About Fossil Creek Trail
Fossil Creek Trail, in the White Mountains National Recreation Area, is an 18.8-mile trail maintained for winter snowmobiling, skiing, dog mushing, snowshoeing, and fat-biking.Fossil Creek Trail starts at the north end of Wickersham Creek Trail near the Borealis-LeFevre Cabin on the north side of Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River. The trail heads north through a broad, open valley and spruce forests and rolling hills before dropping into the Fossil Creek drainage. The Fossil Creek Trail will pass the junction with the Fossil Gap Trail past jagged limestone cliffs before reaching Windy Gap Cabin. The northern terminus of the trail is a three-way intersection with Windy Creek Trail and Cache Mountain Loop at the Windy Gap Cabin.The trail closed to motorized use May 1 - October 14.
How to Get There
The Fossil Creek Trail continues north from the Borealis-LeFevre Cabin at the north end of the Wickersham Creek Trail. The most direct route from the city of Fairbanks, Alaska, is to travel north on the Steese Highway to Fox, Alaska, then north on the Elliott Highway to milepost 28 and the Wickersham Dome parking area. Access to the Fossil Creek Trail begins at the Wickersham Dome parking area, then one can travel either the Wickersham Creek Trail (winter use) or the Summit Trail (summer use, hiking only) to get to the beginning of the trail. The Fossil Creek Trail is non-motorized use only in the summer (May 1-October 14).
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Fossil Creek Trail
Heading to Fossil Creek Trail? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Fossil Creek Trail?
No central reservation system listed for Fossil Creek Trail. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/16652) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Fossil Creek Trail?
The Fossil Creek Trail continues north from the Borealis-LeFevre Cabin at the north end of the Wickersham Creek Trail. The most direct route from the city of Fairbanks, Alaska, is to travel north on the Steese Highway to Fox, Alaska, then north on the Elliott Highway to milepost 28 and the Wickersham Dome parking area. Access to the Fossil Creek Trail begins at the Wickersham Dome parking area, th…
How do I contact Fossil Creek Trail?
You can reach the park at phone: 907-474-2200 or email: EasternInterior@BLM.gov.
References & Official Resources
