Menu
TRAVEL UPDATE
Chilkoot Trail

Stampeders Route: Trekking Chilkoot Trail

Ruby Range Adventure

Journey on the Stampeder’s steps for this week-long trek; an incredible adventure you are not about to forget.

Overview

The Chilkoot Trail is the original backpacker’s route to the far North, crossing some of the most spectacular and diverse landscapes anywhere in the world. In just twenty-six kilometres, the route climbs from sea level to the 1067-metre continental divide, where coastal Alaskan rainforest gives way to delicate alpine tundra and the trail crosses the international boundary into Canada. Though indigenous peoples had used this pass a trading route for millennia, the Chilkoot became an icon in 1898, with unforgettable images of hundreds of men and women staggered up the so-called Golden Stairs under crushing loads of food, caught up in the stampede to the gold fields at Dawson City. Today, visitors are capped to ensure the trail does not become so crowded, and the packs are considerably lighter. We have allowed five days to backpack the entire 52 kilometres, ensuring time to rest, explore, and revel in the scenery. Our destination is Lake Bennett, where most stampeders paused to build rafts and wooden boats for river journey to Dawson. Here, at the historic ghost town, we’ll meet a float plane for a final trip over the last of the Coast Mountains to Whitehorse. For all the hikers out there, this is a trip you will not regret.

Highlights

Expert guidance on the entire trip

Camping equipment

All meals on camping trip

Overland transportation

Float plane transfer from Lake Bennett to Whitehorse

2 nights hotel accommodation in Whitehorse

Chilkoot Park fees and license

Details

Duration
7 Days
Level
Advanced
Dates
June - August
Price
From $2,030 per person

Operator testimonials

ONE OF THE BEST WEEKS I’VE EVER HAD

Jen

I did the seven-day dogsledding trip with Sky High. It was absolutely amazing. The location just out of Whitehorse is very convenient, the staff are fantastic and the experience is something most of us only dream of. Our guides on the sled trails varied throughout the week which was actually a great thing. While they are all incredible everyone has a different teaching style and you find that you pick up tiny little things from each instructor during your stay. The lodge is really nice and the best part is that you are completely Off The Grid. NO Wi-Fi, no power, it's great. Jocelyn will take cameras and camera phones on a nightly basis to charge if required but unless you are using your phone as your only camera, you may never need to get anything charged. The outhouse is very cool (literally in -30 I imagine) but it is away from the lodge. About 20–30 metres I would say, so plan your evening drinks accordingly. I got up the first night to use the outhouse and the stars were so stunning that every night if I woke up I would get up and head out to the balcony for five minutes of star gazing. What a view. You learn everything you need to about your dogs. How to put them on, take them off, untangle them mid mush, feed them and of course poopa scoop. Its very comprehensive and leaves you feeling that you could actually learn this as a skill if you wanted to stay a fair bit longer. We kind of got thrown in the deep end a bit as they unfortunately had a drastic change in weather and the snow was disappearing fast, but even then you knew you were in good hands. Everything was very safe and there have been very few things that I've done that were that much fun. The staff, the guides, the lodge and the experience were all first rate. Dogsledding isn't for you if you are a bit princess-like though. You need to stay focused, listen, do what you are told (immediately), not care that you are going out to the loo in your long johns (trust me you just do it), love being without Facebook or Instagram for a week, and you need to enjoy good wholesome food. I would have no hesitation in recommending Sky High to anyone and everyone who would like to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

FLEXIBLE AND ACCOMMODATING

Hailey

I went to Sky High Wilderness Ranch for their four-day Hike with Huskies. When my trip date was approaching I was informed that I was the only one who had booked the four-day hike that week. At first, I was a bit worried but I really shouldn't have been! Owner Trudi reached out to me with a fabulous new itinerary which included a day trip to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve and Hot Springs. My itinerary was adjusted to include two hikes, several horseback rides and the Yukon Wildlife Preserve and Hot Springs day trip. A four-day hike would have been great; however, I honestly wouldn't have wanted my trip to go any other way. I would definitely recommend Sky High Wilderness Ranch for a short ride or a week-long trip. The owners and staff are incredible people with awesome stories and the surrounding views are spectacual. The accommodations are perfect with a cozy, rustic feel.

WELL WORTH THE MONEY

Ruth S.

This tour was perfect! I can’t imagine a better way to visit "the last frontier." Our driver–guide was a joy to be with and full of interesting and funny stories. The itinerary and the included excursions were very well done; the majority of the optional excursions that I participated in were well worth the additional money spent, especially the Kenai Fjords tour.

SAFETY AND FUN TOP PRIORITIES

Jennifer A.

Such a great Yukon adventure we went on!!! The guides Benny, Simon and Jonas were AWESOME!!! Taking great care of us, with safety and fun the top priorities. Highly recommended, and can’t wait to go again – Thanks!

FILLED ALL MY EXPECTATIONS

Michal O.

Yukon and Alaska tour with Ruby Range Adventure was one of my best experiences ever. Professional organization, friendly and willing tour guide who was knowledgeable about the history of the places and cities we visited. The trip filled all of my expectations plus we were a good group having fun and a good time on the way. If I went to Alaska and the Yukon again, I would choose Ruby Range Advanture again, for sure. I can really recommend this company.