We have been the Dalton 2X and Dempster once as far as Tombstone Territorial Park. They both are equal in scenery and wildlife. We like the Dalton best, but first fuel stop 250 miles in Coldfoot, next stop Prudhoe Bay. Wildlife/scenery is awesome. Another one to consider is the Denali Hwy which a favorite also.. Roads conditions on Dalton is fine which course it is the LongHaul Rd. for the truckers. Dempster, gravel also but to us was rough on tires. Denali if your interested is gravel also but in good shape last trip with potholes here and there. Will be leaving next month and going Dalton/Denali again. Oh, no busted windshields on Dalton as some folks fear.
Only got up the Dempster 117 miles in 2005 and had to turn around because of a flat. Had planned on doing it in 2009, took an extra spare tire, but my wife fell and hurt her back a couple of days before so we passed on it - went to Chicken and spent 6 days instead.
Have been up the Dalton twice, 2005 and 2009. Took the motorhome as far as the COE park about 5 miles north of Coldfoot in 2005 but my wife balked on taking it in 2009. Instead we drove the pickup all the way and stayed overnight Deadhorse and in Wiseman going and coming. Am going back again in 2013 with plans to do the Dempster and the Dalton again. Will take the motorhome back to the COE park this time.
Did Denali and it was quite a trip - all the way in a light sprinkle. Went across and back the same day. Lots of wildlife. Will probably do it again in 2013 but not sure at this time.
Two trips to Alaska and no broken glass and no extra junk attached. Take your time and on gravel roads slow down for cars and stop for trucks and your windshield will be safe.
They are great adventures and adventures keep us young.
Lonnie and Sue
2007 HR Ambassador 40'
2008 Chevy Colorado Z71 4x4 Crew Cab
West Texas, Retired
Fulltimers. No more grass to cut, no more leaves to rake, and can move if we don't like our neighbors.
States we spent time in, drive throughs not marked.
With the distance to AK, I think of it as a "one time only trip". So do it ALL. Arrive early and leave late.
Please give me enough troubles, uncertainty, problems, obstacles and STRESS so that I do not become arrogant, proud, and smug in my own abilities, and enough blessings and good times that I realize that someone else is in charge of my life.
Both highways are amazing - though similar, they're very different and I can't say that I would recommend one over the other (although some days when I'm asked, I do say that the Dempster is better). See my photo-log of the Dempster at http://www.explorenorth.com/library/roads/dempster-photos.html The Arctic Ocean is more expensive to get to from the end of the Dempster but it's more impressive than at Prudhoe. There's more commercial traffic on the Dalton, but road maintenance levels seem about equal. The Arctic Circle crossing on the Dempster is far more scenic.
Thanks everyone, I did not consider the Denali yet, I will take a look in the Milepost.
I have only one spare tire on rim, fuel at 250 miles scares me a bit.
Kidoo wrote: Thanks everyone, I did not consider the Denali yet, I will take a look in the Milepost.
I have only one spare tire on rim, fuel at 250 miles scares me a bit.
Do check out the Denali.. you can start in Paxson or Cantwell and it's about 135 miles between the two maybe? The scenery is well worth it.. We take a 35ft.Fiver on 3 and no problems.
I am now in the middle of Denali. Had a flat tire, a rock just got stuck and puncture the tire. I fixed it with some cord tire repair.
The area is beautiful, lakes are still frozen, lost of Moose. We will camp at Alpine creek Lodge tonight, 68 miles from Parson. They can repair the flat. Sun was up this morning, so we drove a little, but now the clouds are back in, so we will wait for tomorow.
Glad your enjoying it.. We will be on it in July sometime boondocking down by a little lake hopefully.. One of our favorite drives.. and dang on the flat tire but has happened to use also on these gravel roads..
Forecast is a bit sunny tomorow, hope to keep on going. I wanted to bring an extra tire and wheel, but sais ahhh, never hapen before, why worry, I should of brought an extra one. Will check in Fairbanks before Dalton Highway. Hope one badluck is enough.
Alpine Creek is a very nice Lodge, wood stove, internet, TV and when you camp here, you can sit in the lounge, very nice people too, coffee is free and they even had a free Pie piece if you wanted, trying a new receipe...
Oh, no busted windshields on Dalton as some folks fear.
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