Snow Biking in Alaska's Arctic

White Mountains National Recreation Area is run by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, and is best traveled during the winter months. The BLM maintains three trailheads to provide access to 12 public recreation cabins that are connected by extensive trail systems. Trailheads for the Wickersham Creek Trail and the Colorado Creek Trail are provided at milepost 28 and 57 Steese Highway, respectively, and the more remote McKay Creek Trail is accessed from milepost 42.5 Steese Highway. The average distance between cabins is approximately 10 miles. Permits range from $20 to $25 per night and are required in advance. Please check on cabin availability as the White Mountains area has suffered from wildfires over the past years, resulting in the loss of cabins. To find out more about permits, cabin locations and trail conditions, visit the BLM’s website.

The pin on the map to the right is located at the Colorado Creek Trailhead at mile 57 and this map is also very helpful in finding other trailheads.

The cabins are cozy and rustic with wood stoves that can crank out the heat (so don't worry about being cold!). Trail and cabin network allow for several trip routes so there's something for everyone. You can also explore the Whites on skis or snowshoe, but some find fat bikes to be the most fun and it's the perfect place for it. Stop for a post-trip burger and beer at Ivory Jacks in Goldstream; bonus if you can catch the local live music scene on a Friday or Saturday night!