Grey Mountain Summit and Cave Loop

This combined route is considered strenuous. While the Grey Mountain Summit portion is generally moderate, the Grey Mountain Cave trail involves a very steep, rocky ascent with grades exceeding 30%, and requires using a ladder and rope for the final access to the cave. It's a demanding and adventurous experience.

The route offers varied terrain. The Summit Trail starts with a gradual incline before becoming steeper with switchbacks and rugged sections, quickly leading into an alpine environment. The Cave Trail, in contrast, is characterized by a very steep and rocky ascent, with a vertical approach to the cave requiring fixed aids.

The rough gravel road leading to the trailhead often requires a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle, especially during certain times of the year. If you don't have such a vehicle, you may need to park at a lower area and walk extra kilometers to reach the main trailhead.

The trail is open year-round. For hiking, late spring through early fall offers the most favorable conditions. In winter, the Summit Trail is popular for snowshoeing and front-country skiing/snowboarding, but conditions for the Cave section would be significantly more challenging and potentially hazardous.

While the trail is generally accessible, the very steep and technical nature of the Cave Trail, including the use of a ladder and rope, makes it unsuitable for most dogs. The Summit Trail portion is more dog-friendly, but combining the two would be very challenging for pets.

There is no mention of permits or entrance fees required for hiking the Grey Mountain Summit and Cave Loop. It is generally accessible to the public.

The route offers spectacular panoramic views. From the Grey Mountain Summit, you can see Whitehorse, the Yukon River, Marsh Lake, Lake Laberge, and surrounding mountain ranges. The alpine sections feature wildflowers. The Grey Mountain Cave itself also provides stunning views, rewarding the challenging climb.

No, this combined loop is not suitable for beginners or young families. The overall difficulty is strenuous, with the Cave Trail requiring advanced hiking skills, comfort with heights, and the use of fixed aids like a ladder and rope. It's best for experienced and well-prepared hikers.

Given the strenuous nature and varied terrain, you should bring sturdy hiking boots, plenty of water, snacks, appropriate layers for changing weather (especially in alpine sections), navigation tools (as the combined route might not be clearly marked), and potentially gloves for the rope section at the cave. A headlamp is also advisable if you anticipate being out near dusk.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Grey Mountain Road, Money Shot, Easy Money, Grey Mountain Summit Trail, Payback, and More Money.

The primary unique feature is the 'secret cave' itself, accessed via a ladder and rope, offering a memorable and adventurous challenge. The quick transition to an alpine environment on the Summit Trail, providing expansive views without an excessively long approach, is also a notable aspect.