Summit Trail

Facility · Alaska ·

Managed by the Bureau of Land Management

2,298 ft
Elevation

After leaving the trailhead, the trail climbs over a small dome then drops into the trees before the junction with the Ski Loop Trail. The trail continues to climb past Wickersham Dome then to the Summit Trail Shelter at mile 8 and to its highest point at 3,100 feet near mile 10. The trail then descends through the spruce forest to Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River and Borealis-LeFevre Cabin. Crossing Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River in the summer can be very dangerous at high water and hikers should be aware of their abilities before trying any stream crossing.

Getting there

Travel north of Fairbanks, Alaska to mile post 28 on the Elliott Highway. The Summit Trail begins at the Wickersham Dome parking lot.

65.27237, -147.96858 · 65°16'20.5"N 147°58'6.9"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Official map for this area

Typical weather

Typically 70°F in Jul, down to 6°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F6142443586970645334148
Low °F-11-5-119344447413115-2-7
Precip in0.60.60.40.30.92.13.03.31.70.91.10.5

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 23.5 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

No fee

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

Member photos

Common questions about Summit Trail

Can you reserve a site at Summit Trail?
No. Summit Trail is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Summit Trail

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.