Dalton Highway — Coldfoot to Deadhorse via Atigun Pass and the North Slope (Full Arctic Run)
240 miles of Arctic gravel. Bring two spares.
The Dalton Highway north of Coldfoot is where the pavement gives out and the real Alaska begins. Built in 1974 to service the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, the Haul Road climbs over Atigun Pass at 4,739 feet — the highest highway pass in Alaska — before dropping onto the North Slope, a treeless expanse of permafrost that stretches to the Arctic Ocean. Truck traffic is relentless and the gravel they kick up will crack windshields without mercy. From Coldfoot, you’ll cross the Koyukuk River flats, climb through the Gates of the Arctic fringe, crest Atigun, and roll north across tundra polygon fields to Deadhorse, where the industrial grid of Prudhoe Bay is both anticlimactic and weirdly awe-inspiring.
This is a serious expedition, not a weekend run. A full-size spare (or two) is non-negotiable. Rock chips and blown tires are routine. Fuel stops are Coldfoot and Deadhorse only — 240 miles apart — so carry a jerry can. No cell service after Coldfoot. The Arctic Interagency Visitor Center in Coldfoot is your last resource briefing. Best window is June through August; Atigun can close with snow any month. Deadhorse is a private industrial zone — tours required to reach the actual Arctic Ocean coast. Bring a sat-comm device. This road earns what it gives.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 240 mi / 386.2 km |
| Duration | 2-4 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4739 ft |
| Best season | June-August |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with full spare kit |
| Nearest town | Coldfoot, Alaska |
| Land manager | Alaska DOT & Public Facilities / BLM Central Yukon Field Office |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Alaska DOT Dalton Highway page BLM Dalton Highway Corridor |
| Verified | |
| 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
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle the Dalton, or do I need a built rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD can complete it, but the washboard, sharp shale gravel, and creek crossings near Atigun Pass will punish factory suspension and all-season tires. All-terrain or mud-terrain tires, a full-size spare, and a plug kit are mandatory — 'bring two spares' on this route isn't a joke.
When does Atigun Pass typically open and close each season?
The pass is generally drivable from late May through September, with June–August being the most reliable window. Snow can fall any month at the 4,739-foot summit, and severe weather can close the road without warning — check Alaska 511 (dot.state.ak.us/511) before you leave Coldfoot.
Do I need a permit to drive the Dalton Highway to Deadhorse?
No permit is required to drive the highway itself. However, access into the Prudhoe Bay oilfield beyond the public turnaround requires a commercial tour — you cannot self-drive onto the actual field facilities. BLM manages dispersed camping along the corridor with no fee or reservation required.
What's the hardest section, and what should I actually expect there?
Atigun Pass is the crux — steep grades, exposed shale rock, and sections of road that wash out or ice over even in summer. On the North Slope north of the pass, the danger shifts to soft gravel, blind corners with industrial semi traffic, and absolutely zero help for 200+ miles if something goes wrong.
Where do I fuel up, and is there any cell service along the route?
Coldfoot (at the start) and Deadhorse (at the end) are your only reliable fuel stops — there is nothing in between for the full 240 miles. Cell service is nonexistent the entire run; a satellite communicator like a Garmin inReach is not optional on this stretch.
Trail track
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