Ethel Lake Road — Stewart Crossing to Ethel Lake Territorial Campground
Deep Yukon bush, no map, no cell, no crowds.
Stewart Crossing sits at the junction of the Klondike Highway and the Silver Trail, and most rigs heading into the backcountry roll northeast toward Mayo without noticing the Ethel Lake Road cutting southeast toward the Hess Mountains. That oversight is understandable — the road is unmarked on most tourist maps and looks like a mining access track from the junction. What it actually delivers is a 40-plus kilometre run through boreal hills, past active and historic placer workings, and down to the shore of Ethel Lake where a small territorial campground sits in near-complete wilderness. Watch for soft spots mid-route where the clay subgrade holds moisture even in midsummer.
High-clearance 4WD is required, and a recovery kit is not optional on a road this far from help. The route rates Difficult — not from rock or extreme grades, but from the clay surface behavior in wet conditions and the commitment level required given zero infrastructure once you leave the highway. Pack water, fuel, and food for two days minimum. The campground has a basic outhouse and fire pit rings. Moose sightings are common along the creek sections. Best run mid-July through late August. Nearest fuel is at Stewart Crossing or back in Mayo.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 26 mi / 41.8 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3100 ft |
| Best season | July-August |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with recovery gear |
| Nearest town | Stewart Crossing, Yukon |
| Land manager | Yukon Department of Environment — Campgrounds and Territorial Parks |
| 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 | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Ethel Lake Road, or does it need to be lifted?
A stock high-clearance 4WD can make it, but expect some rough sections with rocks, ruts, and soft spots that will punish low-clearance rigs. A modest lift helps, but more important is skid plate coverage, all-terrain tires, and carrying a full recovery kit — there's no one coming to pull you out if you stuff it.
When is Ethel Lake Road actually driveable? Can you get in during June or September?
July and August are your window. June can still have snow and soft ground that turns the road into a muddy mess, and by late September you're gambling with early snowfall and freeze-thaw conditions that make the trail unpredictable. Stick to peak summer unless you're prepared for serious expedition-level conditions.
Do you need a permit to drive this road or camp at Ethel Lake?
No permit is required to drive the road. Ethel Lake Territorial Campground is managed by the Yukon Department of Environment and operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a small nightly camping fee — check current rates at yukon.ca before you go. No reservations, no gatekeeping.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what should I actually be ready for?
The road deteriorates significantly as you push south away from the Silver Trail — expect deep ruts, overgrown sections that close in on your rig, and soft ground that can swallow tires after any recent rain. Water crossings add to the challenge, and with no maintained signage, route-finding through brushy sections catches people off guard.
Is there any cell service on this trail, and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
Zero cell service for the entire 26 miles — plan as if you're completely off-grid, because you are. Stewart Crossing has a gas station at the junction of the Klondike and Silver Trail highways, so top off there before you drop south; the next reliable fuel is Mayo, roughly 55 miles up the Silver Trail.
Trail track
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