BLM closes Wickersham Dome Trailhead in the White Mountains starting Oct. 1 for construction

Hikers and riders headed for the Summit Trail or Wickersham Creek Trail will lose access from the Wickersham Dome Trailhead starting Thursday, Oct. 1. The Bureau of Land Management's Eastern Interior Field Office is closing the trailhead in the White Mountains National Recreation Area through Oct. 21, or until construction is complete for the season.

The trailhead, at about mile 28 of the Elliott Highway, is a principal access point to the recreation area. It normally serves the Ski Loop Trail, the Summit Trail up Wickersham Dome and the Wickersham Creek Trail toward Lee's Cabin.

Wickersham Creek Trail and Lee's Cabin can still be reached from milepost 23.5 of the Elliott Highway. The first half mile of that route crosses private property on a right-of-way easement, and the BLM asks travelers to be respectful there. The agency lists no alternate access to the Summit Trail.

Contractors will expand the parking lot, widen the entrance road, shift the motorized and non-motorized trails and replace the single vault toilet with two. The BLM expects one more temporary closure in May 2027 to finish the project.

Signs will be posted at the entrance of the parking lot. BLM law enforcement rangers and other employees may be in the area to enforce the closure.

The BLM announcement includes a closure map. Updates will be posted on the White Mountains Trail Conditions page. The Fairbanks BLM Public Room takes questions at 907-474-2200.