#ExploreConfidently

Arctic Circle
Expedition 2026

From the deserts of San Diego to the icy edge of the Arctic Ocean, this 6,000-mile overland expedition carries you through red-rock canyons, Canada’s wild Rockies, and Yukon hot springs before tackling the legendary Dalton Highway to Prudhoe Bay.

The journey doesn’t end at the Arctic — it turns full circle, retracing Yukon valleys, crossing the Great Plains, and rolling east to Greenville or south to San Diego. Every mile tells a story, and the loop itself becomes the ultimate overland odyssey.

August 2026

Arctic Overland Odyssey: From Desert Canyons to the Top of the Continent

From the sun-soaked deserts of Southern California to the icy shores of the Arctic Ocean, this transcontinental expedition is the ultimate test of both rig and resolve.

You’ll trace a path through red-rock canyons, crest the Canadian Rockies on the Icefields Parkway, and follow the legendary Alaska Highway into the Yukon wilderness. Beyond Fairbanks, the road narrows to the fabled Dalton Highway — where the Brooks Range, Atigun Pass, and endless tundra lead you to Deadhorse at the edge of the Arctic.

Along the way, nights are spent by alpine lakes, in wild hot springs, and on gravel bars beneath northern lights. Fishing rods cast into turquoise waters, campfires glow against glacier-fed rivers, and the convoy rolls as a self-contained tribe of explorers.

At Prudhoe Bay, you’ll stand at the top of the continent — boots dipped in the Arctic Ocean, rigs dusted with thousands of miles of road grit, hearts full of the kind of memories only the North can deliver. And when the convoy splits, the journey continues: one eastbound across the Appalachians, others southbound to the Pacific.

This is not just a road trip — it’s a full-circle overland odyssey, where every mile tells a story and every horizon leads to another adventure.

Trip Highlights:

  • Canadian Rockies — drive the Icefields Parkway through Banff and Jasper, past glaciers, waterfalls, and teal alpine lakes.
  • Alaska Highway — follow the legendary route through British Columbia and Yukon, spotting bison, caribou, and bear.
  • Liard Hot Springs & Muncho Lake — soak in natural hot springs and fish turquoise waters along one of the most scenic stretches of the trip.
  • Kluane Lake — camp beneath the towering St. Elias Mountains on Yukon’s largest lake.
  • Fairbanks Prep Day — final convoy checks before tackling the Dalton Highway.
  • Dalton Highway — cross the Yukon River, the Arctic Circle, and Atigun Pass in the Brooks Range.
  • Wild Arctic Tundra — spot muskox, caribou herds, and endless miles of Sagavanirktok River country.
  • Prudhoe Bay — stand at the top of the continent, dip your boots in the Arctic Ocean, and overnight in Deadhorse.
  • Overland Nights — self-contained camping under desert stars, northern lights, alpine ridgelines, and riverside gravel bars.

San Diego, CA → Banff, AB
Segment Distance: ~1,300 miles
Segment Time: 3 days

Day 1: Desert Departure

The rigs roll out from San Diego under desert sun, climbing north toward Utah’s canyon country. This is the shakedown day — radios crackle, gear rattles, and the team settles into the convoy rhythm.

Segment Distance / Time: 475 miles / ~7h45m

Road Rundown:

  • I-15 Desert Climb (2/5): Hot, exposed, long grades through California and Nevada.
  • Las Vegas Corridor (2/5): Fast traffic, watch for congestion.
  • Utah Red Rock Approach (3/5): Scenic entrance into Zion region, tighter climbs.

Stops / Activities / Camp:

  • Evening canyon views, first convoy campfire.
  • Fuel + supplies in Las Vegas or St. George.
  • Camp dispersed near Kolob Terrace or Lava Point.
Day 2: The Big Push North

Today is about eating miles — through Salt Lake City, across Idaho plains, and deep into Montana’s wide skies. The convoy settles into stride, banking distance for the scenic days ahead.

Segment Distance / Time: 630 miles / ~9h45m

Road Rundown:

  • SLC Interstate Corridor (2/5): Busy metro traffic, steady grades.
  • Idaho Rolling Plains (2/5): Easy miles, open stretches.
  • Montana Big Sky (3/5): Longer climbs, crosswinds, stunning scenery.

Stops / Activities / Camp:

  • Optional soak at Bozeman Hot Springs.
  • Lunch stop near Salt Lake City.
  • Overnight near Bozeman — Hot Springs campground or dispersed along the Gallatin River.
Day 3: Crossing into Canada

Mountains rise as the U.S. gives way to Alberta. The rigs roll through ranchland and into Banff, gateway to the Canadian Rockies. Spirits soar — this is where the scenery begins to steal the show.

Segment Distance / Time: 430 miles / ~7h30m

Road Rundown:

  • I-90 to US-191 (2/5): Steady interstate, mountain backdrop.
  • Carway/Peigan Border Crossing (2/5): Routine stop, passports ready.
  • Alberta Foothills to Banff (3/5): Climbing toward Rockies, winding scenic roads.

Stops / Activities / Camp:

  • Evening fishing on the Bow River or walk through Banff village.
  • Border crossing fuel and resupply.
  • Camp at Tunnel Mountain or Two Jack Lake.

Banff, AB → Tok, AK
Segment Distance: ~2,000 miles
Segment Time: 7–9 days with scenic layovers

Day 4: Icefields Parkway Dreaming

Today’s drive is short in miles but massive in beauty. The Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic roads in the world — glaciers hanging above teal lakes, waterfalls spilling from cliffs, and wildlife often steps from the road.

Segment Distance / Time: 180 miles / ~4h

Road Rundown:

  • Bow Valley Parkway (2/5): Gentle warmup, sweeping canyon views.
  • Icefields Parkway (4/5): Narrow shoulders, constant stops, steep grades near glaciers.

Stops / Activities / Camp:

  • Evening hike or wildlife viewing.
  • Peyto Lake overlook, Athabasca Glacier stop.
  • Camp at Wapiti or Wabasso near Jasper.

San Diego, CA → Banff, AB
Segment Distance: ~1,300 miles
Segment Time: 3 days

Day 1: Desert Departure

The rigs roll out from San Diego under desert sun, climbing north toward Utah’s canyon country. This is the shakedown day — radios crackle, gear rattles, and the team settles into the convoy rhythm.

Segment Distance / Time: 475 miles / ~7h45m

Road Rundown:

  • I-15 Desert Climb (2/5): Hot, exposed, long grades through California and Nevada.
  • Las Vegas Corridor (2/5): Fast traffic, watch for congestion.
  • Utah Red Rock Approach (3/5): Scenic entrance into Zion region, tighter climbs.

Stops / Activities / Camp:

  • Evening canyon views, first convoy campfire.
  • Fuel + supplies in Las Vegas or St. George.
  • Camp dispersed near Kolob Terrace or Lava Point.
Day 2: The Big Push North

Today is about eating miles — through Salt Lake City, across Idaho plains, and deep into Montana’s wide skies. The convoy settles into stride, banking distance for the scenic days ahead.

Segment Distance / Time: 630 miles / ~9h45m

Road Rundown:

  • SLC Interstate Corridor (2/5): Busy metro traffic, steady grades.
  • Idaho Rolling Plains (2/5): Easy miles, open stretches.
  • Montana Big Sky (3/5): Longer climbs, crosswinds, stunning scenery.

Stops / Activities / Camp:

  • Optional soak at Bozeman Hot Springs.
  • Lunch stop near Salt Lake City.
  • Overnight near Bozeman — Hot Springs campground or dispersed along the Gallatin River.
Day 3: Crossing into Canada

Mountains rise as the U.S. gives way to Alberta. The rigs roll through ranchland and into Banff, gateway to the Canadian Rockies. Spirits soar — this is where the scenery begins to steal the show.

Segment Distance / Time: 430 miles / ~7h30m

Road Rundown:

  • I-90 to US-191 (2/5): Steady interstate, mountain backdrop.
  • Carway/Peigan Border Crossing (2/5): Routine stop, passports ready.
  • Alberta Foothills to Banff (3/5): Climbing toward Rockies, winding scenic roads.

Stops / Activities / Camp:

  • Evening fishing on the Bow River or walk through Banff village.
  • Border crossing fuel and resupply.
  • Camp at Tunnel Mountain or Two Jack Lake.

San Diego, CA → Banff, AB
Segment Distance: ~1,300 miles
Segment Time: 3 days

San Diego, CA → Banff, AB
Segment Distance: ~1,300 miles
Segment Time: 3 days

Secure your spot, trip is limited to 10 rigs.

Please fill out the form and send it on over to show interest or secure your spot for this year’s trip. Secured spots have priority, we may open additional spots if we can accommodate.

This route combines extreme technical terrain, high-elevation exposure, creek crossings, and remote overland travel. Your vehicle needs to be more than trail-capable—it must be self-reliant and prepared for six days of rugged use without support services.

Required Vehicle Capabilities

You must have all of the following to participate:

1. 4WD with Low Range

  • AWD or part-time 4WD without low range will not be sufficient for sections like Black Bear or Taylor Pass.

2. Minimum 33″ All-Terrain Tires

  • 35″+ preferred for ground clearance
  • Tires should be <50% worn with strong sidewalls

3. Skid Plates and Rock Sliders

  • Factory protection is not enough for trail sections like Imogene or Transfer Trail
  • Must cover oil pan, transfer case, fuel tank

4. Front and Rear Recovery Points

  • Rated hooks or shackles
  • No bolted-on bumpers without tow-rated recovery

5. Working Winch (9,000+ lbs capacity)

  • Required due to the risk of off-camber recoveries on narrow alpine trails
  • Bring a winch line dampener, gloves, and synthetic rope preferred

6. Suspension Lift (2–3″)

  • To maintain clearance over rocks and deep ruts
  • Coilovers or heavy-duty shocks recommended

7. Full-Size Spare Tire and Tire Repair Kit

  • Plug kit, valve core tool, compressor
  • Trail tire changes must be done without road-side support

8. Onboard Air System or Portable Compressor

  • You’ll air down daily for trail grip, and need to air back up for transfers

9. Two-Way Radio (GMRS or HAM)

  • Required for trail comms and group coordination
  • Handheld radios okay for passengers, base units preferred for drivers

10. Minimum Fuel Range: 175 miles

  • There are long gaps between fuel stations
  • Jerry cans optional but encouraged if your tank is <22 gallons

Recommended Add-Ons for Comfort and Safety

These aren’t mandatory, but they’ll significantly improve your trip experience:

  • Roof Rack or Secure Cargo Storage
    For tents, gear bins, recovery gear
  • Dual Battery System or Portable Power Station
    If running a fridge, lights, or other electronics at camp
  • Fridge or Cooler + Food Storage
    Bears are active in several zones—hard-sided containers are a must
  • Awning or Shade Setup
    Midday trail lunches in exposed terrain call for cover
  • Water Storage (Minimum 2 gallons/person/day)
    Filtered refills may not be available until Day 5
  • Fire Extinguisher + First Aid Kit
    Easily accessible inside the vehicle
  • Traction Boards
    Optional but helpful in loose rock or snow patches in shaded basins

Vehicle Types That Are Well-Suited

  • Toyota Tacoma, 4Runner, Land Cruiser (80/100/200 series), GX460/GX470
  • Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, Gladiator
  • Ford Bronco (Sasquatch or equivalent package)
  • Land Rover Defender (equipped with recovery gear)
  • Chevy Colorado ZR2
  • Lexus LX470/LX570
  • Nissan Xterra or Frontier (built appropriately)

Not Allowed

  • AWD crossovers or Subarus
  • Full-size long wheelbase vans or RVs
  • Vehicles without 4-Low
  • Bald tires, no recovery points, or no spare

If you’re unsure whether your vehicle qualifies, send over your build specs or photos. We’ll help you confirm fit before you commit.

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