Tasiilaq Valley Mining Road
East Greenland's abandoned mountain mining road
The Tasiilaq Valley mining road is a relic from Greenland’s mineral exploration boom, climbing from the coastal settlement of Tasiilaq up into the rugged mountains behind Ammassalik Fjord. Built in the 1980s to service zinc and lead prospects, this rough track switchbacks through some of the most dramatic Arctic landscape you’ll find anywhere. The road passes several abandoned mining camps and ends at an old helicopter pad with commanding views over the Sermilik Fjord and the massive icebergs calving from nearby glaciers.
This is expert-level territory requiring a fully capable 4WD with rock sliders and underbody protection. The track is mostly loose rock and exposed bedrock with steep grades and zero room for error on some sections. Summer access only from July to early September, and weather can shut you down without warning. No permits required, but you’re completely on your own with no cell service and the nearest help potentially days away. The reward is some of the most spectacular Arctic mountain scenery on the planet and the kind of solitude that makes you understand why Greenland gets under people’s skin.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 15 mi / 24 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4920 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Built 4WD with armor |
| Nearest town | Tasiilaq, Greenland |
| Land manager | Government of Greenland |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| 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
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Frequently asked questions
What's the minimum build needed — can a lightly lifted truck handle this?
No. This trail demands a fully built 4WD with skid plates, rock sliders, and high-clearance suspension. Sharp basalt rock is unforgiving and recovery gear is mandatory — the nearest help is Tasiilaq, and getting it there won't be fast.
When is the trail actually passable, and what closes it down?
July through September is your window. Snow and ice lock the road out before and after that, and even in summer, unexpected storms can drop snow at elevation above 4,000 feet with zero warning.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp on this trail?
The trail falls under Government of Greenland jurisdiction — contact the Greenland Self-Government (Naalakkersuisut) before your trip to confirm any access or land-use requirements, as rules for remote areas can shift. No standard day-use fee is currently established, but that can change.
What's the hardest section and what makes it genuinely dangerous?
The upper climb toward the old mineral exploration sites is the crux — sustained loose rock shelves, tight exposure on fjord-side ledges, and a 4,265-foot gain packed into 15 miles with no bailout options once you're committed. A rollover or mechanical failure here means a serious self-rescue situation.
There's zero cell service — how do people handle emergency communication out there?
A satellite communicator (Garmin inReach or SPOT) is non-negotiable on this trail, not optional. Tasiilaq is the only nearby town and evacuation from the backcountry in East Greenland is a major logistical event — file a detailed trip plan with someone before you leave.
Trail track
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