Nena Creek to Skagway — Klondike Highway Backcountry via White Pass Summit
Gold Rush ghosts and an alpine border at 3,300 ft.
The South Klondike Highway (BC-98 / Alaska-98) runs 176 kilometres from Carcross in the Yukon south through the Coast Mountains and over White Pass into Skagway, Alaska. The summit sits at around 1,003 metres (3,292 ft) and the road is fully paved — but call it a scenic drive and you’re missing the point. The surrounding terrain is technical backcountry: Dead Horse Gulch below the summit is littered with the bones of 3,000 pack animals that died during the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush, and the route traces the same corridor that 100,000 stampeders used to reach the Yukon goldfields. Side tracks off the main road toward Tormented Valley and Goat Lake require real clearance and nerve.
The highway itself is manageable in any vehicle in summer, but the approach tracks into the alpine basins demand at minimum a capable high-clearance 4WD with decent all-terrain rubber — wet rock and steep loose gravel are the norm on side excursions. The border crossing is open year-round but the best season for full exploration is June through September; White Pass can close with snow as early as October. Fuel in Carcross and Skagway; nothing in between. Permits are not required for the highway. You come here for the Gold Rush ghosts, the brutal alpine scenery, and the satisfaction of crossing an international divide that broke lesser people in 1898.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 109 mi / 176 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3292 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle (highway); High-clearance 4WD for side tracks |
| Nearest town | Carcross, YT |
| Land manager | Yukon Highways and Public Works / Alaska DOT |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Yukon Gov South Klondike Highway Alaska DOT White Pass Corridor |
| 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
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this route, or do I need a lifted rig?
The main South Klondike Highway corridor is paved and gravel — any capable stock truck handles it fine. If you're chasing the rougher side tracks off the main route, high-clearance 4WD earns its keep, but nothing here demands a built rig.
When does White Pass actually open and close for the season?
The highway stays open year-round, but the alpine section near the summit gets snow early and late — June through September is the reliable window. Outside that, expect ice, limited visibility, and services shut down on both sides of the border.
Do I need anything special to cross the US–Canada border at White Pass?
Yes — valid passport required at the White Pass port of entry, same as any international crossing. If you're carrying firearms, declare them; Canadian rules on handguns and restricted weapons are strict and enforced. No permit needed for the road itself.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The climb to the 3,292-ft summit is the most exposed stretch — steep grades, tight switchbacks, and zero guardrails in spots with big drop-offs. It's rated moderate and most drivers handle it clean, but it demands attention, especially if there's any moisture on the gravel.
How far is it between fuel stops along this route, and is there reliable gas near the summit?
Gap planning matters here — fill up in Carcross before you head south and don't count on anything near the summit itself. Skagway has fuel at the end, but it's 109 miles of remote running between real services, so carry a jerry can if your rig drinks more than average.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.