Top of the World Highway to Chicken, Alaska | Border Crossing & Quirky Gold Rush Town

Explore the Top of the World Highway from Dawson City into Alaska and end up in quirky Chicken, Alaska. This video covers border crossing tips, RV travel advice, and what it’s like to spend time in Chicken during the July 4th festivities. Derek, Ashley, and Pete share both the challenges and fun moments on this iconic route.

===============================
🔹 Visitor Guide
● Top of the World Highway (Dawson City → Alaska)
○ High-elevation ridge road with sweeping views; mostly gravel with sections of pavement.
○ Seasonal route, check conditions before travel.

● Alaska Border Crossing (Poker Creek/Little Gold Creek)
○ Small, seasonal port of entry with limited hours.
○ Passports required. Declare food, alcohol, bear spray (allowed if declared), and pet rabies certificate.

● Chicken, Alaska
○ Historic gold-rush outpost with quirky charm.
○ Overnight parking often available at bars/shops (dry camping only).
○ July 4th celebrations include contests like sandbag-lifting.
○ Gold panning kits and shops add to the experience.

===============================
🔹 Travel Tips
● Border basics: Valid passports, answer truthfully, have pet rabies paperwork handy.
● Fuel: Top up before leaving Dawson City, services are limited.
● Road conditions: Expect dust and washboard. Keep distance to avoid windshield damage.
● Overnighting: Ask before parking overnight in Chicken.
● Cash: Small towns may have limited card service, bring cash.
● Pets: Pete joined us in Chicken, but confirm where dogs are welcome.

===============================
🔹 Historical Insights
● Chicken was nearly named “Ptarmigan” but miners couldn’t spell it.
● Gold mining shaped the region and still influences the town.
● Poker Creek/Little Gold Creek is the northernmost U.S. land border crossing.
● The ridge route follows old prospecting and trading trails.

===============================
⏰ Time Codes
0:00 – Intro
0:17 – Driving to the Alaska Border via Top of the World Highway
1:36 – What to Know Before Crossing the Alaska Border
3:28 – Crossing into Alaska at Poker Creek/Little Gold Creek
6:35 – Exploring Chicken, Alaska & Overnight Parking
===============================
Support Us & Follow Our Journey!
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/vandersonvibes

IG:   / vandersonvibes  

FB:   / 61565648878478  

TikTok:   / vanderson.vibes  

YT: Subscribe to @VandersonVibes for more van life adventures and road trip guides!

===============================
===============================
👋 Who We Are
We’re Derek and Ashley, traveling full-time in our Jayco Swift 20TLi with our pup Pete. We share road trip guides, RV tips, and quirky stories from North America.

===============================
🛒 Affiliate Links & Gear We Use

➡️ GuideAlong App (Affiliate):
https://guidealong.com/?afmc=INOUTFUN...

📸 DJI Osmo Pocket 3 + Accessories
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 – https://amzn.to/4lHxyQd
NEEWER Variable ND64-512 Filter – https://amzn.to/41qtWuK
K&F Concept Magnetic Black Diffusion 1/2 Filter – https://amzn.to/45Q218P
Magnetic Mount Stand – https://amzn.to/4g0sqFK

🎤 DJI Audio Gear
DJI Mic Mini – https://amzn.to/4n3qyy7
DJI Mic 2 Transmitter – https://amzn.to/4mN7X9O
🚁 DJI Mini 4 Pro + Accessories
DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone with RC 2 – https://amzn.to/4n3Qw4K
NEEWER ND/PL Filter Set – https://amzn.to/4fUR6iO

🎥 Sony Camera Gear
Sony SELP18105G E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS – https://amzn.to/4fZ2H0j

📹 Action Cameras
GoPro Hero 9 Black – https://amzn.to/4n3Qw4K

⚠️ Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

===============================
#TopOfTheWorldHighway #ChickenAlaska #AlaskaBorderCrossing #DawsonCity #TaylorHighway #AlaskaRoadTrip #RVLife #VanLife #GoldRushHistory #Boondocking #RoadTripUSA #DogFriendlyTravel #GuideAlong