It is called the smallest desert in the world, and it was a big part of our Alaskan trip last year. I looked forward to visiting this unique destination in Carcross, Yukon, Canada.
When I started researching what to see on our way to Alaska and back, I wanted to make sure I stopped at as many unique locations as possible. After all, it is unlikely that we will ever make a trip this big and this far away again. I wanted to make sure I got to see all the places.
Although technically not a desert, but rather a sand dune area, I didn’t care about technicalities. This will be the first desert I have ever crossed, which was my goal.
On the morning of July 21, 2023, I woke up with glee and anticipation. Our Alaska trip itinerary had changed. We spent less time in Alaska than initially thought. We entered Yukon two days earlier, and we needed an oil change. It was getting to that desperation level to change that essential fluid. Originally, we were to wake up very early on the 23rd and explore the desert in the morning. But because of the changes, we would arrive mid-afternoon on this day.
We arrived, hopped out of the car, and were surprised by the number of people (I was always surprised by how many people journey this way each year). Then, I started my lifetime mission to cross a desert.
The world’s smallest desert is rather large!
It was surprisingly green with tall, mature trees.
First, I stopped to read the information signs at the entrance. After admiring the views, I began the trek of a lifetime through the smallest desert in the world.
I expected it to be easier than it was.
The sand shifted under my feet as I struggled to move forward.
But forward, I did move. I was determined to cross this larger-than-expected small desert. We reached the primary dune. At the base, it looks manageable because there is little contrast from the uniform colour of the sand. It was swift when I realized this large dune was taller than I hoped.
When we finally reached the top, it was beautiful—a lush green oasis with a sandy middle surrounded by the mountains of Yukon. It was impressive. Here we were, on our trip of a lifetime, in the middle of the desert, up in the Canadian North, together, taking it all in.
I would clumsily run down the dune because I had not run since my surgery four years earlier. Plus, it was downhill, so it should be easy.
It was not.
I never did cross the entire desert; I deemed it too difficult. Still, we saw some fantastic places we once only dreamed of. Of all the places we have been to, Yukon is one well deserving of many repeat visits.
- Carcross Desert is free to visit. Although we travelled by foot, it is evident that others take motorized vehicles in this area. Be mindful of this when you are exploring.
- There is ample parking.
- Carcross has many other attractions other than this desert.
- To find directions to this amazing location, check out All The Places We Have Been Map.
