{"id":61601,"date":"2025-04-22T08:10:55","date_gmt":"2025-04-22T14:10:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=61601"},"modified":"2025-04-28T15:56:41","modified_gmt":"2025-04-28T21:56:41","slug":"the-bullion-plateau-trail-kluane-national-park-reserve-yukon-territory-canada-8-30-23","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=61601","title":{"rendered":"The Bullion Plateau Trail, Kluane National Park & Reserve, Yukon Territory, Canada (8-30-23)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 39 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

9:08 AM, 52\u00baF<\/em> – Cloudy and calm this morning.\u00a0 As Lupe passed several colorful tents during her morning constitutional along Kluane Lake, the small waves rippling into shore were smooth.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Morning at Kluane Lake<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Are we still going to drop by the Thechal Dahl visitor centre<\/strong><\/a><\/span>, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes.\u00a0 I know it’s a long shot, Loopster, but I want to see what the rangers can tell us about crossing Bullion Creek.\u00a0 If they’ve got any suggestions, we still might be able to get to Observation Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,824 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and see the Kaskawulsh Glacier.<\/em><\/p>\n

10:00 AM, Thechal Dahl visitor centre<\/em> – Lupe was at the visitor centre when it opened, but so was everyone else, including an entire bus full of high school students.\u00a0 The park rangers were swamped the moment they unlocked the door.\u00a0 After hanging around for a while, the crowd still hadn’t thinned out.<\/p>\n

We’re getting nowhere fast here, Loopster.\u00a0 Maybe we should just explore the Bullion Plateau trail today?\u00a0 We can still come back to inquire about the Bullion Creek crossing tomorrow.<\/em><\/p>\n

Fine with me, SPHP!\u00a0 I’m not all that eager to drown in Bullion Creek, anyway.<\/em><\/p>\n

11:33 AM, 60\u00baF, Slims West trailhead<\/em> – Sadly off to such a late start that the parking lot was already nearly full when SPHP snuck the RAV4 into one of the last available spots.\u00a0 Lupe was raring to go, barking excitedly as SPHP completed last minute preparations.\u00a0 As soon as everything was ready, the Carolina Dog was off, following the same old road she’d been on yesterday evening.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the Slims West trailhead<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A few hundred feet after passing the Sheep Creek trail on the R, a cairn of white stones appeared on the L, marking the start of the Shepherd’s Knoll trail roughly 0.5 mile from the trailhead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Slims West trail<\/strong> (straight), start of the Shepherd’s Knoll trail<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This is as far as we’ve ever been on the Slims West trail, Looper.\u00a0 Ready for a new adventure?<\/em><\/p>\n

Always, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Since Lupe was heading up the Slims River valley, SPHP was surprised when the trail began a steady, gradual descent.\u00a0 After losing 100 feet of elevation, it flattened out again, eventually bending around to the R (W).\u00a0 Lupe reached a broad, rocky wash at the mouth of a valley bordered by vertical, yellow bluffs.\u00a0 A clear, blue-gray stream flowed through it all.<\/p>\n

This must be Sheep Creek, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sheep Creek flows out of the valley between the bluffs on the R. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At Sheep Creek.<\/strong> Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sheep Creek was both a lovely stream, and a little too big to rock hop.\u00a0 A little too deep to wade through it, too, without getting sopping wet boots and socks.\u00a0 SPHP sat down and removed them, then forded the stream.\u00a0 Apparently, Lupe wasn’t all that eager to get wet paws, either.\u00a0 She laid down near the bluffs, instead of following SPHP across.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Below the bluffs, reluctant to cross Sheep Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Looper!\u00a0 Come on!\u00a0 What’s gotten into you?\u00a0 I said Sheep Creek, not Bullion Creek!\u00a0 Nothing to this one.<\/em><\/p>\n

Took a few minutes, but the American Dingo finally got the message, fording the stream without the least difficulty.<\/p>\n

You were right, SPHP.\u00a0 Nothing to it!<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, of course.\u00a0 You couldn’t see that yourself, Loopster?<\/em><\/p>\n

Can’t be too careful when dangerous streams like Bullion Creek are around, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

After crossing the rest of Sheep Creek’s rocky floodplain, the Slims West trail continued SW through tall bushes, slowly losing elevation again.\u00a0 Lupe caught up to a couple carrying heavy backpacks.\u00a0 They appeared to be equipped for at least a 3 or 4 day journey, yet told SPHP they were only going to spend a single night out before returning to the trailhead.<\/p>\n

Marching along together for a while, SPHP mentioned Bullion Creek, and the young man Lupe met yesterday, who had been battered and bruised while crossing it.\u00a0 This couple was already aware of the Bullion Creek challenge.\u00a0 Rangers had advised them not to attempt a crossing where the Slims West trail reaches it, but to explore farther downstream where there were safer spots.<\/p>\n

Before long, a massive wooden post appeared along the L side of the trail.\u00a0 “Plateau” and an arrow pointing R were carved into a huge knot.\u00a0 Dead ahead, the trail forked, with a sign sitting toward the R.\u00a0 This was where the Bullion Plateau trail branched off.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Junction<\/strong> of the Bullion Plateau trail<\/strong> (R), and Slims West trail<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Signage<\/strong> at the start of the Bullion Plateau trail<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Parting ways with the couple here, SPHP thanked them for the tip on Bullion Creek, and wished them a safe and fun journey.<\/p>\n

Did you hear what they said, Loopster?\u00a0 Maybe we can cross Bullion Creek, if we choose the right spot!<\/em><\/p>\n

You didn’t bring the tiny house, SPHP.\u00a0 We’ll have to go back and get it.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I don’t mean now, Loop.\u00a0 We’ve already committed to the Bullion Plateau trail.\u00a0 Maybe tomorrow we can go see the Kaskawulsh Glacier?<\/em><\/p>\n

12:49 PM<\/em> – The Bullion Plateau trail started out as a flat, old jeep route heading NW through the tall bushes.\u00a0 Early on, a silvery mountain with sort of a flat top was visible ahead.\u00a0 Was that mountaintop the Bullion Plateau?\u00a0 SPHP didn’t really know.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Setting out on the Bullion Plateau trail<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The flat stretch soon ended.\u00a0 Upon reaching a spruce forest, the old jeep route began switchbacking up a slope at a moderate rate of climb, still including some relatively flat sections.\u00a0 Above the first stretch of forest, an open slope provided an early view of the Slims River valley.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Slims River valley<\/strong> as seen after gaining a bit of elevation. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Entering another stretch of forest, the jeep trail continued switchbacking higher.\u00a0 Looking back to the ENE near one of the turns, the Carolina Dog could see the S end of Kluane Lake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back in the forest. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
S end of Kluane Lake<\/strong> (Center) in the distance. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail gradually steepened.\u00a0 Flat sections became rare, then vanished entirely.\u00a0 SPHP kept having to pause now and then to gasp for air.\u00a0 The forest eventually began thinning out.\u00a0 Lupe came to another region of tall bushes which were just beginning to show fall colors.<\/p>\n

After a rather long, steep climb NW, Lupe reached another flat spot where she passed a 6.5 km marker, the only sign she’d seen since the start of the Bullion Plateau trail.\u00a0 A mountain that looked easy to climb was off to the W.\u00a0 However, the landscape was still a dense thicket of bushes, so that notion was premature, at best.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
By the 6.5 km marker<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This flat area quickly led to another steep stretch.\u00a0 Thirsty after a tiring march higher, SPHP stopped once the rate of climb began to diminish, sitting down briefly for a water break.\u00a0 Ahead, the road continued NW toward some hills.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Waiting for SPHP to finish the water break. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading for the hills along a gentler stretch. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Looking back to the S, Lupe now had a tremendous view of the Slims River valley. Although miles away, below a skinny glacier on a steep mountainside, the toe of the gigantic Kaskawulsh Glacier was in sight!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Toe of the Kaskawulsh Glacier<\/strong> (R of Center) at the far end of the Slims River valley<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Toe of the Kaskawulsh Glacier<\/strong> (L). Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The jeep trail headed N for a pass between the hills.\u00a0 Even the bushes were thinning out.\u00a0 Exploring off trail was now a possibility.\u00a0 Reaching the pass, Lupe went by a hill on the R she could have climbed without much trouble.\u00a0 More curious as to what was ahead, the American Dingo stuck with the road, which had once again leveled out.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the pass<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This level stretch soon brought Lupe to a stand of large bushes arching over the road.\u00a0 Shortly after passing through this Arc de Bushes, a 9.3 km marker appeared on the L.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Passing through the Arc de Bushes<\/strong>. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the 9.3 km marker<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This 9.3 km marker is an important point, Loopster.\u00a0 According to the sign back at the start, we’ve reached the sub-alpine here, and face a choice.<\/em><\/p>\n

What are the options, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

We can either follow the Bullion Plateau trail to its end at 12 km, or leave the trail here and go exploring.<\/em><\/p>\n

Exploring is always fun, SPHP.\u00a0 Any prominent peaks nearby to climb?<\/em><\/p>\n

Since we hadn’t really anticipated doing the Bullion Plateau trail, I don’t have any maps of the area, Loop.\u00a0 Plenty of mountains around, but I’m not so sure there are any notable peaks we can easily reach from here in the time we’ve got available.\u00a0 Don’t know what we’ll find wandering about.<\/em><\/p>\n

No maps?\u00a0 Maybe we should just stick with the trail then, SPHP.\u00a0 It will take us to a view of Red Castle Ridge<\/span><\/a> (6,955 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, right?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup.\u00a0 Should have big views of the Sheep Creek valley along the way, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

Going off-trail in this open territory did sound like fun.\u00a0 Map or no map, it wouldn’t have been unusual for the American Dingo, but exploring to the end of the Bullion Plateau trail made a certain amount of sense, too.\u00a0 With no other definite objective in mind, not getting to the end of the trail seemed sort of silly.<\/p>\n

Let’s have a peek at what the trail has in store from here, SPHP.\u00a0 Then we can decide.<\/em><\/p>\n

From the 9.3 km sign, the jeep trail curved off to the R (NE).\u00a0 Mount Wallace<\/span><\/a> (7,700 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Sheep Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,400 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were both in sight now in that general direction.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Wallace<\/strong> (L), Sheep Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Heading over to the edge where the trail disappeared, what came next was surprising.\u00a0 Covered with small bushes, the old jeep route started downhill, traversing a steep slope with a fabulous view of the Sheep Creek valley.\u00a0 Most surprising of all, several stones propped up a sign right on the road saying “Caution!, Rock Slides, Attention!”.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Wallace<\/strong> (L), Sheep Mountain<\/strong> (R) with the Fortyeight Pup valley<\/strong> (R) between them. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This does look interesting, SPHP.\u00a0 Let’s try it!<\/em><\/p>\n

Fine with me, Loopster.\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

Sticking with the Bullion Plateau trail, it gradually descended the steep upper W slopes of the super deep Sheep Creek valley.\u00a0 As Lupe kept on, the old jeep road essentially vanished, becoming a single track path so narrow that it seemed clear the road had never gone this far.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A glance back at the high point<\/strong> (R) Lupe could have visited, but didn’t. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Traversing the upper W slopes<\/strong> (L) of the Sheep Creek valley<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The narrow path<\/strong> along a very steep scree slope<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After losing 200 feet of elevation, the trail leveled out, bouncing up and down from then on.\u00a0 Views of the Sheep Creek valley and the mountains on the other side were tremendous the entire way.\u00a0 To SPHP’s surprise, the trail widened out again as if a road really had been here at one time.<\/p>\n

The Carolina Dog came to a region where a section of the mountain had slumped 80 feet.\u00a0 Pink ribbons affixed to the bushes marked the route.\u00a0 Beyond the slump, Lupe passed damp spots, and even a tiny stream.\u00a0 As she kept going, tall bushes sometimes lined one or both sides of the trail.\u00a0 They hid the views, but also provided a sense of privacy and security.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On a nice, open level stretch<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the slump<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A narrow lane<\/strong> through the bushes. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As the Bullion Plateau trail continued NNW, the slopes it traversed were no longer as steep.\u00a0 Lupe trotted easily along long flat stretches, making excellent progress.\u00a0 A sense grew that she must be getting close to the end, but the trail went on and on.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A long, easy route<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After angling NW, Red Castle Ridge<\/span><\/a> (6,955 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> began coming into view.\u00a0 The end couldn’t be much farther.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Red Castle Ridge<\/strong> ahead! Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4:22 PM, 55\u00baF<\/em> – Leaving a stretch of tall bushes, a gently sloping field was visible ahead.\u00a0 The trail, which by now was growing faint, led down to it.\u00a0 When Lupe got there, she saw a small sign at the top of a metal pole near the field’s lower ENE end.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The field<\/strong> (R), Red Castle Ridge<\/strong> (L). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Entering the field<\/strong>. Red Castle Ridge<\/strong> (L). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the 12 km marker<\/strong>, the official end of the Bullion Plateau trail<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This must be it, SPHP.\u00a0 The official end of the Bullion Plateau trail!<\/em><\/p>\n

Congratulations on getting this far, Loopster!\u00a0 It doesn’t appear that very many do.\u00a0 Is this actually the end, though?\u00a0 The trail keeps going.<\/em><\/p>\n

So it did.\u00a0 Following the trail another 100 feet beyond the 12 km marker, it simply vanished among the bushes.<\/p>\n

This spur doesn’t go anywhere, SPHP.\u00a0 The 12 km marker really is the end.<\/em><\/p>\n

Guess you’re right, Loop.\u00a0 That’s what the sign at the start said, too.\u00a0 I was just curious.\u00a0 Let’s head over to the upper end of this field where the best view of Red Castle Ridge is.\u00a0 We can take a break there.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Red Castle Ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Roaming 0.25 km W through the grassy field, the Carolina Dog reached the edge of a drainage.\u00a0 Red Castle Ridge<\/span><\/a> (6,955 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was directly ahead.\u00a0 Lupe had seen its distinctive, pink, orange, and gray, eroded crest before when she’d climbed Sheep Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,400 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> years ago.\u00a0 Back then, Lupe had been looking down on Red Castle Ridge.\u00a0 From here, it was hundreds of feet higher, but much closer.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Red Castle Ridge<\/strong> from the upper end of the field<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Red Castle Ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks W with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We haven’t reached the top of any mountain, but the Bullion Plateau trail has been a pretty good climb, SPHP.\u00a0 I’m thinking that reaching this view of Red Castle Ridge ought to merit a chocolate coconut bar.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sounds reasonable to me, Loop.\u00a0 Congratulations again on getting this far!<\/em><\/p>\n

SPHP shook Lupe’s paw, then split the chocolate coconut bar reward and several eagerly accepted pieces of beef jerky with the American Dingo.\u00a0 There was all kinds of room to relax, so after having some Taste of the Wild and water, too, Lupe made herself comfortable.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Wallace<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While Lupe napped, SPHP sat munching on trail mix.\u00a0 The end of the Bullion Plateau trail felt like a hidden hideout, a secret, seldom-visited place.\u00a0 Although Red Castle Ridge was rugged, many of the surrounding mountains and high ridges weren’t as formidable.\u00a0 A Carolina Dog could do a lot of exploring up here.<\/p>\n

To the NW, territory on both sides of the drainage E of Red Castle Ridge looked intriguing.\u00a0 Miles away, 2 high peaks were visible at the far end.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Red Castle Ridge<\/strong> (L), the intriguing drainage<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A much closer option was directly S, where a long slope led up to what?\u00a0 The plateau of Bullion Plateau?\u00a0 Lupe hadn’t come to any plateau despite the trail’s name.\u00a0 Tempting to see what was up there!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The slope leading to the Bullion Plateau<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A good guess, but only a guess.\u00a0 With a map, or a little research done ahead of time, SPHP would have known that Lupe could have easily made a loop back to the 9.3 km marker by exploring S up that slope.\u00a0 It really was the way to the plateau of the Bullion Plateau region.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, the sky was cloudy, a little dark and uncertain, when the decision had to be made.\u00a0 At the visitor centre this morning, SPHP had heard talk of rain starting around 6:00 PM.\u00a0 Certainly seemed possible.<\/p>\n

5:16 PM<\/em> – For the last time, Lupe sat at the viewpoint with Red Castle Ridge in all its glory on display beyond her.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Final moments near Red Castle Ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beautiful, Loop!\u00a0 Thank you.\u00a0 Hate to say it, but it’s that time.\u00a0 Onward!\u00a0 Puppy, ho!<\/em><\/p>\n

A moment later, Lupe was on her way.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading back to the Bullion Plateau trail. Mount Wallace<\/strong> (L). Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The return was gorgeous!\u00a0 Heading back, Lupe was facing the big views.\u00a0 Snowfields near Vulcan Mountain<\/span><\/a> (9,055 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> on the far side of the Slims River valley caught the eye.\u00a0 The summit was lost in the clouds, but most of the rugged peaks nearby were on display.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Snowfields<\/strong> near Vulcan Mountain’s summit<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Vulcan Mountain<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The territory the trail passed through even seemed more dramatic on the way back.\u00a0 From some sections, Lupe enjoyed much better views of the gray bluffs along the upper rim of the Sheep Creek valley.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A great view of the gray bluffs<\/strong> above the trail. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the very steep scree slope<\/strong> that the trail traversed. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Gazing into the Sheep Creek valley<\/strong>. Sheep Mountain<\/strong> (far L). Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once back to the 9.3 km marker, it was downhill or flat nearly the entire rest of the way.\u00a0 Lupe enjoyed spectacular views of the Slims River valley and the mountains along it, from the SW end of Kluane Lake clear to the toe of the Kaskawulsh Glacier.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading back to the Slims River valley<\/strong>. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Toe<\/strong> of the<\/strong> Kaskawulsh Glacier<\/strong> (R) in the distance. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Never did rain.\u00a0 Although the sky remained mostly cloudy, patches of blue existed, too.\u00a0 The slanting rays of the evening sun highlighted the ruggedness of the mountains.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
St. Elias Mountains<\/strong> beyond the Slims River valley<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The fun downhill march back into the Slims River valley went fast.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Returning to the Slims River valley<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8:14 PM<\/em> –\u00a0 Lupe had seen no one at all along the Bullion Plateau trail.\u00a0 At this hour, approaching Sheep Creek again, she hadn’t seen anyone along the Slims West trail, either.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Sheep Creek. SW end of Sheep Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This time, the American Dingo didn’t hesitate, fording Sheep Creek right along with SPHP.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near day’s end, back across Sheep Creek<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8:55 PM, Slims West trailhead<\/em> – Only 4 vehicles were left at the trailhead that had been full to overflowing this morning, when Lupe arrived back at the RAV4 again.<\/p>\n

What a day, Loopster!\u00a0 Hungry?<\/em><\/p>\n

Not the Kaskawulsh Glacier and Observation Mountain<\/span><\/a> (6,824 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, SPHP, but the Bullion Plateau trail was awesome!\u00a0 Had it all to ourselves, too.\u00a0 And yes, I’m famished!<\/em><\/p>\n

My only regret is that we didn’t get an earlier start, Loop.\u00a0 We could have done a lot more exploring up there.\u00a0 Still fun, though!\u00a0 And you did make it to the end of the Bullion Plateau trail.<\/em><\/p>\n

And to that splendid close up view of Red Castle Ridge, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Sigh.\u00a0 Cheese and Ritz crackers for dinner again.\u00a0 Oh, well.\u00a0 It would do, and then it would be time for Dingo Dreamland.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Red Castle Ridge<\/strong> from the end of the Bullion Plateau Trail<\/strong>, Kluane National Park & Reserve, Yukon Territory, Canada 8-30-23<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe’s GPS Track<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Links:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Next Adventure<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Lupe’s Scrollable GPS Track & Ascent Statistics<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Kluane National Park & Reserve<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Kluane National Park & Reserve Trails & Routes Map<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Sheep Mountain, Kluane National Park, Yukon Territory, Canada (8-13-17)<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Decoeli, Kluane National Park, Yukon Territory, Canada (8-9-16)<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Kings Throne, Kluane National Park, Yukon Territory, Canada (8-7-16)<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacations to Colorado, New Mexico, Canada & Alaska Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/em>, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Day 39 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2023 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska! 9:08 AM, 52\u00baF – Cloudy and calm this morning.\u00a0 As Lupe passed several colorful tents during her morning constitutional along Kluane Lake, the small waves rippling into shore were smooth. Are we still going to drop by the Thechal Dahl visitor … Continue reading The Bullion Plateau Trail, Kluane National Park & Reserve, Yukon Territory, Canada (8-30-23)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":61585,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1659],"tags":[105,30,106,26,711,104,1763,1764,1762,774],"class_list":["post-61601","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1659","tag-american-dingo","tag-canada","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-kluane-national-park","tag-lupe","tag-red-castle-ridge","tag-slims-west-trailhead","tag-the-bullion-plateau-trail","tag-yukon-territory"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_2677-scaled.jpg?fit=1651%2C1238&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61601","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=61601"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61601\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":64066,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61601\/revisions\/64066"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/61585"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=61601"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=61601"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=61601"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}