Tombstone
August 23–30, 2023
Autumn Color in Tombstone Territorial Park
August 24–31, 2022
Located just south of the Arctic Circle, between the Bering and Beaufort seas, Tombstone Territorial Park encompasses over 2,100 sq. km of rugged mountain peaks and permafrost landforms, bisected by a rocky divide. Jointly administered by the Yukon Territory government and the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation people, the park provides refuge to abundant wildlife, including Dall’s sheep, two species of caribou, moose, black bears, grizzly bears, numerous smaller mammals, and at least 150 species of birds.
While the park boasts year round beauty—earning it comparison to the legendary Patagonia region—it really shines during autumn. It is then that the park’s varied flora erupts in shades of crimson and yellow, and we’ve timed our Tombstone Workshop to coincide! Join Muench Workshop pro Kevin Pepper, and our local outfitters, as we seek out the most expansive landscapes, varied wildlife, and even (if we are lucky!) the dancing aurora borealis.
We’ve arranged for the perfect base camp in this remote region, comfortably outfitted with a wall tent for meals, personal tents for sleeping, and plenty of home-cooked hot food and drinks to keep you warm and fortified. Our priority during the four nights of camping is to fly into and camp at Talus Lake. Talus Lake is an amazing wilderness lake just beneath the jagged peaks of the Tombstone region. This is a separate alpine camp miles from anywhere and requires a 15 mile hike or helicopter flight. Our outfitters will arrange the helicopter to fly us in and they will setup camp at Talus Lake and provide all the cooking. We have a weather window of 4 nights from our base camp for this opportunity. Weather permitting, we’ll be traversing the park on foot, by vehicle, and by helicopter—you’ll have photographic opportunities from every angle.
This workshop begins and ends in Dawson City, with a wealth of local mining lore to serve as our backdrop. Bring your camera, hiking boots, and a sense of adventure for this journey into the wilds of the Yukon!
Muench Workshops hires local outfitters who carry all required permits and certifications.
Your Pro
Location
Yukon Territory, Canada
Tuition
$7,495
Dates
August 24–31, 2022
Fitness Level
Moderate
Availability
Sold Out
Limited to 6 Guests
Itinerary
This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.
August 23, 2022: Arrive Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (YXY), Whitehorse, Yukon anytime.
Take the shuttle to the Raven Inn Hotel where we have a block of rooms held for you.
August 24, 2022: 8:00 AM: You’ll meet Kevin Pepper and the group in the lobby of the Raven Inn to load the private bus to Dawson City. The ride is 7 hours including a few stops. Once you arrive at our hotel in Dawson City, you’ll have time to settle in before our group dinner. Weather permitting, there is a chance to photograph the Northern Lights after dinner.
August 25, 2022: After a hearty breakfast, we’ll begin our adventure into Tombstone Provincial Park. Our drive will meander through pine-covered foothills, then wind its way up to the steep snow-covered mountains marking the Park’s entrance. We should see spring greens fade to light green and yellow as we gain elevation. We’ll begin photographing along the highway at one of many potential locations before we reach our base camp. Once in camp, everyone will have time to unpack and place their gear and luggage in their own tent. Each tent will be equipped for rain and with a nice thick sleeping pad and sleeping bag. We’ll have time to eat dinner in camp before heading out (weather permitting) for more night photography.
August 26–29, 2022: We have four full days to explore, not only in the park but also further north in the vast tundra. The vast sprawl of this incredible wilderness will surprise you.
Our scheduled helicopter is reserved to take us up into the high peaks of the park at the first available weather window, which could be this day. There will be additional tents and pads assembled at our camp up at Talus Lake. If the weather is poor, we’ll wait a day, and again if needed. From base camp, mornings will come early, as we’ll seek to photograph sunrises, but don’t worry, there will be plenty of hot coffee! After daybreak, we’ll have a hearty breakfast before setting out for a day of exploration. We’ll be keeping our schedule flexible to take advantage of the best light, but a hot dinner will always be waiting for us when we return.
August 30, 2022: If weather permits, we’ll take in one final sunrise from camp before it’s time to pack up and drive back to Dawson City. We’ll be ready for our first hot showers, and a little downtime to go through images. After a group image review, we’ll enjoy a last dinner together (in a restaurant!).
August 31, 2022: Following a hearty breakfast, we’ll load into the bus by 8:00 AM for our ride back to Whitehorse. We plan on arriving in Whitehorse by 3:00 PM to catch flights home.
Gallery
Fitness
Moderate: You must be able to carry your packs in a rugged Alpine environment for up to 2 miles at 7000′
Flights
Arrive Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (YXY), Whitehorse, Yukon anytime on August 23, 2022. Flights out can be made after 5:00 PM on August 31, 2022.
What to Bring
Please see our page How To Prepare For Your Workshop. We will send you a detailed information document 90 days before your workshop. This document will include specifics of where and when to meet, gear and clothing recommendations, and more.
What’s Included
- Double occupancy lodging. Single available for $350 supplement. (Hotel only.)
- All meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop
- All permits and park fees
- All transportation during the workshop
- All helicopter charters
- Tips for crew, drivers, and local guides
- Guided camping with custom meals and comfortable tents
- Camp bedding: cot, sheet and sleeping bag
- Fully outfitted, guided camping
- Photographic guiding and instruction from Kevin Pepper
- Image reviews and post-processing instruction
- Adventure, fun, inspiration, and a great time!
Not Included
- Travel to and from Dawson City, Yukon.
- While not expected, we do reserve the right to add a surcharge for possible fuel cost increases. This can happen even right up until the time of the expedition, but we try to get as much notice as possible.
- Passport and visa fees (if applicable).
- Any meals or accommodations before or after the workshop dates.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Medical Evacuation Insurance (required).
- Travel Medical and Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, but recommended).
- Anything else specifically not listed as included.
- Single rooming available for $350 supplement. (Hotel only.)
Payment Terms
- Your deposit of $3,495 will hold your space in this workshop.
- The balance is due not later than May 1, 2022.
- All of our standard Terms and Conditions apply.
- Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.
Testimonials
“Kevin provided constructive critiques and positive suggestions for improving our photography. He also showed some artistic/abstract techniques to get us out of our comfort zone. ”
