Its graveled chiefly roads, steep and slippery in places and muddy in others. They only have vault toilets, and 3 have potable watermore details and photos you can find in our article Dalton Highway Camping. We experienced. The pipeline would not be completed until 1977. Despite its remoteness, the Dalton Highway carries a good amount of truck traffic through to Prudhoe Bay: about 160 trucks daily in the summer months and 250 trucks daily in the winter. Our guide consists of several parts. Wow. keep your headlights and taillights clean so they are clearly visible. So, when pulling over to let them by, dont slow down too much, and do not get too far off the side of the road. Do you just want to drive this route? In Deadhorse, at Prudhoe Bay, average summer temperatures are in the 30s and 40sF (0-5C). Practice fire roads at home and dirt tracks. For the next 414 miles, you may have little or no internet access. Also, that there are no groceries and only three petrol stations on the way. At four hundred and fourteen miles long, the road will take you from the Elliot Highway, which is a few miles north of Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay, near the Artic Ocean. It was originally constructed by Alyeska Pipeline Service Company to support the development of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and to service the oil fields on Alaska's North Slope. On the Dalton, you are going to hit 700 yards of terror. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. During September of 2019, I drove the Dalton Highway in Alaska. Giving them right of way is one of road rules; the other is taking survival supplies and knowing how to use them. All of the BMW GS models do well up there and any 650 cc dual-sport style bike will be the most appropriate. We tell you the most exciting facts about this roads history, the Alaska pipeline system, Dalton Highway road conditions, and why this road is so dangerous. Spin that back tire and get familiar with acceleration.these are the tools you need to master before going up the Dalton safely. Alaska is a breathtakingly beautiful state, and as a result, most of the highways and byways are awe-inspiring. The James W. Dalton Highway ( Alaska Route 11, the "Dalton Highway", "the Dalton", or the "Haul Road") is a 414 mi (666 km) road traversing central and northern Alaska. Motivated by her love for the outdoors she moved to Alaska to attend school and to spend time exploring the last frontier. Along the way were probably seeing anywhere from 30 to 50 trucks a day delivering supplies, including food and fuel. With no amenities, with limited services. In addition, you have no reception most of the time. As long as you bank on a greasy mile of muck, you should be prepared for the Dalton. The nature of the Dalton Highway plays into the hands of this very dangerous condition. Crime rates are among the highest in the United States, and its considered one of the deadliest states for women. Check weather forecasts before leaving home, and remember that it becomes cooler and often more prone to storms at higher elevations. 7 Most Dangerous Roads In The United States | Nerdable The road winds through the Brooks Range with huge mountain peaks in the distance, steep drop offs and wildlife roaming free in their natural habitat. The road is going to be so slick you lose all traction, and every little thing in your favor is precious. The road has bad conditions, poor visibility and sudden 2-4 lane changes, all contributing to the many fatalities. Discover the 10 Deadliest Roads in the World - AZ Animals Who's up for an Alaskan road trip? - Los Angeles Times This trip is certainly for passionate drivers who love adventure. You can admire fall colors until the end of September. Answer (1 of 6): The Dalton Highway is literally no more dangerous a road to drive than many others - contextually specific. The James Dalton Highway is one of the most dangerous roads in the country. SPOT: bring a spot device, especially if you are riding alone, so at least your friends and loved ones will know where you are and can help you, albeit belatedly. From Fairbanks, drive north on the Elliot Highway (AK-11). Finally, the lack of cell phone service and internet is actually a cleansing experience. Errrr, Make That No Major Changes, BMW Builds A Million GS Adventure Bikes With The Classic Boxer Engine, Gas vs Electric ADV! In 1981, the highway was opened to the public up to Disaster Creek at mile 211. At any time, wild animals, a herd of caribou, moose, bear, or coyote, may jump on the road. PRO TIP: Whichever type of accommodation you choose, be sure to follow the Leave No Trace rules. The thin road climbs jungle-clad mountains to a height of 15,256 ft., winding and turning all the while with nauseatingly deep canyons below. The north slope of Alaska is not a place to run the risk of an accident. Its a great way to take in the central and northern Alaskan expanse. Descriptions, photos, and interesting facts about each of these places we described in a separate article. It is also one of the most dangerous. But the danger on the Dalton Highway is influenced by many factors, natural and human. Its an old supply road known for its dangerous conditions; it was featured on the first episode of BBCsWorlds Most Dangerous Roads. Phil Freeman is a veteran of 17+ rides up the Dalton Highway. 6 James Dalton Highway (Alaska) If you dream about a comfy and soft bed along the way, you dont have too many choices. Outfit the rider. Where is the James Dalton highway in Alaska? There are only a few places on the route where you can stay overnight. Dalton Highway in Alaska is one of the most isolated roads on the planet. Before you set off on this journey, check our tips and experiences. 3. So this information youve shared is exactly what is needed for those that want to venture on Dalton Highway. There is no where to stop, no places to see so the rider keeps on going. 10 of the Most Dangerous Roads in America - did you know? Please enter the date of the planned trip and the number of participants below to check its availability and price. There are quite a few steep grades (up to 12%) along the route, as well. What makes it even more dangerous is the lack of guardrails. Dalton Highway is considered to be one of the most dangerous and isolated roads on the planet. Alaska Route 11, aka the James Dalton Highway, has an interesting reputation. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Therefore, regardless of the weather forecast, you must be prepared for all situations: rain, snow, fog, mud, wind, and ice. In the second part of the guide: Dalton Highway Safety Tips, we focus on specific preparations for the travel: how and what to equip the car, what to pack, and what are the safety rules on Dalton. There are plenty of safe places in Alaska, too! You definitely need to plan this trip very well and be prepared for the unexpected. Driving up Atigun Pass on the Dalton Highway in Alaska I could barely see the truck, the road and everything else. To counter any problems, find a hose in Coldfoot on your way up and downand see if you can find one in Deadhorse. Dalton Highway Road Trip from Fairbanks | Travel Alaska For the first 30 miles or so, the unpaved washboard surface gave our truck a pounding, except when the flagmen on the summer regrading. The only way to get to the Arctic Ocean is by taking a shuttle (below for more details) from Deadhorse to the shore. So, we do not recommend a winter trip. Driving the Dalton Highway is full of unique places. Once called the North Slope Haul Road (a name by which it is still sometimes known), it was built as a supply road to support the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System in 1974. The 414-mile route is considered extremely dangerous and it's advised you always travel with survival gear in case of emergencies. A wrecker to the Arctic Circle from Fairbanks is a $1,600 bill. Enter your trip date to check its availability and price. But you must be prepared for a 1,000-mile journey both ways, as services end just after Fairbanks. To improve access to the oil fields, a 400-mile winter road was planned between Livengood and Prudhoe Bay. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. MyBooksnAll on Instagram: "Book Review : Dalton Highway by Freddie Do not ride with your face shield open. I was riding north on the Dalton Highway during one of my tours. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 4 posts Dalton Highway 1 year ago Save We are planning on driving the Dalton Highway from Fairbanks to Deadhorse and back in early August. Many of these trucks are empty after delivering their supplies and are trying to make time. The 414-mile-long Dalton Highway is said to be one of the most dangerous highways in all of America and stretches from Fairbanks to the North Slope in Alaska. Feel like getting away from civilization? But boy it would be an exciting route to tackle! Its icy, its remote, and yet there's an intriguing beauty to it. You will be glad you did. The giant trucks that ply the route kick up huge clouds of dust, reducing visibility to zero, drivers need to be aware of mammoth pot holes. There was also a frost at the Atigun Pass the night before our trip to the Arctic Ocean at 30,2F (-1C). Dalton Highway is also where America's coldest temperature (80 degrees below zero) has been recorded. Most 5-gallon tank bikes will not make this if the rider is going over 60 m.p.h. You can rent a car for Dalton Highway in Fairbanks from: Before our trip, we thoroughly researched all car rental companies for the Dalton Highway and checked their terms and prices. Its an old supply road known for its dangerous conditions; it was featured on the first episode of BBCs. So traveling between June 21 and mid-August is perfect as you have long days. There are quite a few steep grades (up to 16%) along the route, as well. Limited services will definitely be a big issue to deal with. Whats more, you will pay at least $3 more per gallon than the national average. Did you know the James Dalton Highway, also called The Dalton Highway by locals, is one of the most dangerous roads there is due to its icy conditions, remote location, and unpaved portions? To use information contained on this site is to do so at your own risk. How To Drive the Dalton Highway in Alaska - Matador Network Let trucks pass. I. It is heavily used by large tractor-trailers that kick up thick clouds of dust, mud and gravel, which significantly reduces visibility. Some say knobbies, and some say 70 -30 tires. Bayburt D915 is very challenging to drive on and has no barriers or guard rails. On January 28, 2012, an unofficial temperature of -79F (-62C) was recorded at the nearby Jim River Maintenance Station. There is no possibility of slowing on the road to take pictures or stopping on the road for photos. During the long summer days, the rider on vacation who has drawn up an aggressive schedule to see it all in Alaska will not stop until the sun goes down. Fuel is only available at 3 places over the entire course of the route, headlights must be switched on at all times and there are a number of steep gradients over its course. The highway is a mountainous terrain making it one of the most dangerous places for truck driving. Dalton Highway, mile marker 300: Welcome to the food chain. The murder rate is also frighteningly high, but dont let these statistics deter you from coming to visit. Then this is the highway for you. Traffic violations could not be a lower priority here. Love Alaska? Thank you for this amazing piece on Dalton Highway Alaska; I love your writing style and feel every line of your writing. Dalton Highway - Travel guide at Wikivoyage These are the basics if you want to have a safe and memorable trip as far north as you can go on the North American continent. These and other factors have caused I-10 in Arizona to be tagged as the nation's most dangerous highway. Behind the trucks, there is also a lot of dust or mud that can significantly reduce your visibility or even blind you. 1. Yukon River Crossing (Mile 56; only open from Mid-May to Mid-September). There are relatively no places to stop along the way: no gas, no convenient stores, no McDonalds. If you want to reach only the Arctic Circle, which is a great adventure, check out the best Arctic Circle trip from Fairbanks. and the highway winds through steep melted passes. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Traffic police officers are accustomed to accidents along the route, and they conduct regular helicopter patrols for accidents and truck breakdowns. But the Dalton Highway turned out to be the most challenging. There are only three towns along the route: Coldfoot, at Mile 175, Wiseman at Mile 188, and Deadhorse, at the end of the highway at Mile 414. It was very interesting to read your post, but actually I am not sure if I would like to drive the Dalton Highway. With crosses littered throughout in memory of those that have lost their lives it's no surprise.