When was the Dalton Highway built?
Usa, north-america
666 km
1,444 m
extreme
Year-round
Ready for the ultimate road trip? The Dalton Highway (Alaska Route 11) stretches 414 miles from just north of Fairbanks to Deadhorse, near Prudhoe Bay and the Arctic Ocean. Originally built to support the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, it's now your gateway to Alaska's untouched wilderness.
This isn't your average Sunday drive. The Dalton is mostly a two-lane gravel road, with only 109 miles paved. Expect steep grades up to 16% at Atigun Pass, which sits at 4,739 feet. Giant trucks are the main traffic, so always give them the right of way!
Fuel is scarce – only three places to fill up along the entire route. Headlights are a must, day and night. The landscape? Unforgettable! You'll cruise through forests, tundra, cross the mighty Yukon River, and scale the Brooks Range.
But be warned: this road is isolated. Pack survival gear and know how to use it. Trucks kick up rocks and dust, reducing visibility. The "loneliest road on earth" will test you – but the reward is a journey unlike any other.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 666 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,444 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardEmma Burr Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Emma Burr Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.692m (12,112ft) above the sea level, located on the border of San Isabel National Forest and Gunnison National Forest, in Chaffee County, Colorado, United States. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado. Located in the heart of the southern Sawatch Range, this infamous gravel road to the summit is rough with several hairpin turns. A very steep maintained (jeep) trail goes almost directly over the top of the peak. It’s called Chaffee County Road 344. Make sure you get your vehicle and yourself well-prepared before driving this road. 4wd vehicle required. Stay away if you're scared of heights. It is subject to winter snowfalls with such a high summit altitude, and it can be impassable anytime when the access is not cleared of snow. After rain, even a single rainfall, conditions of the road can be challenging. Watch out for sudden loose-gravel breaks. Proper preparation is essential to having a safe, enjoyable trip on this road. Always be prepared for winter weather, even in summer. Pic: Travel Reputation Services How To Travel The Beaver Creek Road Road trip guide: Conquering the Music Pass in Colorado Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
extremeWhere is Waunita Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! Waunita Pass, nestled high in Gunnison County, Colorado, is a must-see. We're talking serious altitude here! Find it south of Pitkin, deep in the Gunnison National Forest. The road? Totally unpaved, baby! But fear not, most 2WD vehicles can handle it in dry weather. Just be warned, it can get dicey when Mother Nature throws a tantrum. It's called Waunita Pass Road (County Road 763), and it winds through the forest like a charm, though it does get pretty steep in spots. This isn't some modern highway, either. This road dates way back to the late 1800s/early 1900s! Heads up: winter slams the door shut. Heavy snow makes it a no-go zone. The drive is about long, stretching from Pitkin to County Road 887. Expect absolutely magnificent views and scenery—trust me, your camera roll will thank you!
moderateWhere is Carson Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Hey fellow adventurers! Let's talk Carson Pass, an awesome high-altitude crossing sitting pretty at 8,592 feet in California's Alpine County. You'll find this gem in eastern California, close to the Nevada border, chillin' within the El Dorado National Forest. The road? Smooth sailing on fully paved California State Route 88, aka Carson Pass Highway. The journey stretches for about 20 miles, cruising east to west from Alpine Village to Kirkwood, hugging the Sierra Nevada range. Word to the wise: the parking lot at the top gets packed on weekends, so plan accordingly! This road usually stays open all winter, but Mother Nature sometimes throws a curveball with snow, avalanches, or ice. Closures are rare, but keep an eye on the weather! Avalanche danger is the main concern, especially around Carson Spur (between Silver Lake and Kirkwood) and the eastern side of the pass. Apparently, there are over 20 avalanche chutes just waiting to dump snow on the road. But honestly? The views are worth it. Think dramatic volcanic skylines, lush meadows, pristine mountain lakes, and rugged valleys. This drive is all about those photo ops! There are tons of places to pull over and soak it all in. Trust me, you won't want to miss it.
moderateHow Long Is Forest Highway 10 in Alaska?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Wanna escape into the Alaskan wilderness? Forest Highway 10, also known as La Salle Pass, is calling your name! Clocking in at just over 29 miles, this route plunges you straight into the heart of the Tongass National Forest, starting near the Harlequin Lake Bridge, a favorite spot for anglers hoping to snag a fish. After that, the road gets a bit skinny near Square Mountain, before ultimately ending in the backcountry. Now, here's the deal: while the beginning is paved, expect a good dose of washboards, ruts, and loose gravel for most of the trip. A reliable vehicle is your best friend, and be sure to tell someone your plans – you're off the grid out there! The good news is there are plenty of spots to pull over and soak in those stunning Alaskan views, as the road winds through the Gulf of Alaska lowlands. Just a heads up: this road is NOT maintained in winter, so plan your trip accordingly. Expect wet and chilly weather! This is a true off-the-beaten-path adventure. Get ready to experience the wild!