East Greenland Ammassalik Mining Road
Where polar bears patrol abandoned mine roads
This forgotten mining road pushes deep into the Ammassalik District’s interior, originally built to access molybdenum deposits in the 1970s before being abandoned to the Arctic. The track follows the Sermilik River valley through terrain so remote that polar bears outnumber humans, crossing multiple unnamed tributaries where bridges rotted away decades ago. Beyond the old mining camp ruins at kilometer 45, the road deteriorates into a boulder-strewn nightmare requiring constant route-finding.
Expert-level difficulty with multiple technical river crossings and sections where winching is mandatory. Only July-August weather windows allow access, and even then, expect snow at higher elevations. Requires expedition-grade 4WD with full recovery gear, satellite communication, and complete self-sufficiency for fuel and food. This is raw East Greenland at its most unforgiving – the kind of route that sorts the serious from the Sunday drivers.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 68 mi / 109 km |
| Duration | 4-5 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3800 ft |
| Best season | July-August |
| Minimum vehicle | Expedition 4WD with winch |
| Nearest town | Tasiilaq, Greenland |
| Land manager | Government of Greenland |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
What's the minimum vehicle setup to attempt this trail?
A fully built expedition 4WD with a winch, recovery gear, and high-clearance suspension is the floor — not a suggestion. Stock anything gets left behind out here. Skid plates, a snorkel for the river crossings, and dual spare tires are non-negotiable given the remoteness.
Is the trail actually accessible in July, or is snow still a problem?
July and August are your only realistic windows — the high passes can hold snow well into June and start closing again in September. Even in peak season, unexpected snowfall at elevation above 3,000 ft is common, so watch forecasts and build flex days into your schedule.
Do I need a permit to drive this trail?
Yes, a permit is required through the Government of Greenland. Factor in serious lead time — getting logistics sorted out of Tasiilaq alone (shipping a vehicle, fuel, clearances) takes months of advance planning.
What's the hardest section and what makes it dangerous?
The glacial river crossings are where rigs get swallowed — water levels fluctuate dramatically with daily melt cycles, and what was knee-deep at 8am can be door-panel deep by 2pm. Probe every crossing on foot before committing, and time your pushes for early morning when melt is lowest.
How do I handle fuel range across 68 miles of trail with no services?
There are zero fuel sources between Tasiilaq and the trail's end — carry enough for the full 109 km of technical terrain plus your return route and a buffer, which realistically means jerry cans adding up to 50-80 liters depending on your rig's consumption under load. Plan your fuel load before you leave Tasiilaq; there's no bailout option once you're in.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.