Lomond Lake Road — Ross River to Lapie Lakes Wilderness
Pelly Mountains mining track to forgotten lakes.
East of Ross River on the Robert Campbell Highway, the Lomond Lake Road branches north into the Pelly Mountains on a track that hasn’t seen a grader in years. You’re climbing through black spruce and willow scrub almost immediately, navigating washouts and stream crossings on unnamed tributaries of the Lapie River before the terrain opens into expansive alpine meadows above treeline. The old placer and base-metal exploration scars are still visible on the hillsides — evidence of the mid-century mineral rush that punched these roads into otherwise untouched wilderness. The final push toward Lomond Lake requires careful line selection across soft muskeg that will swallow an unprepared rig to the frame rails.
This is a genuine backcountry Yukon track — Difficult to Expert depending on recent weather. High-clearance 4WD with a locker is the baseline; a second vehicle is strongly advised. There is zero cell service and no emergency infrastructure for roughly 80 km. Carry at minimum 40 litres of extra fuel from Ross River, which is the last reliable pump. Water is abundant but treat everything. The window is late June through August; September snowfall can strand you fast up here. What you get is genuine solitude in the Pelly Mountains, real northern wilderness, and the particular satisfaction of reaching a lake that most people don’t know exists.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 52 mi / 83.7 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5400 ft |
| Best season | Late June–August |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with lockers |
| Nearest town | Ross River, Yukon |
| Land manager | Yukon Department of Highways and Public Works / Yukon Energy Mines and Resources |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a lifted 4Runner or Tacoma handle Lomond Lake Road, or does this need a more serious rig?
A lifted Tacoma or 4Runner with lockers can manage it, but expect to earn every mile — the trail has deep ruts, shelf sections, and stream crossings that will punish stock or lightly built trucks. Skid plates, a recovery kit, and a snorkel are strongly advised. This is not a trail for a first-time backcountry driver.
When does Lomond Lake Road actually become passable after winter?
Late June is the realistic earliest window — the high Pelly Mountain sections hold snow well into June and the low sections turn to axle-deep mud during spring melt. Late July through August is the most reliable window for a full run without getting buried in seasonal bog.
Do I need any permits or special permission to drive this trail?
No permit is currently required to drive the trail itself. The land falls under Yukon Energy, Mines and Resources and Highways jurisdiction — check with the Ross River RCMP or Yukon Department of EMR before you leave in case any temporary access restrictions are active, which does happen in active mining corridors.
What's the hardest section on Lomond Lake Road and what actually makes it dangerous?
The creek crossings mid-route are the most likely to stop or damage a vehicle — water levels vary wildly depending on recent rain and snowmelt, and the rocky creek beds offer no margin for a misread line. Several shelf road sections above treeline are also narrow with steep drop-offs and no room to pass oncoming traffic, though traffic out here is extremely rare.
Where do I fuel up, and is 52 miles enough range to be a real concern?
Ross River is your last fuel stop — period. It has a small gas station but hours are limited and supply can be inconsistent, so top off the moment you arrive in town. With the technical terrain, low-gear crawling, and potential recovery situations, a long-range auxiliary tank or a minimum of 10 gallons of spare fuel is not overkill on this one.
Trail track
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