Lower Nome Creek Trail

The feel

From the Steese Highway, the McKay Creek Trail climbs steeply for 5.5 miles to a ridge top, then follows open ridgeline for two miles. From there the route descends through spruce forests and open meadows to the junction with Lower Nome Creek Trail.

Lower Nome Creek Trail descends gradually from the ridge top through forest and meadows into the Nome Creek drainage. It crosses the creek and ends at Nome Creek Road and the Bear Creek Trail. You are unlikely to meet many other people, and the forest, river, wildflowers and wildlife are part of the route in the White Mountains National Recreation Area.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Point-to-point, 13.9 miles with 2007 ft of gain. A steep 5.5-mile climb on McKay Creek Trail leads to an open ridge, then the trail descends through forest and meadows and crosses Nome Creek.

Time

About 7 hours.

Crowds and best time

Unlikely to meet many other people.

Parking

Start at McKay Creek Trailhead, milepost 42.5 on the Steese Highway. The far end meets Nome Creek Road about 1.5 miles before Ophir Creek Campground.

Dogs

Allowed.

Kids

Rated hard.

Season and access

Open year-round. McKay Creek Trail is closed to summer motorized use (May 1-October 14) at the Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River corridor.

Mingo says

Plan a full day, since the route runs about 7 hours. Save your legs for the steep first 5.5 miles, because the descent afterward is gradual.

Before you go

• Plan your return, since this is a point-to-point route that ends at Nome Creek Road rather than back at McKay Creek Trailhead.
• Note that the trailhead is at milepost 42.5 on the Steese Highway.
• Remember that McKay Creek Trail is closed to summer motorized use, May 1-October 14, at the Beaver Creek corridor.

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