Featured snowshoe - Rib Mountain State Park
We started on the Green Trail where we had an unique view of the observation tower between the huge rocks.
Although I’ve been to Rib Mountain State Park countless times, I’m just floored at this gem in our backyard. I can’t think of another city you can feel like you’re completely alone in the forest with views of downtown only a couple minutes’ drive away.
I need to make a confession - I’m a snowshoe snob. I only take my snowshoes out if they actually make my outdoor adventure easier. Which means some years I never use them. No putting on clown shoes for me if I can just run on the packed trail!
Well, we need snowshoes with the start to this winter! (But if you don’t have snowshoes just wait a few days and the trails are usually packed so you can still venture in the forest.) And in my opinion the best place to snowshoe in Wausau is Rib Mountain State Park. We are blessed with the diversity we can have in just an hour long romp - scenic vistas, thick tree cover, and everything in between!
Start on top
It’s a great workout to go to the top, but in my mind, the best trails are on the top. On this adventure, I actually met up with a new acquaintance, who had recently moved to the area. The purpose was to have a meeting, rather than sitting in my office. So this landmark for someone new to the area is pretty straightforward!
As we ventured out, if truly felt like a winter wonderland. Even though it was a few days since the last snowfall, the snow was still piled on branches. And on top of that, we had the pleasure of enjoying one of our mild temperature days (we scheduled this meeting weeks ago) and no wind PLUS beautiful sunshine on this hike. The hike started off great and just got better as we explored our own winter wonderland, especially since we were the first snowshoers on the Green Trail since the snowfall.
This photo doesn’t do the quarry viewpoint justice-so check it out firsthand!
But that didn’t last for long, when we connected to each the Blue Trail, Red Trail, and then the Quarry Trail, there were plenty of tracks. This also allowed me to catch my breath and not have to work so hard breaking trail! (Tip: Group hikes of various ability levels are awesome on snowshoes. Put people wanting the biggest workouts at the front, packing down the trail, allowing each subsequent hiker a little easier hike!)
View the quarry
We stayed on the northern portion of the Quarry Trail taking a small jaunt off trail to explore the pit just east of the quarry. Every time I approach the quarry it reminds me of the anticipation I felt the first time I visited the Kīlauea caldera at Volcano National Park. It was especially fun on this hike, since I was bringing someone to the quarry for the first time.
We stopped to take in the view, and of course a few pictures. Since we had a time limit, we weren’t able to explore the quarry further. For safety sake, it’s best not to scramble on snow and ice covered rocks anyhow. Plus it gave my acquaintance something to come back to explore!
Make a loop!
One of the great view points on the way back - here looking to the north on the Red Trail.
As my husband knows, I much prefer a loop over an out-and-back. So we headed back on the south portion of the Quarry Trail. I’m glad I knew where the lone set of steps was here, since they were transformed into a slippery slide. We took a calculated slide down, keeping our tailbones unbruised.
Even though the Quarry Trail is a lollipop with only one leg of trail back from the quarry to the top, it doesn’t mean we can’t blaze our own! So we headed off trail east back to the Red Trail - which is the route we plan to use for trail runners as part of the IRONBULL Summer Triathlon elite race course.
More to see on the way back
Often the way back, particularly during a destination hike, it is just a means to an end. But not this hike! Not only did we cover new ground but now we got to enjoy a view to the south on the Quarry Trail and another view to the north on the Red Trail on the northern segment of the Red Trail.
It’s not too often you can have a hike you can have views from such different vantage points just minutes apart! It was amazing to see how the trail was transformed on the Red Trail that rocks and even steps racers negotiated as they carried their bikes over just weeks before in the Red Granite Grinder were now completely hidden.
Rocky Mountain high
My companion, who had just moved from Denver, especially enjoyed the peaceful setting. Although the Rockies are romanticized, there are limited access points, especially in winter, and so busy that this was an unique experience. Boy was I surprised when she commented that this was far more of a snowshoe adventure than in REAL mountains!
And that says it all, we have some top-notch adventures minutes from our doorstep - every single season!
Do you have a local destination that ranks among the best? Share it below for others (locals and visitors) to appreciate the gems right here in Wisconsin!