Nahanni Range Road — Fort Liard to Tungsten via Netla River Country
Mackenzie Mountains solitude — no services, no mercy.
Built to service the Cantung tungsten mine in the 1960s, the Nahanni Range Road leaves Fort Liard and climbs hard into the Mackenzie Mountains, crossing the Liard River tributaries and threading through the Nahanni Range before arriving at the abandoned community of Tungsten, Northwest Territories — not to be confused with the BC Cantung mine access from Watson Lake. This NWT version follows the Flat River drainage corridor through spruce flats and increasingly dramatic limestone peaks. The Netla River crossing is the road’s defining moment — unbridged, typically knee-to-thigh deep in July, with a soft riverbed that will swallow the hesitant. Sheep and grizzly are common in the upper sections.
This is genuine expedition territory. High clearance and 4WD are non-negotiable; a locker rear or front is strongly recommended for the upper switchbacks and the Netla crossing. Carry a minimum of two full spare tires — the road surface is sharp shale in sections. Fuel range must cover the full 372-kilometre return from Fort Liard; no services exist beyond town. Best window is mid-July through August after snowmelt subsides. Satellite communicator is mandatory. You will not see another vehicle for hours, possibly days.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Overland Route, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 116 mi / 186 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5400 ft |
| Best season | July-August |
| Minimum vehicle | Lifted 4WD with lockers |
| Nearest town | Fort Liard, NT |
| Land manager | Government of Northwest Territories — Department of Infrastructure |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | inf.gov.nt.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 the Nahanni Range Road, or do I actually need lockers?
A stock rig will get you into trouble here. The route demands genuine ground clearance, aggressive all-terrain tires, and at minimum a rear locker — the river crossings and rocky sections will high-center or strand a factory-height truck. Lifted 4WD with lockers is the real minimum, not a suggestion.
When does the Nahanni Range Road open and close each year?
July through August is the reliable window — the road is typically impassable before late June due to snowmelt, soft ground, and swollen crossings. Early September can still work but conditions deteriorate fast; snow and ice at elevation are possible anytime after mid-August.
Do I need a permit to drive the Nahanni Range Road?
No permit is required to drive the route, but check current road conditions with the Government of Northwest Territories Department of Infrastructure before you leave — the road can be officially closed after heavy rain or seasonal damage with zero notice.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The Netla River country mid-route is where rigs get stopped — multiple unbridged water crossings with rocky, uneven approaches and no bypass options. Current levels vary dramatically by season and recent rain; what's knee-deep in July can be door-panel-deep after a storm. Probe every crossing on foot before you drive it.
Is there any fuel, food, or emergency help between Fort Liard and Tungsten?
Absolutely none — Tungsten is a ghost town with zero services, and there is nothing in between. Top up in Fort Liard and carry enough fuel for the full 186 km plus a reserve for getting back out or rerouting. There is no cell service anywhere on the route, so a satellite communicator is non-negotiable.
Trail track
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