Dempster Highway South — Klondike River to Tombstone Territorial Park
Where the Dempster starts earning its legend.
Pull off the Klondike Highway at the Dempster Corner and the world changes fast. Within 15 km you’re climbing into the Ogilvie Mountains, the gravel gets coarser, and the iconic quartzite spire of Tombstone Mountain appears on your left like a warning. This southern stretch of Yukon’s most celebrated dirt highway runs 72 km from the junction up to and past the Tombstone Territorial Park visitor centre, crossing the North Klondike River twice and hitting Chapman Lake summit at roughly 1,050 m. The road surface is maintained gravel but notorious for sharp shale shards that eat tires — carry two mounted spares minimum, not negotiable.
This is a moderate overland route in good summer conditions but weather flips fast — snow is possible any month. A high-clearance 2WD can manage it in dry conditions, but a 4WD with all-terrain tires is the smart move given the river crossings and summit grades. No permit needed. Gas up in Dawson City — there’s no fuel on this stretch. The Tombstone Campground at km 72 is a proper base camp. Best window is late June through early September. What you get is unreal alpine scenery, real wilderness exposure, and the opening chapter of one of North America’s greatest overland roads.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 45 mi / 72 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3445 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD with all-terrain tires |
| Nearest town | Dawson City, Yukon |
| Land manager | Yukon Parks — Tombstone Territorial Park |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | yukon.ca |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock high-clearance 2WD handle this stretch of the Dempster?
Yes, but all-terrain tires are non-negotiable — the gravel surface throws up sharp rock that destroys highway tires fast. Carry two full-size spares minimum; flats on this road are a when, not an if.
When does this section of the Dempster open and close each year?
June through September is the reliable window. Spring breakup can leave the gravel surface badly rutted and soft into late May, and early snowfall can hit the Ogilvie passes by October — sometimes September.
Are there any permits or fees required to drive or camp here?
No permit is needed to drive the Dempster Highway itself. Tombstone Territorial Park has a designated campground (Tombstone Mountain Campground) with fees around CAD $12/night; dispersed camping outside park boundaries is free and legal.
What's the hardest part of this 72 km stretch and what should I expect?
The climb through North Fork Pass — the highest point on the Dempster at just over 1,000 m — can get loose, rutted, and slick after rain with limited visibility around blind corners. Soft shoulders drop off fast, so don't drift wide when meeting oncoming traffic.
How far is the nearest fuel stop and is there any cell service on this section?
Fill up completely in Dawson City before you leave — there is zero fuel between the Dempster Highway junction and Engineer Creek, roughly 370 km north. Cell service is nonexistent the entire stretch; a satellite communicator is not optional out here.
Trail track
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