Canada-Alaska 2022-13: Boondocking on the Top of the World Highway
July 2, 2022
We left Tombstone Mountain Campground after three days, showered in Dawson City, took the free ferry across the Yukon River, and were headed up the Top of the World Highway. We'd driven it the opposite direction in 2017.
The views are breathtaking. It truly feels like being on top of the world. Hopefully the pictures will convey a sense of that feeling.
Doug had heard of a great boondocking spot in Alaska shortly after the border crossing. We rejected a couple of pull-outs, then came to a large gravel pit hidden from the road.
At the other end of the gravel pit a group with ATVs was already camped. So many activities are possible at all hours when daylight is nearly 24 hours!
The next morning we'd continue on Alaska's Taylor Hwy to Eagle then Chicken.
We left Tombstone Mountain Campground after three days, showered in Dawson City, took the free ferry across the Yukon River, and were headed up the Top of the World Highway. We'd driven it the opposite direction in 2017.
The views are breathtaking. It truly feels like being on top of the world. Hopefully the pictures will convey a sense of that feeling.
The road is well groomed dirt.
A bit dusty but we kept away unless they were going slow.
Like the Dempster Highway, we could see the road far into the distance.
Cloud formations & the shadows they cast made for ever-changing sky and scenery.
Depending on the weather, the Top of the World Hwy is open from mid-May to mid-October.
Top of the World Hwy rises to 4,515 feet.
90 minutes after disembarking the ferry, we were at the Yukon-Alaska border.
You have to time your arrival at the border, as it is open 9 to 9 Yukon time, which is 8 to 8 Alaska time.
Doug had heard of a great boondocking spot in Alaska shortly after the border crossing. We rejected a couple of pull-outs, then came to a large gravel pit hidden from the road.
The surroundings were awing, silent, expansive.
Looking out from our boondocking spot in a gravel pit along the Top of the World Highway.
At the other end of the gravel pit a group with ATVs was already camped. So many activities are possible at all hours when daylight is nearly 24 hours!
10:45 PM
11:40 PM
11:55 PM
3:00 AM
Truly awesome landscapes and cloudscapes, you guys. Top of the World, indeed. Uh, who's the old guy leaning on your van?
ReplyDeleteWhat old guy?!? Thanks, Scott. Appreciate your comment and will tell the oldl guy you noticed him:-)
DeleteGreat pics as usual. Nobody loves gravel pits more than you!
ReplyDeleteHaha. They are convenient, as long as you aren't awakened by heavy equipment arriving to work... Appreciate your comment.
DeleteBeautiful and peaceful to behold in photos. Must be something to be there!!! Judy
ReplyDeleteThanks, Judy. I'm so glad you sensed being there through the photos. We are so lucky to have been there.
DeleteGreat views and pictures. Eagle was written about in McPhee's book, Coming Into the Country. He spent a year in all parts of Alaska.
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty much the same as McPhee wrote in the book.
DeleteGreat pictures. Can't help but wonder if the Ice Road Truckers use the Top of the Would Roads during the Winter. David
ReplyDeleteTop of the World is closed in winter. Truckers go up Dempster Hwy, I believe. It's open year round.
DeleteWOW!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe whole trip really was wow. Thanks for commenting!
DeleteAnother great trip for the books
ReplyDeleteIt sure was. Hope to do it again.
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