Mistastin Crater Road (Newfoundland and Labrador)
Meteorite crater expedition in Labrador wilds
The Mistastin Crater Road punches 38 kilometers north from the Trans-Labrador Highway through black spruce bog and granite outcrops to reach a 28-kilometer-wide meteorite crater formed 36 million years ago. Originally built to service uranium exploration in the 1970s, this rough track crosses the Mistastin River twice via sketchy wooden bridges before climbing to the crater rim at 515 meters elevation. The crater lake itself stretches like a perfect blue circle surrounded by impact-shattered bedrock that NASA has used as Mars analog training.
This expert-level route demands a fully capable 4WD with rock sliders and recovery gear. The road surface ranges from loose boulders to deep sand pockets, with several technical rock climbs that will test your spotter skills. Bridges may be out without notice — carry a chainsaw for deadfall removal. Best attempted June through August when ice clears the high country. No services exist for 200 kilometers in any direction, and satellite communication is your only contact with civilization. What you get is exclusive access to one of the planet’s most significant geological features and some of the purest wilderness camping in eastern Canada.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Rock, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 24 mi / 38 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1690 ft |
| Best season | June-August |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with armor |
| Nearest town | Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL |
| Land manager | Government of Newfoundland and Labrador |
| 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 lifted 4Runner or Bronco handle Mistastin, or do I need something more serious?
A stock or mildly lifted rig won't cut it here. You need a purpose-built or heavily modified 4WD with skid plates, rock sliders, and high clearance — this trail chews up underbody components on unprepared rigs. Think dedicated overland or trail rig, not a weekend-lifted daily driver.
Is Mistastin Crater Road accessible before June or after August?
Realistically, no. The road is buried under snow and ice well into late spring, and fall can bring early snowfall and freeze-thaw conditions that make the crossings unpredictable. June through August is your window, and even then, check conditions close to your departure date.
Do I need a permit to drive to Mistastin Crater?
There's no formal trail permit required, but the land is managed by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and portions may cross areas tied to mining or research activity — confirm current access status before you go. No fee is currently charged for access.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what makes it sketchy?
The water crossings are where rigs get humbled — they're not optional and some run deep enough to hydro-lock a poorly-sealed engine. Combined with loose rock, rutted mining road surface, and zero recovery services within range, a mechanical failure or stuck vehicle here is a multi-day problem.
How far is the trailhead from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and should I fuel up there?
Happy Valley-Goose Bay is your last real services stop before heading out — fuel there, no question. You're looking at a remote push with zero cell service for the entire route, so carry extra fuel, a full tool kit, and a satellite communicator; there's no one coming to help you out here.
Trail track
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