The best walks and hikes in the Ruby Range

The Alsek Valley is one of those rare places where the landscape feels untouched and endless. Framed by the towering peaks of the St. Elias Range, the valley stretches toward the horizon with braided rivers, glacier-fed lakes, and wide tundra plains that glow with color in summer. Hiking here means stepping into true wilderness, where silence fills the air and every turn reveals another sweeping view. It’s a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and feel the vastness of the Yukon all around you. The trail that winds through the valley extends for about 25 km one way, so you can hike as far as you like, just make sure to plan according to daylight and conditions. If you plan to camp overnight, a backcountry permit from Kluane National Park is required.

The Dezadeash River winds through the Alsek Valley, surrounded by wide-open views of the St. Elias Mountains. Its slow-moving waters reflect the rugged peaks and shifting skies, creating a stunning backdrop for a hike. The trails along the valley offer easy access to the riverbanks, where you might spot moose, trumpeter swans, or even the distant shimmer of Kluane’s glaciers.

Bock’s Creek flows through a valley just east of Kluane Lake. It begins as a small mountain stream and widens near the bay, forming a small reservoir. The creek winds through alpine meadows that burst with color in late summer, offering a peaceful contrast to the rugged peaks of the St. Elias Range. It’s a serene spot to pause, enjoy the stillness, and take in the vast, wild beauty that defines this corner of the Yukon.

The Bock’s Creek Trail follows its namesake creek into the foothills of Kluane National Park, passing through forest and meadow before climbing to higher ground with sweeping views of Kluane Lake and Destruction Bay. You can continue up to a small alpine lake or head south toward Nines Peak. If you choose the lake, note that there is no established trail—you’ll follow the creek the entire way, mostly on its right side. The route is rocky and rugged, but the reward is a pristine alpine lake with solitude guaranteed. Flat spots for camping are limited near the lake. This is a lesser-known trail, ideal if you’re seeking quiet and stunning mountain scenery.

Kluane National Park showcases the raw beauty of the Yukon wilderness. The area near Bock’s Creek Trail lies close to the park’s boundary, surrounded by towering peaks, sweeping valleys, and crystal-clear lakes that mirror the dramatic St. Elias Mountains. From Bock’s Creek Trail, you can experience the park’s quieter side—walking through open meadows and tundra with stunning views of Kluane Lake and the surrounding ridges.

Alsek Valley Road leads up to the Thunderegg Creek floodplain, which can swell after heavy rain and snowmelt, becoming impassable. The road is a gravel route branching south from the Alaska Highway and is often used for hiking. There are a few information signs along the road about the local ecology and landscapes.

The Thunderegg Creek Trail follows an old exploration route, with views of the Alsek Valley mountains and prominent peaks like Mount Archibald Road. The trail first passes through a floodplain with forests of balsam poplar and aspen trees. It then reaches silt-cut banks and cliffs, home to spherical rock goeds known as thundereggs. Please do not bring any thundereggs home.

To reach the summit of Mount Archibald, first, hikers must walk the Thunderegg Creek Trail to the Mount Archibald Scramble. This is a class 3-4 scramble, so unless you're equipped and knowledgeable for basic mountaineering, head back down Thunderegg Creek Trail.