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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
