Chilkoot Trail
Yukon / Alaska border, Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site
- Distance
- 50.1 km
- Elev. gain
- 1,954 m
- Start
- Chilkoot Trailhead
- Finish
- Bennett
A simplified drawing of the real route — the distance above is the published figure, not the length of this line.
Ground elevation sampled along the mapped route.
About this distance
The National Park Service gives 33 miles (53 km) for the Chilkoot Trail, from Dyea, Alaska to Bennett, British Columbia. The 50.1 km shown here is the route as mapped in OpenStreetMap — about 5.5% shorter, which is normal variation in how a maintained trail gets measured, not a missing section.
Campsites
- Finnegan's Point
- Canyon City
- Deep Lake
- Bare Loon Lake
Summits & passes
- Chilkoot Pass
Water sources
- Morrow Lake
Recorded hazards
Danger
Avalanche risk into mid-July
Avalanche hazard persists until mid-July; deep snow at Chilkoot Pass
Source: Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site (Parks Canada)
Danger
Snow bridges can collapse
Snow bridges over creeks can collapse without warning; thin ice below
Source: Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site (Parks Canada)
Caution
Fast-flowing creek crossings
Creek crossings can be deep and fast-flowing; know safe ford technique
Source: Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site (Parks Canada)
Information
No cell service, self-rescue
No cell coverage; carry a satellite device, SAR response can take days
Source: Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site (Parks Canada)
These are documented hazards, not a current conditions report. Check with the land manager before you go.
Common questions
- How long is the Chilkoot Trail?
- The Chilkoot Trail is 50.1 km (31.1 miles).
- How much elevation gain does the Chilkoot Trail have?
- The Chilkoot Trail has about 1,954 m (6,411 ft) of total climbing, measured along Far's route for the trail.
- Where does the Chilkoot Trail start and finish?
- The Chilkoot Trail runs between Chilkoot Trailhead and Bennett.
- Is there water on the Chilkoot Trail?
- Far's catalog records 1 mapped water source along the Chilkoot Trail, including Morrow Lake. Seasonal flow varies and mapped sources can run dry — check current conditions with the land manager before relying on any of them.
- Why do other sources list a different distance for the Chilkoot Trail?
- The National Park Service gives 33 miles (53 km) for the Chilkoot Trail, from Dyea, Alaska to Bennett, British Columbia. The 50.1 km shown here is the route as mapped in OpenStreetMap — about 5.5% shorter, which is normal variation in how a maintained trail gets measured, not a missing section.
- What hazards are recorded on the Chilkoot Trail?
- Far records 4 sourced hazards on the Chilkoot Trail: Avalanche risk into mid-July, Snow bridges can collapse, Fast-flowing creek crossings and No cell service, self-rescue. Each is cited to the source that published it. Conditions change — this is not a current conditions report.
Sources
- OpenStreetMap50.1 km
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Reviewed by a Far curator on July 23, 2026. Trail conditions, permits, and hazards change — verify before you go.