Top of the World Highway (Yukon Highway 9)
Subarctic ridgeline drive to Alaska border
The Top of the World Highway earns its name from the sweeping alpine views that stretch endlessly across the Yukon wilderness. This 104-kilometer gravel road climbs through the Ogilvie Mountains, reaching elevations over 1,200 meters where you’ll cross windswept ridgelines with nothing but caribou trails and mining claims for company. The highway connects Dawson City to the Alaska border at Poker Creek, passing through historic Boundary and offering access to countless abandoned mining camps along Jack Wade Creek.
This is a moderate route that any high-clearance vehicle can handle in good weather, but conditions change fast up here. The road closes completely from mid-October to May, and summer storms can turn the surface into a slippery mess. Fuel up in Dawson City and carry extra water — services are non-existent between town and the border. Cell service disappears 20 kilometers out of Dawson. What you get is pure northern wilderness solitude and some of the best aurora viewing in the territory when darkness finally returns in late summer.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 65 mi / 104 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4000 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Dawson City, YT |
| Land manager | Government of Yukon |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | yukon.ca |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or high-clearance 2WD handle Top of the World Highway?
Yes. The minimum requirement is high-clearance 2WD, and a stock Tacoma or similar rig will do fine in dry conditions. 4WD helps if you hit wet gravel or soft shoulders after rain, but it's not mandatory.
When does Top of the World Highway open and close each year?
The highway is typically open June through September. It closes in winter — the Yukon River ferry at Dawson City stops running when the river freezes, cutting off access entirely. Don't gamble on shoulder seasons without checking current conditions with the Government of Yukon.
Do you need any permits or pay any fees to drive Top of the World Highway?
No permit or fee is required to drive the highway itself. You will need to cross the US-Canada border at Little Gold Creek, so bring a valid passport — that crossing has its own hours and regulations, so verify the current schedule before you go.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
There's no single gnarly obstacle — the challenge is sustained exposure on a narrow gravel ridgeline with big drop-offs, no guardrails, and no services for the entire 65 miles. Washboarding, loose gravel, and surprise oncoming traffic on blind curves are the real hazards here.
How far out do I need to plan for fuel, and is there cell service on the route?
There is zero cell service for the entire route. Fuel up in Dawson City before you leave — there are no gas stations between Dawson and Chicken, Alaska, roughly 130 miles away. Carry a full tank plus a jerry can if your rig drinks fuel.
Trail track
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