Tombstone Territorial Park is a pristine wilderness area in Yukon Territory, known for strikingly rugged mountains and exceptional backcountry hiking. Not too far south of the Arctic Circle, Tombstone Park has become one of the most sought-after wilderness destinations in Canada’s North. Are you looking for your next adventure? Consider adding Yukon Territorial Park to your list!
Growing up on the East Coast of Canada, the thought of journeying “up north” felt like a distant dream. But this summer, I decided to turn that dream into reality. Setting off from Calgary, I hit the Alaska Highway in my trusty 2016 Subaru Outback and made my way to Yukon. This trip had been on my mind for years; I was very excited to get going!
When I arrived in the north, I carved out 11 days to experience the untamed beauty of Yukon’s backcountry. Five of those days were devoted to hiking through the breathtaking Tombstone Territorial Park — often hailed as the “Patagonia of the North.” Then I paddled six days on the Yukon River (a story for another time). Hiking Tombstone’s only designated backcountry route was like discovering a not-so-hidden gem. Keep reading to understand why.
2025 UPDATE: Backcountry campsite reservations for Grizzly, Divide and Talus Lakes started on March 5, 2025 at 9:00am. The backcountry season runs between June 27 to September 8, 2025.
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Table of Contents
About Tombstone Territorial Park
Location: Tombstone Territorial Park, Yukon, Canada
Distance: 48 km out and back
Difficulty: Difficult
Elevation: 800 m elevation gain
Time: 5 days / 4 nights
Dog-friendly: Must be kept on leash. Be prepared to pack out waste.
Features: Hiking in Tombstone Territorial Park is an unforgettable Yukon adventure. The backcountry route to Grizzly, Divide, and Talus Lakes includes well-equipped campsites nestled beside picturesque lakes, featuring cooking shelters, tent platforms, food storage lockers, and outhouses. Towering mountain peaks add to the rugged nature of the trail.
Tombstone Territorial Park is in the traditional territory of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in. The area’s Hän name “Ddhäl Ch’èl Cha Nän” means “ragged mountain land.”
Tombstone Territorial Park FAQs
Q. Where is Tombstone Territorial Park located?
A. Tombstone Park is located in the Yukon Territory, about 110 km away from Dawson City. Plan about 1.5 hours to drive from Dawson City to the Tombstone Interpretive Centre for orientation.
Q. How long should I plan to hike in Tombstone Territorial Park?
A. You could easily spend four to five days in Tombstone Territorial Park backcountry. However, if you’re on a timeline, you could choose to take less time and hike into Grizzly Lake for a longer day hike (or spend a night, depending on campsite availability).
Q. What is the typical route for Tombstone Territorial Park backcountry?
A. There are several multi-day hiking options in Tombstone. For the 5-day itinerary, you could hike in to Grizzly Lake, then Divide Lake on day two, Talus Lake on day three, and then back to Grizzly Lake for the final night before returning to your vehicle. For a slightly shorter 4-day itinerary, hike in to Grizzly Lake, then head to Talus Lake on the second day, and then spend your third and final night at either Divide or Grizzly Lake. Be prepared for a long final day if you spend your final nights at Divide Lake. If you have even less time, consider hiking to Grizzly Lake for a night or two and then hike out.
Q. How difficult is backpacking in Tombstone Territorial Park?
A. Tombstone backcountry is not for beginners. Most hikers will have a more enjoyable time in Tombstone with previous backcountry experience. You must be prepared to carry enough gear and food for your trip. Unpredictable weather can create difficult hiking conditions (be prepared for colder temperatures and even snow in the summer).
Q. I have never completed a multi-day hike. Should I consider hiking in Tombstone?
A. If you’re completely new to backpacking, why not plan a shorter 1 to 2-night trip before attempting Tombstone? Some people jump into the deep end, but most people benefit from previous exposure to multi-day hiking. If you’re not sure about your hiking and backpacking abilities, that might be a good sign to consider alternatives like a day hike in Tombstone.
Q. Is there a trail to follow in Tombstone Territorial Park?
A. Yes, there is an established and well-maintained trail. Please follow the trail to help preserve the sensitive ecological environment.
Q. What can I expect while hiking in Tombstone Territorial Park?
A. You can expect to (hopefully) see spectacular rugged mountain views and find well-maintained campsites in Yukon’s backcountry. When I visited in July, weather conditions were exceptional (no rain or snow!). Be prepared to cross paths with many other hikers. Similar to popular backcountry destinations like the West Coast Trail, Tombstone Park is a social experience during peak season. You will meet fellow hikers at the campgrounds, cook shelters, and along the trail. In that way, solo hikers (like me) can enjoy meeting other outdoor enthusiasts!
Q. Can I hire a guide for Tombstone Territorial Park?
A. I don’t have first-hand experience with hiring a guide. You can explore tour options/guided hikes with Ruby Range Adventure, Sea to Sky Expeditions, and more.
Q. What resources should I check out before booking Tombstone Park?
A. Yukon Parks has high-quality planning resources to support your trip. Before booking your adventure, check out Planning a Trip to Tombstone Territorial Park and Tombstone Territorial Park Backcountry Orientation (Video).
Who Should Hike in Tombstone Territorial Park
Planning a multi-day hike in Tombstone Territorial Park? Before starting this adventure, do your research and honestly self-evaluate your wilderness skills and abilities. Do you have experience with multi-day backcountry trips? How is your physical fitness — especially with a heavy pack? Do you have essential hiking and camping gear? Have you taken a wilderness first aid course? For prepared hikers, Tombstone Territorial Park can offer an exceptional backcountry adventure — and can still be risky. For inexperienced backpackers, the risks increase significantly.
Not to overstate the point — even seasoned hikers can face physical and mental exhaustion on long treks. Backcountry wilderness can be harsh, especially if we’re unprepared for cold weather, fatigue, and hunger. Knowing our limits and planning ahead is important. Again, check out Yukon Parks’ resources to plan a safe visit to Tombstone Park. Watch Tombstone Park’s orientation video before making your decision.
Read next: Your Complete Guide to the Long Range Traverse in Newfoundland
Tombstone Backpacking Route Map
Check out this official Tombstone Territorial Park map before you go. You can purchase a waterproof version at the Tombstone Interpretive Centre. Backcountry hikers should understand route finding and backcountry navigation (with map and compass).
When To Hike in Tombstone Territorial Park
Backcountry hikers have a short window in Tombstone Park. Campsites are open between June 28 to September 8, 2024. Try to book for July and August. I thankfully had warm and sunny conditions the last week of July — and endless daylight was this hiker’s dream! If you’re eyeing late August or early September, brace yourself for chillier temperatures and possibly even some snow. If you want a quieter trip, September might be your best option.
Read next: Your Complete Guide to the Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit
How To Reserve Tombstone Territorial Park
Reservations for the 2024 season open on March 6, 2024 at 9:00am MST. Plan your trip dates and check campsite availability on Yukon Parks’ website. You’ll need to create an account (if you haven’t already) and then book campsite dates online. All backcountry campers must book their first night at Grizzly Lake Campground. Spend up to 3 nights in a row at any one campsite. Only one tent per tent pad is permitted.
Do you need to cancel your Tombstone Park trip? Receive a 75 percent refund if you cancel three (3) days before your departure date. Cancel your reservation here.
Note: Interested in hiking to Grizzly, Divide, and/or Talus Lakes in Tombstone Park? You must reserve online prior to arrival. Tend pad availability is limited and reservations are non-transferable. Plan your trip and check availability early to avoid disappointment.
Cost of Hiking in Tombstone Territorial Park
| Expense | Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Camping Fees | $18 per night per tent ($72 for four nights) |
| Reservation Fees | $10 |
| Transportation | Varies (based on location) |
| Food and Supplies | Varies (depending on personal preferences and trip duration) |
Be sure to check up-to-date information on the Tombstone Territorial Park website or contact the park office. You won’t find any amenities near Tombstone Park — no coffee shops, food services, banking, or cell service. Come prepared with what you need!
Tombstone Backcountry Orientation and Registration
Yukon Parks requires all backcountry campers to watch the Tombstone Territorial Park Backcountry Orientation Video prior to registration. To be honest, this is one of the most thorough backcountry orientation videos I’ve seen. Many of your questions will be answered. You’ll also learn that bear-resistant canisters are required for backcountry hikers. I used the BearVault BV 450 Canister. You can bring your own or rent from Klondike Experience in Dawson City.
Backcountry hikers must register in person at the Tombstone Interpretive Centre. Arrive at either 9:00 or 11:00 am for same-day departures, or 4:00 pm for next-day departures. You will receive your camping permit and can attach it to your tent. Yukon Parks staff will check your bear-proof canister to make sure all attractants are stored properly.
Read next: Your Complete Guide to Hiking the West Coast Trail
Where To Stay in Dawson City
Are you looking for a comfortable and charming place to stay in Dawson City? I had a great experience at the Midnight Sun — Dawson’s newest boutique hotel. You’ll find friendly hotel staff, modern and renovated rooms, and several comfort amenities like wi-fi and air conditioning. Centrally located in Dawson’s downtown, the Midnight Sun offers easy access to attractions. Book your room online or call 867-993-5346.
Sponsored: Yukon Hotels provided complimentary stays at the Midnight Sun Hotel in Dawson City and Edgewater Hotel in Whitehorse. Thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Yukon Hotels for these wonderful stays before and after my backcountry adventures!
Directions to Tombstone Territorial Park
Are you ready for the Grizzly Lake Trailhead? From Dawson City, follow the Klondike Highway (Hwy 2) south for approximately 40 km until you reach the Dempster Highway. Turn left onto the Dempster and continue north for about 59 km. Then turn left into the Grizzly Lake parking area. You will pass signage for Tombstone Territorial Park. For registration, head to the Tombstone Interpretive Centre another 12 km past Grizzly Lake Trailhead. Give yourself around 1 to 1.5 hours to drive from Dawson City to Tombstone Interpretive Centre.
Read next: Jasper Skyline Trail: 3 Days Backpacking in the Rockies
5-Day Tombstone Backcountry Itinerary
As I mentioned earlier, there are several itinerary options for Tombstone backcountry (depending on campsite availability). Take some time to consider your preferred itinerary before reservations open.
Here is my 5-day Tombstone Backcountry Itinerary
Day 1 — Grizzly Lake Trailhead to Grizzly Lake Campground (11.5 KM)
Elevation: 871 metres. Hiking time: 6 hours
Day 2 — Grizzly Lake to Divide Lake Campground (6.4 KM)
Elevation: 515 metres. Hiking time: 3 hours.
Day 3 — Divide Lake to Talus Lake Campground (6.2 KM)
Elevation: 168 metres. Hiking time: 2.5 hours.
Day 4 — Talus Lake to Grizzly Lake Campground (13.2 KM)
Elevation: 950 metres. Hiking time: 6 hours.
Day 5 — Grizzly Lake to Grizzly Lake Trailhead (11.5 KM)
Elevation: 400 metres. Hiking time: 3.5 hours.
If I was planning another trip, I would choose this 5-day itinerary again. I had plenty of time to relax at each campsite and didn’t feel rushed while hiking. You could even add a popular side trip from Grizzly Lake to Twin Lakes / Mount Monolith Viewpoint (2 – 4 hours).
**Distances and elevation gain are approximate from Strava app.
4-day Itinerary
Day 1 — Grizzly Lake Trailhead to Grizzly Lake Campground (11.5 KM)
Day 2 — Grizzly Lake to Divide Lake Campground (6 KM)
**Side-trip: out and back hike to Talus Lake (12.2 KM)
Day 3 — Divide Lake to Grizzly Lake (6 KM)
Day 4 — Grizzly Lake to Grizzly Lake Trailhead (11.5 KM)
I met a family group who followed this itinerary. Good option for families or groups who may want to hike fewer kilometres.
**Official distances from Yukon Parks’ website.
Another 4-day Itinerary (more difficult)
Day 1 — Grizzly Lake Trailhead to Grizzly Lake Campground (11.5 KM)
Day 2 — Grizzly Lake to Talus Lake Campground (12.1 KM)
Day 3 — Talus Lake to Divide Lake Campground (6.1 KM)
Day 4 — Divide Lake to Grizzly Lake Trailhead (17.5 KM)
I wouldn’t recommend this itinerary for inexperienced backpackers. But if you’re up for a challenge, the route offers the chance to stay at every backcountry campground. Be prepared for long hiking days!
**Official distances from Yukon Parks’ website.
3-day Itinerary
Day 1 — Grizzly Lake Trailhead to Grizzly Lake Campground (11.5 KM)
Day 2 — Relax or hike to Twin Lakes / Mount Monolith Viewpoint (3 KM).
Day 3 — Grizzly Lake to Grizzly Lake Trailhead (11.5 KM)
If you’re new to backpacking, or simply looking for a shorter option, many hikers choose to spend their time at Grizzly Lake Campground. This option allows campers to avoid Glissade Pass (between Grizzly and Divide Lakes).
**Official distances from Yukon Parks’ website.
Tombstone Backpacking Route Distances
| KM | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Grizzly Lake Trailhead / Parking | Gravel parking area, outhouse |
| 6 | Halfway to Grizzly Lake | Water source (stream) |
| 11.5 | Grizzly Lake Campground | 14 tent pads, 2 outhouses, gray water barrel, food storage lockers, 2 kitchen shelters |
| 17.5 | Divide Lake Campground | 10 tent pads, 1 outhouse, gray water barrel, food storage lockers, 1 kitchen shelter |
| 23.5 | Talus Lake Campground | 10 tent pads, 1 outhouse, gray water barrel, food storage lockers, 1 kitchen shelter |
Meal Preparation
Tombstone Park has kitchen shelters at each backcountry campground. Please help limit animal attractants (like food and garbage) at campsites by using designated kitchen areas for cooking and eating. Bring food or other attractants to the storage lockers. Attractants include pots, utensils, dish cloths, food, toiletries (like toothpaste), pet food, garbage, and anything with a scent that may attract wildlife.
Each backcountry campground has a water source nearby. Talus Lake’s water source is about 500 metres before the campground. Collect water for your meals and carry at least 2 litres of water each day. Bring water purification or filtration systems, like the MSR Trailshot filter, to ensure your water is safe to drink.
Toilets
Looking for a toilet? That can be a tad challenging in Tombstone’s backcountry! At least one outhouse is found in each backcountry campground. Also, Talus has a fantastic view (if you know, you know). For those moments without a toilet, carry a small shovel or trowel (like this one) to dig a cat hole. To help keep the backcountry pristine, follow Leave No Trace principles by burying waste and packing out toilet paper.
Read next: Rockcut Twillingate Trails: Beautiful Coastal Hiking in Newfoundland
Tombstone Park Wildlife
Tombstone Territorial Park is home to many different species of wildlife, including caribou, moose, grizzly and black bears, wolves, hoary marmots, pikas, and more. Let’s do what we can to keep wildlife wild. Never feed wild animals in the park, and store attractants (anything with a scent) inside your bear-proof canister or food storage locker. Bear-proof canisters (like the BearVault BV450) are required for all backcountry campers.
Remember, Tombstone Park is bear country. Bring bear spray with you and know how to use it. Practice bear safety by keeping your campsite clean, and use bear-proof canisters and lockers for food storage. When a bear tastes our food, they become habituated and often aggressive toward humans. Sadly, through no fault of their own, this often leads to the bear’s termination.
Note: Beware of the ground squirrels! Keep your hiking poles off the ground. When I was in Tombstone, ground squirrels ate hiking pole handles like corn on the cob! Apparently, the squirrels love sweaty and salty trekking poles. I’m sure they’ll take whatever they can get their little paws on; another reason to keep your tent site clean and tidy.
Backcountry Safety in Tombstone Park
Yukon Parks staff are not responsible for initiating search and rescue. Create a trip plan (use AdventureSmart or something similar) and leave your plan with someone you trust. Your plan should include your anticipated return date and the date your friend or family member should initiate search and rescue if you do not return. I highly suggest packing a satellite communications device, like Zoleo, to use in case of a backcountry emergency.
Carry a small first aid kit with you, like the Adventure Medical Kit. If you haven’t already, sign up for a wilderness first aid course and learn how to prepare and respond to emergency situations in the backcountry.
Tombstone Park Packing List
Here is my packing list:
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- Osprey Atmos 50
- Waterproof pack cover
- MSR Hubba Hubba
- MEC Talon sleeping bag
- Therm-a-rest NeoAir
- Sleeping bag liner
- Siltarp
- Plastic Birkenstocks
- Scarpa hiking boots
- Arc’teryx Beta LT rain shell
- Rain pants
- Jetboil Flash
- Campsuds soap
- Osprey 2L reservoir
- Nalgene water bottle
- Komperdell hiking poles
- Lighter / matches
- GSI mug
- Spoon
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Bug spray
- Toilet paper
- PackTowel
- toothpaste / toothbrush
- MSR TrailShot
- Petzl headlamp
- Paracord
- Buff
- Mora Knife
- First aid kit
- 2 merino wool t-shirts (like this Icebreaker tee)
- 1 long sleeve (love this Patagonia Capilene)
- 1 pair of pants
- 2 shorts (1 for hiking; 1 for camp)
- 1 merino leggings (like these)
- 3 merino underwear (1 for hiking; 1 for camp; 1 extra)
- 2-3 merino socks (1 for hiking; 1 for camp; 1 extra)
- Down jacket (love this Patagonia down sweater jacket)
- Warm hat and gloves
- Map / compass
- Satellite comms (Zoleo)
- Powerbank (Anker)
- GoPro
- Tombstone Park Permit (attach to tent)
- Food
- BearVault BV450 Canister
Know Before You Go: Bear-proof food canisters are required for all overnight hikers in Tombstone Territorial Park. If you don’t have your own, you can rent a canister from the Klondike Experience in Dawson City.
Tombstone Territorial Park Rules
Make Your Reservation: You will need to book your backcountry trip to Grizzly, Divide, or Talus Lakes online at yukon.goingtocamp.com. Camping is limited to 3 consecutive nights at any one of the three backcountry campgrounds.
Register Before Your Trip: All multi-day hikers must register at the Tombstone Interpretive Centre, where you will pick up your backcountry camping permit.
Bring a Bear-Resistant Canister: Bring your mandatory bear-proof canister to the Tombstone Interpretive Centre for inspection. You can bring your own or rent before arrival.
Backcountry Camping: Campsites at Grizzly, Divide, and Talus Lake are first-come, first-served. You cannot register or hold sites for people who are not present. Camping is permitted on designated tent pads (one tent per pad). Maximum 3 people per tent.
Pack Out Garbage: Put your garbage inside your bear-proof canister and pack it out with you. Pack out all garbage and carry out extra food.
No Drone Zone: UAVs and drones are not permitted in the park without a permit.
No Campfires Permitted: Campfires are not permitted in the backcountry due to lack of firewood. Bring your small campstove to cook meals, like the Jetboil.
Dogs Not Recommended: Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. You’ll also want to consider whether or not your four-legged companion will enjoy this tough terrain as much as you.
Stay on the Trail: Stay on designated trails to reduce impact on the natural environment. When there is no visible trail, hike on durable ground to protect sensitive environment and prevent trail braiding (creation of new trails).
Use Gray Water Barrels: Dispose of dish water, cooking water, and toothpaste in the grey water barrel to reduce impact on water bodies and avoid attracting wildlife.
Are you planning a multi-day hike in Tombstone Territorial Park? Did you find this guide helpful? Is there anything else you want to know? Leave a comment below!
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Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
