Leave No Trace 
Alaska is a beautiful state. Help it stay that way by leaving no trace of your presence behind. Furthermore, staying on marked trails helps protect the fragile ecosystem.
BLM Camping
Big Bend Trail
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Big Bend Trail is within the White Mountains National Recreation Area, about an hour north of Fairbanks, Alaska. The trail comes off the Colorado Creek Trail, and it is the primary trail to the Colorado Creek Cabin. The segmented trail is especially popular in the winter when snowmobilers, snow-shoers, and skiers use it. The Bureau of Land Management, BLM, oversees the trail. Camping is permitted, but in Alaska, there is only one dump station located on BLM land, so RV travelers are advised to plan ahead.
The White Mountains National Recreation Area is a popular place to go gold mining, fishing, and camping. The recreation area is also a popular spot for starting a floating trip on the Beaver Creek National Wild River. You can find lots to do in Fairbanks, including visiting museums, learning about the indigenous people, and dog sledding.
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Ski Loop Trail
Description: This trail starts at the Wickersham Dome Trailhead in the park’s southwest corner at Mile 28 of the Eliot Highway. This trail offers stunning views of the Alaska Range and Mt. Denali.
Length: 5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Summit Trail
Description: This trail starts at the Wickersham Dome Trailhead. Most of it is above the tree line. Berry picking can be fantastic along this trail. Enjoy panoramic views of the Alaska Range and the Brooks Range.
Length: 5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Wickersham Dome Trail
Description: The Wickersham Dome Trailhead is the starting point for this trail. It runs through an alpine forest, which can be a great place to see wildflowers in the summer. Then climb the stairsteps while enjoying views into the wilderness. The large rocks at the top are popular with people who like to go bouldering.
Length: 7 miles
Intensity: Difficult
Colorado Creek Trail
Description: This trail starts across from Summit Lake Lodge. Walk around moss-covered rocks until you come to a spruce and birch forest on its way to cross the creek and enter the high country. Finally, it runs through several creek valleys. It is not recommended to hike this trail in the summer because of mud.
Length: 22.5 miles
Intensity: Strenuous
McKinley Overlook Trail
Description: Start this hike across from the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. This hilly trail offers excellent views of the mountain. It is more maintained than many in the area, making it an ideal choice for novice hikers.
Length: 1.5 miles
Intensity: Easy
Fishing and Boating
Beaver Creek in the White Mountains is a fantastic place to go on a floating and fishing trip. Beaver Creek, which starts in the White Mountains near Big Bend Trial, offers northern pike. Try fly fishing for them on large dry flies and mayflies. The North Creek Area has terrific Arctic grayling fishing, but check local regulations for this area.
Climbing
You can find many sports climbing opportunities off Atlin Road in the White Mountains. Nearby, Rusted Goat Wall has several multi-pitch routes. Due to the crumbly nature of Northwest Buttress, it is a great place to go climbing in the winter when the rocks are frozen in place.
Wildlife Viewing
If you want to see Dall sheep, consider heading to nearby Mt. Prindle. Look near blueberry thickets to see black bears. Caribou can often be spotted meandering along the high ridges in the summer and on low-lying meadows in the winter. You may also see brown bears, moose, wolves, and wolverines in remote locations.
Picnicking
Near the trail, the Nome Creek Valley is a beautiful spot for a summertime picnic. Take the Steese Highway to US Creek Road to access this area. Table Top Mountain is another popular spot. There are many short trails behind Mt. Prindle Campground where you can access this summit.
Winter Sports
Dog-mushing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are favorite winter pastimes near Big Bend Trail. The Windy Creek and Fossil Creek drainages and the Ski Loop Trail are popular places to go snowmobiling, and the trails in these areas are usually kept in pristine condition. The Wickersham Dome area is popular for those who prefer traveling by their own power or being pulled by dogs.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
There are two Bureau of Land Management campgrounds near the Big Bend Trail. Mount Prindle Campground is a great place to go RV camping, and it is maintained in the summer. It offers hand-pumped water, trashcans, and outhouses. There are 13 sites available.
Free Camping 
48 Mile Pond is a great place to camp for free There is a large pond where the Arctic grayling fishing is often great. There are also large shade trees.
RV Rentals Near Big Bend Trail Plan your next adventure
Planning your Big Bend Trail BLM trip
Since this trail is in a remote location, think about the weather when loading up. You will want to bring some extra clothes and food, especially if you plan a winter RVing adventure. You also need to prepare your vehicle to encounter muddy conditions the rest of the year.
This trail can be muddy, which can make it slippery. Be sure that you wear shoes with excellent tread. Additionally, you may want to wear hiking boots that have good ankle support as it will make it easier to keep from turning an ankle on uneven trails.
Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Leave No Trace
Big Bend Trail Location
The only way to reach Big Bend Trail is by hiking. Start your adventure by taking the Elliott Highway from Fairbanks. Park near the Summit Lake Lodge. Then, follow the Colorado Creek Trail until it intersects with the Big Bend Trail. This trail is in Yukon-Koyukuk Borough, Alaska.
Ready to visit Big Bend Trail? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice, soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.