To describe the Tombstone Territorial Park’s rugged and rolling landscape as breathtaking would be an understatement. Ask any experienced backpacker who has visited Tombstone about their favorite backcountry experience and they are likely to name this magical, mystical Yukon adventure. Why? Quite possibly because they have camped under the stars at Talus Lake. Weather permitting, we will transfer by helicopter from Tombstone Mountain Campground to Talus Lake, where we will spend two days and nights photographing and hiking. With an active aurora and clear skies, we hope also to photograph the northern lights.

We will arrive in Dawson City on Day 1. The exact date for our workshop is yet to be determined. Our start date will be sometime between August 15 and September 3. We will depart Dawson City eight days later, sometime between August 22 and September 10.) The exact dates will be set following the February 2025 lottery for Talus Lake campsites. We will spend a total of three nights at a front country campground and two nights at Talus Lake. So, be prepared for a truly backcountry experience.

The registration fee of $8450 includes workshop tuition, double-occupancy accommodations at our hotel in Dawson City on days one and seven, backcountry camping on days two through six, meals (excluding alcohol) from dinner on day one through breakfast on day eight, transportation during the workshop, and gratuities for local guides. As your workshop leader, I do not expect or accept gratuities. Single-occupancy accommodations at our Dawson City hotel are available for a $300 single supplement.

A deposit of $2,500 is payable upon registration, with the balance due 90 days prior to the workshop. For more information or to register, contact me at [email protected] or call 505.901.2544. If I am unable to answer immediately, please leave a voice message, and I will return your call as soon as possible.

Not included: airfare and transportation to and from Dawson City, travel insurance, which is recommended but not required, and medical evacuation insurance, which is required.

Cancellation Policy: A deposit will be reserved for your place in the workshop of your choice. The remaining balance is due 90 days prior to the start date of your workshop unless otherwise specified. Deposits are refundable, less a $250 cancellation fee, up to 120 days prior to your start date. From 120 days to 60 days prior to your workshop start date, deposits can be applied to another Mark Schumann Photo Tours workshop, provided your request to reschedule is received in writing. Though not required, trip-cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.

Itinerary

Day 1: We arrive in Dawson City mid-afternoon. After checking in and touring our hotel, we will hopefully have time for an evening photo shoot, followed by a late dinner.

Day 2: After an early breakfast, we will drive to Tombstone Territorial Park. After setting up camp at Tombstone Mountain Campground, we will have lunch and then head out for an afternoon and early evening photo shoot, followed by dinner. If the skies are clear and the aurora is active, we will go out again for night sky photography.

Day 3: Weather permitting, we will helicopter to Talus Lake as early as possible. After setting up camp along the shores of Talus Lake, we will have time for afternoon and evening photography and hiking. After dinner, if the skies are clear and the aurora is active, we will have an opportunity from our campsite to photograph the northern lights over Tombstone Peak.

Day 4: After breakfast, we will take a morning hike and photograph along the trails leading from the lake. Lunch will be followed by personal time before we head out again for afternoon and evening photography. As with the previous night, if the skies are clear and the aurora active, we will again capture images of Tombstone Peak under the lights.

Day 5: After breaking down camp and before the helicopter picks us up for our flight back to Tombstone Mountain Campground, we will hopefully have one more opportunity to photograph the fall colors and rugged peaks around Talus Lake.

Day 6: Rather than heading straight back to Dawson City, we will again spend this night in the Tombstone Mountain Campground, allowing us another full day of photography along the Dempster Highway.

Day 7: After breaking down camp, we will drive back to Dawson City, have lunch, check into our hotel room, take a break and a much-needed shower, and then meet for image sharing, followed by a late dinner.

Day 8: Fly out from Dawson City to Whitehorse and destinations beyond.

Activity Level and Fitness: While participants need not have a resting heart rate comparable to that of an Olympic marathoner, you must be able to hike up to four miles a day over rocky, undulating terrain.

Dates and weather: This workshop is slated to start sometime between August 15 and September 2, when the fall colors should be at their most brilliant in Tombstone. Because camping for two nights at Talus Lake is a highlight of this itinerary, we will hold off on setting exact dates until the conclusion of the February 2025 campsite lottery. Making the helicopter flights in and out of the Lake is always weather-dependent. If inclement weather should preclude flight, we will make the very most of opportunities to photograph and hike in other beautiful areas within the Park.

Travel: Given possible travel delays, you may find it prudent to arrive in Dawson City a day early.

In-field assistance: My priority is to offer each participant the assistance they want and need to make good images and get the most out of their workshop experience.

This workshop will be held between August 15 and September 10, but the exact dates will be determined by the results of the February Talus Lake campsite lottery.