Hike and camp at Tombstone Territorial Park

About activities at Tombstone Territorial Park

There are plenty of things to do and see for all ages, abilities and interests in Tombstone Territorial Park. Popular activities include:

• Backcountry camping and hiking
• Road-accessible camping
• Road-accessible hiking and viewpoints
• Wildlife viewing and birding
• Winter recreational activities

Know before you go

Tombstone Territorial Park is located between kilometre 50 and kilometre 120 on the Dempster Highway. It's a remote park without food, gas, phone or Wi-Fi service. The nearest gas, food and lodging are in Dawson located 110 kilometres away and Eagle Plains located 369 kilometres away. A gas cardlock is available at the junction of the Klondike and Dempster highways.

Tombstone Territorial Park is a remote area with few established trails. Even for day hikes, prepare for rough terrain and drastic weather changes. Learn more about travelling safely in the Yukon wilderness and download Planning a Trip to Tombstone Territorial Park.

Check the weather and road conditions

There are no weather stations for Tombstone Territorial Park; however you can check the weather forecast for Mount Frank Rae (elevation 1,500 metres) and Environment Canada's current weather, warnings and forecast for the Dempster Highway (for conditions north of Eagle Plains, Dempster Highway kilometre 446).

You can find the current Dempster Highway road conditions at Yukon 511.

Do you need a park permit?

If you're a researcher, part of an educational group, hosting a special event, accessing the park by air or proposing commercial recreation, film, photography or journalism, you need a park permit.

More trip planning resources

This trip planning information is not exhaustive. We recommend you read Planning a trip to Tombstone Territorial Park and the Tombstone Territorial Park brochure and map.

Follow us on Facebook for the latest news and events at Tombstone Territorial Park.

Road-accessible campgrounds

You can camp at the road-accessible Tombstone Mountain campground with a campground permit. Standard fees and registration requirements apply.

Backcountry camping

Dates

Backcountry campgrounds are open June 28 to September 8, 2024, depending on weather and site conditions.

Backcountry campgrounds will be available for reservation on March 6, 2024 at 9 am. 

Book your campsite online

You need to make an online reservation to secure sites at the 3 backcountry campgrounds in Tombstone Territorial Park. Early reservations are recommended to ensure availability.

Go to the online backcountry reservation system

1. You can view maps and campsite availability without signing in. To reserve a campsite or view or change your reservation, you need to sign in or create a new account.
2. Select the dates and campsites you want. You cannot reserve the Divide Lake or Talus Lake sites for your 1st night of camping because they're too far to reach on day 1.
3. Pay by credit card to complete your reservation.
4. Bring this with you to the Interpretive Centre where you;'ll receive your backcountry camping permit.
5. Reserving your backcountry trip does not initiate Search and Rescue.

Plan your trip

Orientation video

Before you begin your trip you and all members of your party must watch our backcountry orientation video, either online before your arrival or at the Interpretive Centre.

Bear-resistant canisters are mandatory

We approve the use of hard-shelled bear-resistant food canisters not soft bags.

Bear-resistant food canisters are mandatory for all backcountry travel to protect wildlife, you and your food supply. 

You must purchase or rent your own canisters before you arrive.

Weather and road conditions

There are no weather stations for Tombstone Territorial Park; however you can check the weather forecast for Mount Frank Rae (elevation 1,500 metres) and Environment Canada's current weather, warnings and forecast for the Dempster Highway (for conditions north of Eagle Plains, Dempster Highway kilometre 446).

You can find the current Dempster Highway road conditions at Yukon 511.

Register your backcountry trip

All hikers must register in person at the Tombstone Interpretive Centre daily at 9 am, 11 am (same day departures), 4 pm (next day departures) to receive camping permits. Bring your bear-proof canisters to verify all attractants are stored properly. 

Trail and backcountry information

When you're hiking and camping in the park, you should adhere to leave no trace principles. Prepare for rough terrain, drastic weather changes and wildlife encounters. Parks Branch staff are not responsible for initiating search and rescue.

Grizzly Lake Trail is the only maintained trail for accessing the backcountry area of the Grizzly Lake, Divide Lake and Talus Lake campgrounds. The trailhead is at kilometre 58.6 of the Dempster Highway.

 See information about each:

• Grizzly Lake
• Divide Lake
• Talus Lake

Tenting in these valleys is restricted to your reserved tent pads only.

Distance to backcountry campgrounds

Grizzly Lake

• Distances (1-way): 11.5 kilometres from highway; 6 kilometres from Divide Lake; 12.1 kilometres from Talus Lake
• Hours: 7 to 10 hours from the highway; 4 to 6 hours from Divide Lake; 7 to 10 hours from Talus Lake
• Difficulty: very difficult
• Highway trailhead: kilometre 58.5 on the Dempster Highway
• 1^st night reservations available: yes

Divide Lake

• Distances (1-way): 6 kilometres from Grizzly Lake; 6.1 kilometres from Talus Lake
• Hours: 4 to 6 hours from Grizzly Lake; 3 to 4 hours from Talus Lake
• Difficulty: difficult to extreme from Grizzly Lake; moderate from Talus Lake
• 1^st night reservations available: no

Talus Lake

• Distance (1-way): 6.1 kilometres from Divide Lake; 12.1 kilometres from Grizzly Lake
• Hours: 3 to 4 hours from Divide Lake; 7 to 10 hours from Grizzly Lake
• Difficulty: moderate from Divide Lake; difficult to extreme from Grizzly Lake
• 1^st night reservations available: no

Backcountry skills you need

Routes from Grizzly Lake to Divide Lake and Talus Lake, and all other off-trail areas of the park, require skills, experience and confidence with:

• 1:50,000 topographical maps;
• wilderness navigation and route-finding;
• wilderness first aid;
• safe and conscious impact travel; and
• preparedness for all-weather conditions.

Read Planning a Trip to Tombstone for detailed trail and route descriptions.

Before you hike

Tombstone Territorial Park is remote and there are few established trails. Hikers enjoying its incredible backcountry are responsible for their own safety and must respect the experience of other hikers. Even if you're planning on a day hike, you should:

• prepare for rough terrain and drastic weather changes;
• read the Into the Yukon Wilderness guide; and
• check the status of trails, weather and wildlife sightings at the Tombstone Interpretive Centre.

Trailheads

The following hiking trails can be accessed from the Dempster Highway.

Grizzly Creek to Mount Monolith Lookout

• Trailhead: kilometre 58.5
• Time (return): 2 to 4 hours
• Distance (return): 6 kilometre 
• Difficulty: moderate to difficult
• Download a trail map

Beaver Pond Interpretive Trail

• Trailhead: kilometre 71.5
• Time (return): 1 hour
• Distance (return): 1 kilometre 
• Difficulty: easy
• Accessibility: packed gravel surface and boardwalks intended for wheelchair-accessibility. People in wheelchairs may need assistance.

Edge of the Arctic Interpretive Loop

• Trailhead: kilometre 72
• Time (return): 0.5 hours
• Distance (return): 0.5 kilometre 
• Difficulty: easy
• Download a trail map

North Klondike River Trail

• Trailhead: Km 72
• Time (return): 1 to 2 hours
• Distance (return): 3.2 km
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Download a trail map

Goldensides Mountain

• Trailhead: kilometre 74.5
• Time (return): 2 to 3 hours
• Distance (return): 5 kilometre 
• Difficulty: moderate
• Download a trail map

Hart River Winter Road Trail

• Trailhead: kilometre 78
• Time (return): up to 6 hours
• Distance (return): up to 19 kilometres
• Difficulty: easy

Tombstone Interpretive Centre 

Opening hours for 2023: May 13 to September 24, from 9 am to 5 pm daily.

About

Located at kilometre 71.5 on the Dempster Highway, the Tombstone Interpretive Centre is a 1.5-hour drive north of Dawson City. It's your first stop for adventures in Tombstone Territorial Park, providing information and services for park campers, hikers and visitors.

The building was designed to:

• withstand its harsh and remote northern environment;
• reduce its environmental impact; and
• maximize the energy from the sun.

Interpretive displays celebrate the unique natural and cultural history of the area. 

What you'll find at the centre

• Orientation and registration for areas outside Grizzly Lake, Divide Lake and Talus Lake
• Backcountry camping permits for all backcountry camping
• Fishing licences for sale
• Tombstone Territorial Park Hiking map for sale
• Outdoor information boards with wildlife sightings, bear safety, trail and highway conditions and daily events
• Wheelchair accessible toilets
• Weekly interpretive programs and special events
• K'ëlak'ą̀y' Gallery, showcasing Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in artists
• Gift shop
• Friendly, knowledgeable staff

Cash only

We can only take cash at the Interpretive Centre.

No services at the Interpretive Centre

There is no Wi-Fi, phone, food or gas at the Interpretive Centre. The nearest food or gas is in Dawson and Eagle Plains. There's a gas cardlock at the junction of the Klondike and Dempster highways.

For more information about the Tombstone Interpretive Centre or the park, contact us at [email protected].

Weekly interpretive programs

Weekly guided hikes and interpretive programs for 2023 run from June 5 to September 3. Find details on our Facebook page or on posters at the centre and campground. 

Special events

Free walks, talks and workshops begin the Friday evening and end by Sunday afternoon. Find details on our Facebook page or on posters at the centre and campground. Hosted in partnership with Friends of Dempster Country. Special event weekends for 2023:

• June 2 to 4: Weekend on the wing
• June 21: Solstice hike
• June 23 to 25: Botany weekend
• July 15: Parks Day hike, barbecue and music coffeehouse – bring your instruments!
• July 21 to 23: Water and climate change weekend
• August 25 to 27: Geology weekend
• September 1 to 3: Lichen and Fungi weekend
• September 16: Fall colour music coffeehouse – bring your instruments!

Artists in the park

Each summer, the park hosts an artist in residence in partnership with Friends of Dempster Country and the Yukon Arts Centre. For more information and to apply for the residency, contact the Yukon Arts Centre.

For more information about Tombstone Territorial Park events or interpretive programs, email [email protected].

Junior naturalist program

Calling all kids! Complete our junior naturalist program and earn a special park badge. Ask park interpreters at the centre for more information.

The Tombstone Interpretive Centre and backcountry campgrounds are closed during the winter months. However, the park offers basic services so that people can enjoy camping, snowshoeing, dog sledding, skiing, snowmobiling and wildlife viewing in the park.

Winter serviced season

February 15 to April 15, 2023

Winter serviced sites

• Tombstone Mountain Campground – plowed parking, outhouse, garbage, snowshoe trail
• Grizzly Trailhead – plowed parking and snowshoe trail
• Hart River Winter Road – plowed parking and groomed ski and snowshoe trail

Best practices

• Bring your own firewood and toilet paper.
• Dogs are welcome but respect others and pick up after your pet.
• Plan ahead to ensure your activities are safe, you'll be self-sufficient and practise Leave No Trace.
• Avoid walking or snow-machine travel on ski tracks.

Avalanche safety and snowmobile use

You're in mountain country. Avalanches occur regularly in the park. View the park avalanche terrain and snowmobile use map and check weather and snow conditions for the period leading up to your trip. Visit the Yukon Avalanche Association for more information.

Most of the park is managed as Wildland Zone for non-motorized recreation to preserve the natural landscape and offer peaceful backcountry experiences.

However, when snow is at least 30.5 centimetres over frozen ground and deep enough to protect the fragile ground cover, recreational snowmobiling is allowed in the "Recreational Snowmobile Use" sub-zone. This includes North Klondike River basin and an area south of the Hart River Winter Road, as well as specific winter travel routes.

See the Tombstone Territorial Park Management Plan for maps.