Deadhorse Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture, safety, getting there, and more in Deadhorse, Alaska.


Introduction to Deadhorse

Deadhorse is a small and remote town located in Arctic Alaska, United States of America. It is the northernmost settlement in Alaska accessible by road and serves as a gateway to the Arctic Ocean. The town is also known as Prudhoe Bay and is home to major oil fields and industrial facilities. Despite its industrial reputation, Deadhorse offers plenty of attractions and outdoor adventures for visitors to explore.

List of Places to Visit in Deadhorse

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Arctic Ocean Coastal Plain: This vast plain spans across the North Slope and is the largest area of arctic tundra in the United States. Visitors can witness the unique and fragile ecosystem of the region.
  • Prudhoe Bay Oil Field: The oil field is one of the largest in North America and visitors can take tours to see the drilling sites, pipelines, and production facilities.
  • Sag River Petroglyphs: The ancient rock carvings date back to 1000 to 2000 BCE and can be found near the Sagavanirktok River.

Natural Attractions of Deadhorse: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Arctic Coastal Plain: The plain offers breathtaking scenery that includes vast snow-covered landscapes, frozen lakes and rivers, and unique flora and fauna.
  • Arctic Ocean: Visitors can take boat tours for a chance to spot a variety of marine wildlife such as beluga whales, walruses, and seals.
  • Aurora Borealis: During the winter months, the northern lights can be seen dancing in the sky at night.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Deadhorse

  • Arctic Interagency Visitor Center Trails: The center provides maps and information on trails of varying difficulty levels in the area. Visitors can also find information on wildlife and flora.
  • Deadhorse trails: For the more adventurous, Deadhorse offers several trails with breathtaking views of the Arctic Ocean and the coastal plane.

Best Things to Do in Deadhorse: Activities and Tours

  • Aurora Viewing Tours: Watch the northern lights in awe with expert guides, comfortable lodges, and an unforgettable arctic experience.
  • Oil Field Tours: Explore the largest oil field in North America with a guided tour.
  • Fishing Tours: Spend a day fishing in some of the most scenic water bodies in the world, with opportunities to catch arctic char, lake trout, and salmon.

Week-Long Itinerary for Deadhorse

Day Activities
Day 1 Arrive in Deadhorse, visit Arctic Interagency Visitor Center, and take a hike on the trails.
Day 2 Take an oil field tour and learn about the history, production, and infrastructure of the oil field.
Day 3 Go fishing for arctic char and lake trout in the nearby water bodies, and enjoy the serene scenery.
Day 4 Go on an aurora viewing tour and marvel at the northern lights in the arctic sky.
Day 5 Explore the Sag River Petroglyphs and learn about the ancient rock carvings in the area.
Day 6 Take a boat tour and watch the marine wildlife such as beluga whales and seals.
Day 7 Visit the Arctic Ocean coastal plain and witness the unique arctic ecosystem before departing Deadhorse.

Food and Drink Scene of Deadhorse

Must-Try Dishes

  • Reindeer Sausage: A local delicacy made from reindeer meat, seasoned with spices, and served as a hot dog.
  • Salmon Chowder: A creamy soup made from fresh salmon and vegetables, perfect for the chilly arctic weather.

Local Beverages

  • Alaska Brewing Company Beers: A wide variety of craft beers brewed in Juneau, Alaska, using local ingredients.
  • Arctic Devil Barley Wine: A strong and flavorful beer produced by the Midnight Sun Brewing Company in Anchorage, Alaska.

Where to Stay in Deadhorse: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Deadhorse Camp: A comfortable and affordable hotel with essential amenities, including free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and bar, and a fitness center.
  • Prudhoe Bay Hotel: A spacious and modern hotel with an on-site restaurant, laundry facilities, and conference rooms.

What to Buy in Deadhorse: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Arctic Gear: A wide assortment of clothing, footwear, and accessories designed to keep visitors warm and comfortable in the arctic weather.
  • Native Art and Crafts: The Inupiaq people of the North Slope create intricate and beautiful artwork, including handcrafted dolls, carvings, and jewelry.

Local Culture and Customs of Deadhorse

The Inupiaq people are the indigenous inhabitants of the region and have lived in harmony with the land for thousands of years. Visitors should respect their culture, traditions, and customs, and seek their permission to enter and explore ancestral lands.

Best Time to Visit Deadhorse

The best time to visit Deadhorse is during the summer months of June to August when the weather is mild and the days are long. However, visitors should also consider the winter months of December to February for a chance to witness the northern lights.

Do’s and Don’ts of Deadhorse

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Dress warmly and in layers.
  • Take guided tours and follow safety instructions.

Don’t:

  • Trespass or enter restricted areas without permission.
  • Litter or harm the fragile ecosystem.
  • Approach or disturb wildlife.

Safety and Health

Safety in Deadhorse

Visitors should follow safety instructions and guidelines provided by tour operators and avoid exposure to extreme weather conditions. It is also recommended to carry a navigation device, warm clothing, and emergency supplies.

Health in Deadhorse

Visitors should be prepared to face the harsh and unpredictable weather conditions in the area. It is recommended to carry adequate medication, water, and food supplies in case of an emergency.

Getting to Deadhorse: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Deadhorse

  • Deadhorse Airport: The nearest airport to Deadhorse serves major airlines such as Alaska Airlines and smaller charter flights.
  • Barrow Airport: Another option is to fly into the Barrow Airport and take a shuttle or charter a vehicle to Deadhorse.

Bus Stations Near Deadhorse

  • There are no bus stations near Deadhorse. However, visitors can take a shuttle or charter a vehicle to reach Deadhorse from Barrow.

Other Options

  • Visitors can also take a guided tour or join an adventure group to reach Deadhorse.

How to Get Around in Deadhorse

Visitors can avail commercial shuttles, charter vehicles, or guided tours to explore Deadhorse and its surroundings.

Where to Go Next from Deadhorse: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Barrow: Another remote town in Alaska that serves as an important hub for the surrounding Inupiaq communities.
  • Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: The largest national wildlife refuge in the United States, located east of Deadhorse, with countless natural wonders and unique flora and fauna.

Conclusion

Deadhorse, despite its industrial reputation, offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. With a wide array of attractions, outdoor adventures, and cultural heritage, Deadhorse promises a visit like no other. Visitors can appreciate and respect the way of life of the Inupiaq people and explore the breathtaking scenery of the Arctic tundra. A visit to Deadhorse is a must for anyone seeking to quench their thirst for adventure and explore the Arctic landscape in its purest form.

Deadhorse as seen from the air Deadhorse as seen from the air