Itinerary
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Fly or drive into Duluth (DLH). Please plan to arrive by 2PM if you can as we have a 3 hour drive up to Grand Marais when the entire group is assembled. Since flights to Duluth can be limited, let us know if you can't make it by 2PM so we can make arrangements.
Take the free airport shuttle to local hotel: TBD
We will assemble at:
TBD, To Be Determined
Equipment shakedown. We go through your packs to make sure you're prepared for the trip equipment-wise.
Make-your-own trail mix bar. You craft your personal trail mix from a cornucopia of nuts, fruits, sweets and occasional wildcard items that we provide.
Go to the Trailfitters Store, 600 E Superior Street, Duluth, MN 55802, 218-722-6776 for forgotten and last-minute equipment purchase if necessary. Store is open until 9PM.
Go out to welcome dinner at local restaurant. Cost of dinner not included in trip cost.
Stay in local hotel:
TBD, To Be Determined
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Hotel Breakfast
Around 9AM we will Shuttle to Ely, MN (1.5hrs)
Once in Ely we will go out for lunch (not included in the cost of the trip)
Begin snowshoeing 3.9 miles on the Trezona Trail Loop elevation 1400’.
Miles Today: 3.9. Total Miles: 3.9
Possible Bailout: Miners Dr. Ely, MN
Shuttle to our home away from home for the week at Lodge of Whispering Pines.
Check into our Lodge at Lodge of Whispering Pines, 3060 Echo Trail Ely, MN 55731 elevation 938’.
Friday, January 30, 2026
Shuttle to the Echo Trail
Begin snowshoeing 5.60 miles on the Bass Lake Loop Trail elevation 1368’
Return to vehicles and shuttle back to Lodge
Stay at Lodge of the Whispering Pines elevation 938’
Miles today: 5.6 Total Miles: 9.5
Possible Bailout: Moose Lake Road (CTY Rd 183)
Saturday, January 31, 2026
Shuttle to Secret/Blackstone Lake
Begin snowshoeing 8.0 miles on the Secret/Blackstone Loop Trail elevation 1402’.
Return to vehicles and shuttle back to the Lodge
Stay at Lodge of the Whispering Pines elevation 938’
Miles Today: 8.0. Total Miles: 17.5
Possible Bailout: Echo Trail Rd.
Sunday, February 1, 2026
Shuttle to the Bass/Dry Lake
Begin snowshoeing 3.5 miles on the Dry Lake Loop Trail elevation 1030’.
Shuttle to Echo Trail entry point #77 (County #116)
Begin snowshoeing 1.8 miles across Hegman Lake to a set of pictographs are on a granite cliff face in a narrows area between North Hegman and Trease Lakes elevation 1655’.
Snowshoe another 1.8 miles back to the vehicles.
Return to vehicles and shuttle back to the Lodge
Stay at Lodge of the Whispering Pines elevation 938’
Miles today: 7.1. Total Miles: 24.6
Possible Bailout: Echo Trail Rd.
Monday, February 2, 2026
Today, we head out for an unforgettable winter experience with
White Wilderness Sled Dog Adventures, where you’ll spend the day immersed in the art and excitement of dog mushing.
Our adventure begins with a full orientation and hands-on instruction in how to handle and drive a dogsled team. You’ll learn how to harness your dogs, give basic commands, and safely navigate the trails. No prior experience is necessary—our professional guides will be with you every step of the way.
All necessary gear and equipment will be provided, and a hearty hot lunch will be served out in the wilderness.
Expect to spend approximately six hours on the trail, actively participating in all aspects of the experience. You’ll cover 20 to 40 miles of snow-covered lakes and forested trails, winding through some of the most scenic and remote areas of the Superior National Forest.
Return to vehicles and shuttle back to the Lodge
Stay at Lodge of the Whispering Pines elevation 938’
Miles today: 0.0. Total miles: 20.7
Possible Bailout: Deep Lk Rd.
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Pack-up our things and depart the lodge
Shuttle to Ely, MN and explore the International Wolf Center 1396 Highway 169, Ely, Minnesota 55731 by take a group tour of the facility. (Included in trip cost)
Shuttle back to Duluth (1.5hrs)
Shuttle back to local hotel:
TBD, To Be Determined
Gather your off-trail items from storage
Farewell dinner at a local restaurant (Dinner cost not included in trip price)
Stay in our local hotel (included in trip cost)
This is the official end of the trip. You are welcome to spend the night at
the hotel, however if you drove and would like to get on the road or if you flew
and would like to schedule a late flight (or a red-eye if
this is a West Coast trip) you can definitely do so.
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Free breakfast in hotel
Take free airport shuttle or we will pay for a shared cab/Uber
Back to top