Windy Gap Cabin

The feel

Windy Gap is the most remote cabin in the White Mountains cabin and trail system. It sits on a knoll above Fossil Creek, and the front deck faces the creek and a rugged limestone ridge. Firewood is provided and stacked on the deck.

It is primarily a winter cabin, reached by snowmobile, snowshoe or cross-country skis over the area's more than 250 miles of groomed winter trails. There is no running water, no electricity and no cell coverage.

What to expect

Layout and setting

One nonelectric cabin on a knoll above Fossil Creek, with a front deck facing the creek and a limestone ridge. Sleeps 4 to 6, with a listed maximum of 6.

Check-in and stay

Check-in and checkout are both at 12:00 PM.

Crowds and best time

Primarily a winter cabin.

Fees and reservations

$42/night. Reservable through recreation.gov up to 30 days out.

Dogs

Pets are allowed.

Hazards

Summer travel on foot is very difficult because of boggy terrain.

Cell signal

No cell coverage.

Bathrooms and water

No running water, so bring your own.

Season and access

Primarily winter use; ATVs are not allowed May 1 to October 14. From the Wickersham Dome Trailhead (milepost 28, Elliott Highway), the Wickersham Creek and Fossil Creek trails run 38 miles. From the Colorado Creek Trailhead (milepost 57, Elliott Highway), the Colorado Creek and Windy Creek trails run 30 miles.

Mingo says

Go in winter, on snowmobile, snowshoes or skis. Summer is the hard season here, with boggy ground and no ATVs allowed.

Before you go

• Reserve on recreation.gov, up to 30 days ahead, at $42/night.
• Drive the Steese Highway north to Fox, then the Elliott Highway north to your trailhead.
• Bring your own water, and plan for no cell coverage at the cabin.
• Check-in and checkout are both at 12:00 PM.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.