Dawson Range Road
Klondike goldfield ghost tracks in frontier country
The Dawson Range Road system spreads like a spiderweb through the Klondike goldfields, a network of old cat tracks and mining access routes that branch off the Klondike Highway into some of Yukon’s most remote territory. These rough tracks follow Bonanza Creek and its tributaries, passing abandoned dredges, collapsed cabins, and rusted mining equipment left behind from gold rush days—legitimate ghost camps where fortunes were won and lost in the muck and permafrost.
Difficulty varies from moderate to expert depending on which spur you choose, with creek crossings, steep grades, and surfaces that range from decent gravel to boulder-strewn nightmare. High-clearance 4WD is mandatory, and you’d be smart to travel with a second vehicle and full recovery kit. June through August offers the best conditions, though mud season can extend into July. No permits, but respect private claims—some are still active. Bring everything: fuel, food, first aid, and satellite communication. This is frontier overlanding at its purest, where you earn every mile.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 156 mi / 251 km |
| Duration | 3-5 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3800 ft |
| Best season | June-August |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD required |
| Nearest town | Dawson City, YT |
| Land manager | Yukon Government |
| 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 stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Dawson Range Road, or do I need a built rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD can manage it, but you'll want skid plates, all-terrain tires, and a solid spare tire situation — ideally two spares. Lifted rigs with lockers will have a much easier time on the rougher cat track sections.
When does Dawson Range Road actually open and close each season?
June through August is the reliable window. Spring breakup keeps the ground soft and the crossings dangerous well into May, and early September can bring snow at elevation. Don't push the shoulder seasons on a 156-mile remote route with zero cell service.
Do I need any permits or fees to run this trail?
No permits or fees are required to drive the route — it's managed by the Yukon Government as a public access road. If you're poking around active or historical mining claims, stay on the road corridor and respect any posted claim boundaries.
What's the hardest section and what makes it sketchy?
The old cat track segments are the crux — loose shale, steep sidehills, and washed-out sections that offer zero recovery room. Water crossings are glacial, fast-moving, and depth can change day to day depending on melt, so probe before you commit.
How far out do I need to fuel up, and is there any resupply on route?
Fuel up fully in Dawson City before you leave — there is nothing on route for 156 miles. Carry extra fuel, because there are no services, no towns, and no cell service for the entire run. Plan for 3-5 days of complete self-sufficiency.
Trail track
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