Canol Road — Ross River to Macmillan Pass via the Pelly Mountains and the Yukon–NWT Divide
WWII oil road into the Selwyn Mountains.
In 1942 the US Army shoved a pipeline and a service road across the Mackenzie Mountains to feed oil from Norman Wells to Whitehorse, and abandoned the project within a year of finishing it. What’s left on the Yukon side is the Canol Road, Yukon Highway 6. It leaves the little community of Ross River, crosses the Pelly River on a suspension footbridge-turned-vehicle-ferry-era relic, and climbs north through spruce muskeg into the Selwyn Mountains. Expect rutted gravel, rusted pipe stacked in the bush, abandoned Army camp sites, and Sheldon Lake with the whole range reflected in it. The road tops out near Macmillan Pass at the NWT border, where the tundra opens up and the Mackenzie Mountains take over the horizon.
It isn’t technical, but it is remote, and the road bites tires. Run a high-clearance 4WD or a capable 2WD with two full-size spares, a repair kit, and fuel for the round trip, because there’s no gas past Ross River. Creeks can rise fast after rain, and washouts happen. Bring bear spray and a satellite communicator, since there is no cell coverage. Best window is late June through early September, and check Yukon 511 for road status before you leave Ross River. You get a drive through country that still looks like 1943, mostly to yourself. Have a dirty day.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 144 mi / 231.7 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days round trip |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4530 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance vehicle with two full-size spares |
| Nearest town | Ross River, Yukon |
| Land manager | Yukon Government, Highways and Public Works |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Yukon 511 road conditions |
| Verified | |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or similar SUV drive the Canol Road?
Yes, in dry conditions. There are no technical obstacles, but you need good all-terrain tires and clearance for rocky, rutted stretches. Carry two full-size spares, because sharp rock and the remote distance are what end trips here.
When is the Canol Road open, and can I drive it in winter?
Plan on June through September. The road isn't maintained for winter travel, and early snow is possible near Macmillan Pass (4,530 ft) in late season. Check Yukon 511 for current conditions before you leave Ross River.
Do I need a permit or pay a fee to drive the Canol Road?
No permit or fee is required to drive the Yukon section. Dispersed camping is allowed along the route, so pack out everything and follow any Yukon fire restrictions. The road is managed by Yukon Highways and Public Works.
What's the hardest part of the Canol Road?
Mostly it's the cumulative wear: washboard, loose and sharp rock, narrow sections, and creek crossings that get muddy or run higher after heavy rain. Nothing is technical, but with no cell service a flat or a stuck rig becomes a real problem.
How much fuel do I need, and is there help along the road?
Ross River to Macmillan Pass is 144 miles one way, about 288 miles round trip, with no services and no cell coverage. Top off before you go, confirm fuel availability in Ross River, and carry extra fuel if your range is tight. Bring a satellite communicator and recovery gear.
Trail track
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