Photo by Tobias Mrzyk on Unsplash
HardGround

Mystery Loop Trail

Lutsen, Minnesota · Cook County · TR 71257C-TER

Mystery Loop Trail is a hard hiking trail near Lutsen in Cook County, Minnesota.. The surface is ground. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

🧭 Get Directions🗺️ Open in OSM
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47.66141, -90.73994
Open in OpenStreetMap
5-Day Forecast

Weather at Mystery Loop Trail

Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.

Avg High62°F
Avg Low46°F
Peak Rain Chance33%
Humidity65%
UV (avg)7
Air Quality39 · Good
Today
☁️
Overcast
70°/45°
🌬 6mph
↑ 5:09 AM ↓ 8:51 PM
Mon
☁️
Overcast
67°/47°
🌬 10mph
↑ 5:08 AM ↓ 8:52 PM
Tue
☁️
Overcast
54°/44°
🌬 9mph
↑ 5:08 AM ↓ 8:53 PM
Wed
🌦
Drizzle
57°/46°
💧 5%🌬 7mph
↑ 5:07 AM ↓ 8:54 PM
Thu
🌦
Rain Showers
63°/48°
💧 33%🌬 12mph
↑ 5:07 AM ↓ 8:55 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Mystery Loop Trail

Mystery Loop Trail is a hard hiking trail near Lutsen in Cook County, Minnesota.. The surface is ground. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

What “Hard” Means

Steep, technical, or long. Requires good fitness and experience.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

See more hard trails →All Minnesota trails →

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Long-sleeve shirt
    Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
  • 🧥
    Light shell or windbreaker
    Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 6 mph).
  • 👖
    Hiking pants or convertible
    Layer for variable conditions.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners or low boots
    Comfortable, broken in.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection (UV 7)
    SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
  • 🔦
    Headlamp + spare batteries
    Long days can run late — never rely on phone flashlight alone.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
  • 🛍
    Dry bags for electronics
    Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in Minnesota

Trail conditions in Minnesota change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

  • Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
  • Tell someone your plan and expected return time
  • Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
  • Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Mystery Loop Trail?

Mystery Loop Trail is rated Hard. Steep, technical, or long — good fitness and experience recommended.

What is the trail surface on Mystery Loop Trail?

The surface is ground. Natural surface — sturdy footwear recommended; can be muddy after rain.

When is the best time to hike Mystery Loop Trail?

Minnesota has trail conditions that vary by season. Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of temperature and trail conditions. Check the 5-day forecast above for current outlook. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.

Nearby

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