The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Tombstone Territorial Park

Tombstone Territorial Park is the crown jewel of the Yukon wilderness—an untamed landscape of rugged peaks, wild tundra, and endless sky. Named after the striking, spire-like Tombstone Mountain, the park is a hiker’s paradise, offering trails that range from gentle valley walks to steep alpine climbs. Surfbird Mountain, in particular, offers a stunning panoramic view of the park’s wild beauty.

The trailhead for Surfbird Mountain is located near Tombstone Mountain Campground along the Dempster Highway. It’s easily accessible and well-marked, with parking available nearby. This is also a good place to fill water or get information from the nearby interpretive centre before heading out. If you plan to spend the night at the campground, note that there is a fee of $20, or $18 for backcountry camping (permit required). Reservations can be made here: https://yukon.ca/en/outdoor-recreation-and-wildlife/camping/site/tombstone-mountain-campground

The Surfbird Mountain Trail is a steep and rewarding route that takes you deep into Tombstone’s alpine world. Starting near the campground, it climbs quickly through tundra and rocky slopes, offering expansive views even before you reach the top. The final push to the summit involves some loose rock and uneven footing, but the scenery makes every step worthwhile. It’s a short but strenuous hike that showcases the wild heart of the park and the rugged landscapes that define this northern wilderness.

From the summit of Surfbird Mountain, you’re rewarded with one of the most spectacular panoramic views in Tombstone Territorial Park. Jagged peaks stretch in every direction, with Mount Monolith and the Tombstone Range forming a dramatic skyline. The tundra below glows with color in late summer, and the sense of isolation is profound.

The North Klondike River Trail will take you deeper into the northern Yukon’s wild, following the North Klondike River up to open tundra and boreal forest. From the end of the trail and the top of the climb, there are open views of the Ogilvie Mountains and the dramatic peaks of Tombstone Mountain and Mount Monolith in the distance. In the summer, this trail is home to wildflowers, year-round dwarf birch, and lichen-covered rocks, and this area is also home to caribou, marmots, and bears.

Edge of the Arctic is a short 400-meter loop off the North Klondike River Trail, a shorter, family-friendly loop with interpretive panels that explain how the subarctic boreal forest transitions into tundra. Visitors will be able to enjoy views from this short loop without the climb of the North Klondike River Trail.

Tombstone Mountain Campground Trail spans a short flat distance between the Tombstone Interpretive Centre and parking area, and reaches the Tombstone Mountain Campground. The Interpretive Centre is a great starting point for exploring the area and trails, as you can learn about the natural habitat around you before setting off. The Tombstone Mountain Campground Trail already offers excellent views of the Tombstone Mountains, and they only get better. This Interpretive Centre has restrooms, while the campground has a water fountain and more restrooms.

A few years ago, the trailhead was located approximately two kilometers east and some maps may still show the location as the trailhead. The current trailhead provides an information board and a picnic bench – along with already stunning views. From here, follow a dirt road that turns into a trail.