How long to drive the dalton highway

In the courts sided with the environmental groups, leading Congress to pass the Alaska Pipeline Authorization Act to resolve the permitting issues. These delays meant that it was not until that Alyeska began construction on the pipeline and the majority of the haul road. The road was needed first, and over five months in the summer of , miles of road were built. From the passenger seat of a small commuter plane, the Dalton Highway and the Trans Alaska Pipeline are seen running side-by-side north of Atigun Pass.

For the next three years, the haul road was the scene of nearly constant travel and activity up and down its route. That rush meant jobs were plentiful and pay was very good, including for the truckers who moved most of the material to the many pipeline construction camps north of Fairbanks.

That good money could come at a cost. Like the Hickel Highway, driving the haul road in its first years was no easy task. Although it was built to higher standards than its predecessor, it still had many dangerous spots, especially going over the Brooks Range. The next thing you know, they are in the ditch, upside down or maybe dead. It turned on its own. Alyeska finished the pipeline in , and on June 20th oil started flowing from Deadhorse to Valdez.

Cruise or Land Tour First? Cruise Only or Cruise Tour? Guide Points Map. The iconic "Arctic Circle" sign Still, with a rugged vehicle and plenty of supplies, you can do it: drive through the boreal forests and up to the misty Arctic oilfields of Deadhorse.

Show Map. Guide Points. Remote Operated Valve Site mi Pump Station 6. Yukon River Bridge. Five Mile Camp Camping Area. Views of Finger Rock mi Finger Mountain Wayside. Junction of Elliott Hwy. Turn west to Eureka and Manley Hotsprings. The Dalton Highway crosses the Yukon River.

Yukon Crossing, telephone, gas, food and accommodation. BLM maintains a visitor contact station staffed with volunteers open daily from 9 to 6 from late may to September. Sixty-Mile, undeveloped camping area, water, outhouses, food, dump station and lodging.

Arctic Circle scenic viewpoint with interpretive signs, picnic area, outhouses and undeveloped camping area. Grayling Lake moose are often found in this nutrient rich aquatic vegetation. Viewpoint and outhouse. Visitor Center open daily, 10 a.

BLM staff are available to answer questions and provide road condition and wildlife sightings. Wiseman, drive 3 miles west of the highway to reach Wiseman, an old goldrush town established in There are BLM campgrounds along the way, so you can take your time, or head toward Coldfoot and Wiseman for your first overnight.

The Arctic Interagency Visitor Center in Coldfoot is a great place to pick up useful information about area trails and local history before you continue the drive north. Wiseman is about 14 miles from Coldfoot, and this historic mining town is worth a stop before you continue along the Brooks Range toward Atigun Pass.

At 4, feet, Atigun Pass is the highest highway pass in Alaska. Find a pullout if you want to stop for the views and to look for Dall sheep. This stretch of road is a great place to birdwatch — and look for musk ox and caribou!