Caribou Mountain, Yukon | Hiking Guide
Caribou Mountain
Carcross Region
Difficulty:
Moderate
Duration:
5 hours roundtrip
Total Distance:
8 km roundtrip
Elevation Gain:
1000 m
Description:
Constant steepness with rewarding mountain views
View of Bennett lake
Closed April 1st to June 16th due to wildlife
Terrain occasionally has loose rocks
Tip — Click the plane icon on the map to go for a ride ;)
Season:
You can hike this trail from April to September depending on the season
You can snowshoe this trail as well to extend the season
The trail is closed from April 1st to June 16th due to wildlife
Our photos below are captured in June
Trailhead & Parking
Parking:
Parking for this hike is on the side of the road off of the South Klondike Highway. It’s 4 minutes after Emerald lake if you are traveling from Whitehorse. Park on the ditch rather than the driveway as it is used for a private residence (make sure you keep dogs on a leash).
Trailhead:
From the parking, follow the driveway up until you reach the hiking sign and stump with the face, then turn left. Continue for a few minutes until you reach a fork in the trail with a sign labeled “Hikers“, turn right here. Continue along that path for the rest of the way up — your know you are on the right trail if you pass a yurt. Quickly you will reach the incline.
Trail Photos
Quickly after the first incline — you will see mountains in all directions. Though you are in the tree-line for around half the hike, the trees are quite short and you are able to see above them. Keep your eyes out for some distant waterfalls.
First lookout about half way up — perfect place to stop and have a snack and take some photos. A classic Yukon hiking view of vast valleys, lakes and mountains.
Once you are out of the alpine — we found a grassy and flower patch (alpine flowers in the Yukon tend to bloom in June and July) where we stopped for our lunch. This is about 3/4 of the way to the top.
In the alpine — you will notice the terrain alternates between short steeper sections and mellow sections. Occasionally there are some slippery lose rocks to be careful of.
The summit — it is typical for the summit of this hike to be covered in clouds however they do move fast so you may find there are openings in the clouds. This shot is just as we were entering the clouds, we quickly lost visibility. You can choose to extend the hike across the saddle of Caribou Mountain to it’s true summit however it will become more technical with a narrow path, loose rocks, and steep drop-offs.
The way down — continue down the same way you came up. You will have breathtaking views of Bennett Lake. This photo was captured at around 11:30 pm ( in June which is close to the summer solstice). The trail can have loose rocks at times. Hiking poles would be helpful to increase your balance and control but aren’t necessary.