Credits:
https://www.heritageyukon.ca/our-heritage/museums-and-cultural-centres/tombstone-interpretive-centre
Tombstone Territorial Park's 2,200 kilometre2 protect a unique wilderness of rugged peaks, permafrost landforms and abundant wildlife, all reflected in a rich First Nations culture. The area's Hän name Ddhäl Ch'èl Cha Nän means "ragged mountain land." The park is a legacy of the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Land Claim Agreement and lies within their Traditional Territory.
Heralded as the “Patagonia of the North”, the precipitous otherworldly, foreboding Tombstone Mountains characterize everything that’s beautiful, true and wild about the Yukon. The dramatic landscape of tundra and wind-carved mountains is unparalleled. The craggy, granite peak of Tombstone Mountain, so named for its striking resemblance to a grave marker, is the most recognizable of the peaks that make up the park’s wind-carved mountain range. It’s a dramatic sub-arctic landscape that offers outstanding wildlife viewing, birding and hiking.
To explore this park is to be immersed in nature, and experience time almost as if it stood still. Where black granite pinnacles jut thousands of feet into the sky, where multi-colored valleys carpeted in flowers reveal crystal clear lakes, and where you truly feel like you are at one with the wild.
The Dempster Highway bisects the park and provides an opportunity to enjoy stunning arctic tundra landscapes and wildlife and access to hiking areas. The concentration of wide ecological niches has resulted in a diverse collection of flora and fauna uncommon at this latitude. The unspoiled vistas makes this an incredibly peaceful and scenic drive.
Tombstone Territorial Park is located between kilometre 50 and kilometre 120 on the Dempster Highway. It's a remote park without food, gas, phone or Wi-Fi service, so definitely come prepared.
Stop #1: Tombstone Interpretive Centre - Highly Recommended
Location: km 71.5 Dempster Highway
The Tombstone Interpretive Centre is a welcoming base to experience Tombstone Territorial Park. It's part of the Tr'ondëk H'wëch'in traditional territory. The centre educates about the park's natural and cultural history through interpretive displays, a library, trails, guided walks, and programs. Outdoor information boards display updates on wildlife sightings, bear safety, events, trail, and highway conditions. The centre's friendly and insightful staff invite visitors to share their adventures in Ddhäl Ch'èl Cha Nän, "ragged mountain land," by the fireplace with a cup of wild mountain tea. They also give you information on which hikes you want to go on, dependent on difficulty level and time restrictions.
Stop #2: Goldensides Trail - Highly Recommended
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Distance: 4km
Elevation Gain: 210m
Time: 1.5 hours
This is one of the most popular trails in the park. It is close to the Tombstone Campground and is a moderate that provides sweeping views down along the Dempster Highway, the North Klondike Valley to Tombstone Mountain, and the mountains and ridges to the west. I would definitely consider a high ROI hike, as you enjoy stunning panoramic views and fall colors (in our case) with moderate effort. Please note that it diverges into 2 paths, both towards ridges overlooking the stunning views.
Stop #3: North Klondike River Trail
Distance: 3.5km return trup
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation: Minimal
Time: 1 hour
Please note that the North Klondike River Trail sign is hidden. This is at the Tombstone Mountain campground.
There is a 1.7 km interpretive trail and boardwalk to the Klondike River through old-growth forest that wasn’t dredged or cut during the Gold Rush. I enjoyed the nice fall colors and river. However, if you are pressed for time, you can give this trail a miss.
Stop #4: Midnight Dome - Highly Recommended
Drive to this incredible vantage point and take in a panoramic view of the the region. Marvel in the beauty of the Yukon River, Klondike Valleys and the Ogilvie Mountain Range in the distance.
For best views of the Northern Lights, head up to the Midnight Dome where you will be able to enjoy a panoramic view of the skies.
You can also hike here from Dawson City.
You might find the below websites suitable for planning your trip to Tombstone Territorial Park as well:
https://tundranorthtours.com/blog/10-best-hiking-trails-off-the-dempster-highway/
https://www.travelyukon.com/en/things-to-do/itinerary/hiking-in-tombstone
https://www.alltrails.com/parks/canada/yukon/tombstone-territorial-park
https://backcountrycanadatravel.com/travel-guides/yukon/tombstone-territorial-park/