Yukon to Alaska via Top of The World Highway Advise
We are planning a trip to Dawson City Yukon in Canada and drive from Dawson to Fairbanks Alaska via The Top of the World Highway (which is Road 9 in Yukon and Road 5 in Alaska). This is suppose to be a beautiful drive through Yukon and Alaska. We will be going in July 2017.
I am looking for advise on the drive, time to allow to drive the entire route from Dawson to Tetlin Junction, Alaska. We will be driving a Tahoe SUV 4 wheel drive.
Any suggestions.
Hello, and welcome to the RTA Forum!
I drove the Top of the World Highway on my way out of Alaska, the summer before last. I've written several short articles for this website about the attractions along the route; you can find them by clicking this link. There's some good information in the articles.
From Dawson City to Tetlin Junction is an easy days drive, but much depends on the weather, as most of the route is not paved and heavy rain could equate to slow going. Another factor is the George Black Ferry, which is the only way to cross the Yukon River, to travel north from Dawson City. The ferry can only accommodate about a dozen trucks and cars at a time, so there can be a wait of as much as three hours during peak travel periods (from 7 AM until about 11 AM).
On a clear day, this truly is a gorgeous drive. If you'd like to see some photos, here's a link to a slideshow on my personal website.. Give the page a minute to load, then the photos will advance automatically every three seconds.
Enjoy! Alaska is a grand adventure!
Rick Quinn
Maybe you'll have a clear day, but the odds are against it.
The emphasis here is On a clear day. I too have driven this highway, and at least three others I know have as well. Not one of us experienced the dream of it being a clear day. If it is not raining, it can be very foggy - thick fog.Originally Posted by Rick Quinn
I have not experienced the wait mentioned above, for the ferry, though I took it several times, including in the morning. Being first or last on the ferry can be hair raising. As you ascend on the other side of the river, take time to stop on the roadside seats near the golf course, and look back at the river, its environment and the colour of the water at different points. Once on the ridge of the Top of the World Hwy, it was not long before we struck the fog. The road was still sealed, and the white line in the centre was the guide that I was on the correct side of the road. Once the pavement ended and it was just all wet gravel, it became much more difficult. The only way I knew where the road went and when it turned was to keep my eyes on the gps. It really was that scary.
Now don't let me put you off. It was still a memorable - though very slow - experience. I did get to see the sights on the odd ocasion through small gaps in the fog. Once over the border it was a terrible road with huge potholes full of water. By now it was pouring rain. I stopped momentarily in or near Chicken, and continued on to Tok, where I stayed the night. Once the rain and fog were gone, it was a very pleasant drive.
Just don't count on it being a clear day the day you plan to drive it. Or if you have the time, make enquiries as to what the weather is like on the top of the ridge. Then plan your trip.
Enjoy Alaska,. I've driven there and back four times, and still feel as if it is the only place I want to go back to. It is magnetic!
Lifey
Lifey is correct; you should definitely inquire about the weather forecast before leaving Dawson City, and be prepared to delay your departure if storms are predicted. I was lucky enough to catch a clear day, and even at that I had to deal with heavy fog in the morning, and thick haze that persisted even after the sun came out.
You mentioned that you're going to Fairbanks? If you happen to be there during the third week of July, check out the World Eskimo Indian Olympics at the Carlson Center. It's an annual event (specific dates this year will be from July 19th to the 22nd); contestants come to Fairbanks from native communities all over the state. Events include the Blanket Toss, the Ear Pull, the Two-foot High Kick, and a Muktuk eating contest. There's a beauty contest, a regalia contest, and native crafts on display and for sale. It's truly unique, and uniquely Alaska. I have a slide show on that, as well: here's another link to my website. Again: give the page a minute to load, and the pictures will advance automatically.
Something else you'll see quite a lot of, traveling in Alaska in July: Fireweed! (click the link to see a slide show). The pinkish-lavender blooms are everywhere, and they make a summer drive through Alaska all the more memorable.
Rick
Thank you both for your suggestions and comments. Very helpful. We are looking forward to this trip. We are taking a month to drive from Indianapolis IN to Alaska and Back during the month of July. We have all our hotels / cabins reserved.
My only fear about planning on going to Fairbanks via The Top of World Road is the weather you mentioned. I am afraid we won't find accommodations to stay an extra night if needed. I have found in making my reservations, July is a tough month to get reservations. I may decide to make an extra reservation night just in case.
Thanks all.
Not really a lot of time.
A month is really not a great deal of time for your trip. My first trip from Seattle and back was four weeks. It really did not give me a great deal of time to see very much, other than the main cities. You might be interested to read the AK portion of my trip in 2012
On the positive side, it will probably whet your appetite to return for a much longer time to really see the interior and the outlying, less visited parts of AK. You may or may not know that the Alaska Highway has been changed again and again, so much so, that the latest change takes you a long way off the original road. Might be fine for truckers, but not for those who drive the highway for its scenery and w9ildlife. Shortly after you leave Fort Nelson, there is a finger sign on the right pointing to the Old Alaska Highway. I suggest you take that road. No trucks with which to contend and hopefully the wildlife will be active in July. In the past there was a lot of wildlife to be seen along this route - hence the 90kmp speed limit. Last year I took the new section and did not see any wildlife at all. When I got to Watson Lake visitor centre (you have to make a stop there), I heard lots of people complaining that they had not seen any wildlife. Shortly after Toad River there is Jack's Place on the right (heading north). The little blue building says Muncho Post Office. Jack's Place is a motel, fuel station, convenience store cafe and bakery all in one. It is a great place to stop for lunch - make your own tea or coffee.
It is highly recommended that you take an alternative route back to see a lot more of Canada. The Cassair Highway to Kitwanga is a remote highway with several interesting stops along the way. Jade City being one. A short detour to Steward and Hyder would allow you to go see the spectacular and unbelievably massive Salmon Glacier.
Do you have The Milepost? the bible of all those who make the trek north. It, and its map are virtually essential for a trip such as yours.
Lifey
RoadTrip Enthusiast
I am looking in to driving from Texas to Prudhoe Bay AK. I found YouTube videos of Alaska road trips dash-cams and helmet cams be lot more informative.
The Haul Road.
Having taken both a bus trip to Prudhoe Bay, and onto the Arctic Ocean, (in 2009) and driven all the way to Prudhoe Bay (2012), you may like to check out my trip reports from these trips.
2012 - Self drive
2009 - bus trip
Do you have a copy of The Milepost, it is invaluable!
A wonderful trip if you take the time to really allow the remoteness, and the lifestyle of those who live there, in your thoughts....... and pick up the rubbish thoughtless folk leave behind.
Lifey
RoadTrip Enthusiast
Thank you. I will look in to it..
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