Hike and camp at Tombstone Territorial Park

Road-accessible campgrounds

You can now reserve a campsite at Tombstone Mountain Campground. 

Learn more about campsite reservations. 

Backcountry camping

Dates

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

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 campsite 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

To receive camping permits, all hikers must register in person at the Tombstone Interpretive Centre between 9 am and 12 pm (noon), for same day departures, or by 4 pm for next day departures. 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.

Trails

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

Grizzly Creek to Mount Monolith Lookout

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

Tädèhchą (Beaver Pond) Interpretive Trail

• Trailhead: km 71.5. Starts at the south end of the intepretive centre parking lot.
• Time (return): 1 hour
• Distance (one-way): 1.1 km
• Difficulty: easy
• Accessibility: packed gravel surface and boardwalks intended for wheelchair-accessibility. People in wheelchairs may need assistance.
• Download a trail map

Campground Trail

• Trailhead: km 71.5 or 72. Connects the interpretive centre and campground.
• Time (one-way): 15 minutes
• Distance (one-way): 320 m
• Difficulty: easy
• Download a trail map

Dëchin Käk (Arctic Plain) Interpretive Loop

• Trailhead: km 72. Starts 100m down the Tr’ondëk Dǫ’ trail in the campground.
• Time (return): 0.5 hours
• Distance (loop): 0.5 km
• Difficulty: easy
• Download a trail map

 Tr’ondëk Dǫ’ (North Klondike River) Trail

• Trailhead: km 72. Starts from the campground loop.
• Time (return): 1 to 2 hours
• Distance (return): 3.4 km
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Download a trail map

Goldensides Mountain

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

Hart River Winter Road Trail

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

Tombstone Interpretive Centre 

For the 2024 season, the centre is open daily, 9 am to 5 pm, from May 18 to September 22, including holidays. 

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 tombstonecentre@gmail.com.

Weekly interpretive programs and special events

Weekly interpretive programs

Daily guided hikes and interpretive programs for 2024 run from June 3 to August 31. Find updates on our Facebook page or on posters at the centre and campground. Programs start at the campground entrance kiosk unless noted.

• Sunday
  • 10 am - Guided hike on Tr’ondëk Dǫ’ Tąy (North Klondike Trail), 2 hrs.
  • 2 pm - Interpretive program at the interpretive centre
• Monday
  • 2 pm - Nature walk, 1-2 hrs
  • 6:30 pm - Guided hike up Goldensides, 3-4 hrs
• Tuesday
  • 3 pm - Bannock and tea at the interpretive centre
• Wednesday
  • 2 pm - Guided hike on Tr’ondëk Dǫ’ Tąy (North Klondike Trail), 2 hrs
  • 7:30 pm - Campfire program behind the kitchen shelter
• Thursday
  • 2 pm - Interpretive program at the interpretive centre
  • 6:30 pm - Guided hike up Goldensides Mountain, 3-4 hrs.
• Friday
  • 2 pm - Nature walk, 1-2 hrs
  • 7:30 pm - Campfire program behind the kitchen shelter
• Saturday
  • 10 am - Guided hike, alpine adventure, 4-5 hrs
  • 2 pm - Interpretive program at the interpretive centre

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 2024:

• May 31 to June 2: Weekend on the wing
• June 21 to 23: Botany weekend
• July 20: Parks Day hike, barbecue and music coffeehouse – bring your instruments!
• July 12 to 14: Water and climate change weekend
• August 2 to 4: Lichen and Fungi weekend
• August 23 to 25: Geology weekend
• September 14: 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. The artist for 2024 is Ciara Fragomeno, an embroidery artist. She will be offering several opportunities to learn and participate during her stay July 7 to 21. Find details on our Facebook page or on posters at the centre and campground. 

For more information and to apply for the residency, contact the Yukon Arts Centre.

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.

For more information about Tombstone Territorial Park events or interpretive programs, email tombstonecentre@gmail.com.

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 sites

These trails and routes are being maintained for winter recreation until April 10. Follow our Facebook page for Friday updates until April 5.

• Tombstone Mountain Campground – plowed parking, outhouse, garbage, snowshoe trail
• Grizzly Trailhead – plowed parking and 2.5 km (one-way) groomed snowshoe trail
• Hart River Winter Road – plowed parking and groomed trail for skiing, snowshoeing, walking, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and fat biking.
• North Klondike Trail - 4 km groomed loop for skiing and snowshoeing.
• North Klondike River, from campsite #17 -  1 km (one-way) groomed trail with classic ski tracks, for skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding and snowmobiling.
• Divide Lake Trail - backcountry snowmachine route from North Klondike Trail to Divide Lke.

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.