Twin Lakes Road — Haines Junction to Auriol Range Backcountry
Saint Elias views with zero crowds. Earn them.
Most people blow through Haines Junction on their way to Alaska and never look south. That’s their loss. The Twin Lakes road pushes into the Auriol Range off the Alaska Highway corridor, climbing through spruce and willow into open alpine terrain within a few kilometers. The track itself is rough unmaintained two-track with embedded boulders on the upper section and a creek ford midway that runs knee-deep through July. The twin lakes sitting in a cirque below the Auriol peaks offer some of the most dramatic unobstructed views of the Saint Elias mountain front anywhere accessible by vehicle — the kind of scenery that belongs in a National Geographic spread but sees maybe a handful of rigs per season.
This is a short route by Yukon standards, but the upper section demands a properly built rig — high clearance, good approach angles, and ideally a locker for the boulder field on the final push. A capable stock 4WD can reach the lower lake but will struggle with the loose rocky section beyond. Best run June through September; the ford typically mellows by late July. No permit required, no fee. Haines Junction has fuel, a decent grocery store, and the Kluane National Park visitor centre if you want beta on conditions. Zero cell service past the highway turnoff.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 14 mi / 22.5 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4800 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified high-clearance 4WD with locker |
| Nearest town | Haines Junction, Yukon |
| Land manager | Government of Yukon — Energy, Mines and Resources |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| 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 Twin Lakes Road, or do I need a built rig?
A stock Tacoma or 4Runner will struggle — this trail needs genuine high-clearance 4WD with a locker, ideally front and rear. Lift, skid plates, and aggressive all-terrains are strongly advised. A bone-stock rig risks getting stuffed on the rocky climbs with no one around to pull you out.
When does Twin Lakes Road actually open each year, and can snow close it early?
June through September is your window, but early June can still have snow and mud at the upper elevations given the 4,800-ft max. Early season ground stays soft and chews up the route fast. September is golden but watch for early fall snowfall — it can close the upper section overnight.
Do I need a permit or do I pay any fees to run this trail?
No permit or fee is required for the trail itself — it falls under Government of Yukon land management. If you're pushing into adjacent Kluane National Park territory, park rules apply, but the trail and Twin Lakes dispersed camping area are currently free and open access.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The rocky shelf sections climbing toward the Auriol Range are where rigs get sorted — loose rock, off-camber ledges, and limited recovery room. The trail is only 14 miles but plan for 2–4 hours one-way depending on conditions. One bad line on the exposed climbs and you're on your side with zero cell service to call for help.
How serious are the water crossings, and is there anywhere to get fuel or water near the trailhead?
The crossings vary by season — early summer snowmelt can push them to axle-deep or worse, while late summer they're typically manageable but still require a proper approach. Fuel up in Haines Junction before you leave; there's nothing on route. Water from the lakes and streams is available but filter everything.
Trail track
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