DIY Yukon Jeep Tour from Skagway: White Pass, Carcross & Emerald Lake
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–10 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; mostly driving with short walks and easy stops.
Overview
Pick up a narrated iPad, start the Jeep, and let the White Pass climb do the storytelling. This self-drive Yukon tour from Skagway threads gold-rush history, glacial valleys, Carcross culture, and the green mirror of Emerald Lake into a single unforgettable day.
DIY Yukon Jeep Tour from Skagway: White Pass, Carcross & Emerald Lake
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You pull away from Skagway’s wooden storefronts, the diesel of your rented Jeep a steady undercurrent, and the highway unfurls into a cathedral of granite and glacier-polished valleys. Wind tugs at the vehicle as the road climbs into White Pass; water burbles in roadside culverts and distant waterfalls seem to dare you to stop. This is a drive that feels like an expedition but runs on your timetable — a self-guided, narrated route that hands you the map and the keys.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring your passport and insurance
Border crossing requires a current passport and proof of insurance for the vehicle; purchase the vendor policy on-site if needed.
Start early to avoid crowds
Depart before mid-morning to secure scenic pullouts and beat cruise-ship traffic when returning to Skagway.
Dress in layers and waterproofs
Weather shifts quickly over the pass — breathable base layers, a windproof shell, and waterproof pants keep you comfortable.
Respect wildlife and stay in pullouts
Keep distance from moose and bears, avoid feeding animals, and use designated parking areas for photos and breaks.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Moose
- Bald eagle
History
The White Pass corridor gained fame during the Klondike Gold Rush as a brutal but direct route to the Yukon interior; remnants of that era still appear along the road and in Carcross.
Conservation
This corridor crosses sensitive alpine and riparian zones — stick to established pullouts, pack out trash, and avoid disturbing shorelines and tundra vegetation.
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Adventure Hotspots in Skagway
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Passport and vehicle insurance documents
Required for crossing the border and re-entry to the United States.
Binoculars
Helps spot wildlife and read distant signage and viewpoints along the highway.
Waterproof shell and layers
Protects against wind-driven rain and sudden temperature drops over White Pass.
spring specific
Camera with polarizing filter
Enhances lake colors and reduces glare for clearer landscape shots.
summer specific