The Goldensides Hike in Tombstone Territorial Park is one of the best hikes in the park for those who are not venturing into the backcountry. It’s close to the Tombstone Interpretive Centre and campground and is a quick in-and-out with wide open vistas of some of the park’s best scenery.
Tombstone Territorial Park is located entirely within the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin traditional territory. It is called Ddhäl Ch’èl Cha Nän in the local language, which means “ragged mountain land.”
This territory is of great cultural significance to the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in and Gwich’in people. There is evidence of their people, including ancient campfire hearths and stone tools, showing that this impressive and often inhospitable land has sustained them for thousands of years.
Learn more about Ddhäl Ch’èl Cha Nän from the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin website.
What we like about the Goldensides Hike
The trail leads up to a ridge along the side of Goldensides Mountain, offering spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Though we did it in June, the mountain (and park) is known for its patchwork of golden foliage in the fall when it all turns shades of yellow, gold, and red. You can check out those spectacular colours in this post from Yukon Hiking.
Regardless of when you visit Tombstone Territorial Park, this hike offers exceptional views throughout the entire hike. You’ll see down the Klondike Valley, and see views of Tombstone Mountain and Mount Monolith. Once at the top, you’ll also enjoy views of Mount Chester Henderson, Mount Robert Henderson, and two expansive valleys.
It’s a great hike for kids, as they’ll get a whole mountain hike experience without the extended time and distance most mountain hikes require. It’s also close to the Tombstone Interpretive Centre, so washrooms and water-fill stations are nearby. The centre also has some great activities for children, including crafts and colouring, a wildlife puppet theatre and interesting exhibits of the natural and cultural history of the area.
Goldensides Mountain Hike Information
Distance: 6km round trip from the lower parking lot
Elevation gain: 310 metres
Difficulty: Easy to moderate. The elevation gain is gradual.
Time: 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and time spent at the top.
Getting there and the Goldensides Hike trailhead.
The Goldensides Hike is located in Tombstone Territorial Park, in the Yukon Territory, northeast of Dawson City. To get there, head north on the Dempster Highway from Highway 2 (Klondike Highway).
The Goldensides trailhead is at KM 74.5 on the Dempster Highway, just up from the Tombstone Interpretive Centre. There is a little parking lot off the road, and the hike starts by walking up a short service road before hitting the trail.
The trailhead used to be at the top of that service road, but at the time of writing (June 2025), that road was gated, and the trailhead parking lot was down closer to the road. Though the Tombstone Park map states that the hike is 2.5 km to the viewpoint, the hike up the road adds at least a kilometre each way.
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Where to stay near Tombstone Territorial Park
Tombstone Mountain Campground
To fully immerse yourself in the wonder of this otherworldly park, stay at the Tombstone Mountain Campground! This rustic campground offers treed sites, pit toilets, firewood and a warming shelter. It’s also a short walk from the Tombstone Interpretive Centre and a good access point for many day hikes in the park.
There are both reservable and first-come, first-served sites. However, the FCFS campsites fill up quickly, so arrive early if you don’t have a reservation. Or, you can reserve your campsite here.
Dawson City
Daytrippers to Tombstone Territorial Park often stay in nearby Dawson City. It takes about 1.5 hours to drive from Dawson City to the Tombstone Interpretive Centre. Dawson City is part of the Klondike National Historic Site and is a unique and fun place to visit.
Find accommodation in Dawson City.
Guided hikes on Goldensides
Tombstone Territorial Park offers daily interpretive programming, including guided hikes and heritage walks. In 2025, you can join a guided hike up Goldensides Mountain on Mondays and Thursdays, starting at 6:30 PM. The program runs approximately 3 to 4 hours.
View the Tombstone Territorial Park events and program schedule.
What to know before you go
Be prepared for the Dempster Highway
The Dempster Highway travels through the park and tundra to Tuktoyaktuk, NWT, on the Arctic Ocean. It is unpaved, and cell phone service is not available, even in Tombstone. The road from the Klondike Highway junction and Tombstone Territorial Park is well-maintained but can still be rough and dusty.
- Make sure you have a spare tire.
- Keep your headlights on. The road can get dusty with limited visibility.
- Drive carefully and be courteous to other drivers.
- Give cyclists lots of space.
- Fuel up at the gas station on Klondike Corner (Highway 2 and the Dempster Highway)
There are no services.
There are no services on the Dempster Highway or in Tombstone Territorial Park. Come with a full gas tank, because the next gas station is about 370 KM up the road!
The Tombstone Interpretive Centre has flush toilets, a water fill station, a cozy sitting area, interpretive exhibits, art displays and friendly staff to help you plan your adventures in the park. However, there is nowhere to purchase food or supplies in the park, so ensure you bring everything you’ll need for your visit.
Be prepared for all weather.
Like any mountain park, the weather can change quickly and drastically. A bluebird morning can quickly turn into a windy, wet thunderstorm or even a snowstorm! Be prepared with warm clothing and rain gear. You should also pack water and carry bear spray.
Goldensides Hike Trail Photos
Heading up the service road towards Goldensides Mountain.
Boardwalk through the shrubs, walking towards Goldensides Mountain.
Hiking up the slope of Goldenside Mountain, towards the ridge and the viewpoint.
Views start to open up down the valley as you approach the ridge with the Dempster Highway in the distance.
You’re greeted by a pinnacle rock formation as you climb up to the ridge.
Enjoy sweeping mountain views from the first viewpoint.
From the final viewpoint, there are more incredible vistas of the valley and the side of Goldenside Mountain.
Heading back opens up brand new views!
Views down the North Klondike River valley and Tombstone Mountain open up.
The final walk down the service road to the parking lot.
Interpretive Programming at Tombstone Territorial Park
If you’re camping or visiting Tombstone Territorial Park, we highly recommend participating in one (or several) of their Interpretive Programs. Guided by Park staff, these programs will give you a deeper insight into the natural and cultural history of the park. Pop into the Tombstone Interpretive Centre for more information.
Here is the summer 2025 program schedule:
Sunday
- 2:00 pm: Guided hike at Beaver Pond – 2 hours
- 2:00 pm: Nature walk – 1 hour
Monday
- 3:00 pm: Bannock and tea at the Interpretive Centre
- 6:30 pm: Guided hike at Goldensides – 3-4 hours
Tuesday
- 2:00 pm: Guided hike at North Klondike Trail – 2 hours
Wednesday
- 2:00 pm: Nature walk – 1 hour
- 7:30 pm: Campfire program at Tombstone Mountain Campground
Thursday
- 2:00 pm: Guided hike at the Hart River Winter Road – 2 hours
- 6:30 pm: Guided hike at Goldensides – 3-4 hours
Friday
- 10:00 am: Guided hike, Alpine Adventure! 4-5 hours
- 7:30 pm: Campfire program at Tombstone Mountain Campground
Saturday
- 2:00 pm: Nature walk – 1 hour
- 2:00 pm: Interpretive program at the Interpretive Centre
