Day Trip to Tombstone Territorial Park from Dawson City

A drive up the Dempster Highway to alpine tundra, short trails and the Interpretive Centre, starting in Dawson City.

Starting in Dawson City

Tombstone Territorial Park starts about 111 km from Dawson City, so it works as a day trip if you leave early. The first 40 km are on the Klondike Highway, and the rest is gravel on the Dempster Highway. This guide starts in Dawson and covers the drive, the trails near the Interpretive Centre and what to bring.

Dawson City is the practical base. The Dempster Highway turns off the Klondike Highway about 40 km from town, and the Tombstone Interpretive Centre is at km 71.5 of the Dempster, roughly 111 km from Dawson. The Yukon government gives the drive as about 1.5 hours each way. The Klondike Highway is paved but often has seasonal road construction, so allow extra time. The Dempster is not paved.

If you want to start closer to the Dempster, Klondike River Government Campground is on the Klondike Highway outside Dawson. Tombstone Mountain Campground, at km 72, is the only campground you can drive to in the park.

The road and what to bring

The Dempster is gravel. It can be very muddy and slippery when wet and dusty when dry, so pull over for oncoming trucks. Carry a spare tire and extra fuel, and check road conditions at 511yukon.ca before you go. Fill up in Dawson City, because there's no fuel in the park and the next fuel north is at Eagle Plains. There's also no food and no cell service, so pack a lunch.

Bring potable water. Yukon Parks does not provide potable water in the front country or back country campgrounds. If you plan to gather water from natural sources, be prepared with a purification plan. Bring bear spray and warm layers, since near-freezing temperatures and snow are possible even in summer. Bring bug spray for June and July.

At the Interpretive Centre

The Interpretive Centre at km 71.5 is open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., from mid-May to about the third week of September in 2026. Dates change from year to year. It has washrooms, parking, Wi-Fi, maps and trail information, and it takes cash only. Backcountry permits are picked up here.

Short walks

Beaver Pond Interpretive Trail (Tädèhchą), at km 71.5, is a 1.1 km return walk of about an hour and is wheelchair accessible. The Arctic Plain Interpretive Loop, at km 72, is a 0.5 km loop of about 30 minutes. Goldensides Trail starts at km 74.5 and is a 5 km return walk of 2 to 3 hours, rated moderate. It does not lead to the summit of Goldensides Mountain.

Two Moose Lake, at km 102, has a viewing platform where moose and birds are sometimes seen. The Grizzly Trail to Mt. Monolith Lookout, starting at km 58.5, is rated difficult.

Camping and overnight trips

At Tombstone Mountain Campground, half the sites are first come, first served and the rest can be reserved online. The Yukon government says it fills daily, so reserve ahead or arrive early.

Overnight camping of any kind needs a permit, picked up in person at the Interpretive Centre. Grizzly, Divide and Talus Lakes also need an online reservation, which opens in early spring. Hard-sided bear-resistant canisters are mandatory, and everyone in your party watches a backcountry orientation video.

Colour and seasons

Alpine flowers peak near the summer solstice. Fall colours start in mid-August, and the tundra turns red-orange, typically peaking in late August into early September.

From Whitehorse

Whitehorse to the Interpretive Centre is well over 600 km each way, so it isn't a day trip from Whitehorse. Dawson is about 530 km from Whitehorse, roughly six hours, so plan to stay in Dawson first.

Questions, answered

How far is Tombstone from Dawson City?

The Interpretive Centre is roughly 111 km from Dawson, about 1.5 hours by the Yukon government's estimate. The first 40 km are on the Klondike Highway.

Is the Dempster Highway paved?

No. The Klondike Highway is paved, with seasonal construction, but the Dempster is gravel. Carry a spare tire and check 511yukon.ca for road conditions.

Can I buy fuel or food in the park?

No. Fill up in Dawson City. The next fuel north is at Eagle Plains, and there's no food service in the park.

Can I do Tombstone as a day trip from Whitehorse?

No. It is well over 600 km each way, so base in Dawson City first.

When are the fall colours at their peak?

They start in mid-August and typically peak in late August into early September.

Is there cell service in the park?

No. Download maps and tell someone your plans before you go.

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