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.
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
- 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 | 4/4 | 4/10 |
| Potato Field | Skate/Single Classic | .69 | 4/4 | 4/10 |
| Learning Area | Skate/Double Classic | 4/4 | ||
| T-Field Road | Skate/Double Classic | 1.29 | 4/9 | 4/10 |
| Lighted Loop | Skate/Classic | 4/4 | ||
| Unlighted Trails | ||||
| Midnight Express Loop | Skate/Single Classic | 1.77 | 4/9 | 1/17 |
| T-Field | Skate/Single Classic | 1.35 | 4/9 | 4/10 |
| T-Field Smith Lake Connector | Skate/Double Classic | .66 | 4/4 | 1/16 |
| T-Field Smith Lake Connector | Classic Only | 1.05 | 1/18 | 1/18 |
| Smith Lake Access Trail | Skate | 4/4 | ||
| Smith Lake | Skate/ Classic | 1.13 | 4/9 | 4/10 |
| Estle Connector | Skate/Single Classic | 1.16 | 4/9 | 4/10 |
| Karl Reishus Trail | Skate/Single Classic | 1.05 | 4/9 | 4/9 |
| Skarland Trail (N of Ballaine Lake) | Skate/Single Classic | 1.93 | 4/4 | 11/11 |
| Skarland Trail (S of Ballaine Lake) | Skate/Single Classic | 1.29 | 4/9 | 4/9 |
| Skarland Estle to LARS | Classic Only | 1.21 | 1/18 | 11/11 |
| Viereck Nature Trail | Skate/Single Classic | .48 | 11/9 | 11/9 |
| Beaver Slide Trail | Classic Only | .73 | 1/18 | 11/11 |
| Baseline Trail | Classic Only | 1.29 | 1/18 | 11/11 |
| Turn Around Trail | Classic Only | .48 | 1/18 | 1/18 |
| T-Field to Beaver Slide | Classic Only | .19 | 1/18 | 11/11 |
| Big Whizzy Loop | Skate/Single Classic | 2.57 | 11/9 | 11/9 |
| SRC Trail | Commuter trail | 1.01 | 4/4 | |
| Walking & Snowshoe | ||||
| Tanana Loop to Farmers Loop | Walking & Snowshoe | .68 | 1/18 | |
| Smith Lake | Walking & Snowshoe | .68 | 1/18 | |
| Cutler Apt Loop | Walking & Snowshoe | 1/18 | ||
| Commuter Trails | ||||
| T-Field Road | Commuter | 1.29 | 1/18 | |
| T-Field to LARS | Commuter | .71 | 1/18 | |
| Sheep Creek Road | Commuter | 1/18 |