Frontier Trail — Fort Simpson to Blackstone Territorial Park
Deh Cho boreal isolation, earned the hard way.
Most people roll through Fort Simpson gassing up for the Liard Highway and never look west. The Frontier Trail does the opposite — it pushes into the Deh Cho uplands toward Blackstone Territorial Park, following a mix of resource access roads and old seismic lines through spruce forest and muskeg. The route skirts the Liard River valley escarpment and drops into river bottom country before climbing back onto the plateau. Watch for the section where the road pinches down to a single track with standing water on both sides — that’s where rigs without lockers start getting honest about their capabilities.
This is legitimate remote driving. No cell service, no services, no rescue coming quickly if you snap an axle. A properly equipped truck with a locker, recovery gear, spare fuel for 300-plus kilometres, and a sat communicator is the minimum. High water season (May–June) turns the muskeg crossings into wheel-swallowing traps — aim for July through September when the ground firms up. You’ll have Blackstone Territorial Park’s riverside campsites almost entirely to yourself. That isolation is the whole point.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 87 mi / 140 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2600 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Locked 4WD with high clearance |
| Nearest town | Fort Simpson, NT |
| Land manager | Government of Northwest Territories — Infrastructure |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | nwtparks.ca |
| 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
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Frequently asked questions
What's the minimum vehicle setup to run the Frontier Trail?
Locked 4WD with high clearance is the floor — this isn't a trail for a stock crossover or an unlocked truck. Mud-terrain tires, a recovery kit, and a skid plate setup are strongly advised given the remote nature and lack of any rescue infrastructure out here.
When does the Frontier Trail open and close for the season?
July through September is the reliable window. Spring breakup leaves the route a muddy mess well into June, and early fall snowfall can shut it down fast — sometimes before October hits. Don't push the shoulder seasons without current local intel from Fort Simpson.
Do I need a permit to drive the Frontier Trail or camp at Blackstone?
No permit is required to drive the route. Blackstone Territorial Park has designated campsites with a nightly camping fee — check nwtparks.ca for current rates before you go. Dispersed camping along the route is generally permitted on Crown land outside the park boundary.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what should I expect?
The water crossings are where rigs get sorted out — depths and conditions change significantly based on recent rainfall and snowmelt, and there are no bridges to bail you out. Expect soft, rutted clay sections through the boreal stretches that turn into axle-deep mud after any precipitation.
How much fuel do I need and is there any resupply between Fort Simpson and Blackstone?
There is zero fuel or resupply for the entire 140 km — Fort Simpson is your last stop for gas, food, and spare parts. Plan for at least 1.5x your calculated fuel burn given the terrain, and carry enough provisions for an extra day in case weather or mechanical issues pin you down.
Trail track
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