The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Ski Loop Trail is a remote groomed trail near the Wickersham Dome near milepost 28 of the Elliott Highway in Alaska. This five-mile-long trail is a favorite among cross-country skiers and snowmobilers who often use it to start their adventure to Wickersham Creek or Moose Creek cabins. After playing on this trail, head about 150 miles south to explore Denali National Park.
You'll want to consider staying at the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds while exploring the Elliott Highway. Though most of these campgrounds offer few or no services, they're surrounded by beautiful tundra and often make a great place to see the Northern Lights. If you're not from the area, consider searching for "BLM camping near me" as you make your way across the Western United States and Alaska. Generally, you can stay in these campgrounds for 14 days before moving to a new location.
You'll love the views of the surrounding White Mountains when you hike this trail. It starts on top of a ridge, then runs through a black-spruce forest as it descends to Wickersham Creek. You can view Wickersham Cabin from this trail.
Length: 19.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This trail is accessed off Ski Loop Trail and Wickersham Creek Trail. It leads to the Borealis-LeFevre Cabin, a fantastic place to watch the Aurora Borealis in the late summer. Others choose to raft to this trail by leaving from the Ophir Creek Campground, a nearby Bureau of Land Management camping facility.
Length: 3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This trail starts at the same trailhead as the Ski Loop Trail and crosses near Wickersham Dome. You'll love seeing the wildlife in the spruce forest along the last half of this trail, which ends at Beaver Creek.
Length: 8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Head to the White Mountains National Recreation Area to explore Beaver Creek. Many people choose this location as a starting point for a 180-mile-long rafting adventure to where Beaver Creek flows into the Yukon River. Anglers often love to fish Beaver Creek for northern pike and Arctic grayling, with the best fishing usually found in the early summer.
Grapefruit Rocks near the Wickersham Dome is a fantastic place for a climbing adventure. Find this area about ten miles farther up the Elliott Highway than the Ski Loop Trail. The site is divided into three regions, with the most challenging climbs found along Globe Creek. There's even a pull-out where you can park.
The White Mountains National Recreation Area is a fantastic spot to see wildlife. During summertime, head out on one of the hiking trails until you find a blueberry thicket to see black bears. Look around Mt. Prindle to see Dall sheep. In the winter, enjoy the groomed trails to see caribou; you'll have to climb to higher elevations in the summertime to do so.
Creamer's Field is an excellent spot for a picnic. From about 1898 to 1966, this facility was the only commercial dairy in Interior Alaska. Birds still flock to this area to find food in the fields maintained by the state and get a drink. After your picnic, head to Farmhouse Visitor Center to join a crew headed out on a guided nature walk.
While there's no developed RV camping near Ski Loop Trail, you can find other nearby options. Many choose to start a rafting trip on Beaver Creek by staying at Ophir Creek Campground and floating down the river until they get near this trail. Others choose to stay at the Cripple Creek Campground. A third option a little further away is to stay at the Whitefish Campground and Boat Launch.
You can find Bureau of Land Management free camping outside of organized campgrounds throughout the White Mountains National Recreation Area. You may also want to consider camping at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks before starting your journey.
You'll need a little bigger pack when you go cross-country skiing in a remote area than if you were going hiking in the same area. At a minimum, you should bring along supplies to do emergency repairs to your skis and glide wax. You should always dress in layers and protect yourself from the sun. Additionally, bring along a topographical map and a compass, and you should know how to use them. Consider bringing along extra food in case the weather takes an unexpected turn for the worse and you need to spend a few days in your camper.
The groomed trails near Fairbanks are a great place to explore. You'll love seeing the wildlife and reconnecting with nature. They're also an excellent place for aerobic exercise as you hike or ski the trails. Before you head out on your adventure, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Be mindful of the fact that there's no trash service in this area. Any trash you leave behind is likely to enter nearby streams, and then it ends up in the Yukon River before eventually ending up in the Bering Sea. Therefore, please do your part to protect this pristine area and its wildlife and marine life by packing your trash out.
Get more information and a detailed map before visiting the Ski Loop Trail at the Fairbanks Alaska Public Land Information Center. After you see this center located at the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, head south on Noble Road. Turn right on Noble Road and right on Airport Way. Turn right on Alaska 2, and you'll see the trailhead in about 28 miles.
Ready to visit Ski Loop 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 of 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.
