decent cell phone service, especially for those with his AT&T. WiFi is unreliable at best, so don't expect a good connection. There is no grocery store, but a small post office is open for a few hours, three days a week. Also, because Gates of the Arctic National Park is a roadless national park, the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center is open in the summer (with park information, exhibits, presentations, and a bookstore), but Coldfoot is not at the Gate of the Arctic Circle. Arctic National Park.
- 188.5 miles: For a truly local experience, consider visiting or staying in the charming village of Wiseman, home to approximately 11 intrepid Alaskans year-round. The population of this community was just over 120 people at the peak of the gold rush in the 1920s. The people who now live there maintain a subsistence lifestyle, many have formed dog teams for dog sledding in the winter, and they all have a deep appreciation for the Brooks Range and all it has to offer. I chose to live in this area out of love. Wiseman has three accommodations to choose from: Arctic Getaway, Arctic Hive, and Boreal Lodge. Each offers unique, cozy and handcrafted off-grid accommodations.
- Miles 235-250: After following the Pipeline through the Brooks Range, here we begin our climb up Atigun Pass. First climbing the Chandalar ledge and then crossing the Atigun pass, paying close attention to oncoming truck traffic with heavy loads, icy or muddy passes, and unashamedly using his CB radio. Please notify nearby trucks. Both trails offer expansive views of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to the east and the Gates of Arctic National Park to the west. Please use extreme caution when passing through this area.
- Miles 275: After a steep descent from the pass, the views begin to open up as you leave the Brooks Range. Galbraith Lake, on the west side of the road, has a Bureau of Land Management campground for overnight stays, an outhouse, and a cell phone tower that provides decent service. After passing Toorik Field Station (284.5 miles) there is one more small climb. On the exit, be sure to take in one last expansive view of the Brooks Range behind you.
- The area after the Brooks Range is called the North Slope and features miles of arctic tundra that extend all the way to the coast.
- Mile 417: Deadhorse Camp It is approximately 14 hours from Fairbanks. Self-drivers cannot tour or access Prudhoe Bay in the Arctic Ocean on their own, but Northern Alaska Tour Company offers tours. There is rustic accommodation with a cafe and running water.
The Arctic offers a variety of adventure experiences that are as vast as its wild landscapes. Whether you take advantage of the endless light of summer's midnight sun or the cotton candy-colored dusk of polar night (or anytime in between!), Alaska's North Pole is sure to leave a lasting impression.
