Carcross Desert

The Carcross Desert is a sandy expanse in the southern Yukon mountains that stands out dramatically from the surrounding landscape. The sandy terrain features gentle rolling dunes and flat areas nestled between forests and ridges.

The sandy formations developed thousands of years ago when massive glacial lakes dried up following the last ice age. Fine sediments left behind were shaped by wind and water into the dunes visible today.

The sandy expanse holds deep meaning for the Tlingit community of Carcross, as part of their ancestral lands. Today, residents and visitors gather here for recreation and to experience the open landscape.

The site is accessible on foot, and visitors should prepare for changing weather and strong sun exposure. The best time to visit is from late spring through early autumn, when conditions are most comfortable.

The site hosts unexpected plant life in this northern region, including rare sedge species that thrive in sandy conditions. These plants survive at just a handful of locations across North America.

Location: Yukon

GPS coordinates: 60.18720,-134.69500

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:01