Wiseman to Deadhorse
also called Prudhoe Bay

Wiseman to Deadhorse

Also called Prudhoe Bay

Wiseman is about halfway between Fairbanks and Deadhorse. Consider driving 250 miles further to the Arctic Ocean. Deadhorse is a service station for the oilfields, largely an industrial camp. It has two automated fuel stations and a small general store. The sun does not set in Prudhoe Bay from May 20th to July 22nd!

Wiseman to Deadhorse

The Arctic Getaway is located near the halfway point between Fairbanks and the Arctic Ocean. The grandest Arctic scenery is attributed to the region between Coldfoot and the Sagavanirktok River, about 140 miles to the North. Along this section, you pass over Alaska’s highest roadway summit, Atigun pass (4,800 feet) through the Brooks Range, 65 miles from Wiseman. 

You leave the boreal forest behind and enter the treeless regions of the high arctic. Watch for wolves, grizzly bears, and Dall sheep. The undulating hills of the Arctic become apparent as you leave the mountains. Grand vistas of high arctic tundra are found all the way to Deadhorse and Prudhoe Bay. Watch for Muskox along the road from Happy Valley to the Franklin Bluffs. 

The drive to Deadhorse takes 6 – 7 hours. Some do it faster, depending on road conditions and sightseeing interests. Many do the roundtrip from Wiseman to Deadhorse and back to Wiseman in one day. But it is a long one indeed. Thanks for all that summer sun!

Places to STay

There are a few hotels in Prudhoe Bay but call ahead to make sure they have space.

Arctic Ocean & Oilfield Tour

Access to the Arctic ocean and the oilfields with your personal vehicle is not permitted. The only way to see this area is through a custom tour. Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance, and you need to provide a driver’s license/passport number. Make reservations through: