Grey MountainDistance: 12 km Elevation Gain: 200 m (656 ft) Time: 5 hours Difficulty: Easy Region: Whitehorse |
Date Added: August 4, 2008
Last Update: March 29, 2009 Winter:   Tweet |
The closest alpine hike to Whitehorse - only about 12 kms away! Grey Mountain is a great day hike offering a terrific view of Whitehorse and the surrounding area. You can see from Marsh Lake in the south to Lake Laberge in the north. The trailhead starts only 200 m lower than the summit, which means more alpine walking. It's only 2.5 km to the summit, which is a good turn around point if you don't want to continue walking the ridge.
Loading map...
Download 
GPS Data for this trail
View Fullscreen Map
Scroll below photos for Driving Directions and Trail Description.
Photos
Looking back to the trailhead (radio towers) and all the way back to Marsh Lake.
Looking towards the third peak from the second peak.
Downtown Whitehorse, nestled between the Yukon River and the river bank.
Downtown Whitehorse.
Looking south along the Yukon River.
Looking back at the summit from further down the ridge.
Winter
The unmaintained road can be a little 'icy' at times.
Looking up towards the first peak.
Exposed rock creates a canyon-like feel on the ridge.
Winter winds scour the top.
If the mountain is covered in clouds, cairns can help guide you.
The top of Grey Mountain is perfect for snowshoeing.
Driving Directions
From the S.S. Klondike in Whitehorse, cross the bridge onto Lewes Blvd and make a left at the second set of lights onto Alsek Road. After 400 m, make a left at Tutshi Road (there is a sign indicating the cemetery and Grey Mountain viewpoint).
Follow the Grey Mountain Road to the Grey Mountain Viewpoint parking area at around 6.3 km. You can drive past this parking area for the remaining 4 km, but note the road becomes unmaintained and rougher with narrow sections towards the top. It is easily driveable in a vehicle with good clearance and some people even drive their cars all the way up. There is a good parking area right at the communication towers where the trails start.
Follow the Grey Mountain Road to the Grey Mountain Viewpoint parking area at around 6.3 km. You can drive past this parking area for the remaining 4 km, but note the road becomes unmaintained and rougher with narrow sections towards the top. It is easily driveable in a vehicle with good clearance and some people even drive their cars all the way up. There is a good parking area right at the communication towers where the trails start.
Stay safe in bear country
 | Be alert. Be aware. Be prepared. If bears or people could be at risk, call the TIPP line 1-800-661-0525. |
Coast Mountain Sports
 | For the Best in Outdoor Equipment, Clothing & Footwear. www.cmsyukon.ca |
Trail Description
The trailhead starts near the parking lot and communication towers. There are many trails along the ridge which end up at the same place - follow the most developed trail to prevent further erosion. After 2.5 km you will reach the first summit and have a great view of the surrounding area.
If you want to continue walking along the ridge, follow one of the main trails towards the second, lower peak. The trail can be faint at times.
To continue on from the second peak to the third, you will have to descend out of the alpine. This requires some very moderate bushwacking to the other side where you will ascend towards the third peak. There isn't much of a trail at some points, so pick your own way if necessary. The third peak offers the best view of Whitehorse. From here, turn around and follow the same route back.
Although this hike is close to town, there is evidence of bear activity such as bear droppings and digging marks. Act as you would on any other backcountry trail, making noise at intervals so as not to surprise a bear when you climb over a crest.
If you want to continue walking along the ridge, follow one of the main trails towards the second, lower peak. The trail can be faint at times.
To continue on from the second peak to the third, you will have to descend out of the alpine. This requires some very moderate bushwacking to the other side where you will ascend towards the third peak. There isn't much of a trail at some points, so pick your own way if necessary. The third peak offers the best view of Whitehorse. From here, turn around and follow the same route back.
Although this hike is close to town, there is evidence of bear activity such as bear droppings and digging marks. Act as you would on any other backcountry trail, making noise at intervals so as not to surprise a bear when you climb over a crest.
Winter
The top of Grey Mountain is excellent for a showshoeing or ski touring day trip. Note the unmaintained part of the road after the Grey Mountain Viewpoint parking area is not always passable in the winter and late into the spring. So plan for some extra time, about 1.5 hours one-way, to walk from the Viewpoint parking area to the communication towers.
 |
 |
 |
|
