Tombstone Territorial Park

Tombstone Territorial Park protects more than 2,100 square kilometres of rugged peaks, permafrost features and alpine tundra along the southern end of the Dempster Highway. The park includes the distinctive Tombstone Mountain, whose profile inspired the park’s name, and extends over sections of the Blackstone Uplands and the Ogilvie Mountains.

Geologically the park is notable for the Cretaceous Tombstone Suite of igneous rock and for sitting on the divide between waters that drain to the Yukon River and those that flow to the Mackenzie River; repeated glaciations created a pocket of sharply sculpted terrain contrasted with gentler non-glaciated permafrost landforms such as pingos, ice-wedge polygons and moraines. That variety supports rich tundra plant communities and roughly 150 recorded bird species, plus mammals including Dall’s sheep, caribou, moose, black and grizzly bears.

Conservation planning began in the 1970s and the park was established in 2000 as a legacy of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in land settlement; it is jointly administered by the territorial government and the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation. Visitors will find an interpretive corridor alongside the Dempster Highway with an interpretive centre and a few car-camping sites, while deeper access is by marked hiking routes and three designated backcountry campgrounds.

• Tombstone Mountain: The park’s namesake peak has a grave-marker silhouette and is the focal point for photography and alpine approaches.
• Mount Monolith: A dramatic granite feature rising above the tundra that attracts climbers and photographers.
• Glissade Pass: A scenic mountain pass offering sweeping views of glaciated valleys and ridgelines.
• Permafrost landforms and pingos: Close-up examples of ice-wedge polygons, pingos and moraines reveal the park’s permafrost and glacial history.
• Wildlife and birdwatching: Opportunities to see Dall’s sheep, caribou, bears and about 150 bird species in their tundra and alpine habitats.

The nearest service centre for visitors is Dawson City; the park lies along the Dempster Highway north of town. The closest regional airstrip is Dawson City Airport, while the nearest major airport is Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport in Whitehorse.

Access is along the remote, mostly-gravel Dempster Highway; a 1 km Dempster corridor alongside the road is exempt from the park and contains the interpretive centre and car-camping sites, while backcountry access is by marked trailheads. Expect long distances between services - cover the last stretch by a well-maintained vehicle or a guided operator and plan fuel and supplies in advance.

• Check the interpretive centre’s summer opening and local backcountry advisories before you go.
• Prepare for rapid weather changes and strong temperature swings with layered clothing even in summer.
• Carry bear-aware equipment and know secure food-storage practices for campsites.
• Services and cell coverage are limited - bring maps, spare fuel and emergency supplies.