Rock Lake was fun and slightly scary today. Mostly crisp tracks and lovely winter scenery. A snowmobile has taken out the tracks on the first easy loop, but all was good through the rest of the groomed sections. Some of the downhills get the adrenaline going. Love this classic single track system!

Photos:

(Jean Garbarini)

The 2 Km, 4 Km, 7.1 Km, and Rock Lake loop were all groomed and tracks set today. The 2 Km, 4 Km, and 7 Km loops are in excellent condition. Rock Lake loop was cleared and groomed this week and is in fair condition with debris on the groomed surface and thin base in the pine stands. The 11.5 Km and 16 Km loops are not groomed yet due to bent over trees and fallen trees that prevent the groomer from getting through. The Forest Service will be working on these two outer loops next week and appreciates your patience. The weather should be warming up this weekend, so get out there and enjoy these beautiful trails!

Photos:

(Katie LeMoine)

The 2Km, 4Km, and 7.1Km loops were groomed and tracks set on Thursday morning. About 2 inches of new, very dry snow was received on Wednesday evening. The tracks set up soft, but hopefully will freeze solid overnight. There is some sticks/leaves on the trail, and so rock skis are recommended. The 11Km, Rock Lake loop, and 16Km loops haven't been cleared of the hanging brush and trees that the heavy snowfall from 2 weeks ago brought down, so the groomer couldn't get out to those loops. Expect to have a backcountry skiing experience on those outer loops. The trail crew will be able to get the work done on the outer loops after the holidays.

Photos:

(Katie LeMoine)

Rock Lake trail has received about 10-12 inches of snow is the last 2 weeks. The heavy snowfall has weighed down brush and trees, and the trail needs more clearing before any grooming operations can happen. The trail crew concentrated on working at Mukwonago ski trails this past week, and the Rock Lake trails will be the focus for next week.
If anyone is interested in volunteering and helping the Forest Service get the trails cleared and ready for grooming, please contact Katie LeMoine or Chad Jacobson at the Hayward Ranger Station. The work would involve using handsaws and loppers to cut back the trees and brush that are leaning into the trail.
Rock Lake trails hopefully will be cleared and ready for skiers by the end of next week.

(Katie LeMoine)