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prstlk's avatar
prstlk
Explorer
Jun 25, 2015

Road reports

The report is for both ak and ca. We left whitehourse for the top of the world on 6-5. Found the road in good shape but caution is the word. Many smooth spots followed by teeth jarring pot holes, frost heaves etc. The worst roads we found were after chicken.
After a stay in Fairbanks we were told by some used to be friends to drop back down to delta junction and take the Denali highway to the park. The drive was beautiful but it took 8 hours for 138 miles. Seriously 10 to 15 in places. Might be better in a 5ver or tt.

Enjoyed the views but would not recommend.

The road from Denali to wassila has construction stops some as long as an hour. Good news is the fires are out.
jw
  • SBradley's avatar
    SBradley
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2015
    Alaskan road report worst to better

    Denali Hwy not really a maintained rd.
    Dalton Hwy is passable but is really for commercial use broken windshields are the norm.
    McCarthy / Kenicott upgraded but 60 miles still takes 2 hours
    Tok to GlenAllen - Glenn Hwy frost heaves
    Taylor Hwy 60 miles paved the rest is gravel very dusty
    Top of the World dusty when dry calcium chloride used for dust control is miserable when wet.
    Parks and Richardson are about the best they have ever been not saying they are great just good.
    Seward is very good

    Yukon:
    the road from Dawson to Whitehorse is good some construction
    Whitehorse to Hains Jct good
    Hains Jct to Destruction Bay good
    Destruction Bay to the border FROST HEAVES construction in sections 80 miles
    The border to Tok is good some construction

    I drove all of these Hwys except the Denali this month.
    This an Alaskan idea of good. But we drive these every day so our idea of good isn't the same as someone living in the states.
  • rag-ftw's avatar
    rag-ftw
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2015
    WOW!!! The good news is you have driven the worst road in Alaska, IMO!!
    I hope your "used to be friends" didn't recommend taking the HR to Kennicott! DONT DO IT!!! Take the Ranger!
    You might want to check with the folks on this forum before you follow any more advice from your "used to be friends".
  • prstlk's avatar
    prstlk
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2015
    rag-ftw wrote:
    Did you take your HR across the Denali Highway? Are you towing the Ranger or the trailer?

    We found the Denali Highway to be a LOT worse than Top-Of-The-World in 2013!

    Did the fire in Willow damage any of the fishing camps along the Parks Highway?

    Glad you made it this far!


    Yes we took the HR and the Ranger on the Denali Highway. Wonderful views - just slow going.

    Denali us much worse than the Top of the World and the Chicken!

    Don't know about damage to the fishing camps and the Willow fire - just saw the damage from the highway.

    Looking forward to seeing Anchorage and Kenai.
  • rag-ftw's avatar
    rag-ftw
    Explorer
    Jun 25, 2015
    Did you take your HR across the Denali Highway? Are you towing the Ranger or the trailer?

    We found the Denali Highway to be a LOT worse than Top-Of-The-World in 2013!

    Did the fire in Willow damage any of the fishing camps along the Parks Highway?

    Glad you made it this far!

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