Chilkoot Trail
Photo: National Park Service, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
The Chilkoot Trail is a 53 km hike from the coast of Dyea, Alaska, to Lake Bennett in British Columbia. The Chilkoot Trail is unique in many ways and very challenging due to conditions and weather. Over the course of the hike, the hiker can go from the deep-water tidal ports of the Skagway area to the headwaters of navigation for the Yukon River, while gaining about 1000 m (3500 ft) in elevation. The trail crosses the border between the United States and Canada at Chilkoot Pass, roughly halfway along the route. The Chilkoot Trail is not only historical, but also full of great and diverse scenery. It is important to be fit and prepared for the challenge. Yukon Ho!
UnderstandThe Alaska portion is part of the National Park Service, while the Canadian section is managed by Parks Canada.
PrepareTo manage demand, prevent overuse and maintain the remote character of the trail, the U.S. National Park Service and Parks Canada allow no more than 50 backpackers to begin the trail each day through a permit system.
Get inThe trail is accessible from Dyea, Alaska, or Bennett, British Columbia.
WalkThe Chilkoot Trail features a number of natural and historical sites, as shown on the map. By following the numbers on the map from south to north, the hiker travels along the same general route as the old prospectors.
Stay safeBears are the primary safety concern in the park, and it is very common for hikers to encounter them. Firearms are not permitted on the Canadian side of Klondike Gold Rush International Historical Park.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Chilkoot Trail" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: National Park Service, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons