White Mountains National Recreation Area

TRAIL BEGINS: Elliott Highway milepost 28
TRAIL ENDS: Beaver Creek
LENGTH: 20 trail miles
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
ELEVATION CHANGE: 1,775 feet
RECOMMENDED SEASON: This trail has been designed for summer use. Boardwalk has been installed over most of the wet areas.
USE: Light to moderate summer hiking use. Light winter skiing use. This trail is open for non-motorized use only.
U.S.G.S. 1:63,360 TOPO MAPS: Livengood A-3, B-2, B-3

TRAIL DESCRIPTION:
The White Mountains Summit Trail begins at milepost 28 on the Elliott Highway near Wickersham Dome. There is not much water along this trail until Beaver Creek, so it is advisable to carry water with you.

From the trailhead (2,200 feet), the trail climbs over a small dome then drops into the trees before it's junction with the Ski Loop Trail. The Summit Trail continues to gently climb and descend past Wickersham Dome for the next 5.5 miles. It drops into spruce forests for the next two miles before climbing towards its highest point at about 3,100 feet near mile 10. The trail then descends for two miles to 2,150 feet and then climbs back up to 2,505 feet in one mile. From here it is a steady descent for four miles through spruce forests with views of the Beaver Creek drainage and "Big Bend." The last three miles drop steeply from 2,408 feet to about 1,325 feet at Beaver Creek. The trail passes through an area burned in 1995 for about three miles. The last two miles to Beaver Creek are along the Wickersham Creek Trail.

Crossing Beaver Creek to get to the Borealis-LeFevre Cabin can be dangerous at high water. Use caution. Try either upstream or downstream from where the trail meets the creek to find the shallowest spot. Remember to loosen your pack straps and waist belt when crossing. A pole to lean on will also help you to keep your balance in this swift, cold water creek.

CABIN INFORMATION:
The Borealis-LeFevre Cabin is located on the north side of Beaver Creek. This 12' by 16' cabin has bunk beds and a loft that can sleep six people comfortably. There is a wood stove for heat, a Coleman cook stove and lantern, a table and benches, and an outhouse.