Tombstone Territorial Park Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary
Experience the raw beauty of jagged black granite peaks, vast arctic tundra, and the iconic Dempster Highway in this remote Yukon wilderness. A bucket-list destination for hikers and photographers seeking the solitude of the true North.
Often called the “Patagonia of the North,” Tombstone Territorial Park is a land of dramatic contrasts. Here, jagged black granite peaks slice through the sky, rising abruptly from the rolling carpet of arctic tundra. Located just south of the Arctic Circle, this 2,200-square-kilometre park protects a diverse ecosystem that has supported the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in people for thousands of years. It is a place where the air is impossibly fresh, the silence is profound, and the scale of the landscape makes you feel humbled and exhilarated all at once.
Access to this remote wilderness is an adventure in itself via the legendary Dempster Highway. This unpaved road connects the Yukon to the Arctic Ocean, and the section passing through Tombstone is arguably its most scenic. Whether you are a backcountry hiker looking to conquer the talus slopes of the Ogilvie Mountains or a road-tripper seeking the ultimate scenic drive, Tombstone offers a raw, unfiltered connection to the wild that is becoming increasingly rare in the modern world.
Seasonal Weather Guide
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A Landscape Steeped in Heritage
Tombstone is not just a geological wonder; it is a cultural sanctuary. The park lies entirely within the traditional territory of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation. For millennia, this land has been used for hunting caribou, sheep, and moose, as well as for gathering medicinal plants. The name “Tombstone” actually comes from the resemblance of one of the mountains to a grave marker, though the Indigenous names for the peaks carry deep stories and meanings connected to the land.
Visitors are encouraged to stop at the Interpretive Centre, not just for trail maps, but to gain an appreciation for this living history. The Centre is an architectural gem, off-grid and eco-friendly, hosting events where Elders share stories and traditional skills. Understanding the connection between the people and the land enriches every view you take in, transforming a beautiful photo opportunity into a meaningful cultural experience.
Things to Do
Unforgettable experiences await you.
Hike the Grizzly Lake Trail
A challenging but rewarding backcountry trek offering close-up views of the jagged Monolith Mountain reflecting in an alpine lake.
Drive the Dempster Highway
Navigate one of Canada's most famous gravel roads that cuts directly through the heart of the park, offering roadside wildlife viewing.
Visit the Tombstone Interpretive Centre
Learn about the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation history, local geology, and flora through exhibits and guided walks.
Boreal Tea Tasting
Participate in workshops at the Interpretive Centre to learn about and taste teas made from local arctic plants like Labrador tea.
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The Icons You’ll Want to See
Tombstone Interpretive Centre - Located at km 71.5 on the Dempster Highway, this is your first stop for permits, road updates, and bear safety info. Entry is free, though donations are welcome.
Grizzly Lake - The park’s crown jewel for hikers. The trailhead is at km 58.5. It is an 11 km (one-way) challenging hike requiring a backcountry permit ($12 CAD/night). The view of the black spire reflecting in the water is world-class.
North Fork Pass - At km 81, this is the highest point on the Dempster Highway (1,289 meters). No hiking is required to enjoy the sweeping views of the tundra, making it perfect for those with limited mobility.
Goldensides Mountain - A moderate 3.4 km loop trail starting near km 74. It offers one of the best effort-to-reward ratios in the park, providing panoramic views of the tombstone peaks for free.
Two Moose Lake - Located near km 103, this roadside lake is a sanctuary for birdwatchers and offers a high probability of spotting moose wading in the shallows. Free access.
Essential Guide
Everything you need to know.
Must-Visit Spots
Local Cuisine
Where to Stay
Travel Tips
Insider Tips
Planning Your Visit
Visiting Tombstone requires preparation. The nearest major services, including gas, groceries, and reliable medical care, are in Dawson City, about 110 km (1.5 hours) south. The Dempster Highway is a gravel road that can be rough on vehicles; flat tires are common, so driving a vehicle with good clearance and carrying at least one full-sized spare tire is mandatory. There is absolutely no cell service in the park, so bring a satellite device like an InReach if you plan on hiking.
Weather in the mountains is volatile. Even in July, you might encounter snow, hail, or sweltering sun all in the same afternoon. Layering is key, bring wool or synthetic base layers, a warm puffy jacket, and a waterproof shell. If you are camping, be
Sample Itineraries
The Dempster Explorer Weekend
A perfect introduction to the park focusing on accessible hikes and scenic driving, basing out of the main campground.
Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions
- Morning: Depart Dawson City around 9:00 AM with a full tank of gas and drive 1.5 hours north on the Dempster Highway to the Tombstone Interpretive Centre (free entry). Spend an hour exploring the exhibits and enjoying a cup of boreal tea on the deck while taking in the mountain views.
- Afternoon: Drive to the Goldensides Mountain trailhead nearby and embark on the 3.4 km loop hike which costs nothing but sweat. This moderate trail takes about 2 hours and offers sweeping views of the Tombstone range without the difficulty of the backcountry routes.
- Evening: Check into your pre-booked site at Tombstone Mountain Campground ($20 CAD/night) and cook a dinner over the fire. Enjoy the late evening light, which lingers well past 10:00 PM in summer, perfect for spotting wildlife near the North Klondike River.
Day 2: Alpine Vistas and Wildlife
- Morning: Wake up early and drive north to Two Moose Lake (approx. km 103) to look for moose feeding in the aquatic vegetation. The morning mist here is excellent for photography, and there is no cost to park at the pull-out.
- Afternoon: Head back south and stop at the Hart River Winter Road pull-out for a picnic lunch with views of the expansive tundra. Afterward, explore the easy nature trail around the campground area to learn about the permafrost landscape.
- Evening: Pack up your campsite and begin the drive back to Dawson City. Stop at the Tintina Trench viewpoint on the way back for a final look at the vast Yukon landscape before grabbing a late dinner at a local pub in town (approx. $60 CAD).
Grizzly Lake Backcountry Adventure
For experienced hikers, this trip tackles the park's most famous trail, leading to a campsite beneath the towering Mount Monolith.
Day 1: The Ascent to Grizzly Lake
- Morning: Check in at the Interpretive Centre to pick up your mandatory backcountry permit ($12 CAD/person/night) and bear canisters. Drive to the Grizzly Lake trailhead at km 58.5 and begin the hike by 10:00 AM.
- Afternoon: Tackle the challenging 11 km hike (one way), which involves gaining considerable elevation over rocky talus slopes. Stop for a packed lunch on the ridge offering views of the valley, keeping an eye out for marmots and pikas.
- Evening: Arrive at the Grizzly Lake campground, set up your tent on the designated platform, and cook dinner in the cooking shelter. The view of Mount Monolith looming directly above the lake is spectacular at sunset.
Day 2: Exploring Glissade Pass
- Morning: Enjoy a slow morning with coffee by the alpine lake, filtering water from the source. Temperatures can be crisp, often hovering near 5°C even in summer, so layer up.
- Afternoon: Hike up toward Glissade Pass for an even higher vantage point; this is a steep scramble adding about 3-4 km round trip. From the top, you can see into the neighboring valley and Twin Lakes if weather permits.
- Evening: Return to your base camp at Grizzly Lake for a second night. Relax by the cooking shelter swapping stories with other hikers from around the world before retiring early.
Day 3: Return to the Highway
- Morning: Break camp early, ensuring you leave no trace and pack out all garbage. Begin the 11 km descent back to the parking lot, which is generally faster than the ascent but can be slippery if it rained overnight.
- Afternoon: Reach your vehicle by 2:00 PM and drive to the Interpretive Centre to return your permit. Treat yourself to a snack or cold drink if available at the centre.
- Evening: Drive the 1.5 hours back to Dawson City. Check into a hotel for a much-needed hot shower and celebrate with a hearty meal at the Jack London Grill ($70 CAD).
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