Snow Depth and Groomed Trail Conditions
Lake Carlos State Park
Trail conditions:
We received another 2 inches of snow March 16th. Ski trails were groomed Friday, March 17th. A MN Ski pass is required for all skiers 16 years and older to be on ski trail. No Hiking, Snowshoeing, Biking, Pets or Snowmobiles allowed on groomed ski trails. The snowshoe trail (NW of the Beach Parking lot) is in very good condition now with the new snowfall. The trail has filled in a bit so watch for the green flagging that marks the path. Snowshoes are recommended for that path now with the new snowfall. Entire trail is 1.5 miles or shorten the trail by taking the cut across down to 3/4 mile instead. Snowshoes are available to rent ($6/pair), inquire at ranger station.
| Skiing |
|---|
| Trail conditions: fair |
| Trail groomed? partially |
| Trail base: 9" |
| Trail mileage: 6 |
| Difficulty: intermediate (track) |
| Snowmobiling |
|---|
| Trail conditions: very good |
| Trail groomed? yes |
| Trail base: 8" |
| 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 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. seven days a week. Annual and 3-year passes are sold at any ELS agents.
- Snowshoes are available to rent at the park office. Arrowwood Resort rents snowmobiles and skies.
- Four year-around camper cabins are available to rent Thursday night through Sunday night during the winter season. 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 29, 2023. Local snow depth is 16-18".
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) 852-7200
Email: [email protected]
Contact hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please leave a message if no one is available.