King’s Throne is a must-do hike in Kluane National Park. It’s a popular objective with a well-worn trail offering marvelous views over Kathleen Lake and Dezadeash Lake. The trailhead is at Kathleen Lake Campground, where we were fortunate enough to be camping for a few days.
King’s Throne, as seen from the shores of Kathleen Lake the previous evening. The seat of the throne is roughly at center. The trail begins by gaining the seat, then heads left up the chair arm, before traversing across the back of the throne to the peak (right).
We arrived at the campground excited to begin our first trip in the Yukon. The weather forecast, unfortunately, showed clouds moving in at 10:00 AM the next morning and rain starting around noon. Undeterred, I woke-up early and started an hour before dawn. Dan was nursing an ankle injury and elected to stay at camp for a rest day.
My reward for the early start was reaching tree line just as the sun was rising. This shot is looking north across Kathleen Lake. The route up to this point is a well-treed trail with good signage.Continuing south into the seat of the throne. The trail turns left just ahead, making use of the grassy slope.Starting up the grassy slope toward the arm of the throne, ever rewarded with expanding views of the sunrise. The trail gets steeper and more rocky near the top of the arm, but it’s never beyond easy scrambling.A phenomenal sunrise from the arm of King’s Throne.Opposite to the rising sun, looking west across Kathleen Lake.Looking west across the back of the throne (left) to the peak (right).Views over Dezadeash Lake to the east, with its fluffy morning clouds.A good trail leads along the back of the throne, keeping to its gentle south slopes.The well-worn trail continues to the peak (center). This portion is barely more difficult than walking. Clouds that had been gathering over me broke just as I neared the peak, urging me on before my window of sunshine passed. I reached the peak at 8:30 AM, 3 1/2 hours from the trailhead.Summit panorama from the peak of King’s Throne.Looking west across Kathleen Lake.Looking east across Dezadeash Lake.As appealing as the summit views were, I was keen to begin my descent before the rain hit and I promptly started back. Ahead (south) lies Dalton NW7, a fun-looking peak that could be combined with King’s Throne (time permitting).Making my way back down the well-worn scree trail. This line leads into the grassy ascent slope.
I made it back to the trailhead for 11 AM, completely missing the rain. My round trip time was 6 hours and the beautiful dawn views were easily worth sacrificing a bit of sleep for. I heartily recommend this peak to my friends.
Back at camp for the afternoon. Never underestimate the usefulness of an accurate weather forecast! Thank-you SpotWx
Peak Bliss 