Hiking Project Logo

Cross the Winona Bluffs and add Sugar Loaf to finish


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

7.2

Miles

11.6

KM

Point to Point

1,210' 369 m

High

660' 201 m

Low

1,616' 493 m

Up

1,653' 504 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

48%

Max Grade (25°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Geological Significance · Lake · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

There are a number of wonderful trails on the bluffs overlooking Winona, Minnesota. Each has great views and this is a variety of difficulty available. This links several trails together starting at Stone Circle just west of the Holtzinger Lodge, then taking in Cowboy Lookout, down through the cemetery, back up the trail and stairs to Garvin Heights then over to Sugar Loaf for the million dollar views. This version is a great workout with rewarding views.

Description

While there are funded plans to build a trail linking the bluff trails this route will take you from Holzinger Lodge, take in the views at Garvin Heights, then head over to Sugar Loaf and down to the finish.

The initial climb is steep and a bit tricky to follow. This section is not frequently used but the trail is apparent without snow. There are a number of switchback problems to solve but it can be easily attainable at the high end of moderate.

Coming down through the cemetery is open to all then there is a short section on the road before heading up the clearly marked and moderate trail to Garvin Heights. After the views head to the subdivision road to the entrance of the final section - an old road begins the trail the it branches off into singletrack past the ice climbing then over and up to Sugar Loaf.

Return to the marked trail down to the road and your chase car.

Flora & Fauna

Deer and other Minnesota forest animals can be seen frequently.

Contacts

Shared By:

Frank Trotter

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 3 votes

#1212

Overall
  5.0 from 3 votes
5 Star
100%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#7

in Minnesota

#1,212

Overall
14 Views Last Month
685 Since Mar 17, 2021
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
33%
0%
67%
0%
0%

Photos

Quick video of the hike across the Winona Bluffs.  Great views.
Mar 17, 2021 near Winona, MN

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.