Chilkoot Trail - Dyea Alaska to Bennett Lake BC

The Chilkoot Trail is a 53 kilometre (33 mile) trail through the Coast Mountains that leads from Dyea, Alaska, to Bennett Lake, British Columbia. The trail is a National Historic Site of Canada, and is part of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in the United States.

The Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site protects this historic gateway to the Yukon once tread by Tlingit First Nation traders and Klondike gold rush prospectors. The Chilkoot Trail was designated a national historic site because of the role it played in the mass movement of people to the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 1890's.

The Chilkoot Trail is a popular trail among residents of Yukon, Alaska and many tourists from abroad. To manage the demand for the route, to prevent overuse, and maintain the remoteness of trail, the National Park Service and Parks Canada have agreed upon a limit of 50 backpackers entering the trail a day. Because of this and the high demand, early reservations are required to ensure you get a spot.

The Chilkoot Trail is one of only three glacier-free corridors through the Coast Mountains between Juneau and Yakutat.

Elevation Profile

When you hike the Chilkoot, you will pass through spectacular and rugged terrain. The trail begins at sea level and reaches an elevation of 1074 metres (3,525 feet) at the pass.

The start of the journey!

"The Chilkoot should only be attempted by persons who are physically fit and experienced in hiking and backpacking. It should not be attempted by novice hikers." - Parks Canada

Oh well, we did it!