Rock Glacier Trail
Kluane National Park & Reserve, Yukon Territory, Canada

Rock Glacier Trail

The Rock Glacier Trail is a self guided interpretive trail located in the Kluane National Park and Reserve near the community of Haines Junction, Yukon Territory, Canada. The trail is an educational hike with interpretive signs detailing the history of the glacier which, at one time, covered the entire area.

The 3.2 kilometre ( 2.1 mi ) hiking route follows a boardwalk, saw dust and rock slide trail leading up to the toe of the rock glacier and a viewing platform. "Nju`tàda" is the term used by the First Nation people of the region to identify the mountain range on which the Rock Glacier Trail is located.

The Rock Glacier Trail is a challenging elevation hike. It may be a short trail but the route is mostly up hill. There are many steep sections hiking over boulders and rocks where the trail follows a series of mini rock cairns. The route has an elevation gain of about 90 metres (300 feet) and should take hikers no longer than 1-2 hours to complete.

The Rock Glacier Trail explores various eco systems. Down low there are marsh like conditions and at the higher elevations it becomes barren as you navigate the slopes of a rock slide.

Along the entire route are interpretive signs leading you all the way to a viewing platform. From the viewing platform are views overlooking the valley, mountains and Dezadeash Lake.

This hiking route is well maintained but there are challenges. The trail does travel over rock slides which do require sure footing. The trail does lead up into the alpine slopes where you are exposed to the elements. It is important to prepare for the weather and to have good footwear on this adventure.

There are no services at the trailhead of the Rock Glacier Trail.

How to Get to the Rock Glacier Trail

Travel to the community of Haines Junction, Yukon Territory, Canada. From the community of Haines Junction travel south on the Haines Highway for 50 kilometre (31 miles) to the Rock Glacier Trail gravel pull out parking lot.