Forum Discussion

mockturtle's avatar
mockturtle
Explorer II
Feb 08, 2015

SR 8 (Denali Highway)

I'm planning to take the Denali Highway (SR8) from south of Paxson over to Denali NP this summer rather than going through Fairbanks. What is your experience with it? I also understand there are a couple of BLM areas for camping along that route.

13 Replies

  • MORSNOW's avatar
    MORSNOW
    Navigator III
    The views across the Denali Highway are some of the best in the state. The road surface follows ridge lines that allow excellent views in all directions, not just a road through a forrest of trees. It does have a washboard surface, but if you go fairly slow, it's not bad. I drive it nearly every year in July with a camper and ATV trailer. Many free camping pullouts along the entire length of the road, not much for developed campgrounds if that is what you are looking for.
  • Drove it in 2012. Much the same recollection of the road as fer2005. You should not have any problem with your rig. Road will have a lot of washboard sections and can be muddy if it rains. Plenty of good boon docking spots all the across Hyway 8.

    One piece of advice is to NOT drive Hyway 8 during caribou season unless you want to see hundreds of camo wearing, 4wheeler driving, rifle toting, beer drinking, city dudes that are camped in every opening along the road. We made that mistake and saw at least 300 hunters and 2 caribou on our journey along the Denali Highway. In spite of all the hunters the scenery was well worth the drive.
  • Travelled it last year. Stayed at Tangle Lakes and enjoyed it. When we crossed it, it was very rough. I'm sure the scenery would have been beautiful but the smoke from the Funny Fire was thick!

    I want to do it again the next we're up north!