State Parks and National Parks

James Dalton Highway

The Dalton Highway, built in 1974 to transport materials to the oil fields on the North Slope, provides easy access for touring and camping in some of the most remote and spectacular areas of Alaska.

The state highway, running for most of its length through a corridor administered by the Bureau of Land Management, stretches 414 miles from north of Fairbanks to the Arctic Ocean.

Points of interest along this scenic highway include the Yukon River, the fifth-largest river in North America. The Yukon Crossing Visitor Contact Station and an overlook of the river are located at Mile 56. Ray River is an old river system with oxbows.

At Mile 86, a scenic overlook offers a view of the oil pipeline 300 feet below and the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge to the south.

At Finger Mountain (Mile 98) a short interpretive trail educates visitors about tundra ecology.

Other points of interest include the Arctic Circle at Mile 115, Gobbler's Knob at Mile 132, Prospect and Jim River at Mile 135.7, the Coldfoot commercial complex and the new Arctic Interagency Visitor Center at Mile 175 and the Middle Fork Bridge at Mile 188.6. Sukakpak Mountain rises 4,459 feet at Mile 203.5. Watch for Dall sheep in Atigun Pass at Mile 244 and enjoy scenic views at Galbraith Lake at Mile 275.

Services are minimal along this highway. Always carry extra fuel, food, tires and a CB radio to contact truckers in event of an emergency. This is also grizzly country, so keep a clean campsite and store food at least 100 yards from your sleeping area.

For a copy of the free, 24-page Dalton Highway Visitor Guide, please call the Bureau of Land Management.

Photo credits in order: Photo by Dennis R. Green, courtesy of Bureau of Land Management. Photo by Dennis R. Green, courtesy of Bureau of Land Management. Photo by Dennis R. Green, courtesy of Bureau of Land Management.