Haines Junction to Burwash Landing — Kluane Lakeshore Route via Alaska Highway
Saint Elias views and ghost towns off the highway.
You’ve driven the Alaska Highway and probably blew through this section doing 90 km/h. Don’t. The 170 km stretch from Haines Junction north to Burwash Landing hugs the eastern shore of Kluane Lake — the largest lake entirely within Yukon — with the Kluane Ranges stacking up to the west and the Saint Elias peaks ghosting the horizon behind them. Kilometre markers here double as backcountry jump-off points: the Slim River Delta at the lake’s south end is rapidly changing due to glacial lake outburst floods from the Kaskawulsh Glacier, and the altered gravel delta is itself worth a walk-in scouting session. Talbot Arm and Burwash Creek to the north offer side roads into legitimate mining country. The old Silver City ghost town site sits between the highway and the lake just north of the Slim River delta.
The Alaska Highway here is fully paved but the side tracks — Talbot Arm Road, Burwash Creek Road, the Silver City pull-offs — require high clearance and 4WD when wet. The pavement section itself is an easy drive. What changes the difficulty is what you do off it. No permit needed for highway travel. Gas at Haines Junction or Burwash Landing — nowhere in between. Best season is May through September. The geology here is wild, the bird and wildlife density around Kluane Lake is genuine, and the glaciological history visible from roadside is unlike anything else in North America’s road network.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 106 mi / 170 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2950 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD for side tracks |
| Nearest town | Haines Junction, Yukon |
| Land manager | Yukon Highways and Public Works / Parks Canada — Kluane National Park |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | pc.gc.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
Do I need a lifted rig or will a stock high-clearance 4WD handle this?
The Alaska Highway corridor itself is gravel and manageable in a stock high-clearance 4WD like a 4Runner or Tacoma. The side tracks into the backcountry off the main route are a different story — some require real clearance and low-range. Know which spurs you're planning before you commit.
When does this route open up in spring and is snow a real concern?
The Alaska Highway stays open year-round, but the side tracks and backcountry access points are typically snow-free and passable from late May through September. Early spring means mud, soft shoulders, and unpredictable conditions — late May is the safer bet for exploring off the main corridor.
Do I need a permit to drive this route or camp along it?
No permit is required to drive the Alaska Highway stretch. Dispersed camping outside Kluane National Park boundaries is free with no permit. If you're heading into Kluane NP proper for any backcountry travel, Parks Canada requires a backcountry permit — check pc.gc.ca before you go.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The main route is moderate gravel highway — the difficulty spike comes on unmarked side tracks toward the Saint Elias foothills, where loose shale, creek crossings, and dead-end terrain can catch you off guard. The water crossings vary significantly with snowmelt; what's ankle-deep in August can be axle-deep in June.
How far apart are fuel stops between Haines Junction and Burwash Landing?
It's roughly 170 km between the two towns with no guaranteed fuel in between — Destruction Bay sits about halfway and sometimes has gas, but don't count on it being open or stocked. Leave Haines Junction full and carry a jerry can if your rig drinks more than average.
Trail track
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