Overview
Coldfoot (pop. 10) is a small, albeit important, stop along the Dalton Highway in Arctic Alaska.
1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Plan your trip
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- AKP Anaktuvuk Pass Airport, Anaktuvuk Pass — 74 mi away. Directions
- UTO Indian Mountain LRRS Airport, Utopia Creek — 130 mi away. Directions
The only ways of getting into Coldfoot are via the Dalton Highway for all land traffic and there is an airstrip for turboprop aircraft. Three small airlines provide service, usually as part of a tour.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $199–$199 a night (typical $209), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$240, mid-range ~$280, comfortable ~$360.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Food for you
There is a small restaurant in the town, which has the atmosphere of a truck-stop kitchen found in the Lower 48. The kitchen is open 5AM-midnight. During the summer months, there is a buffet breakfast and dinner. During the winter months, there is a menu with entrees ranging from $6-13, sides, soups, pies, ice cream, and drinks ($2-coffee w/free refills). When the kitchen is closed, a few deli items are available. You can get boxed meals to go, even order them the night before for pick-up in the morning.
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Understand
The town's name supposedly comes from a group of gold seekers who, in 1900, trekked up the Koyukuk River and got "cold feet"-returning south from Slate Creek, the original name of this settlement, rather than spending the winter here. The town was larger then, consisting of a gambling hall, 7 saloons, and two roadhouses. It was abandoned in 1912 in favor of Wiseman. In 1970, a camp was built here to host construction workers for the Trans-Alaska pipeline.
This settlement is really the only true truck stop along the highway, and "the world's northernmost truck stop". It is extremely important for persons continuing north on the Dalton Highway, as there are no services until Deadhorse...240 miles (425 km) away.
Get in
The only ways of getting into Coldfoot are via the Dalton Highway for all land traffic and there is an airstrip for turboprop aircraft. Three small airlines provide service, usually as part of a tour.
- Air Arctic.
- Northern Alaska Tour Company. Offers tours with a stop in Coldfoot as well as fly-in/drive-out tours between Coldfoot & Fairbanks.
- Wright Air Service
Get around
The town is extremely small...no more than a half mile north-south, and 1-1.5mi east-west. You can get around on foot or by car. In winter months, snow shoes may be necessary.
See
Three government agencies (Bureau of Land Services, US Fish & Wildlife Service, and the National Park Service) run a joint "visitor's center" in Coldfoot offering information on recreation & visitor services along the Dalton. This center is open daily from 10AM-10PM during the summer, and offers nightly slide presentations. For info, call: (907) 678-5209.
Do
There is nothing to do in the town of Coldfoot except sleep, eat, and camp. There are numerous opportunities available relatively close to Coldfoot along the Dalton Highway. The Inn can offer information regarding tours and adventures to nearby destinations. See: Dalton Highway for more information.
Buy
There is little to buy in Coldfoot, aside from services. The inn has a small, pricey gift shop selling mostly typical tourist gifts (t-shirts, postcards, key chains, mugs) open 5AM-midnight. They also provide laundry machines & showers for guests not staying at the inn, both available 10AM-10PM for a fee.
There is also a tire shop which also provides towing services along the highway and can perform minor car repairs. Be warned that towing charges are around $5/mile and if a tire or part needs to be ordered from Fairbanks, it will take a while and be expensive!
Eat
There is a small restaurant in the town, which has the atmosphere of a truck-stop kitchen found in the Lower 48. The kitchen is open 5AM-midnight. During the summer months, there is a buffet breakfast and dinner. During the winter months, there is a menu with entrees ranging from $6-13, sides, soups, pies, ice cream, and drinks ($2-coffee w/free refills). When the kitchen is closed, a few deli items are available. You can get boxed meals to go, even order them the night before for pick-up in the morning.
Drink
Beer may be available at the restaurant. Remember that driving while intoxicated is illegal.
Sleep
Stay Slate Creek Inn
Formerly the housing for pipeline construction workers, has 50 rooms with private baths and 28 with shared bathrooms. As the inn is popular with bus tours along the highway who usually spend the night at this only hotel along the highway, reservations are recommended. The inn also offers adjacent RV hookup sites (water & electric) for $35/day, dry RV site for $15/day, & tent sites for $15/day. All include showers for 2 persons/day and access to the inn's restrooms.
Go next
After Coldfoot, there are 240 miles (386km) WITHOUT SERVICES such as gas or food...the longest such stretch in the United States! Leave prepared!
Nearby
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