The highway is closed to automobile traffic from October through April, but is used by snowmobiles in the winter.

Wagon trails had supplied Eagle, Chicken, and the historic Fortymile Mining District since the nineteenth century.

The Fortymile Road was established in 1951 and later renamed in honor of ARC President (1932–1948) Ike P. Taylor.

It connects to the Top of the World Highway 96 miles (154 km) from Tetlin, at Jack Wade Junction, allowing road access to Dawson City, Yukon during parts of the year.

It is 79 miles (127 km) from Jack Wade Junction to Dawson City.