Klondike Highway — Skagway to Whitehorse via White Pass Summit and Bennett Lake (Classic Full Traverse)
The gold-rush road that still demands respect.
In 1898, tens of thousands of men broke themselves hauling gear over White Pass above Skagway, Alaska. Today’s Klondike Highway follows that same brutal ridgeline before dropping into British Columbia and tracking north through Carcross, past emerald Bennett Lake, and across the Yukon plateau into Whitehorse. The summit at White Pass hits roughly 3,292 feet — modest by Rockies standards but violent in its exposure, where the road clings to cliff edges above thousand-foot drops. The border crossing at the summit is staffed and requires passports. Carcross Desert, the world’s smallest desert, sits roadside just north of the BC–Yukon line and is worth a stop.
This is largely a paved and improved gravel highway, accessible to most vehicles in summer, but winter is a different story — ice, whiteout conditions, and avalanche zones make November through April genuinely dangerous without experience and proper gear. Fuel up in Skagway and again in Carcross; gaps are manageable but real. Best window is June through September. No permits required for the highway itself, but you’ll need valid passport documents for the US–Canada border crossing. Cell service drops hard after Skagway and stays thin until Whitehorse. The payoff is one of the most historically loaded, visually arresting drives in the northern hemisphere.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 112 mi / 180 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3292 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle, AWD recommended in shoulder seasons |
| Nearest town | Skagway, Alaska |
| Land manager | Government of Yukon Highways and Public Works / Alaska DOT |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Yukon Highway Info Alaska 511 Road Conditions |
| Verified | |
| 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
Can a stock 2WD truck or sedan handle the full Skagway-to-Whitehorse traverse?
In summer (June–September) on dry gravel, a capable 2WD with decent clearance can manage it, but AWD or 4WD is strongly recommended in shoulder seasons when snow, ice, and soft gravel are common near White Pass Summit. High-clearance helps but isn't mandatory in peak season.
When does snow close White Pass Summit and make this route sketchy?
The summit sits at 3,292 ft and can see snow any month of the year — meaningful accumulation typically closes or complicates the route from October through May. June and September can still throw surprise storms, so check Alaska 511 (511.alaska.gov) and Yukon Highway conditions before you roll.
Do I need a passport or any special permits to cross the US-Canada border at White Pass?
Yes — you're crossing an international border, so a valid passport (or NEXUS card) is required for all vehicle occupants. No trail permit or fee is needed for the route itself, but standard customs declaration rules apply in both directions.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The climb out of Skagway through White Pass is the most demanding stretch — steep grades, tight switchbacks, and sheer drop-offs with minimal guardrails on the Alaska side. It's rated moderate overall, but that section demands full attention, especially if you're towing or running wide.
How far is it between reliable fuel stops on this route?
Skagway has fuel at the start, and Carcross (about 67 miles in) has a station, though hours can be limited — don't count on it being open. Whitehorse at the end is fully serviced, but carry extra fuel if you're running a thirsty rig or planning any side exploration.
Trail track
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