Alaska Highway — Dawson Creek to Delta Junction via the Northern Rockies and Yukon Wilderness
The road that opened the Last Frontier. All 1,390 miles.
Built in eight months in 1942 by the US Army Corps of Engineers to connect the lower 48 to Alaska, the Alaska Highway (ALCAN) starts at Mile 0 in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, and punches northwest through Stone Mountain Provincial Park, past Summit Pass at 4,250 feet, across the Yukon border through Watson Lake and Whitehorse, and finally into Delta Junction, Alaska — the official terminus at Mile 1,422. The road today is largely paved but significant stretches through the Yukon and at Summit Lake remain chip-seal or active gravel during repaving seasons. Frost heaves, moose on the road at dusk, and construction delays are as much a part of the experience as the mountains and rivers.
While any reliable vehicle can drive the Alaska Highway, an overlanding rig with a full-size spare, stone-guard, and extra fuel capacity handles it better — fuel stops thin out in the Yukon. The entire route passes through British Columbia, Yukon Territory, and Alaska, requiring no special permits but crossing two international borders (Canada entry requires NEXUS or valid passport). Best driven May through September; October and beyond brings ice and early closures on connecting side roads. Side trips to Liard River Hot Springs and Kluane National Park are not optional — they are mandatory. This is the road that opened the northwest.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 1390 mi / 2237 km |
| Duration | 7-14 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4250 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Any reliable vehicle; overlanding rig recommended |
| Nearest town | Watson Lake, Yukon, Canada |
| Land manager | BC Ministry of Transportation / Yukon Highways and Public Works / Alaska DOT |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Yukon Alaska Highway road info Alaska DOT scenic byway page |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a 4x4 or high clearance rig to drive the Alaska Highway?
No — most of the route is paved or well-graded gravel and passable in any reliable vehicle. That said, construction zones, frost heaves, and occasional rough gravel sections reward higher clearance and all-terrain tires, especially if you're pulling off for dispersed camps.
When does the Alaska Highway open and close for the season?
The road is technically open year-round, but May through September is the practical window for overlanding. Spring breakup (April–early May) can leave sections badly potholed or muddy, and winter driving means extreme cold, reduced services, and real survival risk in remote stretches.
Do I need any permits or pay fees to drive the Alaska Highway?
No permit is required to drive the highway itself. You'll go through a Canadian border crossing at entry and a U.S. customs crossing near Beaver Creek/Tok — have your passport, vehicle registration, and any firearm declarations ready. Some dispersed camping areas within provincial or territorial parks may have nightly fees.
What's the hardest or sketchiest section of the route?
There's no single brutal technical section, but the stretch between Watson Lake and Whitehorse can throw construction detours, loose gravel, and sharp rocks that'll shred an underinflated tire fast. The bigger challenge is sustained remoteness — breakdowns between service towns can mean 100+ miles of waiting.
How far apart are gas stations, and should I carry extra fuel?
Gas is available every 50–150 miles along the corridor, but gaps can stretch longer in the Yukon and near the Alaska border — fuel up whenever you're at half a tank. Prices spike significantly in remote Yukon towns, so top off in larger centers like Whitehorse or Watson Lake when you can.
Trail track
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