Carcross Desert Viewpoint

Carcross, Yukon

4.0/5

based on 4 reviews

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Distance

0.89 miles

Elevation Gain

168.64 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Erik Peterson

Where else can you climb sand dunes surrounded by majestic mountains in Canada's north?

The Carcross Desert is considered by many to be the smallest desert in the world. However, it is actually just sand dunes left over from a glacial lake and is too humid to be an 'official' desert.

Just 5 minutes north of the town of Carcross along the Klondike Highway you will come across a roadside rest area with a big 'Carcross Desert' sign. At the turnoff there are some outhouses and a couple educational signs explaining the formation of the sand dunes.

From the parking area you are free to explore this surreal landscape at your leisure. I would advise climbing the large sand dune to the north as it affords spectacular views of Bennett Lake and the surrounding mountains.

The beautiful Klondike town of Carcross itself should not be overlooked. You can wade out into the shallows of Bennett Lake and enjoy the beach right on the south side of town.

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Carcross Desert Viewpoint Reviews

Murray Lundberg

Explorer

Carcross Desert Viewpoint

02/12/25

There's lots of parking, there are outhouses, and the views from the top of the highest dune are wonderful. At the top on a windy day, you can see that this is an active dune system, and the forest to the east is being buried by the blowing sand.

5.0

Zielono Mi

Wayfinder

Carcross Desert Viewpoint

07/08/19

It’s a very nice place for a short hike. You can feel like on the beach. I personally didn’t like the sound from the quads around.... The view of the place is super nice, but again I was unlucky because of the smog from the fire in the forest around...

3.0

Explorer

Rachel B

Explorer

Wayfinder

Carcross Desert Viewpoint

11/20/16

You can be lazy and explore for a few minutes, or run around the dunes for a few hours enjoying the views. Great place.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Carcross Desert Viewpoint

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Carcross Desert Viewpoint Reviews

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Nares Mountain Loop

Grey Mountain Cave

Dog Sled in Whitehorse

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