Hoge Pass Road — Destruction Bay to Hoge Pass Summit
WWII ghost road to Kluane alpine glory.
Built during the frenzy of World War II infrastructure push and largely abandoned since, the Hoge Pass Road departs the Alaska Highway near Destruction Bay on Kluane Lake and grinds straight up into the St. Elias foothills. The first several miles follow Congdon Creek through dense spruce before the road breaks into the open and the gradient kicks hard. By the time you reach the Hoge Pass summit plateau, you’re looking across one of the most commanding panoramas in the Yukon — Kluane Lake spread below you, the Duke Depression to the north, and the permanent ice fields of Kluane National Park’s front ranges filling the western skyline. Watch for grizzly sign throughout; this is active bear country year-round.
The road is moderate to difficult — eroded surface, steep pitches on loose gravel, and seasonal drainage channels cutting across the track. A stock 4×4 with high clearance will manage in dry conditions; after rain it gets slick fast. No fuel, no services, no cell signal from the moment you leave the Alaska Highway. Carry water — creek sources above treeline need filtering. Best season is July through mid-September before early snowfall makes the summit approach icy. No permit required; dispersed camping on the open alpine bench near the pass. This one earns its views.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 24 mi / 38.6 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5820 ft |
| Best season | July-Mid September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Destruction Bay, Yukon |
| Land manager | Yukon Government / Parks Canada (Kluane National Park boundary adjacent) |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | pc.gc.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 Hoge Pass Road, or do I need a lift?
A stock 4WD high-clearance rig like a Tacoma or 4Runner will get the job done. The trail is moderate but rocky in sections with some rutting — a lift helps but isn't required. Skid plates are a smart idea given the exposed undercarriage risk on the climb to 5,820 feet.
When does Hoge Pass Road open in the spring and close in the fall?
July through mid-September is your window. Snow lingers on the upper sections well into June, and early fall storms can drop fresh snow on the pass by late September. Don't push the shoulder seasons without checking local conditions first — the Yukon doesn't care about your timeline.
Do I need a permit to drive Hoge Pass Road or camp along it?
No permit is required to drive the road itself, which sits under Yukon Government jurisdiction. The trail runs adjacent to Kluane National Park boundary — if you cross into park land, Parks Canada rules apply. Dispersed camping along the route doesn't require a fee, but leave no trace standards are expected.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what should I actually be ready for?
The upper push toward Hoge Pass summit is where it gets serious — steep grade, loose rock, and exposed shelf road with limited room to maneuver. Wet conditions turn the clay-heavy sections greasy fast. Airing down before the climb and having a recovery kit in the rig is not optional up here.
Is there any place to get water or fuel along the route, and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
Destruction Bay has a small fuel stop right off the Alaska Highway — fill up there before you start, because there's nothing on the trail. Natural water sources exist along the route but treat everything before drinking. Cell service is zero for the full 24 miles, so file a trip plan with someone before you head out.
Trail track
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