Your Guide to Hiking and Camping in Kluane National Park
Kluane National Park is a land of untamed wilderness, where the mountains rise to meet the sky, and glaciers carve their way through rugged terrain. I have spent time camping in Kluane National Park and hiking its trails, and I can attest to the park’s unparalleled beauty and the sense of adventure it offers. This guide is designed to share my firsthand experiences and insights, helping you plan your journey into this remarkable landscape.
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Kluane National Park and Reserve is part of the Traditional Territory of the Southern Tutchone people.
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Why Visit Kluane National Park
Kluane National Park, located in the southwestern Yukon, is a true wilderness treasure. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts some of the most stunning landscapes in Canada, featuring massive glaciers, towering peaks, and green valleys.
Home to Canada’s highest mountain, Mount Logan, and the world’s largest non-polar icefields, Kluane offers a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking hikes with stunning lookouts, serene camping spots, or a place to disconnect in nature, Kluane National Park provides a remote and awe-inspiring backdrop for your adventure.
How to Get to Kluane National Park
By Car
From Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon, it’s a 160-kilometer (100-mile) drive west along the Alaska Highway to Haines Junction, the gateway to the park. The road is well-maintained and offers stunning views of mountains, forests, and lakes.
From Alaska, the drive from the U.S.-Canada border to Haines Junction on the Alaska Highway is equally breathtaking. Haines Junction is on the Alaska Highway, approximately 300 kilometres south of the US-Canada border.
By Plane
For those who prefer flying, Whitehorse is the nearest airport with commercial flights. Several airlines connect Whitehorse to major Canadian cities, including Vancouver and Calgary. You can rent a car from Whitehorse or take a shuttle to Haines Junction.
Camping in Kluane National Park
Camping in Kluane National Park allows you to immerse yourself in its wild beauty fully. Whether you’re seeking a well-equipped campground or a more primitive experience, there are options to suit all campers.
Kathleen Lake Campground
Located just 27 kilometres (17 miles) south of Haines Junction, Kathleen Lake Campground is the most developed campground in Kluane. It offers 39 forested sites with fire pits, picnic tables, and access to potable water.
The campground also has basic amenities like pit toilets and bear-proof storage. Its location near Kathleen Lake makes it a perfect base for exploring nearby hiking trails, including the King’s Throne. The lake, only a couple hundred metres from the campground, offers stunning views and is ideal for swimming on a hot summer day.
Half of the campsites are reservable, and the other half are on a first-come, first-served basis. We had no problem securing a site without reservations.
Yukon Campgrounds
In addition to the Kathleen Lake Campground, a few Yukon government-run campgrounds are near Kluane National Park. These campgrounds provide a more rustic camping experience with fewer amenities but are still close to the park’s attractions. They operate on a first-come, first-served basis and offer firewood, picnic tables, and pit toilets.
You can pay cash at the campground with self-registration or pay online if you can access the Yukon Campgrounds website. Note that most of the park does not have cellular data available.
Dezadeash Lake Campground is 50 kilometres (30 miles) south of Haines Junction on Haines Road. It is a good alternative to the Kathleen Lake Campground.
Congdon Creek Campground is 88 kilometres (55 miles) north of Haines Junction on the Alaska Highway. From this campground, you can explore the northern section of the park.
Pine Lake Campground is 7 kilometres (4 miles) east of Haines Junction, making it central to the park.
Interpretive Centre
Before heading into the park, it is highly recommended that you visit the Kluane National Park Visitor Centre in Haines Junction. The centre provides valuable information on trails, weather conditions, and wildlife. Rangers can answer questions and provide safety tips, particularly regarding bear awareness.
The interpretive displays offer insights into the park’s geology, ecology, and cultural history, enhancing your appreciation of the landscape you’re about to explore.
Thechà l Dhâl Visitor Centre
The Thechà l Dhâl Visitor Centre is at the base of Thechà l Dhâl (Sheep Mountain), 70 kilometres (44 miles) north of Haines Junction. It offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is an excellent spot for wildlife viewing, mainly Dall sheep.
Inside, you’ll find informative exhibits on the park’s natural and cultural history and displays of local wildlife. Park staff are available to provide trail information, safety tips, and updates on current conditions.
Hiking in Kluane National Park
Kluane National Park is a hiker’s paradise, offering a variety of trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging backcountry routes. Whether you’re a casual hiker or an experienced adventurer, a trail here will meet your needs.
Best Easy hiking in Kluane National Park
Glacier Rock Trail
This 1.6-kilometer (1-mile) trail is perfect for beginners or those looking for a quick hike with rewarding views. The path is made of loose rocks, so appropriate footwear is required. Interpretive signs along the trail explain the area’s landscape.
The Glacier Rock Trail’s trailhead is 44 kilometres (27 miles) south of Haines Junction, across Dezadeash Lake.
Soldier’s Summit Trail
This 2-kilometer (1.2-mile) round-trip trail offers historical significance and scenic views. In 1942, it was the site of the official opening of the Alaska Highway.
The trail is well-marked and suitable for families, with interpretive signs providing historical context. It also features the famous Parks Canada red chairs.
The trailhead is near the Thechà l Dhâl Visitor Centre on Alaska Highway, 72 kilometres (45 miles) north of Haines Junction.
Best Moderate to Difficult hiking in Kluane National Park
King’s Throne
One of the park’s most popular trails, King’s Throne, is a challenging 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) hike that offers stunning views of Kathleen Lake and the surrounding mountains.
The trail involves a steep ascent, but the panoramic views from the cirque are well worth the effort. For those seeking an even greater challenge, the trail continues to the summit of King’s Throne, adding significant difficulty.
Sheep Creek Trail
This 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) trail offers breathtaking views of the Slims River Valley and the surrounding peaks. It is moderate and has a steady climb that rewards hikers with the chance to spot Dall sheep and other wildlife. The trail’s end provides a stunning overlook of the Sheep Bullion Glacier.
The trailhead is in the Thechà l Dhâl Visitor Centre area; a gravel road leads to it from behind the centre.
Best Challenging Hiking in Kluane National Park
Mount Decoeli
This is a challenging, non-maintained route for experienced hikers. The ascent to the summit of Mount Decoeli involves navigating steep scree slopes and requires solid route-finding skills. At 2,331 meters (7,650 feet), the summit offers unparalleled views of the St. Elias Mountains and the park’s vast wilderness.
King’s Throne Summit
For those who’ve reached the cirque on the King’s Throne Trail and crave more, continuing to the summit offers a formidable challenge. The route is steep, requiring scrambling and careful navigation, but the 360-degree views from the summit are truly spectacular, with Kathleen Lake shimmering far below.
Backpacking Trails
Kluane National Park offers several multi-day backpacking trails to venture deep into the backcountry. These trails are for experienced hikers only and require advanced planning and preparation.
The Cottonwood Trail and the Donjek Route are two of the most well-known. They offer an authentic wilderness experience through some of the park’s most remote and beautiful parts. Be prepared for river crossings, wildlife encounters, and rapidly changing weather conditions.
Planning Your Visit in Kluane National Park
When planning your visit to Kluane National Park, consider its remote nature. Ensure you have all the necessary supplies, including food, water, and appropriate gear for various weather conditions. Cell phone service is limited, so carrying a map, compass, and GPS is recommended.
Additionally, be aware of wildlife, particularly bears, and follow all park guidelines to minimize risks.
Finally, always check trail conditions and weather forecasts at the visitor centre before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly in this rugged environment.
Map of Kluane National Park, including campgrounds, trailheads and centres
Kluane National Park is where you can truly disconnect from the world and connect with nature. Whether camping under the stars, hiking to a mountaintop, or simply taking in the vastness of the landscape, your time there will be unforgettable.
Visit more of Yukon with our fantastic road trip itinerary and travel tips; you will not want to miss what this gorgeous region offers us road-trippers!
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