Guides/Overland routes/Alaska
Overland route135 midifficulty: moderate

Denali Highway

RegionAlaskaAgencyBureau of Land ManagementLast verified—
Denali Highway — overland route near Cantwell, Alaska, Alaska
Photo by Craig McCaa / BLM Alaska via Wikimedia Commons (public domain)
Trail vitals6 facts
Length
135mi
Technical difficulty
Moderate
Direction
Point to point
Vehicle
High-clearance vehicle. The first 21 miles are paved; the rest is graded gravel with soft spots and rough patches. The 35 mph advisory speed limit reflects the surface conditions.
Best months
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Cell coverage
None on most of the highway
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The Denali Highway (Alaska Route 8) is a 135-mile mostly-gravel route across interior Alaska between Paxson on the Richardson Highway and Cantwell on the Parks Highway. Opened in 1957, the highway was the first road access to Denali National Park before the Parks Highway opened in 1971. The route crosses Maclaren Summit at 4,086 feet — the second-highest highway pass in Alaska — and offers some of the most-photographed views of the Alaska Range and the surrounding glacial country.

The first 21 miles east from Paxson are paved; the remaining 114 miles are graded gravel with an advisory 35 mph speed limit. The road is maintained mid-May through mid-September only and closes to vehicle traffic in winter (when snowmobiles and dogsled teams use it). Coldfoot-style remoteness applies — fuel and supply are scarce between the two endpoints.

Hazards

Read before you go

  • Tire damage. Common; carry two spares.
  • Soft spots. Sections of the gravel surface are soft and trap unprepared vehicles.
  • Dust. Visibility drops in dust clouds.
  • Wildlife. Moose, caribou, and grizzly bears on the road.
  • No services. Long stretches without fuel or supply.
  • No cell coverage. Carry a satellite messenger.
  • Closed in winter. Mid-September through mid-May.

Location

135 mi · Overland route

Approx. location 63.040, -145.500

Trail facts

5 fields
AgencyBureau of Land Management
Nearest townCantwell, Alaska
Websitewww.blm.gov/visit/denali-highway
ClosedOct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
Approx. location63.040, -145.500

Getting there

Directions

Eastern access (Paxson). From Glennallen on the Richardson Highway, drive north 70 miles to Paxson. The Denali Highway begins at the junction.

Western access (Cantwell). From Fairbanks on the Parks Highway, drive south 165 miles to Cantwell. The Denali Highway begins at the junction.

Approximate Paxson (Mile 0) coordinates: 63.040° N, -145.500° W.

Photos

2 photos

Photos · 2

Field notes

Getting Oriented

The highway crosses the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area in interior Alaska. Paxson on the Richardson Highway anchors the eastern end; Cantwell on the Parks Highway anchors the western. Both are tiny — Paxson has occasional seasonal services, Cantwell has a year-round small grocery and gas. Fairbanks (192 miles north of Cantwell) and Anchorage (215 miles south of Cantwell) are the regional service hubs. The road skirts the southern boundary of the Alaska Range, with views of Mt. Hayes, Mt. Hess, and Mt. Deborah at high points.

Trail Overview

From Paxson, the highway runs west as paved blacktop for 21 miles to Tangle Lakes, a popular campground and BLM-managed area. The pavement ends; the next 114 miles run as graded gravel through the Amphitheater Mountains, climbing to Maclaren Summit at 4,086 feet, then descending through MacLaren River and Susitna River drainages to Cantwell.

Driving the full 135 miles takes 5 to 8 hours depending on grader status and weather. Most travelers spend a day on the highway with stops at the Tangle Lakes archaeological district, Maclaren River Lodge, and the various Alaska Range overlooks. The highway is one of the few BLM-managed routes in Alaska accessible to passenger vehicles.

Points of Interest

  • Tangle Lakes. A complex of lakes near the Paxson end with developed BLM campgrounds and the Tangle Lakes Archaeological District (a National Historic Landmark with prehistoric sites).
  • Maclaren Summit. 4,086 feet, the second-highest highway pass in Alaska.
  • Maclaren River Lodge. A seasonal roadhouse at mile 42 with food, lodging, and informal supply.
  • Susitna River. Crossed at mile 79 with a long bridge.
  • Brushkana Creek Campground. BLM-managed campground near the western end.
  • Alaska Range views. Mt. Hayes (13,832 ft), Mt. Hess (11,940 ft), and Mt. Deborah (12,339 ft) visible to the north.
  • Caribou herds. The Macomb herd uses the highway corridor; sightings are common.

Where to Camp

BLM-managed campgrounds at Tangle Lakes (multiple), Maclaren and Brushkana, all with fees. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout BLM land along the route with the standard 14-day stay limit. Maclaren River Lodge has cabin rentals during the season. Cantwell and Paxson have limited commercial lodging.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • Travel mid-May through mid-September. The road is closed in winter.
  • Carry two full-size spare tires, a plug kit, and a compressor. Tire damage is common.
  • Top off fuel in Glennallen, Fairbanks, or Anchorage before driving. Cantwell and Paxson have small stations but limited hours.
  • Carry food and water; the route has no consistent services.
  • Cell coverage is absent for most of the route.
  • Drive with headlights on for visibility in dust.
  • Watch for caribou, moose, and grizzly bears.
  • The Tangle Lakes archaeological sites are federally protected. Do not disturb artifacts.
  • Watch for cyclists. The Denali Highway is part of several long-distance bicycle routes.
  • Contact the BLM Glennallen Field Office at 907-822-3217 for current conditions.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is Denali Highway?
Denali Highway is rated moderate. The route runs 135 miles.
What kind of vehicle do you need for Denali Highway?
High-clearance vehicle. The first 21 miles are paved; the rest is graded gravel with soft spots and rough patches. The 35 mph advisory speed limit reflects the surface conditions.
When is the best time to visit Denali Highway?
The best months are Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep. Avoid Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May.
Is there cell service at Denali Highway?
None on most of the highway