The Fossil Gap Trail
The Fossil Gap Trail, in the White Mountains National Recreation Area, is maintained for winter recreation including snowmobiling, skiing, dog mushing, snowshoeing, and fat-biking. The trail begins near the halfway point (mile 9) of the Fossil Creek Trail. The trail crosses open meadows for a short distance to Fossil Creek and then passes the junction with the Caribou Bluff Cabin Connector. From here, the route follows Fossil Creek downstream for a bit until it climbs up and off of the creek, heading back into the woods. From this point, the trail parallels Fossil Creek through the Gap and then across open meadows toward Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River. Carefully cross Beaver Creek and then continue along the creek, across a slough, and into the trees again. The far end of the trail continues through black spruce forest before crossing a bridge at Montana Creek. From there, the route travels through open meadows marked with tripods to its junction with the Colorado Creek Trail.
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Directions
The Fossil Gap Trail begins half way up the Fossil Creek Trail which continues north from the Borealis-LeFevre Cabin. 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. The trails to the cabin 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).