Kangerlussuaq Point 660 Ice Sheet Perimeter Road
Ice sheet edge research station access road.
The Point 660 perimeter road traces the constantly shifting margin of the Greenland Ice Sheet north of Kangerlussuaq, passing active research stations that monitor ice dynamics and climate data. You’ll navigate along gravel service roads built to supply remote weather stations, crossing sections where permafrost heaves have buckled the roadbed and meltwater channels cut deep gullies. The route terminates at Point 660 research station, positioned precisely where the ice sheet begins its ancient crawl toward the sea.
This moderate difficulty route demands a vehicle with good ground clearance and low-range capability for the steeper climbs around research installations. Summer months from June to August offer the best access when most snow has cleared, though meltwater crossings can still challenge traction. Pack emergency supplies including extra fuel — the nearest services are 40 miles back in Kangerlussuaq. What you gain is direct access to one of the planet’s last ice age remnants and the sobering perspective of standing where a continent-sized glacier begins.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | High Altitude, Remote, Scientific, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 38 mi / 61.2 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2240 ft |
| Best season | June-August |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Kangerlussuaq, Greenland |
| Land manager | Government of Greenland |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
What's the minimum rig needed to run Point 660 — can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle it?
A stock 4WD high-clearance truck can manage most of it, but the gravel surface gets rough and the water crossings demand real ground clearance — at minimum 8-9 inches. Lifted rigs with all-terrain tires will have a much easier time, especially if meltwater has raised crossing levels.
When is the road actually driveable, and what happens if you go outside the June-August window?
June through August is your window — the route stays snow-free and crossings are manageable. Outside that, snowpack and ice make the road impassable and genuinely dangerous; there's no rescue infrastructure out here.
Do you need a permit to drive to Point 660, and are there any fees or restricted zones near the research stations?
The Government of Greenland manages access and scientific station areas may have restricted zones — contact the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources before your trip to confirm current access rules. No standard recreational permit fee exists, but unauthorized entry into active research infrastructure is not tolerated.
What's the hardest section of the route and what should I actually expect there?
The water crossings are the crux — glacial meltwater channels can shift in depth and speed depending on recent temperatures and time of day (afternoon crossings run deeper). The gravel track near the ice sheet edge also gets rutted and loose, so momentum management matters more than mechanical difficulty.
Is there any place to resupply fuel or water along the 38 miles, or do I need to leave Kangerlussuaq fully loaded?
Leave Kangerlussuaq with everything you need — there is zero resupply on route, no fuel, and no services. Water can be sourced from glacial meltwater streams but filter it; dispersed camping is possible along the route but this is genuinely remote arctic terrain with no cell service and no one coming to help.
Trail track
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