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DENALI -
FAIRBANKS SECTION
This section
covers the George Parks Highway north of the Talkeetna Spur Road
junction, the Fairbanks/North Pole area, and highways north of
Fairbanks including the Dalton Highway (Haul Road) to the Arctic
Ocean. Road conditions vary considerably. The central section of the
Parks is more prone to frost damage, and should not be driven as fast
as the southern segment. Gravel roads like the Denali Highway and
Dalton are generally less likely to have major bumps and dips, but
more likely to have dust, washboard, and smaller holes and ruts.
First-time travelers to Alaska should be aware that Fairbanks is
about 175 miles from the Alaska Range, and even further from the
Brooks range. Set in a broad, flat floodplain of the Tanana River,
the city has a heritage rich in frontier lore and gold rush fever,
but no mountains or glaciers. Attractions (fees charged) include the
riverboat cruises, the gold dredge and mine, and the Pioneer
(Alaskaland) cultural theme park. |