Takhini River Hot Springs Back Road — Whitehorse to Takhini Uplands Bench
Boreal bench country with a hot springs kicker.
The Takhini back road network starts just thirty kilometres northwest of Whitehorse on the Dawson highway and meanders across the Takhini River uplands through open spruce, aspen, and patches of wetland meadow before dropping toward the Takhini Hot Springs property. The driving is easy by Yukon standards — packed dirt and gravel bench roads with some seasonal soft spots near creek crossings — but it stitches together some genuinely beautiful boreal country with the Northern Lights frequently overhead in shoulder seasons. Horse-ranching operations and a few small mineral claims give the land a working feel that keeps it honest.
This is an ideal warm-up route or a first-night-out run for rigs new to Yukon conditions. A capable AWD crossover can handle it in dry conditions; high-clearance is preferred after rain. No permit required on the territorial road sections. The Takhini Hot Springs at the end has been running since the 1930s and makes for a legitimate reward after dusty driving — check their operating status before you go as seasonal hours vary. Cell service fades fast once you leave the highway. Best run May through October. Whitehorse is your full-service fuel and resupply hub.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 19 mi / 30.6 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2700 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | AWD or 4WD recommended |
| Nearest town | Whitehorse, Yukon |
| Land manager | Yukon Government — Highways and Public Works |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | takhinihotpools.com |
| 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 an AWD crossover handle this trail, or do I need a proper 4WD rig?
A capable AWD crossover with decent clearance can manage this in dry conditions — it's rated easy. After rain, the dirt sections get slick and soft, and a 4WD with low range becomes useful. Don't push it in a stock sedan or anything with low ground clearance.
When does this route open in spring and close in fall?
Best window is May through October. Spring breakup (April–early May) can leave the dirt sections soft and rutted. Snow returns to the Whitehorse area by late October, and freeze-thaw cycles make the surface unpredictable past that point.
Do I need a permit or is there a fee to drive this route?
No permit is required to drive the back road itself — it's managed by Yukon Highways and Public Works as public access. Takhini Hot Pools at the end charges a separate day-use or overnight fee if you're soaking; check takhinihotpools.com for current rates before you go.
What's the hardest section of this trail and what should I watch for?
Nothing on this route is technically demanding — the hardest part is the water crossing, which varies by season and runoff levels. Early season or after heavy rain, that crossing can be deeper than it looks; check conditions locally in Whitehorse before heading out.
Is there dispersed camping along the route, and how's cell service if something goes wrong?
Dispersed camping is available along the bench, but there are no designated sites or facilities — pack in, pack out. Cell service is spotty at best and effectively zero once you're off the Whitehorse fringe, so carry a satellite communicator if you're camping overnight.
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.