Nome-Teller Road
Remote Bering Sea coastal route to village of Teller
The Nome-Teller Road (Kougarok Road Extension) stretches 72 miles northwest from Nome to the tiny village of Teller, crossing rolling tundra and following the coast of the Bering Sea. Built originally to support reindeer herding operations in the early 1900s, the road passes through some of Alaska’s most remote territory, with key waypoints including the abandoned mining settlement of Taylor and the dramatic headland at Cape Espenberg where walrus haul out on beaches.
This is a moderate gravel route suitable for stock high-clearance vehicles in dry conditions, but can become impassable during wet weather when the clay surface turns to soup. No services exist between Nome and Teller, so carry extra fuel, water, and emergency supplies. Best traveled June through August when weather is most stable. The reward is access to one of Alaska’s most isolated coastal communities and some of the best bird watching in the Arctic, plus the chance to see marine mammals along the Bering Sea coast.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Coastal, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 72 mi / 115.9 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 850 ft |
| Best season | June-August |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance vehicle |
| Nearest town | Nome, Alaska |
| Land manager | Alaska Department of Transportation |
| Permit required | No |
| 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
Do I need a lifted or modified rig, or can a stock high-clearance truck handle the Nome-Teller Road?
A stock high-clearance truck or SUV can handle it under normal summer conditions — think Tacoma, 4Runner, or similar. Soft tundra sections and muddy low spots after rain are the main concern, so all-terrain tires and a recovery kit matter more than lift height.
When does the Nome-Teller Road open, and is it ever accessible in winter?
The road is typically drivable June through August when the tundra is thawed and stable. Winter travel is possible by snowmobile or specialized overland rigs on frozen ground, but driving a standard 4x4 in winter is not realistic — the road isn't maintained for winter vehicle access.
Are there any permits, fees, or restrictions for driving to Teller?
No permits or fees are required to drive the road itself. Teller is a Native village — be respectful, don't trespass on private or tribal land, and understand that some areas around the village may be restricted without permission from the community.
What's the hardest section of the Nome-Teller Road and what should I actually expect?
The toughest stretches are the softer tundra sections mid-route that turn into tire-sucking mud after heavy rain. There are no technical rock obstacles, but getting stuck in remote tundra 40+ miles from Nome with zero cell service is a serious situation — carry a satellite communicator and recovery gear.
Is there any fuel, water, or services between Nome and Teller?
There are zero services on the route — no gas, no potable water sources you can count on, and no cell signal the entire way. Top off your fuel tank in Nome before you leave, carry extra fuel if your rig drinks it, and bring all the water you'll need for the round trip.
Trail track
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