Dempster Highway South — Klondike River to Tombstone Territorial Park

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.