Mining Road to Keno City Summit — Silver Trail Highlands
Silver country summit above the Arctic treeline.
Keno City sits at the end of the Silver Trail (Yukon Highway 11), a genuine end-of-the-road mining town that peaked in the 1920s and never quite let go. The summit road above town — accessed off the main Keno Hill Mining District roads — grinds up loose shale switchbacks to roughly 6,000 feet, putting you above treeline with panoramic views across the Ogilvie Mountains. The route passes the Keno Hill silver mine workings, collapsed ore bins, and rusted aerial tramway remnants from operations that once produced record silver concentrations. The Keno City Mining Museum at the base is worth an hour before you climb.
Surface is loose shale and compacted gravel with rutted sections after spring melt — high clearance and good all-terrain tires are the minimum. The road is narrow with steep drop-offs; trailers are not recommended above the midpoint. No permits required, but cell service is nonexistent past Mayo. Fuel up in Mayo (about 55 km south) — Keno City has no services. Best run July through August before early September snowfall closes the upper reaches. What you get is genuine Yukon mining history baked into the landscape, with almost no other traffic.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance |
| Surface | Gravel, Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 14 mi / 22.5 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6050 ft |
| Best season | July-August |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Keno City, Yukon |
| Land manager | Yukon Government, Energy, Mines and Resources |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| 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 lifted Tacoma or 4Runner run this trail stock, or does it need serious mods?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner can handle it, but rock sections and loose gravel on the upper climb will stress your skid plates and sidewalls. All-terrain tires and a recovery kit are non-negotiable out here — the nearest help is not close.
When does the summit road actually become passable, and when does snow shut it down?
July through August is the reliable window. Snow can linger on the summit into late June and return as early as September at 6,000+ feet. Don't push it on the shoulder months without checking local conditions first.
Do I need any permits or fees to drive the Mining Road to Keno City Summit?
No permit or fee is currently required to drive this route under Yukon Government jurisdiction. Check with Yukon Energy, Mines and Resources before your trip since mining activity in the area can affect access without much warning.
What's the hardest section, and what should I actually be ready for?
The upper switchbacks approaching the summit are the crux — loose rock, exposed drop-offs, and no room for error if you meet another vehicle. Articulation and confident low-range driving matter more than horsepower up there.
How far is the nearest gas from the trailhead, and is there water on the trail?
Keno City has no fuel — Mayo, about 55 km south on the Silver Trail, is your last reliable gas stop before heading up. There's no guaranteed potable water on the trail itself, so carry everything you need for the day plus emergency reserve.
Trail track
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