Kluane Lake South Shore Road — Destruction Bay to Slims River Delta
Ghost delta at the edge of the St. Elias icefields.
When the Alaska Highway swings through Destruction Bay, most rigs blast past without a second look. Pull off and find the south shore track and you’re suddenly running the edge of Kluane Lake — 408 square kilometres of glacially cold water with the St. Elias Range stacked hard to your south. The Slims River delta is a place unlike almost anything else in Canada: a massive braided outwash fan that until 2016 was fed by meltwater from the Kaskawulsh Glacier. The glacier has since rerouted, and what you’re driving toward is a dry ghost delta — dusty, windblasted, and geologically surreal. Expect loose gravel benches, soft silt flats near the delta, and serious wind off the lake.
This is a high-clearance route, doable in a capable stock 4WD with good all-terrain tires, but the silt sections near the delta can surprise you after rain. No permit needed. Fuel up in Destruction Bay before you go — there’s nothing out here. Cell service is nonexistent. The route is best run mid-June through September when the silt has dried enough to travel. Camping on the lake flats is spectacular and exposed. Bring layers — the katabatic winds off the icefields rip through without warning.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel, Mixed, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | Half day–1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2800 ft |
| Best season | June–September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Destruction Bay, YT |
| Land manager | Kluane National Park Reserve / Parks Canada |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | pc.gc.ca |
| 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 this trail, or do I need a lifted rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner is the minimum here — the gravel and mixed surface sections are manageable, but the sandy delta approach and any soft spots near water crossings will punish low-clearance vehicles. Lockers or A/T tires are a plus but not mandatory. Don't attempt it in a Subaru or crossover.
When does this trail actually open, and is snow still an issue in June?
June through September is the reliable window. Early June can still have snow patches and soft ground near the delta, so late June is the safer bet. The Yukon shoulder seasons are unpredictable — check conditions locally in Destruction Bay before heading out.
Do I need a permit to drive this route or camp out here?
The route runs through Kluane National Park Reserve, managed by Parks Canada — you'll need a valid Parks Canada entry permit. As of recent years that's around CAD $10/day per person. Check the official Parks Canada Kluane page for current fees before you leave, as they update annually.
What's the hardest section of this trail and what should I actually expect?
The Slims River Delta end is where things get real — the braided channels and sandy flats can shift seasonally, and what looks like solid ground can be soft enough to sink a tire. Read the terrain carefully before committing to the delta approach and know your recovery gear is accessible, not buried under camp gear.
There's zero cell service out here — how far is it to the nearest fuel and should I carry extra water?
Destruction Bay has fuel at the start of the route, but it's a small outpost — fill up completely and don't assume the pump is always operational. Carry a minimum of 2 liters of drinking water per person per day; water sources on route need treatment, and the Slims River silt makes filtering a chore.
Trail track
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