Overview
Tombstone Territorial Park is Yukon's most accessible Territorial Park, located at KM71.5 on the Dempster Highway (Interpretive centre). It has multiple drive-in campsites for RV campers and a single backcountry trail: the Grizzly, Divide, Talus Lake Trail. This is the trail that I hiked and it was beautiful during the last week of August.
The trail is approximately 48km long with a campsite at each lake. Each campsite must be reserved in advance (reservations open online in late January for the season). For those who missed out on a campsite and are thinking of trekking the trail in a day-hike, it's a very difficult trail with multiple ridges and steep scree's. I met an experienced hiker who decided to day hike the trail, but he started at the parking lot at 2am in order to complete the trail in one day.
It took me 4 days and 3 nights to complete the entire round-trip. My original plan was for 4 nights, however, due to food constraints, I decided to eat more and come home a day early. It turned out to be a great choice because the rain started to fall on my last day so the trek out was wet but luckily short-lived.
Because of how long the whole trail is, I decided to split my trip into three smaller sections: parking lot to Grizzley (this post), Grizzley to Divide, and Divide to Talus. Hopefully this makes these posts a bit easier to read.
The Forest
The first two kilometers of the trail takes you through a pretty flat forest. Most of this portion follows the Grizzley creek, and so water is readily available. However, once the climb begins, the next water source is a small creek at 6.7km, so fill up your bottles with enough water for the hike and lunch. 1.5km marks the first and only set of stairs, as well as the beginning of a long ascent up the ridge to stunning views of Mount Monolith. The climb is consistent, not too steep, and will take you 750m higher than the parking lot within 4 kilometers. At the first "false peak", you can see the lake as well as the parking lot, and there is a little wall that makes for a good windbreaker for lunch. Keep an eye on your water because the next available water source is still around 2km away.
The Ridge
Grizzley trail is unique because the trail brings you up a ridge, and then gradually back down to the lake at the end. This is purposely done to protect the fragile arctic flora that grows slowly. Therefore, the rockier ridge was selected for the main trail; this also means the path crosses loose screes and sharp rocks.
Earlier, I mentioned a "false peak", that is because there are multiple up's and down's as you follow the ridge. Although the highest point of the trail is 755m above the parking lot trailhead, the total elevation gain amounts to 941m. If you are tracking your progress, 6.3km marks the highest point at 1700m above sea level. From this point, it is a very gradual descent that ends at the lake.
Water can be found at a small creek crossing at 6.7km and at various other smaller crossings until you reach the lake. All the while, Mount Monolith and Grizzley Lake would be clearly visible.
As you near the lake, there will be a couple boulder field crossings. The trail will be marked by cairns or a blue-painted rock on either side of the scree field. It may be difficult to follow initially but after a few crossings, finding the route will feel like second nature.
Lastly, right before you reach the tent pads, there is a sizeable creek that flows from Grizzley Lake you must cross. It is very difficult to cross this creek while keeping your socks dry without waterproof boots/shoes.
The Campsite
Finally, after 11.7km of hiking, you have arrived at the tent pads! Please stay on the GeoGrids laid out by parks staff as it protects the flora from damage. The campsite at Grizzley lake has 16 tent pads (as opposed to the 10 at Divide and Talus), some of which are specifically reserved for hikers hiking out of the park (Booking the Grizzley OUT option on Yukon Parks website). There are also two raised outhouses and two separate cook shelters with tables right beside the lake with four grey-water disposal barrels. Grizzley lake campsite has 4 metal bear caches for you to store all your scented items and food; however, you are still required to bring your own approved bear-proof container.
If you still have energy, there is a short hike to the left of the lake called the Twin Lakes Lookout which crests a short hill. I heard there was a herd of short-horned ram at the Twin Lakes. Unfortunately, I did not make the trip so I do not have pictures to share.
The campsite is beautifully managed and kept in very good condition. The only problem I encountered was the tent pads themselves: the pads are raised with GeoGrid, which keeps your tent off the floor. However, the plastic material made staking down my tent very difficult. Reminder to bring guy lines so you can tie down your tent in case of strong winds.
Oh, I also saw the Northern Lights. It was awesome.
This is beautiful i want to go thanks