Mount Dewey Trail
A rewarding hike near Skagway leading to stunning glacial lakes, offering breathtaking alpine scenery and a great workout.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Less crowded, good light for photos
Mount Dewey Trail
Best Time
Less crowded, good light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rewarding hike near Skagway leading to stunning glacial lakes, offering breathtaking alpine scenery and a great workout.
"Both lakes are pretty, but upper is exceptional. Absolutely phenomenal hike."
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The trail has a significant incline in parts; good shoes are a must for comfort and safety.
💧 Bring Water
Especially on warmer days, staying hydrated is key for this uphill hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Upper Dewey Lake
Upper section of the trail
An exceptional alpine lake with breathtaking views, a true gem for hikers.
Lower Dewey Lake
Lower section of the trail
A beautiful lake offering a rewarding trek, perfect for a shorter hike.
The Reservoir
Before Dewey Lake
Worth a stop before reaching the main lakes, offering scenic beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Know Your Route
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The trail has a significant incline in parts; good shoes are a must for comfort and safety.
💧 Bring Water
Especially on warmer days, staying hydrated is key for this uphill hike.
⏰ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 2-3 hours for the lower lake, more for the upper.
🚶♀️ Consider a Walking Stick
A walking stick can make the steep sections much more manageable.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The trail has a significant incline in parts; good shoes are a must for comfort and safety.
💧 Bring Water
Especially on warmer days, staying hydrated is key for this uphill hike.
⏰ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 2-3 hours for the lower lake, more for the upper.
🚶♀️ Consider a Walking Stick
A walking stick can make the steep sections much more manageable.
🗺️ Study the Map
Trails can be tricky; familiarize yourself with the route beforehand.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the stunning beauty of both Lower and Upper Dewey Lakes, with the upper lake being a particular highlight. The hike is described as a good workout with a significant incline, but the well-maintained trails and rewarding views make it highly recommended. Some note that navigation can be tricky in parts and suggest wearing sturdy shoes and bringing water.
"Went to lower and upper. Absolutely phenomenal hike. Both lakes are pretty but upper is exceptional. Took me about 3 hours to get to upper from the railroad track. Probably 2.5 hours if you don't stop and take photos. Difficulty level, I'd probably give it a 6/10 for the constant incline. Trail is clearly maintained well."
Tim Exner
"Dewey Lake is definitely worth the trek up a steep trail from very near the cruise ship port.
Allow 90 minutes and wear decent shoes.
The reservoir before the lake is worth a look, before going on to Dewey Lake itself. If you want to walk round the lake it is probably another hour. We did not have time.
We left our ship at 4.45 and got back around 6.15."
David Tee
"Super fun hike, would definitely recommend, very nicely taken care of trails, steep first par but pretty flat area of trips once you’re at the lower lake. Would definitely recommend this if you’ve got three ish hours to spare for the lower lake trail."
Sean Stevens
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead for Lower Dewey Lake is conveniently located very near the cruise ship port in Skagway. Many visitors can walk to it. For Upper Dewey Lake, the hike starts from the lower lake or the railroad tracks.
Yes, the Lower Dewey Lake trail is very close to the cruise ship port, making it an accessible option for cruise passengers with limited time.
You can reach Upper Dewey Lake by continuing the hike from Lower Dewey Lake, or by starting from the railroad tracks. The ascent is steep but rewarding.
While the trailhead is close to town, for those who prefer not to walk the entire distance, local taxis or tour operators might offer transport to the general area, though walking is common.
The trailhead for Lower Dewey Lake is within easy walking distance from the cruise port, typically taking only a few minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Mount Dewey Trail and its lakes are generally accessible without an entrance fee. It's a public trail system.
The trail is open year-round during daylight hours. There are no official operating hours, but hiking in the dark is not recommended.
There is a visitor center in Skagway where you can obtain maps and information about the trail system before you head out.
No permits are typically required for day hiking on the Mount Dewey Trail.
While the trail is always accessible, it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety and to fully enjoy the scenery.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The trail has a significant incline, especially in the first part, making it a moderate to challenging hike. Some rate it a 6/10 in difficulty due to the constant incline.
It typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours round trip to hike to Lower Dewey Lake and back, depending on your pace and stops for photos.
Reaching Upper Dewey Lake can take around 3 hours round trip from the railroad tracks, or longer if you include stops and photos.
Restroom facilities are generally limited along the trail itself. It's advisable to use facilities in Skagway before you begin your hike.
Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the Mount Dewey Trail, but they must be kept on a leash.
📸 📸 Photography
The most stunning photo opportunities are at Upper Dewey Lake with its vibrant colors and surrounding mountains, and also at Lower Dewey Lake. The reservoir before the lakes is also picturesque.
Late afternoon can offer beautiful lighting, but early morning can provide a more serene and less crowded experience for photography.
Drone usage regulations can vary, especially in natural areas. It's best to check local Skagway regulations or with the visitor center before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake and mountain views. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the water and sky.
The shoreline of Upper Dewey Lake offers incredible panoramic shots. Don't miss the reflections on a calm day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families with very young children or those with limited mobility, the reservoir before the lakes might be a more accessible and still beautiful destination. It offers lovely views without the full commitment of the steeper inclines to the lakes themselves.
🚢 Cruise Ship Passengers
If you have a longer port day (around 8 hours), you might consider tackling the Upper Dewey Lake Trail, but be mindful of the time required for the steeper ascent and descent.
🐶 Dog Owners
The varied terrain offers a good challenge for canine companions, from the initial incline to the flatter sections around the lakes. Be sure to bring extra water for your dog, especially during warmer months, and be prepared for other hikers and their pets. The beautiful scenery and fresh air make it a great outing for both you and your furry friend.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Dewey Lake
For those seeking a slightly less strenuous option, Lower Dewey Lake is still a very rewarding destination. The trail to the lower lake is steep initially but flattens out considerably once you reach the lake area. It's a great choice if you have less time or are looking for a more relaxed experience.
When planning your hike, remember that the trails are generally well-maintained, but some visitors have noted that navigation can be a bit tricky if you stray from the main paths. Always be prepared with water and wear appropriate footwear, as the elevation gain is significant in parts.
Navigating Skagway's Trails
For those who enjoy a more challenging trek, the path to Upper Dewey Lake offers a more strenuous but incredibly rewarding experience. Hikers often describe the incline as a significant workout, with some recommending a walking stick to aid in the ascent.
Many visitors find that allowing 2-3 hours for the Lower Dewey Lake hike and 3+ hours for the Upper Dewey Lake hike is sufficient, provided they don't linger too long for extensive photography or relaxation.
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