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South Landmark Gap Trail

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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South Landmark Gap Trail

Bureau of Land Management sites are excellent ways to hike, camp, or enjoy other outdoor activities. These areas are public lands, but they are often relatively remote and offer quiet, secluded options for exploring a region. To find BLM sites with camping options, search for “BLM camping near me.”

The South Landmark Gap Trail is located in the Tangle Lakes Archeological District, south of Fairbanks, Alaska. The area is quite remote, and the trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The trail itself connects to several other trails in the area. It’s largely designed for motorized vehicle use and is popular with OHV and snowmobile enthusiasts. Trails marked with green dots are open to motorized use. Trails marked with red dots are not for motorized vehicle use unless there is 12 inches of snow cover or six inches of frozen ground.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

South Landmark Gap Trail

This trail can be very muddy during warmer weather, but it offers beautiful views and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Length: 6.2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Gulkana Glacier Trail

This trail doesn’t offer too many steep climbs, but the path can be rocky and muddy.

Length: 9.7 miles

Intensity: Hard

Castner Glacier Trail

This trail follows parts of Castner Creek and offers gorgeous views of the landscape and nearby glacier.

Length: 2.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Donnelly Dome Trail

This trail offers spectacular views of the nearby mountains, and it’s also an excellent way to spot native wildlife.

Length: 2.7 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Quartz Lake Loop Trail

Located in the nearby Quartz Lake State Recreation Area, this trail offers beautiful views of the area’s forested landscape.

Length: 1.9 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

Fishing is popular at the nearby Tangle Lakes. Anglers can catch burbot, Arctic grayling, and lake trout. Boating is also popular in the Tangle Lakes area. Fishing enthusiasts can head to Fielding Lake, where lake trout and burbot are common.

Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife viewing is excellent right along the South Landmark Gap Trail. Visitors can head to the Tangle Lakes Archeological Area to spot native animals, including wolverines, bears, lynx, foxes, caribou, moose, elk, deer, and a range of birds.

Picnicking

The Fielding Lake State Recreation Site is a great option for a picnic. The area has several picnic tables, and there is a boat launch for those who wish to explore the lake. Round Tangle Lake offers beautiful views and has a picnic area.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is very popular along the South Landmark Gap Trail and many other trails in the area. Even non-motorized vehicle trails often open up to snowmobilers when there is more than one foot of snow present. Visitors to the area can also enjoy some snowshoeing or cross-country skiing along many of the area’s trails.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping is available at the Tangle Lakes Campground. There are 45 sites, and the campground offers toilets and a water pump. A nearby boat launch makes it easy to enjoy the lake. RV camping is also available at several locations in the Fielding Lake State Recreation Site.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at Clearwater Creek Wayside, where visitors can set up a dispersed camping site. The area has restrooms, fire rings, and picnic tables.

RV Rentals Near South Landmark Gap Trail Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your South Landmark Gap Trail BLM trip

The South Landmark Gap Trail is located in a large wilderness expanse and is incredibly remote. Always plan out your journey and let someone know where you will be. Bring a map, compass, or GPS to guide you. It’s also a good idea to pack any essential supplies you may need, including plenty of water and a first aid kit.

The area around the South Landmark Gap Trail is home to many large animals, including elk, moose, bears, lynx, and wolverines. These animals generally do not pose a threat to people unless they are provoked. Always observe wild animals quietly and from a distance. Do not attempt to sneak up on any wildlife. Always secure your food when you’re camping to ensure that animals can’t get to it. Practicing safe guidelines with wildlife helps to keep both you and the animals safe.

The weather around the South Landmark Gap Trail is mild during the summer months but can become very cold during the winter with daytime temperatures reaching well below freezing. Snow is also common in the area. Be prepared for inclement weather, and always keep an eye on the weather forecast. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Bureau of Land Management campgrounds can be protected by using Leave No Trace policies, such as being courteous to fellow visitors and planning ahead. It’s also always important to pack out all of your trash and to dispose of it in a trash can. Stay on the trails so as not to disturb or damage the landscape, plants, and animals. Only make fires in designated areas using firewood collected from that specific area. Pay attention to the trail signs, and obey all rules regarding motorized vehicle use.

South Landmark Gap Trail Location

Take the Denali Highway to milepost 24.7. The trail is located on the south side of this mile marker. You can also access the trail from a trailhead at milepost 24.8.

Ready to visit South Landmark Gap 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.