Welcome to the majestic north, a territory distant and splendid in its beauty, a place only for the bravest souls.
The Arctic Circle captivates the minds of those traveling to Alaska. From a geographical perspective, it’s known as the location where the sun remains visible at midnight during the summer solstice and doesn’t rise on the winter solstice. However, for many, it symbolizes a pristine and wild frontier. The wilderness within the Arctic Circle is vast and unspoiled, even by Alaskan standards, making a journey across it essential for the full ‘Last Frontier’ experience.
There’s only one road that leads into the Arctic Circle: the Dalton Highway. This expansive, rugged gravel road, constructed parallel to the trans-Alaska oil pipeline in the 1970s, begins roughly 80 miles northwest of Fairbanks, intersecting with the Elliot Highway. Stretching 414 miles, it snakes through sparse taiga forests, skirts the Gates of the Arctic National Park, climbs mountain passes, and traverses the barren coastal plains until reaching Prudhoe Bay. The passage into the Arctic Circle is marked at mile 115 on the Dalton.
While it’s possible to undertake this journey alone, opting for a guided day tour can greatly enhance the experience. Various tour options are available, including driving tours of the Arctic Circle and combination tours that involve both driving and flying.
For those who prefer an aerial view, there’s an exclusive Arctic Circle air tour. This includes a roundtrip flight to Coldfoot coupled with a three-hour van tour near the Gates of the Arctic National Park boundary.
If you’re considering a rental car for the trip, be aware that the likelihood of tire punctures or windshield damage is significant, necessitating a cautious approach. Fuel availability is also sparse. It’s important to note that most standard car rental services prohibit the use of their vehicles on rough roads like the Dalton Highway. However, Alaska 4×4 rentals offer an exception to this rule.