Sheep Mountain

Distance: 10 km
Elevation Gain: 1163 m (3816 ft)
Time: 6 hours

Date Added: May 23, 2011
Last Update: May 23, 2011

This trail is much steeper and more strenuous than the Sheep Creek trail, but you get a view overlooking Kluane Lake and the surrounding mountains the entire time. You don't get a view down the Slims River as you do on the Sheep Creek trail, but you get a better chance of seeing sheep and bears. This trail is virtually snow-free all year.

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Driving Directions

From Haines Junction, continue on the Alaska Highway for about 70 km until you cross a bridge and see the Kluane National Park visitor's center. About 1.5 km after the visitor's center is a parking lot on the left (west) side of the highway for Soldier's Summit. Park here.

Trail Description

Walk up the trail for Soldier's Summit and turn right at the park bench. You will be walking along the old WWII Alaska Highway (more of a rocky, dirt path).

After about 600 m, there is a foot trail on your left that leads up a hill and into the trees (the trail is not marked, but is well worn, so just watch for it). Follow this trail for about 700 m until it peters out and you are below a scree ridge. You want to be on top of the ridge to your right, so switchback up the steep scree until you reach the top of the ridge.

Once you are on the ridge, you can follow it right to the summit. It is easiest to stay on the left side of the ridge. Looking up, you will be on the right-most ridge - the one with the rocky outcrops near the top. Sheep and grizzlies are often seen along these ridges, so keep an eye out for them. Try not disturbing any wildlife - if they are in your way, circle around them or wait for them to leave the area if you want to continue.

At the summit, you get a 360 view of the surrounding area. You can turn back down the ridge and follow the same way down, or do a circle route over the ridges to the southwest and down the Sheep Creek trail. If you decide to do a circle loop, it is best to have 2 vehicles and park one at the Sheep Creek trailhead.

Have these directions changed? We invite you to let us know.