I'd like to drive up to the arctic circle one summer (maybe this June) and I wonder if there's a public road from Anchorage to Barrow. Some maps show it, others don't, and somewhere I read that it's not open to the public. I tried Google maps, and everything's fine up to Anchorage, but no route from there.

TIA

 

You can drive it but use a junker to do so. It will turn you new truck into one if not. Prudhoe bay - not Barrow is were the road goes but you can only go so far. A few guys here will answer to give you the "Stopping Point"....

 

You can only drive as far as Prudhoe Bay. In the winter there MAY sometimes be an ice road from Prudhoe Bay to Barrow, but this is private (installed by the oil companies).

You can only drive to the town of Prudhoe Bay, there are some facilities there. A couple of hotels (nothing luxurious), a small general store, and one gas station. No fresh food at the general store, so buy enough in Fairbanks to last until you get back. There is a "resturant" in the hotels that you can get meals at also.

You cannot drive a private vehicle to the Arctic Ocean. Access is through the controlled oil field, security will not allow you past the guard shack. There is a tour bus to the ocean available in the summer from Prudhoe. I don't know the fee. Think about taking the polar bear plunge if you see the ocean. I've been working here for over 14 years and haven't done it myself yet.

BTW, you should plan on driving your own vehicle. The rental companies do not allow their cars on unpaved roads. The Dalton highway (or Haul road) is unpaved for 414 miles. Be sure to have more than one spare tire or a kit to fix a flat and a pump. You might even get some chips/cracks in your windshield. There is only one gas station between Fairbanks and Prudhoe in Coldfoot, so maybe bring extra fuel if your tank is small.

 

"polar bear plunge"........did it by accident working up there back in 97. Talk about freezing your "boys". That was cold! and it was in the middle of the winter too.
When you get up there, send yourself a post card. It's the most Northernly road accesible post office. A few pictures would make great keep sakes also. The for the heck of it, drive all the way down to the Florida Keys. Now that would be a trip!!

 

Can anyone post a map for this drive?

 

Only one road. Do a google search and you should be able to find it.

 

Use "Dalton highway" as your search term -- there will be a few very good hits, and some will include a simple map.

Based on the replies here and what I read on the web, it shouldn't be a big deal for me (got a Bronco) except that the body and paint on the Bronco is currently in excellent condition, and I'm not sure if I want to make a sacrificial lamb out of it.

 

Dalton Highway in summer. Good way to sand blast your vehilce. Should say rock blast.