Skagway to White Pass

The cycling route from Skagway to White Pass follows the paved Klondike Highway. While the komoot tour is an uphill climb, many popular cycling excursions in the area involve a predominantly downhill ride from the White Pass Summit back to Skagway. This downhill section features a descent of over 1,000 meters, with some sections requiring pedaling and a very short uphill segment. You'll be sharing the road with vehicle traffic.

You'll experience breathtaking and diverse scenery, including snow-capped mountains, the majestic Sawtooth range, cascading waterfalls, and glaciers. Key landmarks and viewpoints include the historic White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, Dead Horse Gulch, and the Captain William Moore Bridge. You'll also pass by Pitchfork Falls Overlook and the White Pass itself. The journey takes you through three distinct climate zones: alpine, sub-alpine, and the temperate coast.

The komoot tour from Skagway to White Pass is rated as 'difficult' due to its significant uphill climb. However, many popular cycling tours in the area offer a downhill experience from the summit, which is generally rated 'moderate'. For the downhill ride, participants should be confident operating a bicycle with hand brakes and comfortable coasting at speeds of 15-25 mph (23-40 kph) on a public highway. While it's a low-impact activity, the need to manage speed and traffic makes it less ideal for very young children or absolute beginners without prior road cycling experience. Some tours offer support vans for those needing a break.

The best time of year to cycle the Skagway to White Pass route is typically during the summer months, from late May to early September, when the weather is most favorable and the road is clear of snow. This period offers the most comfortable temperatures and the best visibility for enjoying the panoramic views.

Yes, if you plan to cycle the full route to the White Pass Summit and potentially cross the international border into Canada, a valid passport is required. The route often involves crossing the U.S.-Canada border, and you'll pass by US Customs and Border Protection.

While the Skagway to White Pass route is part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, there are generally no specific permits or entrance fees required for cycling on the Klondike Highway itself. However, if you opt for a guided tour or a combination tour that includes the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, those services will have their own associated costs.

As this route primarily follows a paved public highway (Klondike Highway) and involves sharing the road with vehicle traffic, it is generally not recommended for cycling with dogs, even on a leash. The speeds and traffic conditions can be unsafe for pets. It's best to leave your furry friends at home for this particular cycling adventure.

For the komoot tour starting in Skagway and heading uphill to White Pass, you can find parking within Skagway itself. If you're planning a popular downhill ride from the summit, you would typically arrange transportation (like a shuttle or the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad) to the White Pass Summit, and then cycle back down to Skagway.

Yes, the route largely follows the Alaska (87) trail for its entire length. A very small portion also intersects with the Rio Faux Lobo trail.

Given the variable weather and elevation changes, it's wise to pack layers of clothing, including a waterproof and windproof jacket. Don't forget essentials like a helmet, gloves, sunglasses, water, snacks, and sun protection. If you're crossing the border, a valid passport is crucial. A basic bike repair kit and a first-aid kit are also recommended.

Yes, many cycling excursions are offered as part of combination tours. A popular option involves taking the historic White Pass and Yukon Route narrow-gauge railroad up to the summit and then cycling back down to Skagway. This provides both a historic train ride and an active adventure, allowing you to experience the route's history and scenery from different perspectives.