Dallas to Alaska - 4000 Miles One Way!!

Some of you know that I am not fond of drag racing. The truth is, that very few of you really know much about me at all outside of my internet personality. While I am very similar in real life as I am online, there are deeper things about me that I just don’t have time to share. This is one of my ultimate fantasies, and one that might be coming true very soon.

I would like to drive from Dallas to Anchorage Alaska. 4085 miles. 8200 round trip. $1000 in gas.

I wont be setting any records or accomplishing anything that has not yet been done. And to think that I might subject my beloved camaro to this abuse startles me, I might have to do it in some other car. Which is sad, because a part of me wants to do it in the camaro to say that I chose one of the least reliable and risky vehicles to do this in. Which looking deeper, could be quite stupid.

You see, it really does not matter what car you take. The way there covers portions of Canada where people don’t live. Where there are no gas stations. The final leg of the journey will subject me to a portion of road that has no gas stations for more than 800 miles. No V8 car sold today can get 800 miles on a tank. Only truckers and rigs can make this journey. Who else would want to?

Whatever car I took, would have to be fitted with an additional 30 gallon fuel cell, perhaps 40. We would need tools, a CB, flares, a Tire, parts, a tent, food, and more. The trip would take 3 days of non-stop driving, but about 7 days with stops.

It would just be insane.

The thing is, no-one does this. No-one anywhere I have ever met sits down and says, “I want to drive to Alaska”. You just don’t. I know, because I have done up to 1100 mile trips like this on my own many times before (something else you didn’t know about me) that the TRIP ITSELF is the adventure. The destination is just the reward.

So far, I have driven from Dallas to , Tampa, Minneapolis, Las Vegas and Monterrey and back. All in the Camaro. All directions of the country. In my camaro I have seen the country, met hundreds of people, and experienced what America is all about. But I think I want to make the ultimate journey.
The more I think, the more I think that I would rather take a modified Subaru or Evo on the trip. Something AWD and comfortable. But anyways, I would like to do it.

Also, could do the trip in reverse. Dallas to Costa Rica. Not as far, but twice as dangerous.

Anyone even remotely interested in discussing the possibilities, risks and challenges of such an adventure? Chime in.

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

I think you are greatly overstating the challenges of an Alaska Roadtrip. Hundreds of people make this trip everyday, and there are no 800 mile stretches without gas. The longest stretch of the Alaska Highway without services is only about 100 miles, with gas typically being available every 20-50 miles.

This trip is so popular, in fact, that there is an entire annual guide dedicated to this trip called the Milepost which I encourage you to read to learn a little more about this not-so-lonely road.

I don't have a reputation to ruin in these forums, so who really cares what I have to say!

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Originally Posted by Bakushan

I would like to drive from Dallas to Anchorage Alaska. 4085 miles. 8200 round trip. $1000 in gas.

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At least that much, I'd allow a little more for gas because some of the road are pretty poopy and your gas mileage will not be as good. When we went to Alaska, we flew up and rented an RV. It was total Hell driving that thing on some of those road and we learned very quickly to take along GAS CANS! I didn't drive it, but my cousin drove from Alabama to Anchorage in a crusty old school bus that ate gas. She didn't say anything about having any problems finding gas stations along the way. So I still have to think it's totally doable.

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Originally Posted by Bakushan

Whatever car I took, would have to be fitted with an additional 30 gallon fuel cell, perhaps 40. We would need tools, a CB, flares, a Tire, parts, a tent, food, and more. The trip would take 3 days of non-stop driving, but about 7 days with stops.

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Your longest stretch of questionable road would probably be Hwy 1 (I think! maybe it's 97? through the Yukon) but you could always drive up through Washington State, through BC, which is a friendlier route for car travel as I understand it. Again, yes, you will probably want all those goodies, but gas cans do the job, too. And as for parts, just how crappy is your car?! Oh, and you never said how much time you had for the trip in total. That would be good to know.

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Originally Posted by Bakushan

It would just be insane.

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Yes! But insane is fun!

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Originally Posted by Bakushan

The thing is, no-one does this. No-one anywhere I have ever met sits down and says, “I want to drive to Alaska”...The destination is just the reward.

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I would love to. And yeah, it's all about the trip and the bizarro people you meet along the way!

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Originally Posted by Bakushan

Also, could do the trip in reverse. Dallas to Costa Rica. Not as far, but twice as dangerous.

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I took the kids (only two of them at the time, to Mexico, Honduras and Belize in a crappy Corolla and never once had a problem. It helps to have friends where you're going though! i never felt "in danger", but I also took along a little extra cash to grease some palms and I had two months to kill. I have a friend who has done a road trip to Costa Rica with her 15 year-old and the worst that happened was that her passport was stolen. They still think the trip was totally worth it.

As for the car you drive, as long as it's in good mechanical condition and has a good set of tires...well...it is a Camero? I drive a stupid mama-wagon Dodge Caravan and have driven it into mountains on questionable gravel roads and around hurricane debris, so I might not be the best judge of cars. My biggest question is "will this car hold all my gear?" If you're up for another car and can afford something with AWD, I'd do it. Having driven all over Alaska in a rental RV, I wish I'd had something a little more practical.

So heck yeah! Let us all know how it goes and maybe next year we'll consider going back to visit the largest mosquitos I've ever seen in my life!

I have a friend who lives just outside of Denali NP who has driven her 2000 New Beetle down to the continental US three times. One of the only cars that probably has less clearance (without being lowered) than a Camaro is a New Beetle. She had no problems. She did put a bra on because of rocks and didn't want paint damage. (Bra on her car; probably on her, too. LOL) The first time she did this trip, she brought her 3 and 7 year old boys. I know she wouldn't have done that if the trip wasn't considered safe enough for them. That was in 2000.

As Mark said, gas is no problem. This is actually a very popular drive and you will rarely have longer than an hour without amenities (fuel, food, lodging) along the way.

As long as you have the time and the money, go for it. But don't overstate the dangers. Of course, one should always have a kit with the proper things for potential problems. Check out the Gear-Up Section for ideas on that.

If you go in the summer months, you just might be surprised at the number of vehicles on the road with you. And wave if you see a lime-green New Beetle. It might be my friend who is planning another trip down to the continental states this summer.

So, if the Camaro is mechanically OK for this trip, take it. Have your car serviced by a reliable mechanic and your tires checked before you leave. If you don't trust your Camaro, then, yeah, you might be better off in another car.

Wow, you guys are awesome!

First, a few things. I am a graphic designer, working for an American LeMans race team. I know cars inside and out, and my camaro is no exception. Most camaro owners modifiy their cars for increased power, mine is modified, believe it or not, for road-trips. I love, like in an odd way, driving all over. I love it alone as well. My trip to Rt66, Albuquerque and back, 100% on my own was very memorable.

Here is a current pic of my car.

http://i32.tinypic.com/27y7rzt.jpg

Here are some of the things I have done to my car to make it easier to drive long distance.

-Comp LS6 Engine Springs
-ARP Hardened Push Rods
-Forged Valves
-Dodge Viper T56 Transmission
-Dual Stage Carbon Clutch
-EATON Rear Differential w Posi
-Motive Gear 3.73 Ratio Gears
-Valentine 1 Radar Detector
-TOM TOM GO
-10 Mile CB
-XM Satellite
-DVD, TV, MP3 Player
-8000k HID Lamps

The car makes 340hp, gets 28 miles a gallon, and runs strong. Also a substantial amount of other engine mods and suspension mods.

I want to plan a perfect trip. :)

I'm not sure how much of that stuff you'd need for a road trip - for example, tv's and dvd players in cars always seem counter productive to a roadtrip to me - but it sounds like its a car that you'll enjoy using and I guess that's what's important. good luck.

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Originally Posted by Midwest Michael

I'm not sure how much of that stuff you'd need for a road trip - for example, tv's and dvd players in cars always seem counter productive to a roadtrip to me - but it sounds like its a car that you'll enjoy using and I guess that's what's important. good luck.

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Well, I dont watch any TV, I look at the road, I just like to listen to music.

First of all - I would love to hear stories from the Le Mans race team. I've caught the series twice, both times in Houston and loved watching the races. I am bound and determined to get to Sebring one of these years.

Anyway - what are your interests. Now that we've determined you'll be ok car and gas - wise it's time to think of other aspects of the trip. Have you got a route picked out other than the Alaskan Highway? Are there certain things that you'd like to see along the way? Are you a history buff, or a rock climbing junkie, etc?

I think you'll be fine in your car, I'd be wary of any major off-roading though. I've driven to all corners of the US in a Ford Taurus. It works for me and gets great highway mileage, but I know it's not everyone's cup of tea. I've never had trouble getting into anyplace I wanted to go. But I have resigned myself to knowing that my car will get dings and scratches (I live in Louisiana - I have no choice). I carry basic food supplies, medicine, a spare tire, blankets. In other words - just the basics. I also have a ton of cds, books on tape for those lonely roads where there is only on cruddy radio station, and a satellite radio.

Good Luck! It sounds like an awesome trip. It's one that's on my "list".

Oh - and an 1100 mile trip by yourself will never get you an odd look around here. I did a 4100 mile trip last summer and am headed to England next week. All alone. And if you really want to see something to boggle your mind check this upcoming trip out.

Laura

While I know some people here disagree with me, I think the car can make a huge difference in how much you enjoy your roadtrip. I have far more fun in my New Beetle than I ever did in any other car I've ever owned. (Although my 78 VW Scirocco came pretty dang close...loved those Recaro seats!) Yes, my car is covered with scars from taking him on logging roads and other areas where New Beetles usually fear to tread, but I've had a heckuva lot of fun doing it!

It sounds you've got the car tricked out. And a beautiful car it is! Now you need the right gear. I encourage you to check out these posts about what to pack. Even though we've established that road services are fairly regular throughout your planned route, it is always good to be prepared. And the more remote the area you're traveling through, I think the better it is to take this seriously. You may not need or want everything listed. But those posts should give you some good ideas.

Do you need any help with routing? Budgeting? Or anything else?

to add on, in the summer the drive it Ak is not lonely. in fact some part will have traffic jams due to slow drivin RV's. it is a great drive. with a little planning it is not a hard drive. even in april when everything is not open there is plenty of gas stops and motels every 6-8 hours.

The route I was considering went up through Montana... not an easy route.

I am coming from Dallas. The route I checked took me through the back-roads of Canada. Anyone know where I am talking about? :)

I want a challenge. Adventure. Just driving on the roads is not enough.

Thats why I am considering driving it down to Panama or further...

I want to run into rebels/pirates/etc...

Am I weird for that?

Despite what you may want to believe, have read tall-tales about, or seen in movies, what you are looking to do really isn't the dangerous, untamed quest you seem to think it will be. There are a number of ways to get to Canada, none of them are particualrly dangerous and once you get a ways beyond Edmundton, there is only one road to Alaska. It does go through some otherwise remote areas, but there is plenty of development to cater to travelers.

Quite frankly, I think you're even going to overstate the "dangers" of traveling to Central America. I've done some roadtrips in parts of Central America and found it to be a pleasurable experience and never felt in danger. I'd say the government red tape would be your biggest problem there.

I suppose "rebels" and "pirates" (mostly drug runners and other gangs) are out there, and if you act foolishly enough, they might cause the problems you seem to be looking for. Of course, the same could be said about a drive through Dallas or any other city in the US.

I love me a good adrenaline rush myself. I tend to get it driving twisty-bits a bit faster than advised, as just one example. (Not that I'm recommending that, btw, LOL)

But I think the idea of running into rebels or pirates is a bit far-fetched. First, the possibility is fairly remote. Second, these people do have the potential to harm you/kill you. I like a calculated risk myself and this is one that I'd rather avoid.

If you want to be dangerous, find some gang territory in any major US city and wear the wrong colors or something else to draw attention to yourself. (I'm kinda envisioning doing the John McClane stunt in Harlem in Diehard III.) That should quell your thirst for this type of misadventure.

All that said....driving to Alaska can be a great adventure. The vistas are awesome. The chance to observe wildlife in their natural habitat can result in some amazing experiences. My friend was stopped on the road for over an hour by a moose who refused to budge. At one point, he walked over to her car and did a stare down. She slowly backed up and he followed. She was afraid he'd charge. Believe me, that could do damage. After about 30 vehicles were backed up, a trucker came along who slowly nudged Mr. Moose of the road. While I doubt these types of incidents are common, who knows what will happen? It could be interesting and fun.

Maybe you need to hope they revive the Dakar Rally.

Thanks guys!

The link is to a Texas to Alaska ride story. The ride was done by a father and his son.
They did this ride on motorcycles. I thought you might enjoy the pictures.

Hi,

While driving is fun, riding can be, too. You might try driving one way and cruising on the Alaska Marine Highway going the other way. You can get off and drive around on the islands of SE Alaska, stop in Juneau (not reachable by car, yet) and get the full Alaska experience. Just this part of the trip can take days or weeks, depending on how much time you want to spend in places like Wrangel, Sitka, or Petersburg. We worked out our schedule so we traveled mostly during the day and spent 2-3 days at each port - that totaled 3 weeks from Prince Rupert to Haines.

As has been said, this isn't like taking your car across Siberia, but there are long stretches with little evidence of man, lots of chances to see wildlife, and a good place to think about life and how (and where) you want to live it.

One final comment. If you after June, you'll miss most of the mosquitos - all of them if you go after July. And fall in the north is spectacular with the first snows on the mountain tops starting in September.

Do it, you won't regret it.

Craig

Being a Canadian and having travelled on many of these roads I can tell you that snazzy car of yours will be a head turner up there in the wild north! but i would be concerned about going on gravel roads which I am sure there still are long stretches of it between a and b.and wrecking your paint job and fancy parts.
But having said that ,One nice detour is to go from Vancouver towards Whistler then onto Pemberton, Lillooet and back out back onto the Fraser Canyon. It's gorgeous. Further north, Stop in at Barkerville Gold Rush town just east of Quesnal,BC and stay in Wells, a funky little town.Smithers is charming!. If you come up thru Spokane Washington stop in Nelson.BC.
I don't think I would attempt. "The Hill" in Bella Coola or Telegraph Creek in a camaro.
Have fun .
Anne

I am hoping to do Achorage to Tuscon, taking in some sightseeing on the way.
Will be shipping my motorcycle over sometime may 2009 and begining journey late june..
I was a bit worried at the lack of petrol on some streches in Alaska/Canada but if there are stops every hour or so i sould be fine.

Any advice for motorcycling and any great places to maybe visit would be great.

I am planning to average about 250-300 miles a day so i am not rushed...

Been promising myself this journey for a very long time.

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

I'm glad this information has helped you plan for your own Alaska adventure. Driving to Alaska is very high on my "to do" list, but I haven't had the chance to do it yet.

Starting from Tucson, You'll have plenty of great places to tour as you head north, Starting with the Grand Canyon, the National Parks in Utah, Yellowstone, Glacier, and then onto Baniff and the many other National Parks in the Canadian Rockies.

I referenced it earlier in the thread, but the Milepost really is the authoritative guidebook on the subject for once you reach the Alaska Highway. I think it would answer most any question you have about using a Motorcycle for the trip.

I noticed you had a radar detector in your car and one thing that I did not see anyone mention is that they are illegal in most Canadian Providences. And I gess it's a pretty big fine and the cops will confiscate it. But I imagine you can just pack it in the trunk when you are in theses places and you'd probably be fine. That's what we did when we drove across part of Ontario.
Laura

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Originally Posted by anne

....One nice detour is to go from Vancouver towards Whistler then onto Pemberton, Lillooet and back out back onto the Fraser Canyon. Anne

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Anne, I could not agree more. And even though it is not a great distance, it is worth allowing a few days. There are so many places to go for short hikes, and so much to do on the Sea to Sky Highway.

A bit off the subject, but when I arrived at Squamish - in August 2004 - my mouth was watering from having seen all the ripe blackberries along the way. I ended up staying an extra day at the blackberry surrounded hostel, and made a kilo of blackberry jam.

It came in handy later as gifts and to barter with.

Memories!!

I've been dreaming of making this road trip since I was a teen, and saw an article in a local Dallas newspaper. I wonder if my Mazda MP3 would make it?

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

The Alaska Highway is mostly paved roads that are suitable for pretty much any car. As was mentioned earlier in this thread, even a VW new Beetle can make the trip, so I think your Mazda would do just fine. The biggest danger would likely be cosmetic issues like rock chips and gravel damage.

Thanks for the welcome! I would definitely need some rock blocker!

Here is my ride:

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m...g?t=1233968372
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m...r/DSCF3124.jpg
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m...s/DSCF3219.jpg
http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m...g?t=1233968279

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Originally Posted by Midwest Michael

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

I think you are greatly overstating the challenges of an Alaska Roadtrip. Hundreds of people make this trip everyday, and there are no 800 mile stretches without gas. The longest stretch of the Alaska Highway without services is only about 100 miles, with gas typically being available every 20-50 miles.

This trip is so popular, in fact, that there is an entire annual guide dedicated to this trip called the Milepost which I encourage you to read to learn a little more about this not-so-lonely road.

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Great link. Thanks!

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Originally Posted by Bakushan

(edit)

I would like to drive from Dallas to Anchorage Alaska. 4085 miles. 8200 round trip. $1000 in gas.

(edit)
The thing is, no-one does this. No-one anywhere I have ever met sits down and says, “I want to drive to Alaska”. You just don’t. I know, because I have done up to 1100 mile trips like this on my own many times before (something else you didn’t know about me) that the TRIP ITSELF is the adventure. The destination is just the reward.

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Really? I thought folks did this every summer. I myself am contemplating the same journey, with the starting point being Austin. Just me and my dog, taking about a month to drive all the way up and back. We went from Austin to Glacier National Park (n. Montana) last year, and that was awesome. Did it too late in the year to go any further north, though.

Looking forward to reading the comments on this thread, it might motivate me to get started. :D

-val

Val, the day after tomorrow I will be heading out of Boston to Alaska, via family and friends in NJ, IA and ID, then onto Glacier NP, Canadian Rockies, Prince George, Cassair Hwy, Alaska Hwy and Dawson City.

Go for it, it is a trip well worth doing. I did it solo in 2004, but this time I am allowing twice as much time... there is just sooooooooo much you want to see after having gone all that way.

It is by no means a lonely track, in fact the highways in northern Canada and Alaska are suprisingly busy. You will meet lots of folk along the way - campgrounds, wayside stops, touristy attractions - who are doing the same thing.

One young lass I met in Wassila was from Germany. She was cycling from Montana, had been to Homer, was on her way to Denali, and then back along the Alaska Hwy and the Canadian Rockies, back to Montana. I was in awe!

Welcome to the RTA Forum, Val.

If you went through the rest of the thread, you'll see that the original poster seemed to have a dream of doing something wild and crazy, and thought a trip to Alaska would be it. However, as you'd see, this is not at all a road that no one travels, and is actually a quite popular route.

Believe it or not, I do and have know someone who said "I want to drive all the way to Alaska." In fact he made the trip 48 times up and back, while hauling Max ATV's and Ford Trucks from Detroit. He made all these trips BEFORE the ALCAN Hwy. was paved, so this part will make your life much easier. This person was my Father. It is a wonderful trip with lots to see. You should take all the extra's you've listed and keep in mind that you might also need a new windshield too. Rocks are very common on these northern roads and many a windshield has lost that fight. I'd also keep a big bag of Jerkey, just in case. It won't spoil and doesn't need ice to keep either. Sorry to say it but I'd also take a gun. Double check what the laws are in the states you're traveling in, but there will be areas where you'll be the ONLY sole on the road and in addition to shady people, you also need to consider the bigger animals you'll be riding into as well. If you can, even installing a CB radio would be a great plus. You'd be able to keep up with road conditions and have a back up to your cell phone...just in case there is no signal.

Hope this helps...safe travels.
Snugy

Welcome to the RTA forum!

I loved the story about your father as well as your other advice about making the trip. The only thing I'd disagree with is about the gun. Carrying a gun on a roadtrip is not a great idea in my opinion in the first place, but specifically to the Alcan, Canadian gun laws are much more strict than the US and it would be very difficult to legally bring a gun on a trip like this.

I understand about the gun laws. Like I said, Dad made this trip 48 times up and 48 times back...each time with his 357. It's totally a personal choice but I've spent 19 years of my life in Alaska and have gone on many roads, which can be long and very alone. Many veterans of the state will tell you...they go no where without one. Again, it's not so much for the strange people but also the unexpected animals...some quite bigger then a deer...LOL

Either way....enjoy your trip. There is so much to see, I do hope you have enough time to really tour the place. Take your fishing pole too...it's great fishing, if you like that kind of stuff.

Snugy

When we went through BC to Alaska back in '02, the border guards made it clear that handguns were not allowed into Canada. They said they would confiscate any they found. Rifles are another matter, but check with current regulations to see what the restrictions are.

Here's the scoop from the Canadian consulate. You can take handguns in with proper permits from the Canadian government. However, it sounds like a hassle to me and I'm not a fan of carrying a gun. My girlfriend has driven several times from Chugiak, near Anchorage, down the Al-Can to the Lower 48 and back again, and she has never taken a gun with her.

I would also check with US customs to see what it takes to get a gun back across the border into the US. I had friends who went through all the proper paperwork to take hunting rifles into Canada for a hunting trip, transported the guns in proper containers, etc., and still had major problems and delays getting back into the US.

We commissioned an article about vehicle preparation for traveling the AlCan Highway -- it's focus was on RVing, but the information applies to all sorts of conveyances. Check this out!

Mark

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Originally Posted by Lifemagician

Val, the day after tomorrow I will be heading out of Boston to Alaska, via family and friends in NJ, IA and ID, then onto Glacier NP, Canadian Rockies, Prince George, Cassair Hwy, Alaska Hwy and Dawson City.

Go for it, it is a trip well worth doing. I did it solo in 2004, but this time I am allowing twice as much time... there is just sooooooooo much you want to see after having gone all that way.

It is by no means a lonely track, in fact the highways in northern Canada and Alaska are suprisingly busy. You will meet lots of folk along the way - campgrounds, wayside stops, touristy attractions - who are doing the same thing.

One young lass I met in Wassila was from Germany. She was cycling from Montana, had been to Homer, was on her way to Denali, and then back along the Alaska Hwy and the Canadian Rockies, back to Montana. I was in awe!

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How did you go on renting a car? It is almost twelve months since I visited Alaska and have a real desire to go back. Soon. I quite fancy driving up as part of the experience... but getting a car looks impossible??

Craig, I believe Lifey is driving a van loaned to her by family in the US.

Ah, okay. I will keep on trying to work it out then ;)

Craig, the first time I went to Alaska, in 2004, I went in a rent-a-car, and here is what I did.....

Months before I got on the internet to find a rental car. I found that Budget are the only ones with unlimited mileage. I also learned from reading the fine print, that if you rent from Budget in Alaska there are all sorts of restrictions. Budget in Seattle did not have any of those restrictions... and besides, I wanted to drive the Alaska Highway.

I got an internet quote. I emailed them with a lot of questions. Then I called them, and asked about renting for longer than 4 weeks, but I could not pursuade them to let me have it longer. I quizzed them again, extensively about the unlimited mileage. I also asked if I could take it into Canada. I was assured that I could take it anywhere in the USA and Canada but not over the Mexican border. (I even had a US attorney friend check out the terms and conditions for me - he knew what I was planning.)


I booked the car, and when I picked it up, I asked all the above questions again. I was assured of the asnwers once again.

At no time did I mention the word Alaska! At no time did I mention where I was going. I am convinced that in their wildest dreams they would not have thought that a lone senior female would make that trip.

I did 6400 miles and it cost me AU$1000 for the four weeks. I was an hour late getting it back, and had to pay for that.

I booked the second smallest car, knowing full well, with the cost of fuel at the time, everyone wanted small cars, so I was - as expected - upgraded at no extra cost.

Moreover, 45 mins into my rental I had a minor mishap, which was not my fault, and they replaced the car promptly. I was never charged for the repairs.

Craig, go for it... word all your requests the right way. Read and reread all the messages you send and receive. Analyze what the words mean. Print out the terms... get someone to check them. I put months into that rental agreement, and am not sorry that I did.

Any further questions, just ask.

Lifey who is back in the "lower 48"