Minnesota · Hiking

Snowbank

28.6 mi
round trip
3,646 ft
climb
1,578 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May, Jul–Sep
best months

Caution today

Agency alerts are in effect for this area; weather is good · USFS, OpenWeather · checked 3 h ago

Is Snowbank open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Superior National Forest. It doesn't name Snowbank, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: USFS · Superior National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Snowbank is a hard hike of about 28.6 miles in the Kawishiwi Ranger District of Superior National Forest in northern Minnesota. The route is an out-and-back, with the high point at 1,578 feet and the low point at 1,404 feet, and it gains about 1,107 feet in elevation on the way to the top. The steepest stretch comes at mile 9.5, where the grade reaches about 8 percent. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Ely show July highs around 77°F with lows near 55°F, while winter highs stay well below freezing, with January highs around 15°F and lows near -7°F. The trail is open year-round. Bikes and horses are not allowed on this trail, which is on natural surface. Flash-Snowbank is about a mile away, and the Kekekabic Trail and the Thomas Lake Winter trail are both within 2 miles. Paddlers can find BWCA entry points about 5 miles off.