Stewart River Road — Mayo to Stewart River Confluence
Silver Trail country along the Yukon's working river.
Drop south out of Mayo on this classic Stewart River corridor road and you’re immediately in the thick of Yukon mining history. The Silver Trail region produced silver, lead, and zinc for over a century, and the landscape still carries the scars — old headframes, collapsed stamp mills, and faded claim stakes line the benches above the river. The road itself follows the west bank of the Stewart River, cutting through boreal spruce and crossing several unnamed creeks that run fast during June snowmelt. The confluence with the Yukon River near Stewart Crossing is the natural end point, and it’s a proper overlander’s camp — wide gravel bars, driftwood fires, and zero other people on a weekday.
Surface is mostly packed gravel and hardpan dirt, maintained but not pampered — expect washboard, soft shoulders after rain, and frost heaves in early season. A capable stock 4WD handles this fine in dry conditions, but a high-clearance rig is better insurance. Fuel in Mayo before you leave; there’s nothing reliable until Stewart Crossing. Best run in late June through September. No permits required. Cell service dies completely past Mayo. Watch for moose on the road at dusk — they own this stretch after dark.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 54 mi / 86.9 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2100 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Mayo, Yukon |
| Land manager | Yukon Department of Highways and Public Works |
| 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 | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Land Cruiser handle this without modifications?
Yes. A stock 4WD with decent clearance handles the Stewart River Road fine under normal summer conditions. The gravel and dirt surface is maintained, but washboards, soft shoulders, and occasional rough patches mean a lifted rig is more comfortable, not required.
When does this road open and close for the season?
June through September is the reliable window. Spring breakup can leave sections muddy and soft well into May, and early snowfall can hit by October. Check current conditions with Yukon 511 (511.yukon.ca) before you go — conditions change fast up here.
Are there any permits or fees to drive this route?
No permits or fees required. This is a public road managed by Yukon Highways and Public Works. Dispersed camping along the route is also free with no reservation system.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
Nothing on this route is technically brutal, but the remoteness is the real challenge — 54 miles of no cell service, no services, and limited turnaround options if something goes wrong. Soft shoulders after rain and river-level sections near the Stewart confluence deserve respect. Carry a full-size spare minimum.
How far is the nearest fuel stop and should I top off in Mayo before heading out?
Yes, top off in Mayo before you leave — it's the last guaranteed fuel on this route. The round trip is roughly 110 miles, and there are no services between Mayo and the Stewart River confluence. Carry a jerry can if your tank is under 20 gallons.
Trail track
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