Miller Ridge
Distance: 5 km
Elevation Gain: 280 m (919 ft)
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Region: Carmacks
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Date Added: March 4, 2018
Last Update: March 4, 2018
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Miller Ridge is a great hike near Carmacks that passes through several different forest types with stunning views of the unique rounded and rolling hills, plateaus and broad valleys of the Yukon Plateau region. The rocky ridge of Miller Ridge itself is also impressive.
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Driving Directions
From the North Klondike Highway in Carmacks, take a left on either Nansen Road or Freegold Road. Once you reach River Drive, take a left and follow this road along the Yukon River. Continue until you cross a bridge over the Nordenskiold River and take the next left onto the Mount Nansen Road. Follow the Mount Nansen Road for 4 km until you reach a small parking area on the right with a sign saying 'Miller Ridge and Mineral Trail'. Note the Mount Nansen Road is a relatively well-maintained gravel road.
Trail Description
Follow the narrow trail that leads off to the left from the trail sign. It parallels the road for a short while. The route then heads generally northwest for 800 m before veering west to follow beneath the main ridge for another 1.4 km. The trail, while somewhat overgrown in places, is still easy to follow, and there is occasionally flagging along the route as well. While on the trail below the ridge, there are several sections that have been covered in rock debris due to landslides off the ridge. You will have to find your way around or across these little landslides that cover the trail. Note this could be a dangerous hike during a heavy rain, with potential for rockfall.
The elevation gain during the hike is quite gradual until the last part that heads up to the final viewpoint. This is where the trail becomes less defined and more of a steep grassy slope that you can switchback up to a little bluff overlooking the valley. From the viewpoint there are some neat rocky outcrops and amazing views of the area, showcasing the unique rounded and rolling hills and wide expansive valleys. You can see some of the agates and geodes in the rocky outcrops as well. Enjoy the views and return via the same trail back to the parking area.
Note the actual top of Miller Ridge is 100 m higher than the viewpoint and tricky to access. If you are looking for more of a challenge, it's possible to access the ridge from various parts along the trail. Be warned though it is extremely steep and of course there are rockfall hazards from the loose rocky outcrops above.
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