Glacier Lake Road — Burwash Landing to Kluane Range Glacier Country

Out of Burwash Landing on the Alaska Highway, the Glacier Lake Road hammers west into the Kluane Range, following the Duke River drainage before climbing onto outwash plains scoured clean by retreating ice. The road crosses several braided glacial streams — cold, fast, and deceptively deep in June — before reaching Glacier Lake itself, a turquoise ribbon sitting beneath a hanging glacier at roughly 900 metres. The final approach involves a rock-strewn shelf road carved into the moraine wall that demands patience and a sober spotter if you’re pulling a trailer. Sheep and grizzly are regulars on this approach.

Rated difficult. You need a high-clearance 4WD with aggressive all-terrain tires; a lifted rig with a snorkel is smart given the creek crossings. No bridges. Best run late July through early September when glacial meltwater is down and the ground is firm. No permits required. Fuel in Burwash Landing — fill up there because there’s nothing past it. Zero cell service from the Alaska Highway junction in. Dispersed camping is available along the lake shore. This is serious bear country; hang your food and carry bear spray.