| Getting
There
From Minneapolis/St.
Paul, take US Hwy. 169 north to Zimmerman. Turn left (west) on Co. Rd. 4
to 168th St., about 5 miles west of Zimmerman. Turn left on 168th, and
immediately right into the trailhead parking lot. Trails can be accessed
off the SW corner of parking lot.
The Details
This trail system, is the
original home of the Backcountry Trail Patrol's winter patrols. The Sand
Dunes system is a nice series of x-c ski trails which are open to hiking
in the summer. Rolling terrain, with a few hills. Almost all wide x-c
ski trails, with some slightly steep technical hills on the eastern side
of the trail near the Lake Ann Fire Tower. (Tower is closed to the
public) The trails wind through beautiful stands of pine, oak and
maple, and make a series of loops totaling 7 miles. Trails are color
coded, and there are "You Are Here" maps at every major trail
intersection. Ice fishing in Ann Lake on the east side of the trails.
The Backcountry Trail Patrol has proposed the addition of a warming
cabin at the north end of the trails, with a wood stove, waxing table and
ski patrol storage. Camping is allowed anywhere in the State Forest not
posted with "no camping" signs, and skier and snowshoers can
use the campsites at the Lake Ann Campground for free in the winter.
Winter campers will need to remember to carry enough water for their
stay, and pack out all trash. Vault latrines can be found at the
trailhead, Day Use Area (beach in Summer) and campground. Ski trail maps
of the area are available at the trailhead. This area is a designated
State Forest Recreation Area, and horses, hunting and snowmobiles are
prohibited. Hiking, pet walking and snowshoeing on groomed ski trails is
also not allowed.
Note: the
5th Annual Candlelight Ski Night will be help on February 16,
2008.
Also
nearby trails:
Sherburne
National Wildlife Refuge - Blue Hill and Mahnomen Trails
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Overall Impression:
This is my favorite
skiing place in the Metro area. It is scenic, quiet, and not so
difficult as to exhaust you, but still challenging, particularly with a
pulk sled or backpack. The addition of the planned cabin will make it
even more enjoyable. The green loop is a good trail to take youngsters
on to teach them the basics of cross-country skiing.
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Land
Manager:
Minnesota DNR-Lake Maria
State Park
11411 Clementa Avenue
Northwest, Monticello, Minnesota 55362
tel: (763) 878-2325
Trail
Building/Maintenance:
Minnesota DNR-Lake Maria
State Park
Backcountry
Trail Patrol Association
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Backcountry
Winter Trails
