White Mountains National Recreation Area

White Mountains Trail Conditions Update

Last updated Friday, February 10, 2012

General Remarks/Safety Alert  

Warmer weather has vastly improved traveling conditions in the White Mountains. The trail groomers covered a lot of miles this week, and managed to groom the Cache Mountain Divide, McKay Creek, Colorado Creek, Bear Creek, and Big Bend trails. More detailed descriptions for each trail may be found below.

Remember to carry survival gear and be prepared for the unexpected, even during day trips. Bad weather or unexpected mishaps may prolong your trip or even mean spending a night on the trail. Also, be sure to leave a detailed trip plan with a friend or family member. A trip plan form (PDF/100 KB) is available on the Alaska State Troopers website.

Cabin Reservations and Information

For reservations and permits, visit the BLM office in Fairbanks (address below) or call the BLM Public Lands Information Office at (907) 474-2251. Cabins must be paid for in advance and the permit carried with you to the cabin. Trail shelters are free of charge and used on a first come, first served basis. Cabins may not have firewood present for the woodstove, so plan to carry some with you or cut some along the way. As a courtesy, replace the firewood that you use. Dog owners please remember to clean up after your dogs.

Detailed trail and cabin descriptions are available at the Bureau of Land Management Fairbanks District Office located at 1150 University Ave. in Fairbanks. A map of areas open to motorized vehicle use is also available.

Wickersham Dome Trailhead (Mile 28 Elliott Highway)

Summit Trail – This trail is open to non-motorized use only.  A trail shelter, located at mile 8, is an enclosed cabin that is minimally furnished and does not have a wood stove. This trail has not been broken by BLM.

Ski Loop Trail  – This trail is open to non-motorized use only. This trail has not been broken by BLM.

Wickersham Creek Trail – This trail was groomed Feb. 3. There is some overflowing ice developing across the trail past the Wickersham Creek Trail Shelter. The crossing at Beaver Creek was passable but had some overflow on top of the ice in January.

Trail Creek Trail was groomed Feb. 2 and is in good condition. Earlier in the winter the trail crew rerouted a short section of the trail that crosses the slough to the north of Beaver Creek to avoid open water. Follow the tripods and trail markers to cross the slough.

Moose Creek Trail – This trail was groomed on Jan. 6. The trail is likely narrow and drifted.

Fossil Creek Trail – BLM groomed this trail Feb. 3. The trail is in good condition.

Fossil Gap Trail – BLM packed this trail on Feb. 3. The trail is in decent condition. Expect areas of drifting and exposed tussocks.  

Cache Mountain Loop Trail – BLM groomed this trail on Feb. 6 and 7. Conditions are good, although there is extensive overlow ice (not deep but slick!) in upper Fossil Creek.

Colorado Creek Trailhead (mile 57 Elliott Highway)

Colorado Creek Trail was groomed on Feb. 9 and 10 to Wolf Run Cabin. The trail is in good condition. Expect some areas of drifting.

Big Bend Trail was broken and groomed Feb. 9. The trail is in good condition the first 6 miles from the intersection with the Wickersham Trail to the ridgetop. From the ridgetop to the Colorado Creek cabin, expect exposed tussocks and some rocks. Traveling would be slow on this section.

Windy Creek Trail – This trail was groomed between Wolf Run Cabin and Windy Gap on Feb. 3. The trail is in good condition.

Fred Blixt Cabin (mile 62.5 Elliott Hwy.) – The driveway was plowed on Jan. 9. Cabin users should bring a supply of water, a cook stove and lantern, and firewood for warming.

McKay Creek Trailhead (mile 42 Steese Highway)

There are private driveways adjacent to the parking area. Take care that you do not block them.

McKay Creek Trail – A BLM trail crew groomed this trail to Cache Mtn. Cabin on Feb. 7. Conditions were good. The Beaver Creek crossing was solid, but use caution when crossing the creek.  

U.S.Creek Trailhead (mile 57 Steese Highway)

U.S. Creek Road is not maintained during the winter for vehicular traffic. However, the road provides a good route for snowmachining and dog mushing.

Lower Nome Creek Trail – BLM groomed this trail on Feb. 7. Conditions are good but expected drifted snow in open areas.

Bear Creek Trail – BLM groomed this trail to Richards Cabin on Feb. 7. Conditions are good. Use caution when crossing Champion Creek and Bear Creek.

White Mountains National Recreation Area