Pelly Farm Road — Pelly Crossing to Pelly River Flats
Old homestead, big river, zero crowds.
Pelly Farm sits on a wide bend of the Pelly River south of Pelly Crossing, one of the oldest continuously operated agricultural sites in Yukon. The access road drops off Highway 2 onto river flats that flood seasonally and dry to a cracked, rutted surface by midsummer. The route runs roughly 22 km through open spruce and birch stands, crosses a seasonal drainage that can run knee-deep in June, and eventually opens onto the river flat with direct Pelly River frontage. The old farm buildings still stand — weathered but intact — and the surrounding country is classic Yukon river bottom: wide, wild, and absolutely empty of other people.
Difficulty is moderate to difficult depending on season. Spring access is a gamble — the flats drain slowly and your rig can disappear into soft silt if you’re impatient. By late July through September, a high-clearance 4WD with all-terrain tires handles it cleanly. No permit required, no fee. Fuel at Pelly Crossing before you commit — the next reliable stop is Stewart Crossing or Carmacks depending on your direction. Cell coverage is zero from the highway turnoff to the river. Camping on the Pelly flats is remote and quiet in a way that’s hard to find anymore.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 14 mi / 22 km |
| Duration | Half to full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1800 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Pelly Crossing, YT |
| Land manager | Government of Yukon |
| 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 4Runner or Tacoma handle this trail without modifications?
Yes, a stock 4WD high-clearance rig is the stated minimum and should manage fine. Lifted or skid-plated rigs will have more margin at the water crossings, but a factory 4Runner or Tacoma with decent tires isn't going to get into trouble here.
When does Pelly Farm Road open up and can you run it in early June?
Best season is July through September. Spring breakup leaves the Yukon's low-lying river flat tracks soft and rutted well into June — hit it too early and you'll be digging out in mud that looks driveable but isn't.
Do you need a permit to drive or camp on Pelly Farm Road?
No permit required. The road falls under Government of Yukon jurisdiction and dispersed camping is allowed. Leave no trace applies — pack everything out.
What's the hardest section and what does it actually look like?
The water crossings are the crux. Depth and flow vary by season and recent rain, and there are no gauges — you wade it first or watch it move and make a call. Nothing technically extreme, but a swollen crossing after a wet week can stop a low-clearance rig cold.
Is there any fuel or services between Pelly Crossing and the trail end, and how far is the nearest gas?
There is zero cell service on this trail and no services whatsoever once you leave Pelly Crossing. Fill your tank in Pelly Crossing before you go — the next reliable fuel is Carmacks to the south or Stewart Crossing to the north, both well over an hour of highway driving.
Trail track
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