The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a federal agency, currently keeps track of over 240 million acres of land throughout the United States, including 70 million acres in Alaska. They offer dozens of designated and dispersed camping opportunities throughout Alaska. Many Bureau of Land Management's sites features free camping. Meanwhile, some require a small fee or reservation. In most cases, campers can spend up to 14 days at a single location. To find BLM sites, search for "BLM camping near me."
Dall Sheep Viewing Area in Alaska is one of the world's best places for sheep viewing. It sits on the infamous Dalton Highway, a rugged road that passes through the nearly 5,000-foot peaks of Brooks Range before coming to an abrupt stop at the Arctic coastal plain. The area's unique geological features and incomparable wildlife make it an ideal camping spot. The area is also an excellent place for climbing, hiking, ATVing, hunting, and fishing. Gates of the Arctic National Park is just 1.5 hours East of the Dall Sheep Viewing Area.
Finger Mountain is a short, scenic trail located along the Dalton Highway. This trail offers a unique view of the Alaskan tundra. There are pit bathrooms and a spacious parking lot.
Length: 0.9 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Arctic Refuge, in which the Atigun Gorge lies, is a vast, unmarked tundra. Hikers can park just about anywhere along the Dalton Highway and set out on foot. There are no designated trails, so hikers must explore the land on their own.
Length: n/a
Intensity: Intense
Catch and release fishing is permitted within 5 miles of the Dalton Highway north of Atigun Pass. Anglers target the char, grayling, trout, and whitefish that inhabit the chilly Arctic waters. The many rivers that surround the Dalton Highway are also a draw for thrill-seeking whitewater boaters.
The Dalton Highway, which runs directly past the Dall Sheep Viewing Area, is located in the Brooks Range. This remote Alaskan area consists of several mountain ranges. They are home to intense climbs, such as the Arrigetch Peaks, Mount Michelson, Mount Igikpak, and Mount Shulukshak.
In spring and summer, one does not have to travel far from the Dalton Highway to get a glimpse of Dall sheep in their natural environment. The Atigun Pass is a popular spot for sheep viewing. Of course, the tree-baren tundra also provides visitors with a glimpse of some of Alaska's most impressive wildlife, including caribou, peregrine falcons, golden eagles, short-eared owls, grizzly bears, arctic foxes, and more.
While the Atigun Pass does not have a designated picnic area, it is still the perfect place to pull up and eat lunch. The only designated picnic area along the Dalton Highway is at Arctic Circle. Here, you will find an outhouse, trash containers, picnic tables, and a viewing deck.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game permits bow hunting within 5 miles of the Dalton Highway north of the Yukon River. However, the Brooks Range and Tundra beyond are popular destinations for those hunting Dall sheep and caribou.
BLM RV camping is possible near the Dall Sheep Viewing Area. The closest Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are Five Mile and Coldfoot. Five Mile is located approximately 4 miles north of the Yukon River. It is home to the only dump station along the Dalton Highway. Coldfoot is a developed campground with potable water, pull-through RV sites, and tent sites.
There is plenty of Bureau of Land Management free camping available along the Dalton Highway. In the Dalton corridor, the Bureau of Land Management camping is mostly unregulated. Arctic Circle Wayside Campground and Galbraith Lake Campground are free campgrounds. They offer pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings.
The nearly 500 mile trip from Fairbanks to Atigun Pass can be a rough adventure. Do your best to scout out and reserve spots at BLM campgrounds along the way. Bring along plenty of provisions, including extra food and water. You will travel hundreds of miles without coming across a single restaurant, gas station, hotel, or pitstop. Extra gas, a spare tire, and an emergency roadside kit are safety essentials that you do not want to be without.
Roadside amenities and cell service are extremely limited in remote Alaska. The rugged gravel roads can be somewhat unreliable. Many RV and vehicle rental companies will not permit their customers to travel this particular stretch of road. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Campers must take care to clean up after themselves whenever camping on public BLM land. The treeless tundra and steep mountainsides that surround the Dalton Highway are home to many unique kinds of flora and fauna. This remote area can only remain a rich natural resource with the continued help and dedication of BLM staff and well-meaning visitors.
The Dall Sheep Viewing Area is located approximately 8 hours from the nearest city, Fairbanks, Alaska. To get there, you must head north on Old Steese Highway for 0.5 miles. Turn right onto Elliot Highway. You will enter the Dalton Highway in 73 miles. Continue for 382 miles or until you reach the Atigun Pass, approximately 8 hours northeast of Fairbanks. The Dall Sheep viewing Area is located in North Slope Borough, Alaska.
Ready to visit Dall Sheep Viewing Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
