Ogilvie MountainsThe Ogilvie Mountains are a mountain range in the Yukon Territory of Canada, characterised by long ridges, plateaus and alpine tundra that form part of the northern Cordillera. The range contains rugged terrain, peaks, and valleys used for wilderness recreation and scientific study.
Sections of the range include dramatic jagged peaks and tundra plateaus that attract backcountry hikers, wildlife observers and photographers; Dall sheep and other northern fauna occur in the area. Part of the range is protected for its scenic and ecological values.
The mountains were formed through regional tectonic and glacial processes and have a history of seasonal use by Indigenous peoples and later by prospectors and recreational visitors; modern use focuses on low-density backcountry recreation and conservation.
The Ogilvie Mountains lie in central Yukon, north of Dawson City and forming part of the territory’s interior highlands; access to the range and its parks is by unpaved roads and trails from nearby communities.
- Access and conditions: The range is remote and access is typically via unpaved roads from Dawson City; weather can change rapidly and services are limited.
What to See#
- Tombstone Territorial Park: Tombstone Territorial Park - a protected area within the Ogilvie range known for jagged peaks, alpine tundra and popular backcountry hiking routes.
Best Time to Visit Ogilvie Mountains#
Short northern summers are the practical window for travel; winters are long, cold and subject to extreme conditions.
Weather & Climate near Ogilvie Mountains#
Ogilvie Mountains's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -30°C to 17°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -30° - -18° | -31° | 24 mm | - | - | 2.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -26° - -14° | -26° | 19 mm | - | - | 2.1 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -26° - -13° | -26° | 27 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -17° - -4° | -17° | 15 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -6° - 5° | -4° | 21 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 1° - 15° | 5° | 56 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 4° - 17° | 10° | 70 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 1° - 14° | 6° | 62 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | -4° - 7° | -2° | 41 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -13° - -3° | -14° | 31 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -23° - -13° | -24° | 29 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -27° - -15° | -27° | 32 mm | - | - | 2.2 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Ogilvie Mountains#
Access is generally from Dawson City or other Yukon hubs; roads are unpaved and remote, so satellite navigation and a sturdy 4x4 are recommended. Chartered flights to regional airstrips are common for researchers and experienced parties.
Tips for Visiting Ogilvie Mountains#
- If planning a mountaineering or extended hiking trip, file travel plans with Yukon authorities and notify local ranger stations.
- Plan logistics carefully: services are limited and seasons for safe travel are narrow.
- Bring detailed topographic maps and a satellite communicator for emergencies; cell coverage is sporadic.