The folks at Arctic Outfitters are travel specialists, and they’ll work hard to help you plan a trip to fit your needs. For the independent traveler, a self-guided drive into the northern reaches of Alaska may be just the ticket. One problem? Most car rental companies prohibit travel on the rugged Dalton Highway, which runs 414 miles from the Elliot Highway, north of Fairbanks, to Deadhorse, located on the shores of the Arctic Ocean. Arctic Outfitters rents reliable, stable vehicles that are specially equipped for remote travel.
Arctic Outfitters maintains a fleet of Ford Escapes, a midsize crossover SUV with good gas mileage. Every vehicle undergoes a rigorous maintenance routine and is equipped with quality tires, a CB radio for remote communication and a tire changing and maintenance kit. If you’re planning on driving all the way to Deadhorse, also known as Prudhoe Bay, plan on at least three days. Although the drive from Fairbanks to Deadhorse is only 500 miles, slow conditions can stretch the trip from 12-16 hours. Many travelers opt for a four-day rental, which allows for an overnight in Coldfoot each way.
A trip into Alaska’s north country is an eye-opening experience- explore the shores of the mighty Yukon River, cross the Continental Divide at Atigun Pass and learn about the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System that snakes its way across the landscape. For families who want to explore northern Alaska, but are hesitant to book a long tour with young children, an independent car rental could be just the thing. You’ll have the flexibility to plan your day and explore at your own pace without being locked in to anyone else’s time frame.
