Trail Conditions: Unknown
Snow Cover: 8-12 inchs
Date of Report: January 22, 2026
Area Report:
Ely Area Trail Conditions
Arrowhead State Trail, Putnam/Fishing Lakes Trails, (1/21/26): Riding conditions on the trail are fair to good, depending on where you are. The Ely-to-Purvis segment remains narrow, with steep sides. As you go west towards Side Lake, the snow levels slowly decrease. The Chisholm-Side Lake area needs more snow before the trails can be groomed for the first time. The extra snow from the past week has improved conditions. However, some sections still have bumps, rocks, and low spots, especially on the west end of the Taconite. Always ride with caution and stay aware of your surroundings.
Snowmobiling: Trail Base: 0-3 Inches, Conditions: Fair
Local Snow Depth: 5-14 Inches
Taconite State Trail (1/14/26): Riding conditions are poor. The Ely-to-Purvis segment remains narrow with steep side slopes. In general, there is still not enough snow on the trails to cover all the bumps, rocks, and low spots, so remain cautious and aware at all times while riding! Swamps on the trail are mostly flat and grassy, but continue to watch for holes, hummocks, and beaver dams in the swamps and exposed rocks and ground in the uplands. Riding conditions are poor. The Ely-to-Purvis segment remains narrow with steep side slopes.
Snowmobiling: Trail Base: 1 Inch, Condition: Poor
Lake Vermilion Soudan Underground Mine State Park Trails (1/21/26): Closed: Remains ungroomed; we anticipate having this groomed up by this coming weekend.
Snowmobiling: Trail Base: 0-3 Inches, Conditions: Closed
Babbitt Golf Course Trail, Babbitt Birch Lake Plantation (1/17/26): Both trails have been freshly groomed.
Bear Head Lake State Park (1/21/26): The cross-country ski track was set on Wednesday, January 21st, with good results on the campground loop and the Beach Trail. The snowmobile trails were groomed and in very good condition on Wednesday, January 21st.
You can snowshoe anywhere in Minnesota’s state parks and recreation areas, except on trails that are specifically designated for other activities, such as skiing or snowmobiling.
Skiing: Trail Base: 3-5 Inches, Condition: Good
Snowmobiling conditions: Trail Base: 3-6 Inches, Condition: Very Good
Local Snow Depth: 10-13 Inches
- Please note that logging is happening in several areas of the Grant-in-Aid and State Trail system. For your safety, stay to the right, slow down, and give trucks and logging equipment plenty of space
- For the most up-to-date trail conditions, please go to the DNR trail conditions website:
(https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html)