Canol Road — Johnson’s Crossing to Ross River
WWII's abandoned pipeline road through Yukon wilderness.
In 1942, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers pushed a pipeline and supply road 1,000 km from Norman Wells, NWT, through absolute wilderness to Whitehorse. The project was declared obsolete before the war ended. The southern Canol Road — running from Johnson’s Crossing on the Alaska Highway northeast to the Tlingit community of Ross River — survived as a rough access track and remains one of the longest, most isolated maintained gravel roads in the Yukon. You’ll cross the Nisutlin River at Johnson’s Crossing, follow the Nisutlin Valley east, and climb through the Pelly Mountains before dropping into Ross River. Rusting pipeline infrastructure and original WWII camp ruins surface along the way.
The road is nominally maintained by the Yukon government but standards are rough — rock, mud, and seasonal flooding make it a genuine overland commitment. A capable 4WD with high clearance and spare fuel is required; there are no services between Johnson’s Crossing and Ross River. Cell service is nonexistent. Plan 1–2 days depending on conditions and how long you stop to explore the ruins. Best season is late June through mid-September. Ross River has basic fuel and supplies. The northern Canol Road beyond Ross River is decommissioned and requires full expedition preparation — that’s a different beast entirely.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 221 mi / 355 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4600 ft |
| Best season | Late June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with auxiliary fuel |
| Nearest town | Ross River, Yukon |
| Land manager | Yukon Department of Highways and Public Works |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | yukon.ca |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle the Canol Road?
Stock high-clearance 4WD is the minimum — but expect to earn it. Aggressive underbody protection, all-terrain tires, and a recovery kit are not optional on this road. A lifted rig handles the rougher sections and water crossings with more margin.
When does the Canol Road open and is it passable in early June?
Late June through September is the safe window. Spring breakup turns the road into a muddy mess, and early-season water crossings run high and fast from snowmelt. Don't push June — locals who've tried it early usually regret it.
Do I need a permit to drive the Canol Road?
No permit required for the southern section (Highway 6) between Johnson's Crossing and Ross River. The road is managed by Yukon Department of Highways and Public Works. Check yukon.ca for current road conditions and any seasonal closures before you leave.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
Conditions vary year to year, but the deeper water crossings and washboard sections mid-route are where rigs get into trouble. There is zero recovery infrastructure out here — no tow trucks, no cell service, nobody coming unless you call on a sat communicator. If you cross something sketchy, you still have to cross it again on the way back if you're not continuing through.
How much fuel do I need, and is there anywhere to resupply between Johnson's Crossing and Ross River?
There is no fuel between Johnson's Crossing and Ross River — 221 miles of zero services. Carry enough auxiliary fuel to cover at least 300+ miles factoring in rough terrain, idle time, and a buffer. Ross River has a gas station but call ahead — hours are limited and supply isn't guaranteed.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.