Tombstone Territorial Park: The Patagonia of the North

Tombstone Territorial Park is one of the most dramatic landscapes in Canada — a jagged horizon of dark granite peaks rising over open tundra, reached via the [Dempster Highway](/blog/driving-dempster-highway) north of [Dawson City](/blog/dawson-city-48-hours). Its serrated skyline and sweeping valleys have earned it the nickname "the Patagonia of the North."  ## Where it is The park straddles the Dempster Highway roughly between kilometre 50 and kilometre 120, beginning about 70 kilometres up the road from its junction with the Klondike Highway. From Dawson City, allow about an hour and a half of driving to reach the heart of the park. The black, fang-like **Tombstone Mountain** itself and the surrounding **Ogilvie Mountains** are visible from the road and are immediately striking. ## Start at the Interpretive Centre The **Tombstone Interpretive Centre**, at kilometre 71.5 of the Dempster, is the essential first stop. It covers the park's ecology, geology, and the culture of the **Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in** First Nation, whose traditional territory this is and who have travelled and hunted this country for thousands of years. Staff post trail and weather conditions, and it's the place to ask about wildlife and backcountry permits. There is no cell service in the park — get your information here. ## Hiking - **Roadside and short walks:** Several interpretive trails and viewpoints let you stretch your legs and take in the tundra without committing to a major hike. - **Grizzly Lake Trail:** The signature day hike (and the gateway to the backcountry) climbs steeply from the trailhead and rewards the effort with views over the tundra valleys far below. The full route to Grizzly Lake is long and strenuous. - **Backcountry circuit:** Experienced hikers traverse between the **Grizzly, Divide, and Talus Lake** campgrounds — a world-class multi-day route along the Grizzly Lake Trail, the only maintained backcountry trail in the park. ## Backcountry camping: how to book The three backcountry campgrounds — **Grizzly, Divide, and Talus Lakes** — are the only places you may camp in the interior, and each is strictly limited. They have tent pads, cooking platforms, outhouses, and greywater disposal; your **first night must be booked at Grizzly Lake**, as Divide and Talus are too far to reach on day one.  - **Reserve online** through the Yukon Parks reservation portal at [yukon.goingtocamp.com](https://yukon.goingtocamp.com). You'll need a free **MyYukon account** ([yukon.ca/myyukon](https://yukon.ca/en/myyukon)) to book. - **Or reserve by phone** at **1-888-352-0532** (toll-free in Canada/US) during the camping season. - Reservations for the season open in **early March** and the backcountry season typically runs from **late June/early July to early September** — exact dates change each year, so confirm on the official page before planning. - Expect a small **per-night tent-pad fee** plus a **non-refundable booking fee** per reservation. Spots for the most popular dates go quickly when the system opens, so book as early as you can. - Before you head out, check the latest details on [Yukon.ca: Hike and camp at Tombstone](https://yukon.ca/en/outdoor-recreation-and-wildlife/camping/hike-and-camp-tombstone-territorial-park) and stop at the Interpretive Centre to confirm trail and weather conditions — there is no cell service in the park. For roadside camping, the **Tombstone Mountain Campground** at kilometre 71.5 (beside the Interpretive Centre) is a frontcountry option and is among the Yukon campgrounds that can be [reserved online](https://yukon.ca/en/outdoor-recreation-and-wildlife/camping/campsite-reservations). ## When to go **Fall is extraordinary.** In late August and into September the tundra turns brilliant red, orange, and gold, and the low northern sun makes the light unforgettable — it is the most popular and most photogenic time to visit. Summer brings long days and wildflowers (and mosquitoes); winter brings deep cold and the [northern lights](/blog/northern-lights-yukon-guide). Snow can fall in any month, so come prepared for real weather. ## Practical notes - Carry food, fuel, and **two spare tires** — the nearest services are Dawson City and Eagle Plains. - There is no cell service; tell someone your plans. - This is grizzly country. Learn bear-safe practices and carry deterrent. Plan with the official [Yukon Parks Tombstone](https://yukon.ca/en/outdoor-recreation-and-wildlife/parks-and-protected-areas/tombstone-territorial-park) page. --- ## See Also on TheKlondike.net - [What It's Like to Drive the Dempster Highway](/blog/driving-dempster-highway) — the road that takes you there - [The Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in: The Original People of the Klondike](/blog/trondk-hwechin-original-people-klondike) — whose traditional territory the park protects - [Chasing the Northern Lights in the Yukon](/blog/northern-lights-yukon-guide) - [Dawson City Travel Guide](/blog/dawson-city-48-hours) — base for a Tombstone trip