Yukon River Circle Route

The Yukon River Circle Route traces the historic paddle-wheeler corridor that supplied Klondike gold camps, running 165 kilometers from Dawson City through ghost settlements like Forty Mile and Chicken Creek. Built on winter haul roads that serviced riverboat landings, this route crosses the international border twice and passes abandoned dredges still sitting where crews left them in 1966. The track follows high benches above the river, offering views of the Ogilvie Mountains while threading through stands of white spruce untouched since the gold rush.

Moderate difficulty with some steep grades and loose shale sections that demand attention. Any stock SUV can handle it, but bring recovery gear and spare tires — help is hours away. Open late May through September, though early season means muddy conditions. No permits required but carry passports for border crossings. Fuel up in Dawson City and top off in Eagle. Dispersed camping is legal almost anywhere, and you’ll find perfect spots overlooking the river where steamboat captains once tied up for the night.