Auriol Trail Hike in Kluane National Park

Watch for moose as you hike past the pond and through the meadows
Watch for moose as you hike past the pond and through the meadows

Hiking the Auriol Trail in Yukon’s Kluane National Park is a must if you’re in the area. There aren’t many accessible hikes in the park that offer what this one does – superb sub-alpine and alpine scenery within 8 kilometres of the start of the trail.

Better yet, the Auriol Trail hike is an easy one. With the trailhead located only 10 minutes south of Haines Junction, it’s a hike you can knock off in as little as three hours or you could take the whole day and have fun exploring the high alpine.

This post includes some affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, I will receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. Thank you very much for your support.

Walking the Auriol Trail up to the campsite located alongside a stream bed
Walking the Auriol Trail up to the campsite located alongside a stream bed

Auriol Trail hike summary

Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles) round trip

Elevation gain: 315 m or 1,033 feet

Level of difficulty: Easy

Time needed: 4.5 – 5.5 hours

Dogs: Permitted on a leash. Pick up after them and dispose of waste properly.

Best time to hike: This is a 4-season trail. In winter you can ski, walk, or snowshoe it. 

Options: You can add an additional 5 km (3.1 miles) and 430 m (1,411 feet) of elevation gain if you head into the high alpine.

Don’t forget: This is grizzly bear country so be sure to carry an easy to access can of bear spray. I’d recommend carrying it in a bear spray holster so you don’t set it off accidentally.

Permits: You will need a Parks Canada pass to visit Kluane National Park.

Camping: There is one backcountry campsite along the Auriol Trail hike. Overnight backcountry permits and safety registration is required for all overnight activities in Kluane National Park and Reserve between April 1 and November 15.

Bears: Bear resistant food cannisters are mandatory on all overnight trips in Kluane National Park between April 1 and November 15th. You should also have easy to access bear spray with you.

Don’t forget: Let someone know where you are going and carry the 10 hiking essentials.

The start of the Auriol Trail
The start of the Auriol Trail

Getting to the Auriol Trail trailhead

From Haines Junction, drive south on the Haines Road for 5 km towards Haines, Alaska. Look for the sign showing that the Auriol Trail turnoff is 2 km away. Turn right into the pullout where you’ll find a map of the Auriol Trail. 

Auriol Trail hike description

The Auriol Trail begins in open grass fields that are ablaze with colour by the end of August. For the first 2 km the trail follows an old wagon road that was first used as a cross-country ski trail.

It climbs gradually through a forest of white spruce, aspen and poplar to reach a junction and the start of the loop section of trail. It is here that the scenery takes a dramatic turn for the better.

Stay left on the loop for an easier ascent. This part of the trail crosses a number of streams, passes through meadows where moose may be spotted and continues up past Arctic flora until it reaches a wilderness campsite on the banks of a river at the 7.3 km mark. The views of the Auriol Range are superb.

The 3.2 km mark on the trail
The 3.2 km mark on the Auriol Trail
Watch for moose as you hike past the pond and through the meadows
Watch for moose as you hike past the pond and through the meadows
John looking for birds
John looking for birds on the Auriol Trail
Superb mountain views are enjoyed from our lunch spot
Superb mountain views are enjoyed from our lunch spot
There are loads of peaks to bag and lots of territory in the alpine to explore
There are loads of peaks to bag and lots of territory in the alpine to explore
I'm smiling because at the halfway point we haven't even seen bear scat
I’m smiling because at the halfway point we haven’t even seen bear scat

Backcountry camping along the Auriol Trail

At the campsite, located just past the 7.3 km post, you’ll find tent pads, a pit toilet and a bear proof pole for hanging your food. There’s plenty of water at Auriol Creek which goes right by the campground. Be sure you’ve brought a water filter or water purification tablets.

Hikers with the time and interest can explore the high alpine off trail via a spur trail from the 8.2 km marker.

Serious mountaineers and scramblers have the option of climbing many peaks, both named and unnamed..

There are four backcountry sites and a pit toilet
There are four backcountry sites and a pit toilet
"John demonstrating how to hang a bag so the bears can't get it on the Auriol Trail
John demonstrating how to hang a bag so animals (bears) can’t get at it

The descent is steeper than the ascent but it’s certainly not difficult. Don’t forget to look back from time to time. There are still excellent views of the mountains.

And take the short spur trail about halfway down so you can get an overview of the mountains and of Haines Junction.

Big valley views near the high point on the trail
Big valley views near the high point on the trail
It pays to look back on the descent
It pays to look back on the descent
Looking down at Haines Junction
Looking down at Haines Junction

Where is Kluane National Park?

Kluane National Park is located 160 km west of Whitehorse and 238 km north of Haines, Alaska.

Peak times to visit the park are from mid-June until mid-September. Kluane National Park and its next door neighbour, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Alaska, were together declared a UNESCO site in 1979.

They play host to the world’s largest non-polar icefields. Between the two parks, you’ll also find the largest concentration of Dall sheep in the world. Grizzly and black bears as well as moose are some of the other large mammals you might see.

Where to stay nearby

For a great place to stay while you’re visiting the park – that’s off the grid, I recommend Kluane Cabins, located just past Kathleen Lake though it’s only open on a seasonal basis.

Dalton Trail Lodge on the border of Kluane National Park is rated exceptional.  A breakfast and dinner buffet is included – and they offer eco-adventure packages.

In Haines Junction check out the Parkside Inn – with a kitchenette.

The Alcan Motor Inn is rated very good and it does have a laundromat.

The Cabin - near Kathleen Lake
The Cabin – near Kathleen Lake
Flowers are everywhere
Flowers are everywhere

Location map of the Auriol Trail

                                       

For more information visit the Kluane National Park website.

Further reading on things to do in the Yukon

Click on the photo to bookmark to your Pinterest board.

Auriol Trail hike in Kluane National Park, Yukon

My Cart Close (×)

Your cart is empty
Browse Shop