The Dalton Highway, aka The Haul Road

Camped beneath the Brooks Range on the Dalton Highway, Alaska

The Dalton Highway, affectionately called the Haul Road by truckers, lies north of Fairbanks. It is a road we have traveled often, but it constantly changes, making it new each time. This is a working road. Truckers have the right of way. Tourists are advised not to take the road because of its lack of medical services and ruggedness. We’ve already heard of travelers this trip with broken leaf springs, punctured tires, and a myriad of other mechanical issues. 

The Dalton is 466 miles, mostly gravel, and ending in Prudohe Bay at the edge of the Arctic Ocean. This is where the Alaska pipeline begins. It ends at Valdez. 

Pipeline along the Dalton Highway, Alaska

About a day and a half after we began traveling the Dalton, a fox ran past us, carrying something in its mouth. I handed my camera to David to take a photo since it was on his side of the truck. David immediately noticed that I had not put my memory card back in the camera after my last blog posts. I was sick about it. All those photos of the Brooks Range swirled in beautiful clouds were gone. What is a girl to do? Simply carry on. (Most of the photos shown are from our smartphones.)

Traveling the famous Atigun Pass on the Dalton Highway

We have traveled the Dalton and seen many animals. Other times we have seen none. This was one of those times. We were unaware that bow season for caribou had started just days before our arrival. We saw hundreds of hunters lining the roadway. 

Hunters are welcome to hunt with bows along the road. (Those using firearms must hike a minimum of five miles from the pipeline.) And we saw literally hundreds of hunters strategically positioned along the roadside, camping in tents on the tundra. Unfortunately, they drove all wildlife away. 

We stopped at the Arctic Circle and took photos of Sam on her first crossing. 

Sam during her first Arctic Circle crossing

By the time we hit Prudohe Bay, it was cold with misty rain.  The area surrounding Prudohe Bay is basically marsh and lowland.  It sits on the Arctic Ocean, but, because of security reasons, tourists must take a bus to see the ocean up close and personal.

Prudohe Bay, Alaska

Marsh and lowland surrounding Prudohe Bay

We did spy a few musk ox near the bluffs, but they were too far away to get a good photo.

Musk ox in the distance

When we awoke the next morning, the temperature was 37 degrees. We quickly found our cold weather gear and lamented that our friends and family at home were dealing with their 37th day of 100+ degree weather. Wish we could send some of this cold air their way!

We camped near Atigun Pass, taking Sam for walks in between rain showers. We wrestled with staying an extra day, hoping to find the musk ox herd.  But with all the hunters, the chances of seeing more wildlife was limited. 

We did see a lone caribou in the distance during the trip back down. With all the hunters, however, I’m not certain he has a chance. 

So we said goodbye to the Haul Road… until we meet again. 

Sam, David, and me at the end of the Dalton Highway