Livingstone Creek Trail — Livingstone Gold Camp to Scroggie Creek Junction
Placer gold country that bites back.
Livingstone Creek has been producing placer gold since the early 1900s, and the working claims along this corridor mean the road sees just enough maintenance to stay passable — barely. You’ll push northeast from the Livingstone gold camp area off the Silver Trail network, following the creek valley through dense spruce and willow flats toward the Scroggie Creek junction. Expect soft, waterlogged track through the low sections, multiple unbridged creek crossings of varying depth, and stretches of deeply rutted two-track where loaded campers will drag frame. The valley is genuine backcountry — no cell service, no services, and the nearest fuel is back in Mayo, over 100 km west.
This is a Difficult to Expert-level run requiring a proper high-clearance 4×4 with a lift, all-terrain tires, and a full recovery kit. A winch is strongly recommended given the soft ground and creek crossings that can vary wildly with rain. Best window is mid-July through August when creek levels drop and the ground firms up — early June is a mud trap. Pack fuel for a minimum 300 km self-sufficiency loop. No permits required, dispersed camping is available along the creek. This is gold rush country that never cleaned itself up, and that’s exactly the appeal.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 54 mi / 87 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3400 ft |
| Best season | July-August |
| Minimum vehicle | Lifted 4x4 with lockers |
| Nearest town | Mayo, Yukon |
| Land manager | Yukon Government — Energy, Mines and Resources |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail?
No. This trail is rated Expert and requires a lifted 4x4 with lockers — a stock rig will get into serious trouble on the creek crossings and technical sections. Think full-size rigs with a lift, skid plates, and front and rear lockers at minimum.
When is Livingstone Creek Trail actually driveable?
July and August are your window. Earlier in the season the creek crossings run high and fast from snowmelt, and by September the ground softens and early snow becomes a real risk at elevation. Don't push the shoulder seasons on a 54-mile trail this remote.
Do you need a permit to run this trail?
No permit is required for recreational travel on the trail itself. The land falls under Yukon Government — Energy, Mines and Resources jurisdiction, and active placer mining claims are present in the area, so stay on the trail corridor and don't mess with any mining infrastructure or equipment you encounter.
What's the hardest section and what makes it serious?
The creek crossings along Livingstone Creek are the crux — multiple crossings with no bridges, variable depth depending on recent rain, and slippery rocky bottoms that will catch you off-angle fast. Water can push hard enough to shift a vehicle, and there's no recovery help coming out here, so scout every crossing on foot before you commit.
How far is the nearest fuel stop and is there any cell service on the trail?
Mayo, Yukon is your last fuel and resupply point before heading in — plan your fuel load carefully for 54 miles of technical terrain plus your return or exit route. There is zero cell service on this trail, so a satellite communicator isn't optional, it's mandatory.
Trail track
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