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Ice Age Trail, WI

May 25 - Jun 1, 2019 -- $1275 ★★★


Description


Wisconsin: a geological wonder!


Come hike with us on the Ice Age Trail, one of only 11 National Scenic Trails, and experience first-hand what the Ice Age Trail Alliance calls one of "the world's finest examples of how continental glaciation sculpts our planet." During the last glacial period some 15,000 years ago, much of North America was covered in a glacier 1-2 miles thick. When the glacier receded some 13,000 years ago—in geological terms: yesterday—it left behind a beautiful, ice-sculpted landscape full of glacial lakes, deep river valleys, rolling moraines, and kettle potholes.


Located entirely in Wisconsin, the Ice Age Trail was first conceived of in the 1950s, and received National Scenic Trail status in 1980. While just over half the trail is completed, we will be traversing one of the wilder sections, within the Medford Ranger District of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. From Interstate State Park just across the St. Croix River from Minnesota to Potawatomi State Park on Lake Michigan, the Ice Age Trail weaves more than 1,000 miles, tracing the southernmost extent of the last continental glacier.


Just two hours from the Twin Cities, this 40-mile section of the trail covers varied terrain and gorgeous, diverse landscape, and contains an abundance of wildlife, including porcupines, black bears, deer, fox, and bald eagles. Join us to see the spring wildflowers bloom on one of the most stunning and least-hiked long trails in the US!



Weather

Weather is always an important concern when backpacking. Historical late-May weather averages in the high-60s during the day and mid 40s at night. However, be prepared for the possibility of day temperatures in the 80s and freezing temperatures at night, with the threat of rain on any day. It's Spring, so hopefully the weather will be mild to match the long hours of daylight.



Trip Leaders

Dan Shafto
Danielle Piscatelli

Cost

$1275 per person double occupancy. Here, double occupancy means that you will share a hotel room with another trip participant. You will also be responsible for transportation to and from Minneapolis, MN (MSP) as well as personal equipment, restaurant meals and any gratuities.


Covered expenses include 2 hotel nights, 6 days of trail meals, ground transportation, permits, fees and awesome guides.



Difficulty

This part of the Ice Age Trail traverses a more remote section than most of the rest of the trail. There is not much elevation gain or loss, but the tread might be overgrown or muddy and rocky in places.



Note

This is the first time we're running this (or any) trip to Wisconsin. Join us and be a trend setter!


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Packing List
Itinerary
Weather
Guides for this trip
Cost
Important Note
Difficulty (Please Read)
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Itinerary


Saturday, May 25, 2019

Fly or drive into Minneapolis St. Paul Airport (MSP)

Take free airport shuttle to Comfort Inn Airport 1321 E 78th St, Bloomington, MN 55425, 952-854-3400

Equipment shakedown

Distribution of trail mix / Make-your-own trail mix

"Before" body composition measurements taken

Trip to REI Bloomington flagship store, 750 W American Blvd (Previously 750 W 79th St), Bloomington, MN 55420, (952) 884-4315 for forgotten or last minute equipment. Closes at 6PM

Go to local restaurant for welcome dinner (Dinner not included in trip cost)



Sunday, May 26, 2019

Second set of before body composition measurements taken

Free Hotel Breakfast

Check out of Hotel

Your spare bag(s) will be stored either at the hotel or in a storage unit for safekeeping

Drive about 2-2.5 hours to State Trunk Highway (STH) 64 to the trailhead in the Chequamegon National Forest.

Hike Northbound about 5 miles past Forest Road 558 to Beaver Creek.

Dispersed camp near Beaver Creek practicing Leave No Trace Principles.

Miles today: 5 miles. Total to date: 5 miles

Possible Bailout: FR 558


Monday, May 27, 2019

Hike about 6 miles past Winter Sports Rd to Lake Eleven

Camp at site TA28 primitive campsite

The camp is in a hemlock grove up the hill along the lake. It has a stone fire ring with a log bench and many good places for tents

Miles today: 6 miles. Total to date: 11 miles

Possible Bailout: Winter Sports Road


Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Hike 8 miles past Jerry Lake to the South Fork Yellow River

Camp at site TA20 situated on a ridge overlooking the river valley

Miles Today: 8. Total to Date: 19

Possible Bailout: Sailor Creek Rd (FR-571)


Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Hike 7 miles to camp TA15

Option: If progress is fast and conditions are reasonably dry, head to campsite TA17 on the Chippewa Lobe Loop Trail to a secluded campsite

Camp at primitive site TA15

Miles Today: 7. Total to Date: 26

Possible Bailout: Forest Rd 108 or Mondeaux Ave


Thursday, May 30, 2019

Hike 6 miles to Mondeaux Flowage

Camp at Picnic Point campsite, running water and bathrooms here

Note: Picnic Point campsite is "First Come, First Served". There are 4 sites here, so although unlikely, it's possible they will all be taken. If that's the case, we'll continue on another 2.5 miles to Spearhead point.

Miles today: 6 miles. Total to date: 32 miles

Possible bailout: CTH-E (County Trunk Highway E)


Friday, May 31, 2019

Hike 3 miles to Mondeaux Dam Recreation Area

End of Hiking

Miles today: 3 miles. Total to date: 35 miles

Possible Bailout: Park Rd.

Shuttle back to STH-64

Shuttle 2-2.5 hours back to Comfort Inn Airport 1321 E 78th St, Bloomington, MN 55425, 952-854-3400

"After" body composition taken

Dinner and Awards Ceremony at local restaurant (dinner not included in trip cost)

This is the official end of the trip. You are welcome to spend the night at the hotel, however if you drove and would like to get on the road or if you flew and would like to schedule a late flight (or a red-eye if this is a West Coast trip) you can definitely do so.


Saturday, June 1, 2019

Free breakfast in Hotel

Take Free Airport Shuttle


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