Pelly Mountains Road — Faro to Rose Lake Wilderness
Mine roads to Pelly Mountains alpine solitude.
The former Anvil Mine complex near Faro was once one of the world’s largest open-pit lead-zinc operations, and the roads built to service it pushed deep into the Pelly Mountains. The Rose Lake track follows a deteriorating mine haul road southeast of town, climbing steadily through subalpine spruce and then out above treeline onto exposed ridgelines where caribou move through in numbers during late summer. The road surface transitions from maintained gravel to pure two-track as you gain elevation, and the final approach to Rose Lake sits in a glacially carved bowl with stunning views back across the Tintina Trench toward the Campbell Range.
This one demands a capable rig — the upper sections have washed-out culverts, loose shale sidehills, and no room for mistakes. Lockers front and rear are highly recommended above treeline. The Faro townsite has limited fuel and basic supplies; Watson Lake or Whitehorse are your real staging points. Drive it July through early September before early snowfall closes the high route. No permits required. Water is abundant in the alpine bowls but treat everything. Dispersed camping anywhere above treeline is the reward for getting up there.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Gravel, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 44 mi / 70.8 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5800 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with lockers |
| Nearest town | Faro, Yukon |
| Land manager | Yukon Government, Environment |
| 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 stock Tacoma handle Pelly Mountains Road, or do I actually need lockers?
The minimum is high-clearance 4WD with lockers — that's not a suggestion. The upper sections involve loose shale, off-camber shelf road, and rocky climbs where a locker-less rig will get stuck or worse. A stock Tacoma is borderline; a stock 4Runner is not the right tool here.
When does this road typically open in spring, and is September pushing it?
July through September is the reliable window. Snow can linger at elevation into late June, and early October storms can close the upper route fast. Late September is a gamble — the alpine section near 5,800 ft can get hit with early winter conditions without warning.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp on Pelly Mountains Road?
No permit is required to drive the road. Dispersed camping on Yukon Government land is allowed without a fee or reservation. Check with Yukon Environment if you're planning an extended stay or if conditions have changed the access status.
What's the hardest section of this trail and what should I be ready for?
The upper climb toward Rose Lake Wilderness is where it gets serious — loose rock, narrow shelf road with significant exposure, and no recovery room. A damaged vehicle here means a very long wait for help with zero cell service. Have a full recovery kit, a co-driver if possible, and know your rig's limits before you commit to the top.
Where's the last place to fuel up, and is there any water on route?
Faro is your last fuel stop — fill completely before leaving, as there's nothing on this 44-mile route or near Rose Lake. Water crossings exist on trail, but treat anything you collect; bring enough to be self-sufficient for the full 1-2 day run with zero resupply options.
Trail track
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