Inland Ice Sheet Research Station Road
Ice sheet crossing to abandoned Cold War radar station
The Inland Ice Sheet Research Station Road stretches 180 kilometers from Kangerlussuaq across the Greenland ice sheet to the abandoned DYE-2 radar station, marking one of the most challenging overland routes in the Arctic. Built in the 1950s for military logistics, this supply road crosses crevasse fields, pressure ridges, and elevation changes of over 2,000 feet across pure glacial ice. The route follows GPS waypoints marked by bamboo poles and fuel drums, with the Point 660 weather station serving as the critical halfway resupply checkpoint.
This is extreme-level overlanding requiring specialized Arctic vehicles, tire chains, emergency beacons, and survival gear for temperatures dropping to -40°F. The ice road is only passable during late spring and early summer when the surface hardens but before major crevasse activity begins. Cell service is nonexistent, and mechanical failure means potential death. What you get is the raw experience of crossing one of Earth’s most hostile environments and reaching a Cold War relic frozen in time at 7,700 feet elevation.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Extreme |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Ice |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote |
| Length (miles) | 112 mi / 180 km |
| Duration | 3-5 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7700 ft |
| Best season | May-July |
| Minimum vehicle | Arctic-modified 4WD with tire chains |
| Nearest town | Kangerlussuaq, Greenland |
| Land manager | Greenland Government |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock lifted truck handle this, or does it need full arctic modifications?
Stock anything will get you killed here. You need a purpose-built arctic 4WD — think Mattracks or oversized flotation tires, cold-weather fuel and hydraulic systems rated to -40°C, and redundant recovery gear. This isn't a trail where you upgrade your suspension and call it good.
When is the ice sheet stable enough to cross, and what kills the season early?
May through July is the window, with June being the most reliable. Late July brings surface melt that turns the ice unpredictable and soft — crevasse hazard increases significantly and refrozen overnight crust can collapse under vehicle weight without warning.
What permits do you actually need to drive this route?
The Greenland Government requires expedition permits for motorized travel onto the ice sheet — apply through the Greenland Self-Government authorities well in advance, as approval is not guaranteed. You'll also need to coordinate with Danish Meteorological Institute for route clearance and file a detailed rescue plan with Arctic Command.
What's the hardest section and what specifically makes it dangerous?
The mid-sheet section between kilometers 60 and 110 is where most expeditions have turned back — crevasse fields are inadequately mapped, whiteout conditions eliminate all depth perception, and sastrugi ridges can high-center even well-prepared vehicles. Navigation relies entirely on GPS and compass since visual landmarks are nonexistent.
How far out do you need to fuel up, and is there any resupply on route?
Kangerlussuaq is your last fuel point — there is absolutely nothing on the ice sheet for 180 kilometers. Carry all fuel for the full round trip plus a 30% emergency reserve, because a breakdown or forced backtrack on the ice sheet without enough fuel is a rescue or fatality situation.
Trail track
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