D is for Dalton Highway

Source: Wikimedia Commons

The Dalton Highway is a 414 mile road that begins a few miles north of Fairbanks, Alaska and ends near the Arctic Ocean at Deadhorse. It is one of the most isolated roads in the United States, as there are only three towns along the entire 414 mile route: Coldfoot, Wiseman, and Deadhorse.

The highway has achieved fame in recent years through the History Channel show Ice Road Truckers. In spite of its isolation, the road is heavily traveled by trucks, and sees as many as 250 a day during the winter months.

Considering this picture of the Highway in August, I can't imagine what it must be like in the winter.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

The highway has also been featured on the BBC series The World's Most Dangerous Roads, and truckers have given nicknames to some of the road's more dangerous features. These include "The Roller Coaster," "Oil Spill Hill," and, my favorite, "Oh Shit Corner." I don't think I even want to know what that corner is like.

Have you ever traveled on The Dalton Highway or seen it on TV?


My A-Z theme of Alaska is inspired by my debut novel, Polar Night, which is set in the Alaskan Arctic. Click here for all the info on the book.