The Dalton Highway is the only accessible road that can take any driver to the farthest north point in Alaska. The Highway is often called the "Haul Road," since the Highway is known for its harrowing terrain for truck drivers.
Deadhorse is a municipality at the end of the Dalton Highway. The town and even most of the highway opened to the public in 1995. Before, only commercial vehicles for the oil companies in the town could drive into Deadhorse. The town primarily provides housing, goods, and services for oil rig workers and truckers. Many parts of Deadhorse are not accessible to non-workers, but travelers can gaze at the horizon where the Arctic Ocean begins.
The Dalton Highway begins at the junction with Highway 2 in Alaska. There, commercial and other motor vehicles can trek 413 miles north through Alaska's wilderness. Tundras, forests, plains and mountains are all across the highway space. The famous Trans-Alaska Pipeline runs parallel to the Dalton Highway. The road eventually becomes gravel the farther you drive north, so all drivers must be careful while driving. Drivers need to bring extra gas and maintenance equipment, since there is a 240-mile stretch until Deadhorse with no fuel or service stations.
