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Trail Information:During the hiking season (June through mid-September), contact the Trail Center in Skagway at 907-983-9234 for the latest trail information. During the off season (mid-September through the end of May), be aware that recent trail conditions may not be known. Contact the park for general guidance about planning an off-season hike. Hiking SeasonsExtensive snow travel and route-finding are required. There are no route markers and low-visibility conditions are common. While travel conditions may be very difficult, the days are wonderfully long. Winter travel equipment and winter travel experience is strongly recommended. Snow camping is likely. There will be few other hikers on the trail. Avalanche HazardAvalanche hazards occur between Camp Pleasant and the Chilkoot Pass. Travel early, at first light, to avoid afternoon post-holing and increased hazard for avalanche due to solar heating of the snowpack. BearsBrown and black bears are encountered frequently along the trail and can be active March through November. Expect significant amounts of snow at higher elevations. Park staff typically establish snow markers during this period, but they may be hard to see. Low visibility conditions are common. As the season progresses, the snowfields become "punchy" and develop snow/ice bridges over streams and between rocks which can collapse without warning. Travel conditions are highly variable and depend on weather and time of day. Avalanche HazardAvalanche hazard persists until mid-July. Avalanche hazards occur between Camp Pleasant and the Chilkoot Pass. Travel early, at first light, to avoid afternoon post-holing and increased hazard for avalanche due to solar heating of the snowpack. BearsBrown and black bears are encountered frequently along the trail and can be active March through November.
The trail is generally snow free, though a few snow patches may persist. Travel conditions are highly variable and depend on weather; creek crossings may be high during periods of severe rain or rapid snowmelt. Thunderstorms or even snowstorms are possible. A ranger may be present at Sheep Camp to help advise on recent conditions.
Peak visitor use occurs during this period. Campgrounds can be crowded. BearsBrown and black bears are encountered frequently along the trail and can be active March through November.
The trail is generally snow free, though a few snow patches may persist. Fall weather is wetter; fog tends to be more common at elevation; daylight hours are shorter and nights are colder (often below freezing). Foliage changes color with the season.
There are generally fewer hikers on the trail at this time of year. BearsBrown and black bears are encountered frequently along the trail and can be active March through November. There are no fees or backcountry permits required for off-season use, but there is no regular patrol presence on the trail and the trail is not marked. Up-to-date information on trail conditions is no longer reliably available. BearsBrown and black bears are encountered frequently along the trail and can be active March through November. Expect significant amounts of snow at higher elevations. There are no route markers and low visibility conditions are common. Winter travel equipment and winter travel experience is necessary. Snow camping is likely. There will be few other hikers on the trail; be prepared and extremely self-sufficient. Avalanche HazardAvalanche hazards occur between Pleasant Camp and the Chilkoot Pass and increase as snow levels build and the snowpack becomes more variable. Know how to identify hazardous conditions and pay attention to weather in the weeks leading up to your trip. Travel with at least one other person, identify safety zones and space out properly, and carry and know how to deploy avalanche beacons and other safety gear. BearsBrown and black bears are encountered frequently along the trail and can be active March through November. EmergenciesPark rangers typically patrol the trail during the peak season: late spring - summer. There is no cell phone coverage along the trail. In the U.S., satellite-enabled phone users may seek 24-hour emergency assistance through Denali Dispatch at 1-907-683-2276. Bad weather conditions may delay medical or rescue assistance for several days. The expense for a helicopter medical evacuations from the trail can run into thousands of dollars. Trail hikers are advised to consult their medical insurance policies before starting their hike. Only those experienced in winter backcountry travel, prepared with essential avalanche safety and winter camping gear, and travelling with partners should attempt the Chilkoot Trail in early Spring. WeatherWeather conditions can be severe and unpredictable. Conditions above tree line change quickly and can be especially severe. High winds, driving snow, and poor visibility may prevent travel through this alpine terrain. Whiteout conditions are common and can prevent detection of hazardous avalanche terrain, cliffs, open water and overflow. Temperatures vary from 30F (-1C) to -50F (-46C). It snows up to 200 inches (508 cm) per year at the Pass. Be prepared for rain, sleet, snow, ice and winds in excess of 50 mph (80 kmph). Come dressed and prepared for cold weather environmental conditions. Avalanche HazardAvalanche conditions currently exist north of Pleasant Camp. Avalanches can also develop elsewhere in the park given the right set of conditions ie. slope, terrain, weather, and snow pack composition. When travelling through avalanche terrain, you need to be capable of identifying and assessing avalanche hazards. You need to be knowledgeable about route finding, avalanche safety and rescue in mountainous terrain. In springtime, travel early, at first light, to avoid afternoon post-holing and increased hazard for avalanche due to solar heating of the snow pack. Choose your route and campsite locations carefully to avoid unstable slopes and hazardous avalanche terrain areas. 
Start planning your trip on the Chilkoot Trail. Learn how to get a permit, read trail tips, and check out trail photographs.
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Last updated: September 21, 2026