Camping Permits Now Open for U.S. Side of Chilkoot Trail

SKAGWAY, Alaska - Starting April 15, visitors can reserve backcountry camping permits for the U.S. side of the Chilkoot National Historic Trail for the 2026 summer season.

Visitors can visit Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777.

The 33-mile Chilkoot National Historic Trail follows a historic Tlingit and First Nations trade route and the path used by Klondike Gold Rush stampeders traveling from the Lynn Canal over Chilkoot Pass to the Yukon River headwaters. The trail was designated a national historic trail in 2022.

The international border at Chilkoot Pass remains closed to through travel. The trail, however, is open for out-and-back hiking on both the U.S. and Canadian sides.

On the U.S. side of the trail, backcountry camping permits are required from June 1 through Sept. 12. Hikers must select campsites and dates in advance, secure a permit (one per group) through Recreation.gov or by phone, and print a copy before arriving.

All hikers must check in at the Trail Center in Skagway to validate their permit. Validation requires all group members to attend an in-person safety orientation. The Trail Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Information about permits for the Canadian side of the trail is available through Parks Canada at parkscanada.ca/Chilkoot.

For trip planning tips and trail history, visit the Chilkoot Trail webpages on NPS.gov.

nps.gov

About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America's most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov .