White Mountains National Recreation Area

The BLM manages this land under standard rules. Dispersed camping here is limited to 10 days per stay. Camping is prohibited in the three Research Natural Areas to protect sensitive resources. Vehicles must stay on BLM-designated routes unless you are in an area open to cross-country motorized travel. Nonmotorized use is allowed throughout the area, including off-trail hiking.

White Mountains has three developed campgrounds open from late May until snow arrives in October: Cripple Creek, Mount Prindle, and Ophir Creek. The area also has 13 public-use cabins and two trail shelters. You can make cabin reservations 45 days in advance through recreation.gov. Trail shelters are first-come, first-served. Nome Creek Valley is a primary summer access point with two campgrounds, trails, a gold-panning area, and float-trip access to Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River. Access is via US Creek Road or Steese Highway Milepost 57. These gravel roads are suitable for standard vehicles but may be bumpy.

Winter transforms the area into a premier backcountry destination. From October 15 through April 30, frozen creeks and bogs allow access to the 13 cabins via ski, snowshoe, fatbike, dog team, and snowmobile. The area maintains 250 miles of groomed trails. Most winter trails allow both snowmobiles and nonmotorized users. The Ski Loop Trail and Summit Trail are closed to snowmobiles.

Summer recreation includes hiking, floating, hunting, fishing, and gold panning under extended daylight. Popular OHV areas are Nome Creek tailings and Quartz Creek Trail. Fred Blixt Cabin and Lee's Cabin are regularly accessed in summer. Winter cabins accessed by popular trails become difficult to reach during warmer months.

Before you arrive, verify current rules, cabin availability, and trail conditions with the BLM office. Conditions and access change seasonally.