Tombstone Territorial Park is the Yukon's most dramatic mountain landscape, a protected area of sharp peaks and tundra that is reached by the Dempster Highway north from the Klondike Highway near Dawson. The Tombstone Interpretive Centre sits at kilometre 71.5 of the Dempster Highway, about 1.5 hours' drive from Dawson City. The park offers hiking, car camping, backcountry camping, wildlife viewing and winter recreation. The Tombstone Mountain Campground is the only road-accessible campground and is first come, first served with self-registration on site, while backcountry campgrounds at Grizzly, Talus and Divide lakes require online reservations and a camping permit. Permits, maps and fishing licences are sold at the Interpretive Centre, which is open from late May to September. There is no cell service in the park.
Treat this as a summer day trip from Dawson, and plan it carefully. The Interpretive Centre is open late May to September, with bear safety information and wildlife sighting boards, and it is the place to pick up permits and advice. The nearest gas and food are in Dawson City and at Eagle Plains, 369 kilometres north, so fill the tank, carry extra fuel and food, and check your spare tire before you leave. The Dempster Highway is a gravel highway, so allow extra time and drive with care.
A day trip from Dawson lets you drive to the Interpretive Centre, walk short trails near the road and see the peaks. Longer hikes and backcountry trips need a permit and online reservations for backcountry campgrounds, plus bear awareness and proper gear. There is no cell service, so tell someone your plans and carry maps. Wildlife is abundant, so keep a safe distance and store food properly.
In November the park is a winter landscape, and the centre is closed, so any visit is a self-reliant winter outing and you should check road and weather conditions first. The park lists winter recreation among its activities, and the Dempster Highway north of the Klondike Highway is a long, remote drive in the cold. For most first-time visitors, a summer or early-autumn trip, ideally in late August or September when the tundra colours up, is the best way to see Tombstone.
What to expect
The experience
A full-day drive or multi-day hiking trip into a mountain park on the Dempster Highway, with an Interpretive Centre.
Best time
Late May to September for services, with late August and September popular for autumn colour.
How long
A full day from Dawson for a drive and short walks, or several days for backcountry hiking.
Tips
Fill the tank, carry spare tires, food and bear spray, expect no cell service and reserve backcountry campgrounds online.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Hikers and photographers who want big mountain scenery within a day of Dawson.
- Families
- Short walks near the road suit children, but the long drive and remote conditions need preparation.
- Couples
- A scenic, adventurous day trip with some of the Yukon's best views.
- Pair with
- The Midnight Dome and an evening in Dawson after the drive back.
- Time needed
- A full day from Dawson, or two to four days for backcountry trips.
Good questions
How far is Tombstone from Dawson?+
The Interpretive Centre is at kilometre 71.5 of the Dempster Highway, about 1.5 hours' drive from Dawson City.
When is the Interpretive Centre open?+
It is open late May to September. It is closed in November.
Where can I camp?+
Tombstone Mountain Campground is the only road-accessible campground, first come first served. Backcountry campgrounds require online reservations and a permit.
Is there cell service or fuel?+
There is no cell service in the park. The nearest gas and food are in Dawson City and at Eagle Plains, 369 kilometres north.
Can I visit in winter?+
The park lists winter recreation, but the centre is closed in winter and conditions on the Dempster Highway vary. Check before you go.
