Location and surroundings
Tawe Das'ayi is a peak in Yukon, Canada, within the Thirtymile Range of the South Yukon Plateau Ranges. It belongs to the broader Yukon Plateau, the Alaska-Yukon Ranges and the North American Cordillera. In the range it ranks first by elevation, and it is the highest point of the Thirtymile Range.
The surrounding country is typical of the Yukon plateau: broad uplands, ridgelines and open mountain terrain rather than sharp alpine walls. At this latitude and elevation, the ground is usually a mix of rock, tundra and sparse vegetation, with snow lingering into the warmer months on shaded slopes and higher ground.
Neighbouring peaks
Nearby named peaks and passes give a sense of how Tawe Das'ayi sits in the range. The closest feature is the Thirtymile Range peak to the north, followed by Tawê Shàk'ú to the northwest. Farther away are other summits across the Yukon plateau country.
- Thirtymile Range — 1,548 m, 1.7 km north
- Tawê Shàk'ú — 1,773 m, 3.7 km northwest
- Englishmans Range — 1,423 m, 30.7 km southeast
- {3}{17}y Gûn — 1,530 m, 30.9 km southwest
- Mount McCleery — 1,882 m, 39.2 km southeast
- Chùkanshâ — 1,099 m, 52.3 km southwest
- Mount Grant — 1,986 m, 54.6 km west
- Indian Mountain — 1,812 m, 54.7 km north
Compared with these neighbours, Tawe Das'ayi is one of the higher summits in the area, but it is still lower than Mount Grant, the nearest higher peak.
The view from the summit
Within 25 km, the main high point in the surrounding landscape is the Thirtymile Range peak to the north, 1.7 km away. Tawê Shàk'ú lies 3.7 km to the northwest and is also visible from the summit area in clear weather. These nearby summits define the immediate skyline around Tawe Das'ayi.
Because the mountain sits in open plateau ranges rather than a tightly enclosed alpine basin, the summit view is likely to extend across ridges and broad uplands. The nearest higher mountain, Mount Grant, is farther away and outside this 25 km circle.
The range
Tawe Das'ayi belongs to the Thirtymile Range, which has three named peaks. The range’s high point is Tawe Das'ayi itself, so it is the top summit of that small group. The range sits within Yukon, Canada, as part of the wider South Yukon Plateau Ranges.
In practical terms, this means the mountain is a local high point rather than a peak in a long chain of many named summits. Its position at the top of the range makes it a useful reference point for the surrounding plateau country and nearby ridges.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER for 2001–2020 suggest that the summit is cold for most of the year. The warmest month is July, at about 5 °C, while January is the coldest month, at about -19 °C. Mean temperatures above freezing at the summit are limited to June, July and August.
Precipitation in the surrounding area is about 750 mm a year, with the wettest month in June at about 90 mm and the driest in February at about 35 mm. Typical hazards in this part of Yukon include rapid weather changes, cold rain or snow in summer, wind on exposed ridges and long periods of snow cover.
Best time to visit
The most practical window for a visit is the short summer period when summit temperatures are more likely to be above freezing: June, July and August. Even then, snow patches can remain on shaded slopes and the weather can turn cold quickly, so clothing for winter-like conditions is still sensible.
For drier travel, the lower-precipitation part of the year is generally better than the wetter early-summer period, but in this region the difference is not enough to remove the need for rain gear. Daylight is long in summer, which helps on remote plateau terrain where travel can be slower than expected.
Nature and wildlife
The mountain lies in a northern plateau environment where vegetation is usually sparse at higher elevations and becomes more continuous on lower slopes. Expect tundra plants, grasses, low shrubs and patches of bare rock, with tree cover thinning as elevation increases. The terrain is likely to be open enough for long views but rough underfoot.
Wildlife in this part of Yukon commonly includes animals adapted to cold, open country, and visitors should be prepared for encounters with large mammals as well as smaller alpine species. Seasonal snowmelt, wet ground and exposed ridges shape both the plant life and the way travel works on the mountain.
Guides and organised ascents
For a mountain like Tawe Das'ayi, a certified guide is sensible if you are unfamiliar with remote northern terrain, route-finding, or changing weather. In Canada, the national mountain guide association is the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club is the Alpine Club of Canada.
Examples of established guiding companies in Canada include Yamnuska Mountain Adventures in Canmore and Canada West Mountain School in West Vancouver. Guided trips in this kind of terrain usually depend on the number of days, group size, equipment needs and whether camping is involved. For a remote peak, visitors often arrange logistics, navigation and safety support well in advance.
Safety and preparation
Tawe Das'ayi is a 1,970 m mountain in a remote part of Yukon, so preparation should match cold weather, variable footing and limited services. Even in summer, the summit environment can feel wintry, and exposed ridges may be windy and cold. Good layers, navigation tools and the ability to turn back are important.
For emergencies in Canada, the mountain rescue number is 911, which reaches general emergency dispatch and can connect to search and rescue. Because the area is remote, it is wise to carry extra food, insulation and a reliable map, and to tell someone your plan before setting out.
Interesting facts
Tawe Das'ayi is the highest of the three named peaks in the Thirtymile Range, and it is also the range high point. The nearest higher peak is Mount Grant, 54.6 km to the west. That makes Tawe Das'ayi a local high point with a clear position in the surrounding plateau ranges.
Its setting in the Yukon Plateau places it within a broad mountain system rather than a single isolated massif. The mountain’s other name is Tawé Dās'àyi, which appears as an alternate form of the same peak name.
FAQ
How high is Tawe Das'ayi? It rises to 1,970 m.
Where is Tawe Das'ayi? It is in Yukon, Canada, in the Thirtymile Range of the South Yukon Plateau Ranges.
Is Tawe Das'ayi the highest mountain in its range? Yes. It is the highest of the three named peaks in the Thirtymile Range and the range high point.
What peaks are closest to Tawe Das'ayi? The nearest named features are the Thirtymile Range peak 1.7 km north and Tawê Shàk'ú 3.7 km northwest.
Is there water on the way to Tawe Das'ayi? In this kind of plateau terrain, water is usually from snowmelt, wet ground or small seasonal drainage, and it should be treated before drinking. Carry about 1.5-3 litres for a day, depending on heat and route length.
Are there huts on Tawe Das'ayi? OpenStreetMap shows no hut or shelter within 2 km of the top, so hikers usually plan the ascent as a day trip or carry their own tent.
Will my mobile phone work there? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before setting out.