Tombstone Range Hike

Please make your way to your hotel upon arrival in the capital of the Yukon. Depending on what time you arrive, explore a city known for its eclectic pioneer character and outdoor summer lifestyle. Visiting historic sites, museums, landmarks and some fantastic restaurants.

Meals:  Nil

Ease into a leisurely day as we drive 532 km/330 miles on the famous Klondike and Dempster Highways, north to Dawson City. Acclimatizing to the sweeping views and vast expanse of the territory, we’ll stop for a picnic along the way. Upon arriving in Dawson City – at one time the most populous city north of San Francisco – we’ll have a trip briefing, checking packs and allocating each hiker’s share of food and gear. Wander among the sunken buildings, learn about the Klondike Gold Rush, and gather for dinner and drinks at one of Dawson’s character restaurants.

Meals:  L

Flightseeing doesn’t get more dramatic than your helicopter ride into the stunning Ogilvie Mountains. With 360-degree views from above, you truly get a sense of the region’s vast, unspoiled wilderness. To facilitate our aerial entry, the group will be split into two, with the first half flying directly to Talus Lake while the rest spend time at the local interpretative centre before flying out to the campground. We re-group by noon, set up tents and prepare out first camp lunch. Soon after, we’ll embark on a day-hike towards the spires of Tombstone Mountain, learning about the region from our guides while keeping an eye-out for potential wildlife sightings.

Meals:  L,D

Based at the Talus Lake campground, we’ll embark on two spectacular half day-hikes, carrying light daypacks. One hike includes a steep climb for a panoramic view of our campsite cradled by the surrounding mountains. The second takes us across the valley in search of wildlife and wildflowers, embedding us within the flat valley tundra as we cross a couple bubbling brook, immersed within the sweeping backdrop of Tombstone’s stunning shark-fin peaks.

Meals:  B,L,D

Striking camp, we hike along one of the park’s few established trails towards the east side of the valley. Weather permitting we’ll stop for lunch on top of Tombstone Pass, affording an incredible view of Divide Lake below. The afternoon presents several choices: walk the shores of Divide Lake towards a ravine below the peaks, or challenge yourself with a hike up the southeast ridge of Mount Frank Rae. With an elevation of 2,360m/7,740ft, it is the highest peak in the Ogilvie Mountains, with an extraordinary view of the Tombstone Range and North Klondike River valley below.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, we take on the steep ascent of the Glissade Pass. The reward for conquering this challenge is more jaw-dropping views of the peaks, lakes and valleys. What goes up must come down, so prepare for a relatively steep descent through a lush grassy meadow until we reach the gully of the valley floor, following the stream that flows past our campsite. Rest upon the rocky shores while dipping your weary feet into the crystal waters of Grizzly Lake, admiring the reflection of mountains on the lake’s still waters.

Meals:  B,L,D

We remain at Grizzly Lake tonight, which means leaving our big packs behind to explore the area’s highlights. We’ll hike the Grizzly Pass, noticing the ecosystem change from green valley into alpine meadows. Gaining altitude, the terrain becomes rocky until we reach a breathtaking viewpoint over Grizzly Lake. Pushing further along the ridge delivers another scenic jackpot: Mount Monolith reflecting in dark, cold waters of the Twin Lakes below.

Meals:  B,L,D

Having immersed ourselves for several days in the Yukon’s remote mountain wilderness, it’s time to hike out the valley via the northwest ridge, admiring the views of Mount Monolith and Grizzly Lake along the way. Once we reach the highway, we have a quick lunch before hopping in a shuttle for a drive to the relative civilization of Dawson City. Relish a hot shower before a well-deserved farewell dinner.

Meals:  B,L

Bidding farewell to Dawson City, we drive south to Whitehorse, stopping for our final picnic lunch along the way. No doubt there will be stories and images to share with friends old and new. Although today concludes your Tombstone Range adventure today, there’s little doubt the landscape and experience will stay with you forever.

Meals:  L