Trail Conditions in Detail - Camp Manitou

[Panman]

WARNING. If you are reading this, you are reading the first post in a long thread of trail condition updates. You need to view the last post in order to get the most up-to-date conditions.

Click <a href="http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=21109&page=9999999#lastpostbit">here</a> to go to the newest post in this thread and get the latest conditions.

[natehakensak]

Was out at Monti last night, was in fairly good shape considering everything was new to me. Needs some of the jungle cut back a bit though. Running through the tall grass was tick city, but man, that is an awesome trail that just needs some love! Really should have an early October epic out there for the fans of big rings and WORS...
Will for sure go back, if anyone knows anything about maintenance, would really appreciate the info as my wife and I are ready to bring the shears and scythe. GO HERE, TO MONTICELLO!!!!

[beccahakensak]

3 St. Cloud folks + 7 hours of trail work Friday = 10 miles of (mostly) clear, fast, fun trail at Manitou. Enjoy!

[DanB]

3 St. Cloud folks + 7 hours of trail work Friday = 10 miles of (mostly) clear, fast, fun trail at Manitou. Enjoy!

Thanks Becca and friends! :)

[sensorysonic]

Yes! Thanks a lot Becca and friends!

[Ablumke]

Great Job cleaning the trail at Monticello!

on sunday morning I made the trek down to Monti after 4 years of missing one of my favorite trails! Although it is overgrown still in some areas the trail was in remarkably great form. it gets confusing on some parts due to lack of signs but if you know the trail go and ride it you won't be disapointed.


if there are any cleaning days coming up in the future lets get going on them. I have a weed whip ready to tear in!

BOOBlast would be great to bring back.

[cannon98]

Thanks to all of the people working on the trails in Monticello. I have really been enjoying them over the last couple of weeks. I would definitely be willing to help if it is needed. Thanks again!

[natehakensak]

Was riding in the mist and drips yesterday the 28th of August and some trees down(2) plus the sand was clingy. But 2 laps of the course in moist conditions verge on a great adventure. I hope, for my wallets sake, my chain is not trashed, but still worth every penny! This is a great place to ride and we can't wait until the fall when the face slappers can be chopped down. Come and visit, you'll leave with a smile(and a few leg scratches).

[DanB]

Rode yesterday and the trail is in very rough shape. Lots of overgrowth (which I was mostly expecting), lots of downed trees (which I was expecting a few but not to the extent of this), and lots of what seem to be man made barriers (trees, junk, etc.). Maybe they did this to direct the motorcycles but it makes riding the trail very very difficult. I have been riding the trail for a very long time and I got lost at least twice. Again this looked intentional (barriers) so I am sure there is a reason for it. It unfortunately will take some serious time and work to get it to the point of enjoyeable riding again.

I always wonder every year what goes on with the land at the camp, and I could find out I'm sure but just haven't, so I'll ask now. Is there someone or a group that has taken control of the trail now and can give a little more insight into what they plan to do with the land and trail and if there is any plans or groups planning to maintain it? I saw a post below about some people from St. Cloud doing a ton of work out there a little earlier this year(thank you!), are you with MMMC or did you just do this out of the goodness of your heart and the love for the trail? I'm curious as it is one of my favorite trails and if there is something that we at MORC or in the cities can do I'd love to offer some help.

[ryno lite]

Rode yesterday and the trail is in very rough shape. Lots of overgrowth (which I was mostly expecting), lots of downed trees (which I was expecting a few but not to the extent of this), and lots of what seem to be man made barriers (trees, junk, etc.). Maybe they did this to direct the motorcycles but it makes riding the trail very very difficult. I have been riding the trail for a very long time and I got lost at least twice. Again this looked intentional (barriers) so I am sure there is a reason for it. It unfortunately will take some serious time and work to get it to the point of enjoyeable riding again.

I always wonder every year what goes on with the land at the camp, and I could find out I'm sure but just haven't, so I'll ask now. Is there someone or a group that has taken control of the trail now and can give a little more insight into what they plan to do with the land and trail and if there is any plans or groups planning to maintain it? I saw a post below about some people from St. Cloud doing a ton of work out there a little earlier this year(thank you!), are you with MMMC or did you just do this out of the goodness of your heart and the love for the trail? I'm curious as it is one of my favorite trails and if there is something that we at MORC or in the cities can do I'd love to offer some help.

The St. Cloud people are volunteering for the love of the trail. Thanks to them. Monti is a BLAST trail and they are a chapter of MORC. I think the main problem is getting the resources and volunteers out there to do the work. If there was enough local volunteers, it would get done. I know my brother Paul has put countless hours hand cutting trees the past few years, but storms keep dropping them and he hasn't had the time to keep up. I know Ryan Panning has put time out there also. Everyone is trying, but there aren't enough trail fairies out that way.

[sam]

I rode out at monti on saturday, there are about 3 or 4 places we need to clear otherwise it seems some arrows were ripped down . As soon as those are back up it will be pretty obvious where to go. Over all the trail was in great shape,a little overgrowth but all ridable.

[Jeff R]

I've been looking forward to riding at Manitou for some time and finally next Wednesday, Oct. 17, I'll be passing by after some work meetings in St. Cloud. It sounds like it's in pretty good shape, less some overgrowth. I'm planning on riding with a buddy, but neither one of us has been there before. A couple questions if someone can help out:
-anyone want to join us for a ride about 3:00 or 4:00?
-Is there a trail map available?
-If not, is it easy enough to know where to go? Sounds like some arrows are missing?....Thanks

[ryno lite]

I've been looking forward to riding at Manitou for some time and finally next Wednesday, Oct. 17, I'll be passing by after some work meetings in St. Cloud. It sounds like it's in pretty good shape, less some overgrowth. I'm planning on riding with a buddy, but neither one of us has been there before. A couple questions if someone can help out:
-anyone want to join us for a ride about 3:00 or 4:00?
-Is there a trail map available?
-If not, is it easy enough to know where to go? Sounds like some arrows are missing?....Thanks

There isn't a trail map available and the trail will be hard to follow, especially with some arrows missing. If you don't know the trail, you will get off the trail and get lost. You should find your way out, but you'll miss the good parts of the trail and you will get discouraged riding on crappy tree strewn non-trails. There are all sorts of trails out there and it's easy to get lost. Go with someone who knows the trail is my recommendation! Hope you can find someone and have a great ride!

[sensorysonic]

The trail is missing some arrow signs. There are many many different trails at Manitou. Right now, its very easy to get lost. I would recommend finding someone who knows the trail for a guide. We are hoping to have it properly signed with arrows sometime next week. Probably won't be signed properly by your arrival. The trail, when properly signed, is really awesome. Getting lost out at Manitou, or getting on non-bike trails that look like the trail, makes for a bad experience. The second the trail is properly signed, I'll post up.

[Jeff R]

Thanks for the heads up boys. I'll heed the advice and try some other time I'm in the area when it's hopefully signed a bit better or when we can find someone for a ride-n-guide. I'm thinkin' I'll go to plan B and head east to Milaca instead...I'll just have to "settle" for that awesome ride this time!

[sensorysonic]

I did an epic clearing today of Manitou! Everything is in good order! All the intersections are properly signed, so getting lost should no longer be an issue! Get out and ride, Manitou is ready to go!!

[DanB]

I did an epic clearing today of Manitou! Everything is in good order! All the intersections are properly signed, so getting lost should no longer be an issue! Get out and ride, Manitou is ready to go!!

That is awesome Paul! Thank you! :banana:

Anyone who hasn't ridden Camp Manitou should do themselves a favor and get out there, especially now after Paul's hard work. It's a great trail. A little different from the city trails, a little rougher, but super fun, and very scenic so it's a great change from the same trails you've been riding all year!

I'll definitely be riding it on Friday or Sunday if someone needs a guide! Thanks again Paul! :)

[BikerKitty]

That is awesome Paul! Thank you! :banana:

Anyone who hasn't ridden Camp Manitou should do themselves a favor and get out there, especially now after Paul's hard work. It's a great trail. A little different from the city trails, a little rougher, but super fun, and very scenic so it's a great change from the same trails you've been riding all year!

I'll definitely be riding it on Friday or Sunday if someone needs a guide! Thanks again Paul! :)

We should throw together an impromptu Sunday ride. Yes, many of us may be feeling Saturday night's festivities, but hell, it's only fall for a couple of weeks, might as well take advantage of it. I'd be up for Sunday if some people can make it.

[DanB]

We should throw together an impromptu Sunday ride. Yes, many of us may be feeling Saturday night's festivities, but hell, it's only fall for a couple of weeks, might as well take advantage of it. I'd be up for Sunday if some people can make it.

Sunday would actually work best as I just realized Friday I will be riding Kettle Moraine and then Saturday is the Mega-Tour. So that leaves only Sunday open and I'd be happy to lead a group ride at 1:00pm if people are interested. :)

Or instead if we have enough takers we could do breakfast burritos at my place at 9am, then hit Manitou at 11:00am, and then go to the Jail Trail in St. Cloud at 2:30pm just like we did last year. Only this time we'd probably end up at Bravo Burrito afterwards since last year it was Saturday and it just happened to coincide with one of Katie's Bashes. I guess this time we'll have to behave ourselves since it is the holy day. :D

Let's see.........who's interested? And what option do you like? :cool:

[BikerKitty]

Sunday would actually work best as I just realized Friday I will be riding Kettle Moraine and then Saturday is the Mega-Tour. So that leaves only Sunday open and I'd be happy to lead a group ride at 1:00pm if people are interested. :)

Or instead if we have enough takers we could do breakfast burritos at my place at 9am, then hit Manitou at 11:00am, and then go to the Jail Trail in St. Cloud at 2:30pm just like we did last year. Only this time we'd probably end up at Bravo Burrito afterwards since last year it was Saturday and it just happened to coincide with one of Katie's Bashes. I guess this time we'll have to behave ourselves since it is the holy day. :D

Let's see.........who's interested? And what option do you like? :cool:

I will most likely have just gone to bed shortly before 9 a.m. (ha...but kind of not ha) so a 1:00 ride would be my preference, however, if the majority is in for serious after-halloween-bash pain, then I could try to control myself Saturday and do an 11 a.m. ride. Breakfast burritos sound amazing, but I know 9 a.m. is out of my league after a night of BOO-zing. Oh, sorry, that was a really lame Halloween pun.

[ryno lite]

I did an epic clearing today of Manitou! Everything is in good order! All the intersections are properly signed, so getting lost should no longer be an issue! Get out and ride, Manitou is ready to go!!

You are the man! Great job! Might have to try and sneak out there.

[ryno lite]

Rode Camp Manitou with my brother today. Trail was in pretty good shape. It's signed pretty well, but some alternative routes have been marked making some areas a bit confusing to navigate. Also, the leaves, thick brush, and multiple trails out there still make it confusing with all the signage. I still recommend that if you ride it, you ride it with someone who knows the trail. It is a confusing place.

Also, the trail will be closed Next weekend Nov. 3rd thru Nov 11th for deer hunting. Deer hunting isn't allowed in the camp, but hunters are thick on the borders of the camp and have been known to sneak onto the camp to hunt. The camp closes the parking lot just to be on the safe side.

[Big Mac]

I was wondering if the trail was marked and cleared for a up an coming race or something.. I saw fresh trail signs and some marked "alternate route" when I rode there yesterday evening.. I would love to see a fall race at Camp Manitou.. Please tell me it's happening..:crazy2: Anyone?

[ryno lite]

I was wondering if the trail was marked and cleared for a up an coming race or something.. I saw fresh trail signs and some marked "alternate route" when I rode there yesterday evening.. I would love to see a fall race at Camp Manitou.. Please tell me it's happening..:crazy2: Anyone?

No race in the works. Trail volunteers are just getting arrows up to make sure everyone can follow the trail.

Were you out on a blue Kona full suspension last night? If so, I was the slow guy you passed in the tight singletrack.

[Big Mac]

Yes, that was me out ridin' my Dawg Deluxe. I was not real talkative as the wife had me under strict orders to be home for dinner, but this course was literally in my backyard for 5 years (when we lived in Monti) and I rode at least 2-3 times a week out there so I would love to help maintain it (an have when the debris can be moved uno). Anyone looking for a personnal trail guide can feel free to contact me and I will show you a two loop tour that rarely touches the same trail twice... Thanks,;)

[Nickel]

Thanks for the offer Jason! I think there is always a need for people to help out in that neck of the woods.

[JeffroB]

Rumor has it that the BLAST crew was out and marked a new loop yesterday.

[sam]

Yesterday a couple of us cleared and marked some loops off of the main trail, those arrows are marked "alternate route" These are still a bit rough . our main goal this week was to get together something that could flow pretty continuously.we asked the camp manager to check them out , if everything is ok with them we will get a few more arrows up and be hitting the alternate route arrows with an orange spot. There is a bit of cleanup on these sections but 99% ridable,couple of trees down and a few ruts, these are existing trails from some moto races that were out there a few years ago. Its really some fun stuff and all put together is about 15 miles.

Jason check it out

[ryno lite]

Yesterday a couple of us cleared and marked some loops off of the main trail, those arrows are marked "alternate route" These are still a bit rough . our main goal this week was to get together something that could flow pretty continuously.we asked the camp manager to check them out , if everything is ok with them we will get a few more arrows up and be hitting the alternate route arrows with an orange spot. There is a bit of cleanup on these sections but 99% ridable,couple of trees down and a few ruts, these are existing trails from some moto races that were out there a few years ago. Its really some fun stuff and all put together is about 15 miles.

Jason check it out

I knew you were out last weekend checking some new routes out. There are a couple of spots that will need some clarification on which way to go. There is one location where the arrows send you two different ways. If a couple of those spots get worked out, most people should be able to follow the trail.

[Big Mac]

I am all for helping to get these routes ready to ride and groomed. Some of the areas near the creek bottom offer some really cool riding and add more of my favorite element "singletrack"... Due to my time constraint I did not ride all of the "alt route", but being that I raced the harescrambles two years I know where these routes go quite well..Keep me in the loop as to when we are going to start at it..P.S. I can get atv's, Rangers, roughcut mowers and chainsaws if needed. Thanks, Jason (Big Mac):)

[neb32]

Has any one checked the condition of the trail yet this year?:jumpy:

[Sevadari]

Ditto


Has any one checked the condition of the trail yet this year?:jumpy:

[neb32]

I went and checked it out. It was all tore up from motos. Only walked a little bit of it. It could be better further in.

[bigmac14]

I have ridden this course for several years (eight to be exact) and currently the actual mtb trail has a few areas that have overgrown pretty badly (weeds and thistle), but since I could ride this blindfolded without veering more than 1 foot off the trail it is not too bad. Once the trail gets washed in from the ruts of the enduro, it gets really nice. I have linked up some of the trail from last years race and the mtb trail to make a awesome 2 hour loop in there. If anyone is interested in a trail day we just need to set a date and Megan (Manager of YMCA camp Manitou) has told me to just let here know when we will be in there with saws and atv's so she is aware of it. The area has huge potential for offering a awesome riding experience as well as camping, bonfires and a beach all at the same spot...

[TML]

Thanks for the update. I do enjoy riding Monti, but have not been there in a few years. It was such a hoot when Blast held night races out there!

[JP4]

I was on these trails last weekend and they are a blast. However, they need some work. I am new to MORC and am wondering what it would take to get a group out there to fix up the trails a bit. It is a great place to ride and has a ton of potential. Unfortunately the potential is covered by deadfall and brush.

[bigmac14]

Joe, I live nearby and rode this trail for the better part of 6 years. I love the place and feel it has huge potential, but yes we need to put some traildays together to get it back in order. Possibly this weekend?

[efjanssen]

Like others, I have ridden and enjoyed <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:State w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Monticello</st1:place></st1:State> over the years. The fall always seems to be the best as it dries out a bit. The problem I have seen in the past is that the dirt bike riders tend to rip up the sensitive single track. I would like to pitch in and do some trail work and see if we can get it up and running again. It is a great place, with a nice, long loop and varied terrain. Perhaps we can organize a group ride this weekend and see what needs to be done.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

[JP4]

Jason -

Sorry I didn't reply sooner, I have been MIA lately. Were you still interested in a trail day in Monti before the end of the season.

[bigmac14]

I will try to get a ride in this week and inventory some of the worse areas. I have access to saws, weed whips and ATV's with winches on them to get this place going for the awesome fall color. I will let you know..:)

[sam]

Its time to ride, could use some more raking but everything is clear,marking all of the trail tomorrow, we have close to 16 miles ready to ride. We are meeting at 9am tomorrow morn to finish marking and riding at 2

[bigmac14]

Rode after work on Saturday and this trail is awesome. I think we might bring some small trailbikes out to some sections just to burn it in, but signage was good and rode most of the loop. Good work and awesome routing..

[sam]

Thanks Jason, and just when you think its all set, bang ,something differant happens, yesterday we changed the direction to ride the trail backwards, but now its forward... arrows should get you to the start ,go right from the parking area around the orange fence and towards the split in the road,you will see arrows lead into the trail, it is then marked with arrows and green tape along the way to help.

With the new stuff the flow is great,you just have the hilly area at the begining of the ride

Have fun

[bigmac14]

Thanks Jason, and just when you think its all set, bang ,something differant happens, yesterday we changed the direction to ride the trail backwards, but now its forward... arrows should get you to the start ,go right from the parking area around the orange fence and towards the split in the road,you will see arrows lead into the trail, it is then marked with arrows and green tape along the way to help.

With the new stuff the flow is great,you just have the hilly area at the begining of the ride

Have fun
Good to hear. I have ridden most of that and when ridden backwards it seems to flow well that way. I will be riding there this weekend, if not Thursday morning and I am looking forward to it. Did you say that it is currently 16 miles? That is my kind of trail:)
Great job...

[MrStone]

It is back!
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<o:p></o:p>
Well she is back! Bigger, faster, stronger! Jim Bell lead a team and figured out what motocross trail can be ridden and how to reroute certain sections. Turned the whole thing around so it is ridden backwards and the end results are nothing short of spectacular.
<o:p> </o:p>Everything is signed and just begging to be ridden. She could use a bit of polishing here and there but…
<o:p> </o:p>One a year since her death I road her. In the beginning I always though she could be saved. But by the end I never wanted to see her again. Kind of like a cheating spouse who you have divorced. Begging to return. As I road on Saturday Oct. 25<SUP>th</SUP> I kept waiting to be hurt. Every joyful turn, over cranking burmed turns. I still kept waiting to be disappointed. It never happened!
<o:p> </o:p>… The city and county are buying about 2/3s of the land to convert to a county park. It is imperative that we establish a presence there. The trail is beautiful, gas prices are down. Please go ride this trail!
<o:p> </o:p>Big thanks to Jim Bell, Sam St. Piere and anyone else who gave up fall ride time to help us ride.

[bigmac14]

WOW. I rode the full backwards loop on Saturday and I must say that this trail is waaayyyy under appreciated. I like it becuase it give more of the old school feel of fresh cut riding and less of the "buffed" singletrack experience. Anyone whom has not ridden Moticello before should definately go there now and follow the arrows. If you would like a personnal tour, then feel free to email me and I will set up a time.
jasonmacdonald@moonmotorsports.com

Good job to all whom put in the time to recreate Monticello..:banana::banana::banana:

[mleland]

Where is this particular park located and how can I get there? What are the details of this ride? Is it difficult and challenging? How does it compare to Hillside or Leb. Hills?

I am a pretty new rider but have begun falling in love with the sport within the last 6 months.

Thanks for any info you can provide:D

[bigmac14]

Exit on the Hwy 25 Monticello exit and head south to Chelsea rd. Turn towards the car dealerships (right) and head down until you see Moon Motorsports at which time you will see a road to the left (90th st). Follow this road down (past greenhouses) until you see a large horse pasture and take a right. Now you will go past a lake (on your right) and just at the top of the hill on your right is the Camp Manitou parking lot. Look immediately to your left while driving in and you will see the trail going into the woods.
I actually know the are well enough that I just leave from work and sneak into the land on the snowmobile trail. The trail is pretty flat, twisty singletrack, tight singletrack, open two track (atv width) and some open feilds. I would say it is a intermediate trail with some tougher stuff involved also.

I plan on riding it tommorrow at around 10;00am

[mleland]

Thanks for the info. I will try to get out there next week sometime during the later afternoon. Can't wait

[efjanssen]

I am very happy to hear that Monticello is ridable again. I plan on being there at 10:00 Saturday to ride. Hopefully a few others will be there. I am looking forward to riding the trail in reverse.

[The Bull]

There was a truck blocking the entrance on Sunday with a sign saying "Trail Closed." Presumably closed due to hunting (saw some orange from the road). Would guess the trail will be closed until the end if hunting season. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

[ryno lite]

The staff of Camp Manitou usually closes the camp to mountain biking during hunting season. Hunting is not allowed on their land, but the hunters are usually on every side and honestly, I know riders have seen hunters illegally using the camp for hunting, so the camp figures it is just easier and safer to close the whole thing to mountain biking.

[Gumby]

So...

I'm not a hunter so excuse my ignorance, but when is hunting season over in that part of the world.

After the recent notes on Camp Manitou, I took a drive up there to explore and saw the truck too. Was a bit bummed. Would like to get a ride in there before the snow flies (sticks).

[bigmac14]

I rode Sunday afternoon at approx 3:30pm and saw 8 different men dressed in orange toting guns. In a few areas I actaully turned back (tree line dividing the feilds) since I saw vehicles parked and new that it would be a close encounter. My recommendation is to hold off on riding Monitcello unless it is mid day and/or mid week. Hunting season is over in three weeks and we may not even have snow by then, although I hope we do.:D

[ryno lite]

It actually isn't about us holding off until after hunting season. The Camp Manitou staff actually closes their camp during deer hunting season. Riding when the staff has marked the trail closed makes them less apt to want to even allow us to ride in there. They won't mark the trail, but they close off the parking area. Please check the parking area before riding. If that is closed, please do not enter and ride the trail.

[DANW]

I believe that the regular firearm deer season is over after this coming Sunday. You might see people in orange around T-day - those would be people hunting with muzzleloaders. Muzzleloading isn't real popular, so maybe they leave the trails open during that time...

[bigmac14]

I just got done talking to Megan from Camp Manitou. She has allowed a party to hunt the land but did make them aware that she did not want any "drives" going on since there could be other park users in there. The reason that the truck was blocking the parking lot was to make people aware that hunting season is in effect. I have always entered the park from the gravel pit (cement factory now) and this is where I ran into two hunters that are apparently in there without permission. She has given permission for people to hunt the property until Dec 1st. In other words we need to stay out of Monticello until then:nono:.. Thanks,

[ryno lite]

Thanks for the update Jason!

[efjanssen]

It is what it is, but it is unfortunate that one group's activity (hunting) closes down the camp for everyone else. It does not match up with a multi-use concept. And I wonder why the hunters get priority for a month - do they pay the camp to hunt the property?

We also showed up last Sunday to ride, but saw the truck at the enterance and the guys in orange. We ended up swinging up to Elk River and had a great ride - perfect temp, clearing skies and great trail.

[sam]

We did some trail work work this morning and rode this afternoon, the taped off areas where they were hunting was down. Temp seemed to stay just below freezing and the trails rode beautiful. There were quite a few riders there today. Monti hasnt been this good for years so it would be great to get alot of people out riding to help ride in the new sections. The trail now runs reverse from what it was and all you have to do is follow the arrows.

[phyllis]

Made the drive out yesterday only to find the truck blocking the entrance. We assumed that meant the hunters were still present.

Rode hillside instead, so it wasn't a totally wasted trip. Are the hunters going to be gone after this weekend?

[bigmac14]

The truck was blocking the entrance, but I did not notice since I entered from the other side (I am a creature of habit) and did not see it until I had made most of the loop. I did not see any hunters, however I was in there from 12:30-2pm. The trail was perfect, no mud, just a nice light coating of snow (.25 inch) and I followed one other set of tire tracks on the same loop from the same entrance point. Whom could it be? I was told that no hunting would be happening after Turkey day, but I know that bow season is open until the end of December. I will get a more definative answer for you though. ;)