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Ogilvie Mountains

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Ogilvie Mountains (Canada)

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The Ogilvie Mountains are a prominent mountain range in central Yukon, located north of Dawson City. They span approximately 240 kilometers and form a significant continental drainage divide between the Yukon River and the Peel River basins. The highest elevation is Mount Frank Rae at 2,362 meters, but the range is most famous for Tombstone Territorial Park, which features dramatic granite spires like Mount Monolith. Geologically, the mountains consist of folded sedimentary strata intruded by Cretaceous igneous rocks, which have been weathered into sharp, jagged peaks. Interestingly, parts of the Ogilvie Mountains remained unglaciated during the last ice age, serving as part of the Beringia refugium for ancient plant and animal species. The climate is subarctic, characterized by extreme winter temperatures and short, cool summers where frost is possible year-round. Today, the range is a vital habitat for the Porcupine caribou herd and a premier destination for wilderness backpacking and landscape photography.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-21-19-17-8181071-8-18-19
Rain mm302223325710012610375493734

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The primary gateway to this rugged northern range is the famous Dempster Highway, which slices directly through the dramatic mountain passes north of Dawson City.
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Best season
Mid-summer to early autumn is widely considered the optimal window, offering the best chance of clear alpine passes and avoiding the severe snow blockages typical of winter.
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Terrain & paths
The environment features sharply defined peaks, steep scree slopes, and deep valleys, requiring excellent physical conditioning as officially marked hiking trails are largely absent.
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What to bring
High-quality cold-weather layering, robust trekking footwear, reliable bear deterrents, and satellite-based GPS devices are absolute necessities for safely traversing this wilderness.
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Parking
Travelers generally leave their vehicles at designated pull-outs, scenic viewpoints, or rudimentary rest areas situated directly along the Dempster Highway before heading into the backcountry.
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Safety
The extreme isolation, potential encounters with massive local wildlife, and rapidly changing northern alpine weather systems mean visitors must remain constantly vigilant and prepared.
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Time needed
While scenic highway drives offer a brief overview in just a few hours, dedicated backcountry exploration and challenging hiking ventures typically demand three to seven days of commitment.

Geography

Coordinates
64.50000, -138.00000

Facts

  • Mount Frank Rae is the highest point in the range at 2,362 meters.
  • Tombstone Territorial Park was established in 1999 to protect the area.
  • Portions of the range remained ice-free during the last glacial maximum.
  • The range is named after William Ogilvie, a prominent Canadian surveyor.
  • The Porcupine caribou herd migrates through the mountains every year.
  • The distinctive granite peaks of Tombstone formed about 90 million years ago.

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How do you reach the Ogilvie Mountains?
The best access is via the Dempster Highway in the Yukon.
What is Tombstone Territorial Park?
A park with jagged peaks, often called the 'Patagonia of the North'.
When can you see the fall colors?
Very early, typically from late August to early September.
Is there permafrost there?
Yes, the mountains are located in a zone of continuous permafrost.
Are the roads paved?
The Dempster Highway is a gravel road; good tires and spares are essential.
Ogilvie Mountains: where is it located?
Ogilvie Mountains is located in Canada.
Ogilvie Mountains: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Ogilvie Mountains: why is it worth visiting?
The Ogilvie Mountains are a prominent mountain range in central Yukon, located north of Dawson City.
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