We’ll preface this piece by mentioning that if you’ve ever seen the Ice Road Truckers television series on the History Channel, you’re probably already familiar with Atigun Pass Alaska. As the highest mountain pass in the Last Frontier, Atigun is notorious for being a deadly route that drivers and pilots alike try to stay far, far away from. But that raw, rugged terrain with such a daring reputation certainly doesn’t come without its perks. The larger-than-life natural beauty that you’ll find here is elevated to an entirely robust level. Just take a look and you’ll soon understand.

Wikipedia
Atigun Pass winds through the 700 mile wide Brooks Range in Alaska's mostly uninhabited isolated northern arctic land.
Flickr - Scott McMurren
At mile marker 244, you'll cross the Continental Divide as you climb 4,739 feet in elevation.
Flickr - Danny Walden
Atigun is the highest mountain pass in all of Alaska that is maintained on a year-round basis.
Flickr - NOAA Photo Library
It is also the only mountain pass in Alaska's renowned Brooks Range that is crossed by road.
The views at Chandalar Shelf near Atigun Pass are an appetizing preview for what is to come higher up.
Flickr - Scott McMurren
In fact, even the view from the airport in Chandalar is mind-blowing.
Before we go any further, we need you to understand one important thing: White outs happen here. A lot.
Flickr - FairbanksMike
So before you take on this daring drive, understand that harsh weather conditions happen frequently. If you aren't comfortable driving in blizzard conditions on sheets of glare ice, consider a different transportation route if that is a viable alternative. It’s known as one of the most dangerous roads in Alaska.
To access Atigun Pass, you'll need to take Alaska Route 11 known as the James W. Dalton Highway.
Flickr - Scott McMurren
This 414 mile long road winds through Alaska's northern arctic region often referred to as 'the slope.’ The Trans-Alaska Pipeline runs alongside the Dalton Highway and the area is sometimes called the North Slope Haul Road.
Although most might not know it, they've likely experienced the extremely hazardous conditions in Atigun Pass from the History Channel television series Ice Road Truckers.
Flickr - Anita Ritenour

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Although Atigun's reputation isn't filled with warm and fuzzies, the natural beauty along the way is positively undeniable.
Flickr - Anita Ritenour
Roughly 63 miles north of the Arctic Circle, you'll even be able to see the awe-inspiring Koyukuk River.
It is also located at the head of the Dietrich River.
Flickr - Peter Waterman
During the fall and summer months, the motorcyclist crowd can't get enough of this scenic mountainous route.
Flickr - Peter Waterman
The summer can be absolutely stunning, especially if you come across a sunny day.
Megan McDonald / Only In Your State
I was lucky enough to spend the night in Atigun Pass within the generous pullout, with plenty of room for a dozen cars or a handful of eighteen-wheelers.
Megan McDonald / Only In Your State
And the view when you wake up? Stunning. This is a view that will be burned into your memory forever.
Megan McDonald / Only In Your State
To put it quite simply, Atigun Pass is the absolute epitome of winter wonderland on a clear, sunshiny day.
Flickr - NOAA Photo Library
You will be totally and completely mind blown at the wildlife views along the way. Although it will be easy to get distracted, stay focused on the road and pull over to enjoy a photo-op.
Flickr - Scott McMurren
If you choose to make the journey through Alaska's highest mountain pass, be careful and we wish you the safest and happiest of travels!

If you’re putting this on your list of road trips, don’t forget to pack the road trip snacks.

If you enjoyed reading about Atigun Pass Alaska, you definitely don’t want to miss these 15 mountains in Alaska that are straight out of a storybook. Also, you don’t want to miss these 16 scenic overlooks in Alaska that will leave you breathless.

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Atigun Pass Alaska

Megan McDonald | December 14, 2023

What is the highest pass in Alaska?

The highest mountain pass in Alaska is Atigun Pass. Located in the Brooks Range, Atigun Pass rises to about 4,800 feet (1,463 meters). It is particularly well-known for being part of the Dalton Highway, a road that offers one of the few routes through the Brooks Range and is featured prominently in the TV series "Ice Road Truckers." This pass is a vital link for transportation in this remote part of Alaska, especially for the oil fields at Prudhoe Bay to the north.

What are the prettiest highways in Alaska?

Alaska has several stunningly scenic highways known for their breathtaking landscapes and unique natural features. Some of the most beautiful highways in Alaska include:

  • Seward Highway: Connecting Anchorage to Seward, this highway offers views of the Turnagain Arm, Chugach Mountains, and Kenai Peninsula. It's known for its stunning coastal scenery, mountain vistas, and opportunities to spot wildlife.
  • Dalton Highway runs from Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay, Also known as the North Slope Haul Road. This highway traverses through the Brooks Range via Atigun Pass and offers views of the Arctic tundra and the Yukon River.
  • Glenn Highway: Connecting Anchorage with Glennallen, this highway offers views of the Chugach Mountains and Matanuska Glacier. It's a great route for hiking, fishing, and exploring Alaska's wilderness.
  • Richardson Highway: Running from Valdez to Fairbanks, this historic route offers views of the Chugach Mountains, the Copper River, and the Alaska Range. It passes through Keystone Canyon and Worthington Glacier.
  • Sterling Highway: Stretching from Tern Lake to Homer, it provides access to the Kenai Peninsula, including the Kenai River, Kenai Fjords National Park, and numerous fishing and recreational areas.
  • Alaska Marine Highway: Though not a traditional highway, this ferry system offers a unique way to see Alaska's coastal scenery, including the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay, and the Aleutian Islands.

Each of these highways offers a unique glimpse into Alaska's diverse landscapes, from coastal regions and mountain ranges to vast tundra and boreal forests. They're popular among tourists for road trips and photography, especially during the summer when the weather is more accommodating.

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Atigun Pass, Alaska, USA