Aishihik Road — Haines Junction to Aishihik Lake
WWII airstrip, wolf country, zero cell signal.
The Aishihik Road branches north off the Alaska Highway near Haines Junction and punches into a stretch of Yukon that sees almost no tourist traffic. The road itself is unmaintained gravel with soft shoulders, creek crossings, and sections that turn to greasy clay after rain — the kind of surface that will suck a tire off a rim if you’re running low pressure through the wrong rut. About 60 kilometres in you pass the old Aishihik Airfield, a ghost of the Northwest Staging Route used during World War II to ferry American aircraft to Alaska. Push another 60 kilometres and you hit Aishihik Lake — enormous, wind-swept, and almost entirely empty of other humans.
This one demands a proper high-clearance 4WD with a recovery kit and a reliable communication device — there is zero cell service from the junction onward. A second vehicle is strongly recommended given how isolated the route gets past the halfway mark. Carry at least 40 litres of spare fuel; there’s no resupply between Haines Junction and the lake. Best window is late June through September — spring breakup turns sections impassable and early October snowfall can strand unprepared rigs. Dispersed camping along the lake shoreline is first-come, first-served and genuinely spectacular.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 75 mi / 120 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3400 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Haines Junction, Yukon |
| Land manager | Yukon Department of Environment |
| 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
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Aishihik Road, or do I need a lifted rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner can manage it, but the water crossings and rutted sections will push your limits. Skid plates are strongly recommended. A lifted rig with all-terrain tires gives you real margin for error out here.
When does Aishihik Road typically open and close for the season?
June through September is the reliable window. Spring breakup can leave the road badly rutted and crossings swollen well into late May or early June. Snow can return in September — don't push it late in the season without checking conditions first.
Do I need a permit or pay any fees to drive Aishihik Road?
No permit or fee is required to drive the road. Dispersed camping is allowed under Yukon regulations, but check current rules with the Yukon Department of Environment before heading out, as conditions and land use policies can change.
What's the hardest section of Aishihik Road and what should I actually expect?
The water crossings are where rigs get into trouble — they're unbridged, can run fast after rain, and depth varies widely by season. The road also deteriorates significantly in the back half, with deep ruts, loose gravel, and sections that'll drag undercarriage on low-clearance vehicles. Plan for slow going, not highway speeds.
Is there anywhere to get gas or supplies along the route, and how far is it from Haines Junction?
No. Once you leave Haines Junction there are zero services for 75 miles. Fuel up completely in Haines Junction before you go, carry extra in a jerry can, and pack all food, water, and recovery gear — there's no cell service and no help if something goes sideways.
Trail track
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