Scenic travel
Drive to the Arctic Circle
The Dalton Highway north of Fairbanks, gravel, long, and short on services.
- Season
- Summer
- Where
- North of Fairbanks
- Level
- Challenging
What it is
The Arctic Circle sign is at about mile 115 of the Dalton. The road keeps going to Prudhoe Bay, but the sign is the reachable goal for most people. It is a haul road: trucks, dust or mud, and no scenic-highway guardrails of services. Carry a spare tire, extra fuel, and a way to tell someone your plan. Rental companies often forbid the road. Read the contract.
Before you go
Summer only unless you already drive roads like this in winter. A guided van is the saner version.
Plan this
These are direct links to public guides, rules, and operators. A tour search is separate. It is marked Sponsored only after a real partner id is added.
- Travel Alaskaguide
More in Scenic travel
- Drive the Seward Highway
The 125 miles from Anchorage to Seward along Turnagain Arm and into the mountains.
- Ride the Alaska Railroad
A dome car between Anchorage and Seward, or Anchorage and Fairbanks.
- Ride into Denali National Park
A bus on the park road, which is how almost everyone sees the mountain and the animals.