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The Lazy Man’s Guide To ‘Carcross Desert’ Canada

Carcross desert

Carcross desert, also known as Caribou Crossing, is a small desert located in the Yukon Territory, Canada. It is a unique natural wonder, as it is one of the smallest deserts in the world, covering an area of only 2.6 square kilometers. The desert is situated near the town of Carcross, which is located between Whitehorse and Skagway in Alaska. It is surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges and is a popular destination for tourists visiting the region. The Carcross desert was formed during the last Ice Age when the surrounding glaciers retreated and left behind a sandy, arid landscape. The desert is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including prickly pear cactus and the rare Carcross desert buckwheat. Travelers in the Carcross desert Yukon can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, photography, and sandboarding. There are several hiking trails in the area, offering visitors a chance to explore the beautiful desert landscape and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Sandboarding is a popular activity in the Carcross desert, as the sandy slopes provide the perfect terrain for this thrilling sport. Visitors can rent sandboards in the nearby town of Carcross and enjoy a fun-filled day of sandboarding in the desert.

Carcross Desert Canada
Photo-https://www.istockphoto.com/

Weather Carcross desert 

The weather in the Carcross desert is generally dry and arid, with very low humidity. The desert experiences a continental subarctic climate, with cold winters and short, mild summers. During the winter months, which typically last from November to March, temperatures can drop well below freezing, with an average high temperature of around -8°C  and an average low of around -18°C. Snow is common during this time, and the desert landscape is transformed into a winter wonderland. During the summer months, which typically last from June to August, temperatures are much milder, with an average high temperature of around 19°C and an average low of around 7°C. The desert experiences very little rainfall during the summer, with most of the precipitation occurring in the fall and winter months. Carcross desert map- The map shows the location of the Carcross desert relative to nearby towns, such as Carcross and Whitehorse, as well as nearby bodies of water, such as Bennett Lake and Nares Lake.

Carcross Desert Canada
Photo-https://www.istockphoto.com/

How was the Carcross desert formed?

The Carcross Desert Canada was formed during the last Ice Age, which lasted from about 110,000 to 12,000 years ago. At that time, the surrounding glaciers were much more extensive than they are today, covering much of what is now the Yukon Territory in Canada. As the climate began to warm, the glaciers slowly started to retreat, leaving behind large amounts of sand, silt, and gravel that had been eroded from the surrounding mountains. The melting glaciers also left behind large amounts of water, which contributed to the formation of small lakes and ponds in the area. Over time, the wind and water continued to shape the landscape, eroding the mountains and depositing more sediment in the valleys. As a result, a large amount of sand and silt was deposited in the area that is now the Carcross desert, creating a dry landscape.

Also, read- Stawamus Chief Provincial Park and Granitic Dome Canada

Carcross desert rock

The rocks in the Carcross desert are mostly composed of quartzite, a hard, metamorphic rock that is resistant to erosion. The quartzite rocks are found scattered throughout the sandy landscape, forming interesting formations and patterns that are a popular attraction for tourists visiting the region. The rocks are believed to be more than 800 million years old and are a testament to the geological history of the region. The desert was formed during the last Ice Age when the surrounding glaciers retreated and left behind a sandy, arid landscape.

Carcross Desert Canada
Photo-https://www.istockphoto.com/

Visitors to the Carcross Desert Canada can enjoy exploring the unique rock formations and patterns, which provide a stunning contrast to the surrounding sand and mountains. The rocks also offer a great opportunity for photography, with their interesting shapes and textures creating a beautiful backdrop for photos.

Animals in the Carcross Desert Canada

The Carcross desert, also known as Caribou Crossing, is a unique ecosystem in the Yukon Territory and is home to a variety of animal species that are specially adapted to its arid and sandy environment. Caribou is an animal and the desert is named after the caribou, which once used to cross the area during their annual migration. They are still found in the surrounding mountains. Mammals include mule deer, coyotes, and foxes. Insects, Birds, and Reptiles are some other animals found in the Desert.

Carcross desert camping

Camping is allowed in the Carcross desert. A permit is required for camping that can be obtained from the Yukon government’s Department of Environment. There are designated camping areas within the Carcross desert, and camping is not permitted outside of these areas. Campers must be prepared to bring their food, water, and supplies. Travelers should be aware that the Carcross desert is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears and coyotes, and should take appropriate precautions, such as storing food securely.

Carcross Desert Canada
Photo-https://www.istockphoto.com/

How to reach the Carcross Desert Canada

The Carcross desert is located in the Yukon Territory and the nearest town is Carcross, which is approximately 10 minutes away by car. The most convenient way to reach the Carcross desert is by car. The desert is located just off the South Klondike Highway, which connects Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon, with Skagway, Alaska. Several tour companies in the area offer guided tours of the Carcross Desert Canada. Visitors can take a bus or shuttle from Whitehorse or Skagway to Carcross and then take a Cab or rent a car to reach the desert.

 

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