Alaska is,
and has been, all about adventure. On a recent fishing trip to Juneau, a stop
in Skagway proved to be one of the best experiences on land. For added value
when traveling, whenever possible, look to the locals for recommendations to
add some “off the beaten path” suggestions. This hidden gem was discovered
through some preliminary research talking to a local businesswoman, Jeanne Gonzales.
Jeanne owns and operates Alaska Green Jeep Tours (AlaskaGreenJeepTours.com).
This is a self guided Jeep tour from Skagway to the Yukon
Territory, Canada. If you have arrived in Skagway by Cruise Ship and booked a
Jeep tour, you will be greeted at the port and taken to a downtown office to
complete your registration. Downtown Skagway can easily be imagined to have
been quite the hot spot back in the day. As you pass the Red Onion Saloon on
your way to Green Jeep Headquarters, you will often see servers in period
costumes outside the establishment and reminisce about the goings on in that
piece of history located prominently on a downtown corner.
Once you have completed the typical excursion sign in (copy
of driver’s license, insurance and payment) you are driven to the Jeep corral. Here you will find a fleet of clean, well
maintained 2 and 4 door hard top (for the bears) green Jeep Wranglers. You will notice right away the attention to
detail even before you get in your vehicle. A cooler is secured to the front
bumper of each Jeep stocked with drinks and snacks for the trip into the Yukon.
You will be grateful for these munchies because there are NO fast food places
along the way. In addition, there is
also very little cell phone reception.
Don’t worry, they have thought that problem through as well. Each Jeep
has a CB radio that can be used to communicate between vehicles (if you are
traveling with others) or to be used in case of emergency. One more show and
tell from a staff member about how to use everything the Jeep is equipped with
and your adventure is about to take place.
Let the journey begin. Push the CD into the stereo and refer
to the laminated guide to be taken step by step into the Yukon. The CD,
narrated by Jeanne, is filled with facts about the history of Skagway, legends
from the gold rush and points of interest along the way. Keep cameras within
easy reach as you put mileage on the odometer. The sights and sounds will have
your senses on alert. Every vista is postcard perfect. Each curve has the
possibility of sighting a bear emerging from the brush, being near the roads
edge or standing in the road challenging you. Wild goats navigate the rocky
ledges and Bald Eagles grace the skies throughout the region.
An unexpected topography find was Inukshuks. Thousands of
the stacked rocks lined a portion of the road. There was a silent calling to
those passing by to stop and make this an interactive journey by building a
tower of rocks, leaving a changed landscape in the middle of wilderness. Your
mark is left behind where few will have the opportunity to do the same.
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| Inukshuks |
Next stop, the Yukon Suspension Bridge. There is a charge
for admission, however, it is well worth it to walk on the suspension bridge
that traverses the white water rapids of the Tutshi River and Canyon. There is
also museum quality exhibits outdoors, a gift shop and the Assayers Café. The
drive from Skagway to the bridge is a must if all you do is have a bowl of the
Iron Chef quality Bison Chili and gaze at the river from the scenic deck. If
you are lucky, you may spot the bear that has a large den on the opposite side
of the river that can be seen from the Café.
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| Suspension Bridge |
On to Carcross, Yukon Canada. Carcross is short for Caribou
Crossing, and yes, they are out there. This is usually a destination for all
the tour buses to stop either as the destination, or a vista point along the
way on White Pass Train excursions. There are gift stores and restaurants along
the streets of this tiny town (population 200). This is usually the point where
the Jeeps make a U-turn and begin the descent back to Skagway. If you choose to
continue, the capital, White Horse, is about 50 miles north of Carcross.
The Jeep rental is for the day, and you can spend anywhere
from a couple of hours up to 8 hours exploring the Yukon. You will want to be mindful of time if you
have a departure time set by the Cruise Ship. Allow enough time to fill the
Jeep with gas and return it to the Jeep corral. There is nothing fancy about
dropping off the Jeep. Simply put the keys in the glove box and you are done. A
phone hanging on the shed will directly connect you to the shuttle service
(included in the package) back to the port.
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| Interactive Excursion |
Having the opportunity to explore at your own pace was one
of the best aspects of this excursion. There is no way to possibly describe the
vistas that were so breathtaking or the excitement of seeing a bear for the
first time as they pause from eating berries roadside to look at you.
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| Yukon Resident |
Enjoy nature, celebrate life and respect each other.
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