White Mountains Trail Conditions Report

Updated Friday, April 5, 2024 

BLM recreation staff maintain several multi-use trails for winter recreation and to create access to 12 backcountry public use cabins. We maintain this report throughout the winter to provide information about trail maintenance efforts and to share trail condition reports from the recreation staff. These reports are generally updated on Fridays to share the work the crew has done each week. 

Wheeled off-highway vehicles (OHVs) are not allowed on the White Mountains National Recreation Area’s winter trails during the winter travel season, October 14 - April 30. 

Current Conditions

Conditions can change rapidly. Extreme caution should be used when traveling in the backcountry of the White Mountains and all users should have the proper tools and abilities to self-rescue in any situation.  

Spring is here and warm temperatures have changed conditions rapidly. The crew is done grooming for the rest of the season, so this will be the last trail report update for the winter season. For trip planning assistance you can reach out to the White Mountains recreation staff by calling 907-474-2200 or 1-877-444-6777 (toll free). 

With the cooler temps we experienced this week, the melt has slowed down and things stabilized for the time being.  The little skiff of snow we received in Fairbanks turned in to 2” - 4” in the White Mountains.  Expect the trails to remain hard as long as the temperatures stay below freezing.  Recognize that conditions can change rapidly as temps increase. 

With above freezing temperatures, expect overflow conditions at most creek crossings. Overflow is ever changing along certain sections of trail, so if in doubt, scout your route before proceeding. Expect to see open water soon. 

Attention cabin users: Please be sure to close all shutters and doors of the cabins after your stay, this provides protection from wind and or wildlife damage. With the warm weather we can expect bears to be more active so please do not leave food in the cabins and double check that it is secure as you leave.   

This week the recreation staff travelled the Wickersham Creek, Fossil Creek, Moose Creek, Trail Creek, Windy Creek, Bear Creek and Big Bend trails. 

Elliott Highway Trails 

• Colorado Creek Trail – 3/7/2024 Report: The trail was groomed to Colorado Creek Cabin and then to the Windy Creek and Fossil Gap Trail junction.

• Wickersham Creek Trail – 4/5/2024 Report: The trail was packed and but there is tremendous amount of ice forming on parts of the trail and in creeks.

• Ski Loop Trail - 3/28/2023 Report: The trail is packed and in good condition.

  

Steese Highway Trails 

• McKay Creek Trail – 2/29/2024 Report: The trail is packed and is in good condition.

 

Backcountry Trails 

• Trail Creek Trail – 4/4/2024 Report: The entire trail is hard packed and in good condition from Lee's Cabin to Cache Mountain Cabin. This trail runs on the crown of the hills so has minimal ice formation.

• Lower Nome Creek Trail - 2/5/2023 Report:  The trail is packed and in good condition.  Some thin ice or open water is visible on the downriver side of the Nome Cr. crossing but was easily avoidable.

• Bear Creek Trail - 4/4/2023 Report: The trail is packed to Richards Cabin and in good shape with about 2 inches of fresh snow. 

• Big Bend Trail - 4/4/2024 Report:  The trail is packed and in fair condition.  Lots of wind scour along the last six miles to Colorado Creek Cabin has left minimal snow.  

• Cache Mountain Divide Trail - 3/28/2024 Report:  Trail is in good condition with ice lakes still being solid.

• Fossil Creek Trail - 3/28/2024 Report: Trail is packed and in good condition with slope ice forming in several spots as well as about ¾ mile of glare ice near Windy Gap, a bypass trail around the ice was groomed as of this report.

• Fossil Gap Trail – 3/7/2024 Report:  The trail is packed and has some overflow that developed on Fossil Creek, but it was solid on 3/7.

• Moose Creek Trail - 4/3/2024 Report: The trail is packed and is in good condition.

• Windy Creek Trail - 4/4/2024 Report:   The trail is packed and is in good condition.  

For more details, please call BLM to speak to one of the White Mountain National Recreation Area trail crew at (907) 474-2200 or toll-free at 1(800) 437-7021.  

Safety Recommendations

Trail reports provide information useful to planning and preparations, however trail conditions can change rapidly and there are many other risks associated with using winter trails. Visitors use trails at their own risk and should be prepared for any situation and extreme weather conditions.

Practice #KnowBeforeYouGo principles: 

• share a trip plan (State Troopers form) with family or friends before you head out
• check the weather (National Weather Service Fairbanks) before you head out
• check the highway conditions (511.alaska.gov) before you head out
• download the winter recreation map onto your phone for off-grid use.
• bring more water, food, and fuel than you should need for your trip
• bring a satellite communication device, more than one if possible
• plan for mechanical breakdowns and weather conditions to deteriorate rapidly
• if you become stranded, do not separate from your party 
• Alaska is Bear Country:  No matter the season, always remain bear aware. Don’t leave food or garbage in cabins or shelters.

Please check back here for winter trail condition updates and follow our Facebook page for regular and emergency updates.

Trail Etiquette

Here are a few tips to help everyone enjoy the trails we share:  

• Be alert for other trail users. Keep to the right as much as possible on trails, especially when going around corners.  
• Reduce speed on curves and corners.  
• If you're stopping along the trail, pull as far off the trail to the right as possible.  
• Follow the winter trail etiquette for yielding.  

Trail Maps

 The travel and transportation limitations switched from summer to winter on Sunday, October 15. 

During the winter season, October 15 – April 30, the entire White Mountains National Recreation Area is open to the use of snowmobiles weighing up to 1000 pounds curb weight and up to 50 inches wide. 

Web Map: The new interactive Alaska Travel Management web map includes information on routes and cross-country travel areas. Toggle on- and off- layers for winter or summer, scroll across Alaska and zoom in to get detailed information. You can even create custom georeferenced PDF maps for use in the field by selecting print PDF. 

Georeferenced PDF maps: these digital maps are designed for use on smart phones and tablets. With a free app the map shows your current location even if cell coverage is not available. Learn more about how to use these free digital maps and browse the full collection of BLM georeferenced PDF maps. 

The BLM's new Winter Recreation Georeferrenced PDF Map includes information about winter access and BLM recreation facilities.

Brochure: The White Mountains National Recreation Area Winter Map & Guide for an overview of the trails and public use cabins. This brochure also includes a handy mileage chart. 

Cabin Reservations and Information

For cabin reservations and permits, visit the Recreation.gov website or call toll free:

1-877-444-6777. Search the site for “White Mountains National Recreation Area."
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 stocked for the woodstove; plan to carry some with you or cut some along the way. As a courtesy, replace the firewood that you use. 

Detailed cabin descriptions are available on the Recreation.gov website and at the BLM office in Fairbanks. A map of areas open to motorized vehicle use is also available.