Bullion Plateau

Distance: 22 km
Elevation Gain: 915 m (3002 ft)
Time: 8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

Date Added: June 22, 2011
Last Update: June 22, 2011

This trail follows an old road up into the alpine, ending above the Sheep Creek valley. The road is long but the ascent is gradual and aside from its length is an easy hike. The views along the trail stretch down the Slims River valley all the way to the toe of the Kaskawulsh glacier. At the end of the trail, Red Castle Ridge and the Sheep Creek valley are an added reward.

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Driving Directions

From Haines Junction, continue on the Alaska Highway for about 70 km until you cross a bridge and see the Kluane National Park visitor's center. Immediately after the visitor's center, make a left onto Sheep Creek road. Follow this gravel road for about 2.5 km until you reach the parking spot.

Trail Description

Walk through the gate at the parking area and head straight (do not take the right turn which has an information plaque for Sheep Creek trail). You will be following an old road for most of the trail. The road is wide and easy to follow.

After about 1.5 kms you will reach an open area and about 400 metres later will come to Sheep Creek. To cross Sheep Creek, it is best to find a wide, shallow spot and take off your shoes and socks (you can bring light sandals with you to avoid slipping on the rocks and hurting your feet).

After Sheep Creek, continue along the road for about 1 km until you reach a wooden signpost with 'Plateau' on it. On your right there is an information plaque for Bullion Plateau. Follow the road to the right as it winds up into the trees.

You won't be in the trees for long and the views will start to open up, especially at the 6.4km signpost. From here, you can see all the way down the Slims River valley and can also see the toe of the Kaskawulsh glacier. This amazing scenery will be your view for most of the way down the trail.

Continue up the road which will be sided by willow thickets. Make lots of noise here, as you will notice you are following many bear footprints. At 8kms there is a small stream where you can get water (make sure to treat it). You will reach the 9.3km signpost at the top of the road.

Here you have 2 options: you can stay right and continue along the road and wrap around towards Sheep Creek, or you can leave the road and head straight up the open grassy hill in front of you. If you have time, you can even make a circle route out of these two options. If you decide to continue following the road, it gets a little overgrown but is still easy to follow. If you decide to walk straight up, you can make your own way or stay slightly to the left and follow a path that has been cut deep by running water.

Either way, you will soon get a view of Red Castle Ridge (the unmistakable sharp, red ridge on your left) and a view over the expanse of the Sheep Creek valley and the surrounding mountains.

From here (roughly the 12km mark), you can make a circle route back to the 9.3km signpost or follow the same route back down. On your way down the trail you will have a great view down the Slims River valley and delta area.

Have these directions changed? We invite you to let us know.

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