Course Graphics
Map and Elevation
Google Earth format data file. Follow the Google Earth link to find out how to install the free application (you do need a relatively new computer) and how to load the data file. Tremendously cool.
Satellite Images ( individual legs are 100-200 kB files )
complete_course.jpg ( 1.1 MB )
whitehorse-landsat.jpg (an improved but very large image - 2 MB)
Leg Profiles (or elevations) from GPS data
Course Description
Total Distance 238.3 km/ 148.1 miles
LEG 1 - 19.0 km/ 11.8 miles
The pack quickly spreads out after the mass start as riders cross the Dezadeash River and head up the hill on the Haines Highway. As the riders come up the short steep grade, the pull-off on the left side of the road provides an opportunity for teams to park their vehicles and cheer on their riders. The road goes uphill about 4 more km and undulates gently. It’s the shortest leg and ends at the World Heritage Site overlooking Kathleen Lake on the right. This is a very congested and small pull-off no parking is allowed in it. Riders for Leg 2 should be at this checkpoint at the start of the 8 person teams at 9:00 am.
LEG 2 - 39.5 km/ 24.6 miles
This leg winds through the trees and around Dezadeash Lake on the left. It can be windy along the lake. Once past the lake, riders go up a gentle incline to the finish. The finish area can be very busy here for 4 and 8 person teams. There is no parking in the checkpoint.
LEG 3 - 24.8 km/ 15.4 miles
The hills begin in earnest on this leg. Shortly after leg 3 starts, riders climb beside a beautiful wetland on the right and continue to climb with some short downhill sections. The road climbs slowly toward the Pringle Tower ending on a gradual uphill. There is some parking at this leg for support vehicles displaying proper identification tags.
LEG 4 - 28.3 km/ 17.6 miles
The leg starts on a long, fast and potentially dangerous downhill to Million Dollar Falls, on the right side of the road at the bottom of the hill. Then riders begin a 7 km ( 4.3 mile) relentless climb, which begins steeply at the bridge with shallower grades at times. There are great views over the Tatshenshini River on the right, if your eyes aren’t too glazed over with the effort. Riders then drop down to the Blanchard River and pass into the wider plains of the plateau. There are a few steep sections and the leg ends on a steep uphill guaranteed to turn your legs into jello. There is ample parking at this checkpoint but it is often windy and may be quite cool.
LEG 5 - 31.5 km/ 19.6 miles
Don’t be deceived, this leg is also hilly but the hills are less severe and the terrain more open. It can also be quite windy with crosswinds. The road winds through the alpine, as it rises slowly up to the summit of the coastal range. It passes by the headwaters of the Tatshenshini River and up to Nadahini Mountain on the right. The green shack on the right at the base of the mountain is about 1.6 km or 1 mile from the finish. It ends on a short downhill just past Nadahini.
LEG 6 - 26.9 km/ 16.7 miles
This is a great leg for riders who like the downhill but, alas, for every downhill, there is an uphill and riders have a steep climb up past the 3 Guardsmen on the left. The Klehini Valley begins on the right and affords some beautiful views. A long winding downhill through the mountains descends rapidly into the trees and ends with a final climb up to Checkpoint 6. Parking is allowed after the checkpoint but the road is very narrow. Checkpoint 6 is at the top of a hill on a corner. You may need to walk a long way to get back to the checkpoint once you’ve parked.
LEG 7 - 37.5 km/ 23.3 miles
Once again this leg starts with a long steep downhill winding into the Klehini Valley. You may see the mountains and hanging glaciers on the far side of the Valley on the right. The route is mainly downhill passing Canadian Customs at Pleasant Camp and US Customs shortly after. Everyone, riders included (and with their ID), must stop to clear US Customs. This section of the road was upgraded in 2001 and provides a very gradual downhill until Big Boulder Creek, along the left side of the Klehini Valley.
LEG 8 - 30.8 km/ 19.1 miles
The anchor leg rider may face serious headwinds on this leg and riders may find working together against the wind helpful. This leg hugs the Chilkat River and is generally flat approaching Haines. The river widens and there are signs of civilization. The road is narrow here and there isn’t much shoulder. Once in Haines, the riders and drivers stay right at the Y intersection and about 1 km further, drivers are sent right up a hill to get into the parade grounds the back way where there is vehicle parking. Riders continue straight following the signs, up the next steep hill to the right. There is the opportunity for a final short downhill sprint to the finish in front of the parade grounds. Here the cheering spectators and early finishers can relax with their hard-earned beers at the Beer Garden watching the riders finish.