Day 18 – Top of the World Highway

 The highway that runs between Dawson City, Yukon, and Chicken, Alaska, is the Top of the World Highway. It really does live up to its name as you first climb up and then wind around the hills on a gravel road for over 100 miles. The views of the Ogilvie and Mackenzie Mountains to the east and the intervening foothills are amazing as you traverse the high alpine meadows. Then as you get closer to the boundary with Alaska, there are hints of the Brooks Range off in the distance. 



There are numerous places where there is 1,000 foot drop off with a soft shoulder. Guard rails on this highway are non-existent, so driving with care is essential. Meeting oncoming vehicles can be quite nerve-wracking, especially if that happens on a curve or particularly narrow section.



The US-Canada border is about 65 miles from Dawson. The US station is called Poker Creek, and the sign on it says, “Population 3”. 

 It was near the border crossing that we saw the Fortymile Caribou herd. The herd had diminishing numbers until recent conservation efforts helped increase their numbers. It was great to see so many calves in the herd. Not only did we see some members of the herd cross the highway in front of us, but then at a viewpoint turnout, we saw them ranging across the nearby hills and valley. We are so grateful that we got a chance to see them.



The American side of this highway seems more treacherous with narrower roads and many sharp hairpin turns. I had forgotten how tense the drive was, so was glad when we got to Chicken. Although we didn’t stop there this trip, it signaled the end of the most hazardous portion of the highway. 

When we took this highway in 2019, we couldn’t see the furthest peaks due to smoke from wildfires. We are
thankful to have had a trip over the Top of the World on a gorgeous summer day with views as far as you can see. If you ever get a chance, this is a road to take.

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