Snow Depth and Groomed Trail Conditions
Lake Carlos State Park
Trail conditions:
We initially received about 8 inches of snow on March 25-26. None of the trails were groomed. All trails are open to hiking. Ski Passes are required once ski grooming begins ($10 daily, $25 yearly, or $70 3-year pass). The northern section of Lake Carlos is now open, but none of the docks have been placed yet.
| Skiing |
|---|
| Trail conditions: poor |
| Trail groomed? no |
| Trail base: 2-3" |
| Trail mileage: 6 |
| Difficulty: intermediate (track) |
| Snowmobiling |
|---|
| Trail conditions: poor |
| Trail groomed? no |
| Trail base: 1-2" |
| Trail mileage: 9 |
The trail(s):
The park trails offer a beautiful setting of steep rolling, maple, basswood and aspen forested hills, grassy meadows, woodland ponds, marshes and a tamarack bog. The park boasts an abundance of winter birds, as well as deer, fox, coyotes, squirrels and rabbits.
You can snowshoe anywhere in Minnesota's state parks and recreation areas, except on trails that are specifically groomed for another activity, such as skiing or snowmobiling.
Facilities:
- A wood stove heated warming house is located at Lakeview Group Camp.
- Daily ski passes are sold at the park office when it is open. Annual and 3-year passes are sold at any ELS agents.
- Snowshoes are available to rent at the park office. Snowmobile and ski rentals are available at nearby resorts.
- Four camper cabins are available to reserve Thursday night through Sunday night in the winter. An electric site in the Lower Campground will be plowed open. Contact park directly for availability. Drinking water is available in front of the solar panel near the visitor center. Vault toilets are available in the park.
Last updated on March 31, 2024. Local snow depth is 6".
Getting there
2601 County Road 38 NE
Carlos, MN 56319
To get to the trailhead, go ten miles north of Alexandria. Take Highway 29 north from Alexandria to county road 38. Head west on Hwy 38 about 1.5 miles to Lake Carlos State Park.
Parking is available at the boat ramp, beach lot or at Lakeview Group Camp. Snowmobile trailer parking is available at the beach parking lot.
Contact
Phone: (320) 993-3750
Email: [email protected]
Office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please leave a message if no one is available.