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National park and park reserve in Yukon, Canada

Beyond Alone · Best: June - September

Kluane National Park and Reserve

Massive icefields and Canada's highest peak define this vast subarctic wilderness, offering immense ski touring traverses and high-alpine climbing.

Yukon, Canada

Plan a trip to Kluane National Park and Reserve

Where on earth

Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Kluane National Park and Reserve, Yukon, Canada. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.

Region
Yukon, Canada
Known for
  • Climbing
  • Mountaineering
  • Winter Camping
  • Skiing
  • Hiking
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
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Area/Length
22,013 sq km
Elevation
700m to 5,959m (Mount Logan)
Best window
June to August (hiking), April to May (ski mountaineering)
Key draws
Mount Logan, Donjek Route, immense grizzly populations
Access
Haines Highway and Alaska Highway

Topic summary

Massive icefields and Canada's highest peak define this vast subarctic wilderness, offering immense ski touring traverses and high-alpine climbing. Over eighty percent of this massive park is composed of mountains and glaciers, culminating in the largest non-polar icefield in the world. The lower elevations feature dense boreal forests of white spruce interspersed w

Key takeaways

  • Area/Length: 22,013 sq km
  • Elevation: 700m to 5,959m (Mount Logan)
  • Best window: June to August (hiking), April to May (ski mountaineering)
  • Key draws: Mount Logan, Donjek Route, immense grizzly populations
  • Access: Haines Highway and Alaska Highway

Intended uses

  • Wilderness trip planning and destination research
  • Access: Haines Highway and Alaska Highway

Verification notes

Compiled from published show records, regional agencies, and topographical / satellite imagery. Region: Yukon, Canada. Coordinates: 60.650, -137.850.

The country

Over eighty percent of this massive park is composed of mountains and glaciers, culminating in the largest non-polar icefield in the world. The lower elevations feature dense boreal forests of white spruce interspersed with broad, braided river valleys. High tectonic activity continually pushes the St. Elias Mountains upward while intense glacial carving tears them down.

Why enthusiasts come

Mountaineers set their sights on Mount Logan to test themselves against extreme cold, altitude, and immense scale. Trekking in the green belt on the park's eastern edge provides grueling, multi-day alpine traverses through pristine grizzly country.

Top experiences

The 8-10 day Donjek Route is a classic wilderness trek, requiring off-trail navigation over high alpine passes to a commanding view of the Donjek Glacier. Skiers tackle the demanding multi-week icefield traverses, navigating crevasses and severe weather.

Planner-relevant notes

Overnight trips require mandatory bear-proof canisters, available for loan at the visitor center in Haines Junction. Backcountry permits must be obtained in person, and specialized icefield permits require proof of extensive mountaineering experience. Braided river crossings are required on almost all trekking routes and can be lethal if attempted at high water.

Field notes

  • Carry dedicated sturdy sandals for river crossings; barefoot crossings on sharp glacial till are dangerous and excessively cold.
  • Grizzly activity peaks in late summer as bears forage in the alpine; maintain strict camp hygiene and a 100m cook triangle.
  • When navigating the Donjek Route, do not attempt to walk directly on the glacier terminus; moraine rock cliffs are incredibly unstable.
  • For mountaineering trips to the icefields, all climbers must purchase specialized search and rescue insurance.

Frequently asked about Kluane National Park and Reserve

Where is Kluane National Park and Reserve?
Kluane National Park and Reserve is in Yukon, Canada. Massive icefields and Canada's highest peak define this vast subarctic wilderness, offering immense ski touring traverses and high-alpine climbing.
How do you get to Kluane National Park and Reserve?
Access: Haines Highway and Alaska Highway. Expect a multi-leg trip — flights to the nearest hub, then float plane, boat, or 4WD depending on conditions.
National park and park reserve in Yukon, Canada

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