Question Road trip through Alaska on Dalton Highway, July 2025

[Cornbread O'Malley]

My friend and I are thinking about doing a road trip through Alaska on the Dalton Highway in July 2025. Our general idea is to fly into Anchorage, rent a vehicle, load up on camping supplies, and head out to Fairbanks. From Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay is a distance of about 500 miles. We plan to primarily camp during the drive. The length of time we're thinking for the trip is three days to drive north and then three days on the return leg. On the way back to Anchorage, we'll probably spend a day or two in Fairbanks to explore.

Have any of you done this drive? What are your suggestions for trip preparation?

 

[Jake 10]

We did, and we stopped overnight at Trappers Creek and Denali. Make sure your food is locked and stowed away from your sleeping quarters if you are camping in tents.

 

[JohnN]

You have to stop at the iconic "Skinny Dicks Halfway Inn" Skinny Dick's Halfway Inn – A fun little bar with adult humor

Conveniently halfway between Anchorage and Fairbanks

 

[Cornbread O'Malley]

We did, and we stopped overnight at Trappers Creek and Denali. Make sure your food is locked and stowed away from your sleeping quarters if you are camping in tents.

I need to ensure time is set aside to see Denali. Great point about food storage. Thanks so much for the advice!

 

[Cornbread O'Malley]

You have to stop at the iconic "Skinny Dicks Halfway Inn" Skinny Dick's Halfway Inn – A fun little bar with adult humor

Conveniently halfway between Anchorage and Fairbanks

I had to look this one up. It looks like a very fun place for a quick stop. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[Cornbread O'Malley]

@Jake 10 @JohnN What other interesting things did you do along the route?

 

[Jake 10]

@Cornbread O'Malley
in no particular order, these are some places we went;

Morris Thompson Cultural Center in Fairbanks​

University of Alaska Museum​

River rafting on the Chena River​

Panning for Gold at Gold Dredge 8​

Denali National Park​

Jet Boat at Talkeetna​

Talkeetna town stroll​

Thunderbird falls​

Alaska Heritage Cultural Center in Anchorage​

Alaska Railroad with dome car and dinner​

 

[Jake 10]

I need to ensure time is set aside to see Denali. Great point about food storage. Thanks so much for the advice!

You can book a bus tour at Denali National Park. Make sure there is no "kill" otherwise the bus will only run halfway and not the entire trip. This happened to us. They claim the bears where very active around the "kill" and for safety they will not run the bus into that area of the park.

 

[rongoodman]

If you go through Talkeetna you can take an take a flight tour of the range, far and away the best way to see it.​

 

[Cornbread O'Malley]

Thanks, gents! I have some homework to do to read up about your suggestions. The trip is on; buddy and I booked our flights and truck.