North Campus
The North Campus area of the University of Alaska Fairbanks is a unique and valuable resource for the university. North Campus consists of approximately 1,100 acres of largely forested land on the north-to-northwest side of campus. The area provides valuable research, education, and recreation opportunities for UAF faculty, staff and students, visiting educators and scientists, and community members.
Give Now: Donate to UAF North Campus Trails Support
User guidelines
Winter use of the North Campus area has designated ski, walking, and snowshoe and dog-friendly trails. During the summer, trails are multi-use. Users are encouraged to follow trail etiquette and respect everyone’s right to use the trails.
Things to remember when out and about in the North Campus area:
- Tread lightly
- Stay on designated trails
- Do not disturb research projects, plots, markers or equipment
- No camping
- No fires
- Respect the wildlife — enjoy watching, but don’t hassle them
- No hunting or trapping
- Only authorized vehicles allowed access, when conditions allow
- Carry in, carry out. Please respect the area — don’t litter
- No walking, snowshoeing, biking or taking dogs on designated ski trails. Only skis are allowed on these trails.
- Pooch Loop and Commuter trails are both non-motorized, multi-use.
- Carry a trail map and be familiar with it
- Try not to skate ski over the classic tracks
- Let others know that you are approaching them from behind by calling out “track” or “on your left”
- Move off the trail as quickly as possible after a fall to avoid collisions
- Fill in any holes made after a fall
- Downhill skiers have the right of way
- Follow the direction of the trail; ski to the right on two-way trails
- Move off the trail to allow grooming equipment to pass
- Remember that you too were once a beginner
- Enjoy the trails!
- Summer trails are open to all non-motorized use
- Wet and muddy areas are more vulnerable to damage. When the trail is soft, avoid the area
- The animal shall be restrained at all times.
- The animal handler or owner shall be responsible for the immediate disposal of animal waste
- Animals may not be tethered to university buildings, structures, motor vehicles, trees, railings, light poles, benches, parking meters, posts, etc.
- The handler or owner shall assume all financial responsibility for damage to property or injury to individuals caused by the animal.
Trail information
| Groomed Ski Trails | 14.7 miles/23.7 km |
| Ungroomed Ski Trails | 2 miles/3.2 km |
| Winter Walking Trails | 8 miles/12.9 km |
| Non-Motorized Commuter Trails | 1.1 miles/1.8 km |
| Total | 25.8 miles/41.6 km |
- Control Descriptions (PDF)
- UAF Course Map (PDF)
Trail conditions and grooming
Current conditions
Grooming
| Trails | Trail Type | Distance in KM | Groomed | Tracks Set |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lighted Trails | ||||
| Stadium | Skate/Double Classic | .27 | 4/24 | 4/23 |
| Potato Field | Skate/Single Classic | .69 | 4/24 | 4/23 |
| Learning Area | Skate/Double Classic | 3/05 | 1/28 | |
| T-Field Road | Skate/Double Classic | 1.29 | 4/24 | 4/23 |
| Lighted Loop | Skate/Classic | 4/24 | 4/02 | |
| Unlighted Trails | ||||
| Midnight Express Loop | Skate/Single Classic | 1.77 | 3/31 | 3/24 |
| T-Field | Skate/Single Classic | 1.35 | 4/24 | 4/23 |
| T-Field Smith Lake Connector | Skate/Double Classic | .66 | 4/22 | 4/07 |
| T-Field Smith Lake Connector | Classic Only | 1.05 | 4/06 | 4/07 |
| Smith Lake Access Trail | Skate | 3/31 | 1/09 | |
| Smith Lake | Skate/ Classic | 1.13 | 4/10 | 4/07 |
| Estle Connector | Skate/Single Classic | 1.16 | 4/24 | 4/23 |
| Karl Reishus Trail | Skate/Single Classic | 1.05 | 4/24 | 4/23 |
| Skarland Trail (N of Ballaine Lake) | Skate/Single Classic | 1.93 | 4/24 | 4/23 |
| Skarland Trail (S of Ballaine Lake) | Skate/Single Classic | 1.29 | 4/24 | 4/23 |
| Skarland Estle to LARS | Classic Only | 1.21 | 3/25 | 3/25 |
| Viereck Nature Trail | Skate/Single Classic | .48 | 3/31 | 2/12 |
| Beaver Slide Trail | Classic Only | .73 | 3/25 | 3/25 |
| Baseline Trail | Classic Only | 1.29 | 3/25 | 3/25 |
| Turn Around Trail | Classic Only | .48 | 3/11 | 3/11 |
| T-Field to Beaver Slide | Classic Only | .19 | 3/25 | 3/25 |
| Big Whizzy Loop | Skate/Single Classic | 2.57 | 4/23 | 4/02 |
| SRC Trail | Commuter trail | 1.01 | 4/03 | |
| South Slope Competition Course | 2/17 | 2/03 | ||
| Walking & Snowshoe | ||||
| Tanana Loop to Farmers Loop | Walking & Snowshoe | .68 | 3/11 | |
| Smith Lake | Walking & Snowshoe | .68 | 3/11 | |
| Cutler Apt Loop | Walking & Snowshoe | 3/11 | ||
| Commuter Trails | ||||
| T-Field Road | Commuter | 1.29 | 11/14 | |
| T-Field to LARS | Commuter | .71 | 11/14 | |
| Sheep Creek Road | Commuter | 11/14 |