Top of the World Highway Extension
Where the famous highway's pavement ends
The Top of the World Highway Extension picks up where the famous Yukon Highway 9 ends, continuing 85 kilometers deeper into the Klondike goldfields along deteriorating mining roads that most tourists never see. Past the Boundary checkpoint, the maintained pavement gives way to rough gravel that climbs through alpine tundra to nearly 5,000 feet elevation. You’ll pass the remnants of hydraulic mining operations from the 1930s — massive steel pipes and rusted equipment scattered across hillsides stripped bare by high-pressure water cannons.
This extension demands more than the main highway’s moderate clearance requirements. Loose shale, steep grades up to 15%, and washouts from spring snowmelt make 4WD essential. The road deteriorates significantly after King Solomon Dome, where only the most committed continue to the old Fortymile mining district. June through September only — winter closures last eight months. No services beyond Chicken, Alaska (if you detour south), and cell service disappears completely after Mile 15. What you earn is authentic Klondike wilderness, undisturbed wildlife, and bragging rights among Yukon veterans who know most people turn back at the border.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 53 mi / 85 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4900 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Dawson City, YT |
| Land manager | Government of Yukon |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lifted rig or will a stock 4WD high-clearance vehicle handle this?
A stock 4WD high-clearance truck or SUV can manage this trail in dry conditions — think 4Runner, Tacoma, or similar. Lift helps on the rougher washboard sections, but it's not a dealbreaker. Airing down to 20-25 PSI makes a real difference on the loose gravel.
When does this route actually open and close each year?
June through September is the reliable window. The high elevation sections hold snow well into spring, and fall can bring early freezes and mud that makes the gravel surface unpredictable. Don't push it before mid-June or after early October.
Do I need any permits or do I have to pay fees to drive this route?
No permits or fees are required to drive the route itself — it's managed by the Government of Yukon as a public road. If you're crossing from Alaska on the Top of the World Highway, make sure your passport is in order and check border crossing hours at the Poker Creek/Little Gold crossing, which runs limited seasonal hours.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually be prepared for?
The most demanding stretch is the deteriorating gravel beyond the maintained highway section where the road narrows, drops off on one side, and gets heavily washboarded. Expect slow going — 15-20 mph is realistic. No technical rock crawling, but soft shoulders and rutting after rain can catch you off guard.
There's no cell service out here — how far is the nearest fuel and what should I know about resupply?
Dawson City is your last reliable fuel stop before heading out, and there's nothing on the route itself. With 53 miles of remote gravel plus your approach and return, carry a minimum 5-gallon fuel reserve. The Poker Creek border crossing has no services, so plan like you're going fully self-supported.
Trail track
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