The Most Remote Places You Can Drive To

In an increasingly connected world, the allure of remote destinations remains strong. There is something profoundly captivating about venturing to places where civilization fades into vast, untouched landscapes—where the roads stretch endlessly, and the silence is broken only by the wind or the occasional wildlife. For those who seek solitude, adventure, or simply the thrill of reaching the farthest corners of the planet by road, these are some of the most remote places you can drive to.

1. The Dalton Highway, Alaska, USA

Stretching 414 miles from Livengood to Deadhorse near the Arctic Ocean, the Dalton Highway is one of the most isolated roads in North America. Built to service the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, this rugged route traverses boreal forests, tundra, and the Brooks Range, offering breathtaking but desolate scenery.

With only three small towns along the way (Coldfoot, Wiseman, and Deadhorse), travelers must be fully self-sufficient. Gas stations are scarce, cell service is nonexistent, and encounters with wildlife—such as moose, bears, and caribou—are common. The highway’s remoteness is both its challenge and its charm, making it a bucket-list drive for adventurers.

2. The Canning Stock Route, Australia

Deep in the Australian Outback lies the Canning Stock Route, a 1,150-mile track that cuts through Western Australia’s Great Sandy Desert, Gibson Desert, and Little Sandy Desert. Originally used to drive cattle, this route is now one of the most extreme 4×4 journeys in the world.

With no permanent settlements, travelers must carry all their supplies, including fuel, water, and spare parts. The route is marked by abandoned wells, sand dunes, and scorching temperatures. Yet, for those who brave it, the rewards are immense—pristine desert landscapes, ancient Aboriginal rock art, and the profound silence of one of Earth’s last true wildernesses.

3. The Karakoram Highway, Pakistan to China

Connecting Pakistan and China through the towering peaks of the Karakoram Range, the Karakoram Highway (KKH) is often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” At an elevation of over 15,000 feet in some sections, it is one of the highest paved roads on Earth.

The highway winds through dramatic landscapes—glaciers, deep valleys, and rugged mountains—including views of K2, the world’s second-highest peak. Despite its beauty, the KKH is remote and challenging, with landslides, extreme weather, and long stretches between towns. Yet, for those who make the journey, it offers an unparalleled adventure through some of the planet’s most breathtaking terrain.

4. The Dempster Highway, Canada

Canada’s northernmost road, the Dempster Highway, runs 456 miles from Dawson City, Yukon, to Inuvik, Northwest Territories, with an extension now reaching Tuktoyaktuk on the Arctic Ocean. This gravel road crosses the Arctic Circle, traversing vast tundra, boreal forests, and mountain ranges.

Wildlife sightings—caribou, wolves, and grizzly bears—are frequent, while human settlements are few and far between. The highway is only open in summer and winter (due to thawing permafrost), adding to its isolation. For those who brave its rugged conditions, the Dempster offers a rare glimpse into the raw beauty of the Arctic.

5. The Trans-Taiga Road, Quebec, Canada

Deep in Quebec’s boreal wilderness, the Trans-Taiga Road is one of the most remote drivable routes in North America. Extending over 400 miles into the heart of the Canadian Shield, this gravel road leads to hydroelectric dams and remote hunting lodges but otherwise offers little in terms of civilization.

There are no gas stations, no cell service, and few travelers. The landscape is dominated by dense forests, lakes, and rivers, with occasional sightings of moose and black bears. For those seeking true solitude, this road delivers—but only to those well-prepared for its challenges.

6. The Pamir Highway, Tajikistan

Winding through the rugged Pamir Mountains, the Pamir Highway (officially the M41) is one of the world’s most remote and high-altitude roads. Stretching from Dushanbe, Tajikistan, to Osh, Kyrgyzstan, this route crosses passes over 15,000 feet, offering stark, lunar-like landscapes and glimpses of traditional Pamiri culture.

Villages are sparse, and amenities are basic. Travelers must contend with rough roads, extreme elevation, and unpredictable weather. Yet, the highway’s raw beauty—crystal-clear lakes, snow-capped peaks, and vast, empty valleys—makes it a dream for intrepid explorers.

7. The Road to Timbuktu, Mali

Once a legendary center of trade and scholarship, Timbuktu remains one of the most remote destinations in Africa. While political instability makes travel risky, the journey there—across the Sahara Desert—is an epic drive for those who attempt it.

From Bamako, the capital of Mali, the route passes through arid plains and dunes, with few paved roads. Sandstorms, extreme heat, and the sheer isolation make this one of the most challenging drives in the world. Yet, reaching Timbuktu—a city steeped in history and mystery—is a feat few can claim.

8. The Road to Ushuaia, Argentina

At the southern tip of South America lies Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city reachable by road. The Pan-American Highway’s final stretch—through Patagonia’s windswept plains, glacial fjords, and dense forests—is both breathtaking and remote.

While not as desolate as some other routes on this list, the journey to Ushuaia still feels like reaching the edge of the world. The vast, untamed landscapes of Tierra del Fuego create a sense of isolation, making it a fitting end to any overland adventure.

Conclusion: The Call of the Remote

Driving to these far-flung destinations is not just about reaching a place—it’s about embracing the journey itself. The solitude, the challenges, and the raw beauty of these remote roads remind us of a world beyond cities and crowds. For those willing to venture off the beaten path, these routes offer some of the most unforgettable driving experiences on Earth.

So, pack your supplies, check your vehicle, and set out—because the most remote places you can drive to are waiting.