Denali Highway, Moderate 4x4 trail in Cantwell, AK
Moderate
Overlanding

Denali Highway

Cantwell, AK•Northwest

Denali Highway is a moderate 135 miles off-road trail near Cantwell, AK, best run June - September. The gear list marks All-terrain tires, Extra fuel and Satellite communicator as required, and 4WD capability and Spare tires (2) as recommended. A stock high-clearance 4x4 can run it; check the gear list before you go.

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The Denali Highway stretches 135 miles of gravel through some of Alaska's most dramatic and empty landscape. Vast tundra plains spread to every horizon, braided glacial rivers wind through valleys, and on clear days, Denali itself dominates the skyline. This is overlanding at its most elemental, just you, your rig, and an incomprehensibly vast landscape.

Fun Facts

#1

Denali at 20,310 feet is the tallest mountain in North America.

#2

The Denali Highway was the original road to Denali National Park before the Parks Highway was built.

#3

The area gets nearly 24 hours of daylight during the summer solstice.

Length
135 miles
Elevation
2,500 - 4,086 ft
Best Season
June - September
Permit
Not Required
Denali viewsGlacial riversTundra expanseSummer onlyTotal solitude

🛞 Tires

required
All-terrain tires

⚙️ Drivetrain

recommended
4WD capability

📦 Other

required
Extra fuel
Very limited services
required
Satellite communicator
recommended
Spare tires (2)
Sharp gravel can be tire-destroying

Closest campgrounds to Denali Highway:

Straight-line distance. Check the map for drive time.

Where to Camp

1 campground within 30 miles of this trail

GPS Coordinates

63.1234, -148.9567

Import into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Garmin

Map of Cantwell, AK

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