Have you ever heard of a desert that’s not what you’d expect? The Carcross Desert in Canada is one of those surprising places! It’s often called the “world’s smallest desert,” but there’s so much more to learn about this unique spot. Let’s dive into some cool facts about Carcross Desert!
Where Is It?
Carcross Desert is located in the Yukon Territory in Canada. It’s near a small town called Carcross. This desert might seem out of place because it’s surrounded by lush forests and beautiful mountains. It’s like finding a sandy beach in the middle of a forest!
It’s only 1 square mile
The Carcross Desert is known as the world’s smallest desert, covering just about 1 square mile. Even though it’s not quite dry enough to be a real desert, the sand dunes and windy conditions still make it feel like one. The wind can blow sand around, getting in your hair and teeth, just like in other deserts.
Even though it’s small, the dunes at Carcross Desert can seem really big and far away when you’re standing in the middle surrounded by sand and hills. This tiny desert is a cool stop along the Klondike Highway, especially because it’s so different from the mountains, lakes, and waterfalls nearby.
You can explore the desert on foot, but if you’re looking for some extra fun, you can ride an ATV over the dunes or slide down them on a sandboard. These activities make the desert even more exciting and enjoyable!
Snowfall in the Desert
Deserts aren’t always hot, as evidenced by the Carcross Desert’s winter wonderland. In the colder months, the sand is hidden beneath layers of snow, creating a surprising and picturesque scene. With Whitehorse, the Yukon’s capital just an hour north, experiencing average winter lows below zero, you can expect the Carcross Desert to be quite frosty, showcasing a unique and icy twist on the classic desert landscape.
Potential for a Mega-Desert
Historical Context and Geological Evidence: Geological studies indicate that the Carcross Desert’s current size is just a fraction of its potential former extent. During the last Ice Age, which ended around 11,700 years ago, the region was dramatically influenced by glacial activity. As glaciers advanced and retreated, they reshaped the land, leaving behind large deposits of sediment.
Climate Changes: The region’s climate underwent significant changes over millennia. During the Ice Age, the climate was cooler and wetter, and the landscape was dominated by glaciers and vast ice sheets. As the glaciers receded, the climate warmed, leading to the gradual retreat of these massive ice formations. This warming likely contributed to the reduction in the extent of the desert, as the environmental conditions shifted away from those conducive to large-scale desert formation.
Man-Made Sand Dunes
Carcross Desert’s striking sand dunes have an unusual origin tied to early 20th-century mining activities. During the Klondike Gold Rush, extensive hydraulic mining was used to extract gold, displacing large amounts of soil, silt, and sand. This leftover sediment accumulated in the area, and over time, wind-sculpted these deposits into the dunes that define Carcross Desert today.
The desert’s dunes are thus not purely natural formations but are a direct result of human-induced sediment redistribution. This blending of mining legacy and natural processes creates a unique landscape, reflecting both environmental and historical influences. Conservation efforts are ongoing to address the environmental impacts of these historical activities and preserve the desert’s delicate ecosystem.
Unexpected Rainfall in Carcross Desert
Carcross Desert in the Yukon Territory receives about 250-300 millimeters (10-12 inches) of annual rainfall, which is notably higher than the typical desert precipitation of under 250 millimeters (10 inches). This increased rainfall supports diverse Arctic and alpine plant species and affects the stability of its sand dunes. Situated in a subarctic climate with cooler temperatures, Carcross Desert’s unique environmental conditions blend desert and Arctic features.
You can get there on an Alaskan cruise
If you’re cruising to Alaska, a visit to the Carcross Desert is an intriguing side trip you can easily incorporate into your itinerary. The popular Klondike Highway, which runs right by the desert, stretches past the Canada-US border to Skagway, a frequent stop for Alaskan cruises.
While many travelers use their time in Skagway for bus or train excursions to the White Pass Summit, fewer venture into Yukon territory to explore the Carcross Desert and its charming namesake town.
To visit, you can either book a tour to Carcross or rent a car in downtown Skagway and drive about two hours each way. With most ships docking in Skagway for at least eight hours, this is a feasible option. Along the way, you’ll encounter the town of Carcross, known for its historic timber storefronts and churches, a quaint retail area with cafes and craft shops, and two large lakes that meet at a sandy beach.
For those who prefer a DIY road trip, you can extend your journey 6 miles past the desert to Emerald Lake, renowned for its stunningly vivid, emerald-colored waters.
Surrounded by Lakes
Despite its semi-arid climate, the Carcross Desert’s sandy expanses might surprise you with their proximity to large lakes. Just a short distance away, you’ll find Bennett Lake, which contributes to the desert’s formation by blowing sand onto the dunes. On the lakeside near downtown Carcross, another extensive sandy area offers a sweeping beachfront. However, be prepared for chilly waters, even during the summer months, if you’re tempted to take a dip.
