About Mitchell Red Cloud Trail
Mitchell Red Cloud Trail is a expert hiking trail near La Crosse in La Crosse County, Wisconsin.. The surface is dirt. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.
Photo by Holly Mandarich on Unsplash
ExpertDirt
Mitchell Red Cloud Trail
La Crosse, Wisconsin · La Crosse County
Mitchell Red Cloud Trail is a expert hiking trail near La Crosse in La Crosse County, Wisconsin.. The surface is dirt. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.
Advertisement
43.83166, -91.23121
Open in OpenStreetMap5-Day Forecast
Weather at Mitchell Red Cloud Trail
Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.
Today
Overcast
82°/55°
💧 5%🌬 7mph
↑ 5:26 AM ↓ 8:39 PM
Mon
Overcast
84°/56°
💧 10%🌬 6mph
↑ 5:25 AM ↓ 8:40 PM
Tue
Overcast
75°/51°
💧 1%🌬 10mph
↑ 5:25 AM ↓ 8:41 PM
Wed
Overcast
75°/48°
💧 1%🌬 12mph
↑ 5:24 AM ↓ 8:41 PM
Thu
Light Rain
72°/57°
💧 21%🌬 12mph
↑ 5:24 AM ↓ 8:42 PM
Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.
What “Expert” Means
Long backcountry routes (20+ miles), alpine grades, via ferrata, or extremely technical terrain. For experienced hikers with proper conditioning, navigation skills, and gear.
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.
What to Pack & Wear
Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.
👔 What to Wear
- Moisture-wicking T-shirtLight color, breathable.
- Lightweight shorts or pantsQuick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- Brimmed sun hatBetter than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- Trail runnersBreathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- WaterBring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- High-energy snacksA snack for the trail.
- Sun protectionSunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- Headlamp + spare batteriesLong days can run late — never rely on phone flashlight alone.
- First-aid kitBlister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- Offline mapDownload your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
- Helmet (terrain-dependent)Expert routes may include scrambling or rockfall risk.
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 Wisconsin
Trail conditions in Wisconsin 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
References & Maps
Nearby
Other Trails Near Mitchell Red Cloud Trail
Closest trailheads, sorted by distance from this one.
Guides & rankings
More on hiking in Wisconsin
Photo: Sergei AkulichState Rankings
The 10 Longest Hiking Trails in Wisconsin, Ranked
Wisconsin's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.
Photo: Sergei AkulichState Rankings
Wisconsin's 10 Most Punishing Trails by Elevation Gain
Steep is hard. These are the ten Wisconsin trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.
Photo: Joshua EarleState Rankings
The Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes in Wisconsin
Ten gentle, well-marked Wisconsin trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.
Photo: Sergei AkulichState Rankings
The 10 Most Challenging Hikes in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.
Photo: Joshua EarleParks & Travel
The Best National Parks & Recreation Areas in Wisconsin
Federal parks and recreation areas in Wisconsin ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.
Photo: Joshua EarleState Rankings
Best Waterfall Hikes in Wisconsin: 10 Trails to See Falls Up Close
Wisconsin's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.