For the seriously adventurous, take a scenic drive on the Dalton Highway in Alaska this fall. This remote arctic road heads through 400 miles of arctic tundra where the fall colors are beautiful. Cruise the first hundred miles for a lovely fall drive and then head back south or go all the way to Deadhorse for an incredible trip you’ll never forget. If you are looking for something seriously memorable to do in Alaska this fall, head on a scenic drive up the Dalton Highway.
For truly majestic views of the tundra and Alaska’s arctic, head up the Dalton Highway from the interior. This journey is only for the seriously adventurous, but totally worth it if you are.
synapticburn | Flickr
The James W. Dalton Highway, as known as Alaska Route 11, runs 414 miles from the Elliott Highway near Fairbanks and ends in Deadhorse near the Prudhoe Bay Oil Fields and the Arctic Ocean.
Malcolm Manners | Flickr
Also known as the “North Slope Haul Road”, you have to be prepared for the arctic. The territory is largely unoccupied tracks of arctic highway, so be self sufficient and bring survival gear for maximum fun and safety.
Timothy Wildey | Flickr
Interior car rental places will get you the right vehicle for the journey, or take one of the many shuttle and tour companies to see the north slope in style.
synapticburn | Flickr
Drive past the mighty Yukon River and see the massive river it all it’s glory. You will see the Yukon at mile 55 of the drive.
Santhosh Janardhanan | Flickr The journey is chronicled by ice road truckers with their own names for the features including: The Taps, The Shelf, The Bluffs, Oil Spill Hill, Beaver Slide, Two and a Half Mile, Oh S#*% Corner and the Roller Coaster.
The road parallels the pipeline and runs through Coldfoot, Wiseman and Deadhorse on its journey. If you are only interested in seeing the tundra and the autumn colors, you can turn back at Finger Mountain at mile 97.5 and head back to town.
Peter Waterman | Flickr
Caribou are frequent companions on the drive, as are trucks hauling materials and supplies to the North Slope for the oil fields. Be aware that you will need to be comfortable driving among trucks.
Peter Waterman | Flickr
Musk oxen can also be seen wandering the tundra. If you drive all the way to Deadhorse, polar bears have been seen wandering the end of the road.
Peter Waterman | Flickr
Even with all the extreme conditions of travel on the Dalton, the views are still amazing. Seeing Alaska’s arctic in fall colors is an amazing experience you’ll never forget.
Bureau of Land Management | Flickr
Take a drive this autumn up the Dalton Highway for the adventure of a lifetime in Alaska. The fall colors are perfect right now, or plan for next August and September.
Bureau of Land Management | Flickr
If you get hungry on the road, This Rustic River Camp In Alaska Has The Most Amazing Food. Definitely stop at Finger Mountain where you can Get Up Close To The Tundra At This Picturesque Spot in Alaska.
synapticburn | Flickr
Malcolm Manners | Flickr
Timothy Wildey | Flickr
Santhosh Janardhanan | Flickr
The journey is chronicled by ice road truckers with their own names for the features including: The Taps, The Shelf, The Bluffs, Oil Spill Hill, Beaver Slide, Two and a Half Mile, Oh S#*% Corner and the Roller Coaster.
Peter Waterman | Flickr
Bureau of Land Management | Flickr
Have you taken a scenic drive in Alaska this fall? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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