Embedded Files
Winter Hiking at Fort Ridgely
Winter Hiking at Fort Ridgely
The trails have been easy to walk on this winter. The snow has not been very deep and until this week (January 18-24) the temperatures have not been too cold if you dress for the temperatures. As you can see in the first picture below there has been freezing and thawing so ice is there that we need to be careful about. We have often walked in the snow beside the tracks to get better traction and avoid the ice. Becky and I like to get in a walk most days and if we have more time prefer to go to Fort Ridgely rather than walking around town. On windy days we walk in the woods to get some protection from it blowing in our faces. Wednesday it was snowing (2-3") and blowing it around so GFW schools and most other schools around sent kids home at noon. We did our walk around inside the Fairfax Community Center. They have it open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am-4pm for people to walk for exercise. Today (Friday) it was -19 F when we got up so again we walked in the community center.
Here are a few pictures of recent walks we did in Fort Ridgely.
Freezing and thawing creates ice on some of the compacted snow from people walking on trails.
Snow in the prairie at the end of the valley below the chalet
Looking south below the south bridge over Fort Ridgely Creek.
Looking south from the south bridge
A big cottonwood tree fell over
Bald eagles are often flying above the park.
Becky took this picture of me
Weird tree and vines
White fungus growing on a decaying branch
We often see deer in groups roaming the park.
They are curious and watch us for a while before running off.
Sunset over the prairie with snow among the tall grasses and other dried plants.
2026 Candlelight Hike
2026 Candlelight Hike
Fort Ridgely will hold its annual Candlelight Hike from 5 - 8:00pm on January 31, 2026. As conditions allow, two looped trails will be open - one hilly and 1 mile in length, the second flatter and .75 mile in length. Snowshoers and skiers are welcome to bring their own equipment. Hot cocoa will be available at the chalet. The main trails start at the chalet, but if parking fills up there please park at the picnic area. If wind chills are forecasted at -15 degrees or below, or if trail conditions are too icy, the hike will be canceled. Event updates will be posted on the park's main website. MN State Park permits are required for the event.
An overview of the trail below the chalet from last year.
A little later that night.
Google Sites
Report abuse