Livingstone Trail — Dawson City to Tombstone Territorial Park Backcountry
Granite spires, zero crowds, full commitment.
Most people hit Tombstone from the Dempster and call it done. This route doesn’t care about most people. Launching from the Dawson City area, this backcountry track grinds northwest through spruce bog and exposed tundra bench before climbing into the Ogilvie Mountains’ eastern shoulder — country where wolverine tracks outnumber tire tracks and the horizon belongs to jagged quartzite ridgelines. The crux is a series of creek crossings near the upper Klondike River tributaries, none of them bridged, all of them braided and unpredictable in June. Mid-July through early September is your window before freeze-up makes the clay approaches treacherous slime.
This is legitimate Expert-level country. You need a locked, lifted rig with a winch and recovery gear, full-size spare, and satellite communication. Fuel up in Dawson City — there is nothing out here. Water is abundant from clear side creeks but filter everything downstream of old placer workings. The payoff is genuine Yukon wilderness solitude, alpine views most overlanders never see, and a campsite under granite spires with zero other rigs in sight. That’s the deal.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 48 mi / 77.2 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5400 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Lifted 4WD with lockers and winch |
| Nearest town | Dawson City, Yukon |
| Land manager | Yukon Parks, Tombstone Territorial Park |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | yukon.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
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle the Livingstone Trail?
No. This trail requires a lifted 4WD with lockers and a winch — minimum. Stock rigs will get stuck or high-centered on the rocky tundra sections and creek crossings. Don't test this one without proper gear.
When does the Livingstone Trail open and is it passable in June?
July through September is the reliable window. June is typically still wet with snowmelt, leaving creek crossings swollen and the tundra surface soft and destructive to drive on. Early October can work but expect snow above 4,000 feet.
Do you need a permit to drive or camp on the Livingstone Trail?
There are no vehicle permits required to drive the trail, but camping within Tombstone Territorial Park boundaries requires registration with Yukon Parks. Check current rules at yukon.ca before you go — backcountry zones have specific overnight protocols.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The upper tundra approach near the park boundary is the crux — loose shale, off-camber shelf road, and creek crossings with no defined line. At least one crossing requires winch rigging in normal summer conditions. Plan for full recovery setup and a co-driver who knows what they're doing.
Is there any gas or resupply between Dawson City and the Tombstone backcountry?
Zero. Fuel up completely in Dawson City before you leave — there is no gas, no services, and no cell service for the entire 48-mile route. Carry extra fuel, enough water for 3 days, and assume you're fully self-sufficient from the moment you leave town.
Trail track
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