Big Four Ice Caves Snowshoe — Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025

Snowshoe to Big Four Ice Caves. Snowshoes only needed if you’re proceeding beyond the picnic area along the ice caves trail. But they made it easier to cover the two miles on the road after the gate.
When I arrived at 12:30 there were about 10 cars and several families playing in the area.

Even though some were walking on the road after the gate without snowshoes I used mine because the snow was still pretty soft. I saw only 4 other hikers/snowshoers and two skiers on the road.

Shortly after the turn off past the picnic area I was breaking trail through deep snow, past my knees in places, even in snowshoes.

It was a beautiful day as the sky had mostly cleared and the sun came out. Watch for tree bombs if you’re on the trail while the sun is shining.

I stopped just short of the “end” of the trail since I had a strict turn around time and breaking trail really slowed me down. I enjoyed a snack while listening to and watching a few ice falls from a safe distance.

There are no obstacles on the trail, just some snow heavy evergreen branches to go under.

On the way back, the road after the picnic area and to the gate was pretty well packed, so I removed my snowshoes for the last 1.5 miles just to do something different.
Returned to the car by 4:30, only a few other cars were there.

Please remember not to park in the snow plow turn around.

7 miles, 4 hours total.