Iron Range Snow & Trail Conditions

SNOWMOBILE TRAIL CONDITIONS

UPDATE: 3/13/08 - by Dave Karpik,the Iron Range Snowmobile Getaway Guide:
"Great news- it snowed a nice heavy 3-4" last night and I was out on the trails earlier this week for a fantastic ride with a writer from Supertrax magazine. We hit the Taconite, Luarentian, Moose trail and the Virginia Spur trails- all were groomed... though they did have a few bare spots the riding was excellent and the recent snow cover should remedy concerns."

To view trail updates by Dave Karpik and subscribe to his podcasts and updates, visit his blog at dave.ironrange.org/blog.

UPDATED (by the DNR) 3/12/08

Arrowhead State Trail
Condition: Fair
Groomed Miles: 128
Snow Depth: 16"
Trail Base: 1-3"
Groomed: Yes

The trail will not be groomed this week; it is in fair condition. Warm temperatures and sunshine took their toll; more areas are becoming bare due to sunshine, lack of recent snow, and wear and tear. Rocks are showing through and the trail may be icy or rough. Please ride with caution.

Taconite State Trail
Condition: Fair
Groomed Miles: 165
Snow Depth: 12-16"
Trail Base: 1-4"
Groomed: Yes

The trail will not be groomed this week; it is in fair condition from Ely to Hwy 73. Warm temperatures and sunshine took their toll; corners and high use areas are worn and may be icy or rough. Riders will encounter bare spots and exposed rocks, especially in open areas. Please use caution.

McCarthy Beach State Park
Condition: Good
Groomed Snowmobile Trail Miles: 12
Snow Depth: 10"
Trail Base: 3"
Groomed: Yes

The ski tracks are showing signs of heavy use, but are still in decent condition. The tracks are currently on a solid base with an inch of loose snow on top.

In addition to the ski trails located on the Ski Trail Road, we have a 1 1/2 mile beginner's loop through the campground and along the bay on Side Lake. The campground portion is easy and the bay loop moderate in difficulty.

Snowmobile trails are in mostly good condition, with some rough spots. Both Sturgeon and Side Lakes have frozen slush, making lake travel rougher in places.

Snowshoe users have good crust conditions in the sunny areas and a good base in the woods areas.

Be sure to bookmark our website for the up-to-date snow conditions for the 2007-2008 winter sports season!

For more information about snowmobiling in northeastern Minnesota's Iron Range, please call 800-777-8497 or click here.