Back

Drives Alaska Fairbanks, Denali and Interior Alaska

Tok Cutoff: Glenn Highway

Glenn Highway, AK 1 · Gakona Junction → Tok

Leisurely122 mi2 hr 20 min3,600 ft climbHigh point ≈ 2,700 ftOne way
Scan to drive it in CarvePoint a phone's camera here. It opens ready to drive.
Drive it in Carve, free

Opens this route in the app, or where to get it.

The drive

The Tok Cutoff runs 121.9 miles from Gakona Junction to Tok, joining the Glenn Highway (Alaska Route 1) to the Alaska Highway. The drive takes about 2 hr 21 min and climbs 3,626 feet to a high point of 2,704 feet. It crosses the Wrangell Mountains country, Mentasta Pass and the Slana valley on two paved lanes.

Services are few and far apart. Gakona Junction has a gas station and Tok has all services, with roadhouses, campgrounds and lodges in between. Frost heaves show up in places.

The road is open year round, with winter driving conditions.

Along the way

  1. Gakona Junction (Tok Cutoff)
  2. Tok (Alaska Highway)
Elevation
3,600 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 2,700 ft
Gakona JunctionTok
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
Gakona JunctionTok
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Services are sparse between Gakona and Tok, so fuel up at either end.
  • Frost heaves are common, so keep your speed moderate.
  • Winter brings snow and ice.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Alaska 511.

Questions about this drive

How long does the Tok Cutoff take?

The Tok Cutoff from Gakona Junction to Tok is 121.9 miles and takes about 2 hr 21 min.

Is the Tok Cutoff open in winter?

It is a year-round highway, with winter driving conditions. Check Alaska 511 for current status.

Where are the gas stations on the Tok Cutoff?

Gakona Junction and Tok have fuel, and some roadhouses in between do. Hours vary and seasonal closures are common.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
Drive it with no signalAPEXDownload the map and every turn before you go.
Live Group TrackingAPEXEveryone on the route, on the map, by name.
Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.
Record your drivesAPEXRecord a drive and turn it into a route to drive again or share.

Free on iPhone and Android. CarPlay and Android Auto come with Apex.

More drives near here

Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

Map of Tok Cutoff: Glenn Highway, from Gakona Junction to Tok