Brewery Creek Road — Dawson City to Bonanza Creek Summit
Gold rush country, clay mud, and real history.
In 1896, George Carmack and Skookum Jim pulled gold from Bonanza Creek and triggered the last great stampede in North American history. Brewery Creek Road pushes south out of Dawson City on a gravel and dirt track that runs parallel to Bonanza Creek before climbing toward the upper drainage and the old dredge tailings that still litter the valley floor. You’ll pass Dredge No. 4 National Historic Site territory, cross a shallow tributary ford about 8 km in, and work through a stretch of exposed clay benches that turn to greasy hell after any meaningful rain. The view from the upper bench — Dawson below, the Klondike River sweeping wide to the north — is worth the mud on your rig.
This is a moderate route on a dry day, but the clay sections earn it a high-clearance requirement at minimum — a locking differential helps when things get wet. A stock 4WD truck handles it in summer, but soft conditions in spring or fall will humble you. No permit required. Fuel in Dawson before you go — there’s nothing out here. Cell service drops to nothing past the first 5 km. Dispersed camping along the creek benches is possible and the mosquitoes are legendary.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2600 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Dawson City, YT |
| Land manager | Parks Canada / Government of Yukon |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | pc.gc.ca |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle Brewery Creek Road without modifications?
A stock 4WD high-clearance vehicle will get through under normal summer conditions, but skid plates are a smart call given the rocky sections and creek crossings. Lifted or lightly built rigs will have more margin on the muddy clay stretches after rain.
When does Brewery Creek Road typically open and close each season?
June through September is the reliable window. Spring breakup leaves the clay sections brutally soft well into late May, and early snowfall can close the upper sections by October. Check with the Government of Yukon road reports before heading out outside that window.
Do you need a permit to drive Brewery Creek Road or camp along it?
No permit is required to drive the road. Dispersed camping is allowed on Yukon government land, but portions near Klondike National Historic Sites fall under Parks Canada jurisdiction — no fee, but follow Leave No Trace and don't camp within designated heritage zones.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The clay mud sections after any rain are the real test — Yukon clay gets greasy fast and will bog down under-tired rigs quickly. The creek crossings are generally shallow but read water levels before you go; spring runoff or heavy rain can push them deeper than they look on a dry-season trip report.
How far is the nearest fuel from the trailhead and is there anywhere to resupply along the route?
Fuel up in Dawson City before you leave — there is nothing on the route, and the nearest gas is back in town. Dawson City also has basic groceries; stock up there because once you're out on Brewery Creek Road you're on your own for the full 18 miles.
Trail track
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