Ketza River Road — Faro to Ketza River Mine Country
Gold mine ghosts deep in the Pelly Mountains.
The Ketza River Road branches south off the Campbell Highway near Faro and pushes deep into the Pelly Mountains toward the former Ketza River Mine, a gold operation that ran through the late 1980s and early 1990s. The route follows the Ketza River drainage through boreal spruce, open muskeg flats, and creek-cut terrain that demands constant attention. Several unbridged stream crossings — including a notable ford of the Ketza River itself — will test your axles early. The old mine infrastructure still sits out there, rusting quietly in the bush, and the road gets progressively rougher as you close in on it.
This is genuine backcountry Yukon — no services, no cell signal, and mud that swallows tires whole after rain. A high-clearance 4WD with a lift, all-terrain tires, and a full recovery kit is the minimum. Carry enough fuel for at least 200 km of round-trip mileage from Faro. Best run late June through August when the crossings are lower and the mud has firmed. The reward is total isolation, real Pelly Mountain scenery, and the particular satisfaction of reaching a mine ghost site that most Yukoners have never visited.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 68 mi / 109.4 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4200 ft |
| Best season | Late June–August |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with recovery gear |
| Nearest town | Faro, Yukon |
| Land manager | Yukon Department of Highways and Public Works |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Ketza River Road, or do I need a built rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD can manage this trail, but you need good all-terrain tires, a full recovery kit, and a skid plate isn't a bad idea. Lifted rigs with lockers will have an easier time on the rougher washed-out sections closer to the mine site. Don't attempt this in a stock crossover or 2WD truck under any circumstances.
When does Ketza River Road actually open and close each year?
Late June through August is the reliable window — spring breakup leaves the road a muddy mess well into June, and early September can bring snow at elevation. The Pelly Mountains don't mess around; an early fall storm can make the crossing sections impassable fast.
Do I need a permit to drive Ketza River Road or camp along it?
No permit is required to drive the road or use dispersed campsites along it. The route falls under Yukon Department of Highways and Public Works jurisdiction, and dispersed camping is generally permitted. Check with Yukon Environment for any current wildlife or fire restrictions before you leave Faro.
What's the hardest section of this trail and what should I actually be ready for?
The terrain gets serious in the southern half as you push toward the old mine site — expect rocky ledges, eroded track, and water crossings that can run thigh-deep depending on snowmelt. The crossings are the real decision points; if water levels are high after a wet week, you may need to winch or turn back. Build in extra time and scout every crossing on foot before you commit.
There's zero cell service on this trail — how do people handle communications and resupply out here?
A satellite communicator (Garmin inReach or SPOT) is non-negotiable on this route — 109 km of Yukon backcountry with no cell service and sparse traffic means a breakdown without comms is a genuine emergency. Fuel up completely in Faro before you leave; there's nothing between there and the mine site. Water is available from streams along the route but treat everything before drinking.
Trail track
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