Everything I learned riding the Dalton (Haul Road) up to Deadhorse/Prudhoe Bay

[GTRider]

Nice writeup with lots of good info!
Thx for posting it!

My vote for lodging in Fairbanks is a room at the University. Clean, inexpensive, and quiet.

Best,
DeVern

[drneo66]

Nice writeup with lots of good info!
Thx for posting it!

My vote for lodging in Fairbanks is a room at the University. Clean, inexpensive, and quiet.

Best,
DeVern

Yes, my plan was originally to stay at the University, except they no longer allow anyone who isn't affiliated with the University to stay in the dorms short-term. Kind of a bummer...

[GTRider]

That’s unfortunate—I had a nice stay there in 2018. AirBnB may have some options, I guess.

Best,
DeVern

[darrell]

Welcome back to MN and completion of a safe ride. I’ll catch up with you soon someplace.

Darrell

[mikegalbicka]

Great write up. Thanks for sharing your adventure.

[Scout6]

Great shared information. Thank you.

[akbeemer]

Yes, my plan was originally to stay at the University, except they no longer allow anyone who isn't affiliated with the University to stay in the dorms short-term. Kind of a bummer...

That is sad to hear. I started the policy of letting riders stay in the dorms in the summer in 2008 (I think). Made some money for the university and I do not recall having any issues with the riders who stayed on campus. There were some on campus who thought it was inappropriate and tried to stop the housing of riders, but we successfully fended them off. I guess they finally got their way.

[GTRider]

That is sad to hear. I started the policy of letting riders stay in the dorms in the summer in 2008 (I think). Made some money for the university and I do not recall having any issues with the riders who stayed on campus. There were some on campus who thought it was inappropriate and tried to stop the housing of riders, but we successfully fended them off. I guess they finally got their way.

I’m guessing Covid had some impact in the decision, and once the practice was suspended for that it’s not likely to be reopened.

When I left Dawson City headed for Fairbanks I had my wife scouting motels from home, and Fairbanks looked kinda bleak for housing until I asked her to call the university. Every aspect of the stay at the U was great, from booking to departure.

Best,
DeVern

[RIDERR1150GSADV]

Great write up!
I did my Key West to Prudhoe in 2007 and nothing was paved back then, certainly not the last 50 miles into Prudhoe...
The photo of Bear Glacier is shocking as when I saw it, the ice was all the way to the water and up on the mountains on both sides covering the rocks.....
Your bike will never get clean again btw. The stains from the muck will always be present and the patina is a cool conversation piece IMHO...

[akbeemer]

There are sections of the Dalton that were paved in the early 2000’s. The last time I was on the haul road in 2011 the were in very bad shape and worse to ride on than the gravel. I suspect they were covered with dirt/gravel at some point.

I knew the man who worked for AKDOT and was responsible for the maintenance of the Dalton. He told me the purposely kept the first 20 miles of the southern end of the Dalton in a rough and bumpy state. The hope was that it would deter tourists.

[drneo66]

I knew the man who worked for AKDOT and was responsible for the maintenance of the Dalton. He told me the purposely kept the first 20 miles of the southern end of the Dalton in a rough and bumpy state. The hope was that it would deter tourists.

I could see that!

[drneo66]

Great write up!
I did my Key West to Prudhoe in 2007 and nothing was paved back then, certainly not the last 50 miles into Prudhoe...
The photo of Bear Glacier is shocking as when I saw it, the ice was all the way to the water and up on the mountains on both sides covering the rocks.....
Your bike will never get clean again btw. The stains from the muck will always be present and the patina is a cool conversation piece IMHO...

Yes, I was surprised on how much of it was paved, even if it was in poor shape. I had mentally prepared for the worse. I just couldn't believe the smooth road towards the end - I kept thinking it was going to end around the next corner

[RIDERR1150GSADV]

Yes, I was surprised on how much of it was paved, even if it was in poor shape. I had mentally prepared for the worse. I just couldn't believe the smooth road towards the end - I kept thinking it was going to end around the next corner

I now vaguely remember a few teaser patches of pavement but it wasn't anything to write home about. It's been 15 years....

[Pauls1150]

As for a place to stay - When I stopped in for their T-shirt, the Fairbanks Harley shop suggested the Frog Pond Bed & Breakfast; I've stayed there twice. Very nice people, hot shower, great breakfast, and they even provided a hose, bucket, and rags to take off the top layers of mud and salt. Just a couple miles out of town, north.

[bluegrasspicker]

Great Ride report. Thanks for sharing this.