Guide to Planning Your Hike

Note for 2023 season: The Chilkoot Trail is open for day use only on the U.S. side for the first 1.5 miles of the trail in Historic Dyea. Visitors can enjoy limited day hiking on the first 1.5 miles of the Chilkoot Trail, recently designated a National Historical Trail in December of 2022, through the area known as Saintly Hill.

The Chilkoot Trailhead Parking area in Dyea allows for parking and access to the trailhead for day use hiking this summer. The National Park Service continues repairs on the trail along the lower Taiya watershed as park staff rebuild bridges and infrastructure after the severe flooding last fall on the U.S. side of the trail. The Chilkoot Trail is closed 100 feet on either side of the Steel One Bridge at mile 1.53 of the Chilkoot Trail where it is impassable.

In addition, the Chilkoot Trail is closed a distance 100 feet south of the Dry Fork Bridge at mile 2.36 on the Chilkoot Trail for the purpose of public safety due to hazardous conditions from ongoing construction and repairs. The upper portion of the Chilkoot Trail on the U.S. side is closed north of the Dry Fork Bridge at mile 2.36 for the purpose of public safety due to the lack of accessibility to the Trail and the limited availability of emergency response. Overnight camping on the U.S. side of the Chilkoot Trail will not be permitted for the 2023 hiking season.

The Canadian side of the trail is open to permitted hiking and camping through Canada only via the Parks Canada Reservation Line (1-800-661.0486 Canada and U.S./ 1-867-667-3910 overseas

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Duration:: 5 minutes, 50 seconds

This short video brings to light the common risks and challenges that hikers may encounter on the trail. If you are interested in hiking the Chilkoot Trail check out this video to see if you are up to the challenge. Happy Trails.

Step-by-step planning guide

First, reserve your permit

Permits are needed:

for overnight hiking June 1 - September 13, even if you are not crossing the border
for any day trip with travel in Canada, this includes trail runners doing the entire trail in one day

Reservations for summer 2022 begin April 25, 2022. Learn how to get a permit.

Once you have your permit, work on the details

decide how to get to the trail, located 10 miles from Skagway. As of spring 2021 shuttle service to the trailhead can be purchased from Tru Moore Services 907-612-8024. If you are leaving a vehicle in Dyea, you must park in the National Park Service campground overnight parking area. Vehicles cannot be parked overnight at the trailhead
if you're planning to take your dog, review our tips for hiking with dogs
learn how to stay safe on the trail with lots of rain, a steep pass, and remote conditions
preview your hike by browsing our Chilkoot Trail photo galleries or exploring trail campgrounds

Before you start hiking

review how to Leave No Trace on the Chilkoot Trail
pack all of your hiking and camping gear
become bear aware, learn about bear safety on the trail
review the park's Laws & Policies. Remember, it is illegal to possess or use marijuana and other controlled substances inside a National Park Service unit
check the latest Chilkoot Trail conditions report, including current weather at some locations
pick up your permit and check in at the Trail Center in Skagway, located on Broadway between 5th and 6th Avenues. During permit season trail orientations, conducted at the Trail Center, are mandatory. Please allow approximately 30 minutes for an orientation. Everyone hiking must attend, not just the permit holder. Day runners need to pick up their permit a day in advance or before noon the day they want to start.

More hike planning resources

Chilkoot Trail Campgrounds

Choose your camp spots from 9 campgrounds along the trail.
Trail Conditions Report

Get the latest weather information, check webcams at the pass, or read about weekly summer trail conditions.
How to get your Chilkoot permit

Find out what you need to know and how to make a reservation for your Chilkoot Trail hike.
Chilkoot Trail Gear List

Things you'll want for hiking, camping, and making the most of your Chilkoot Trail hike.
Chilkoot Trail photos

Explore the Chilkoot Trail through pictures taken by hikers
Hiking with your dog

Plan your hike for your furry best friend with this dog hiking guide.
The Chilkoot Trail Center

The information center for the Chilkoot Trail. Stop by to get your trail permit, see a bear awareness video, and get your trail orientation.
Bear safety at Klondike

Staying safe in bear country
Chilkoot Trail Artist in Residence

Each year artists-in-residence spend 2 weeks hiking the trail. Learn more about past and present artists and how to apply.