The Minneapolis/St. Paul Backpackers Meetup Group

Happy New year 2026!

Important: ### By signing up for this hike, you assume all responsibility for your safety and well-being and release Minneapolis/Saint Paul backpackers, organizers, events organizers, and members from any (and all) personal injury and property damage liability. ####

Begin the Saturday morning with a brisk hike along the Minnesota river banks.

We will hike MN river valley along the west bank of the river. Depending on the weather and trail conditions, we may go on another trail. Total hiking distance will be 6-8 miles.

Depending on the weather, trails could be icy/slippery.

Where to meet: Meet us in the parking lot at the South end of Lyndale avenue in Bloomington.

Recommend to bring: Water, high-energy snack, dress according to weather. Ice-grippers/crampons and hiking poles are recommended for snowy days. Bring a backpack for some additional workout.

The usual: No Kids, No Dogs, No +1's: Only registered members may attend.

This event is jointly hosted by the Minneapolis/Saint-Paul backpackers and Minnesota Hardy hikers meetup groups so there will be more attendees than what you see here. Please signup on only one event.

Members of this meetup group will present on recent backpacking/trekking trips to cool places:

• Olympic NP Shipwreck Coast - Heidi Edmonson
• Yellowstone NP and Bridger Teton NF - Craig Maxson & Heidi Edmonson
• San Juans, Hut-to-hut - Gary Maxson
• Peru trip highlights - Ash Lotlikar
• My Pacific Crest Trail Through-Hike - Bob & Julie Elias

LOCATION:
Robert H Rohif meeting room (first floor)
Ridgedale Hennepin County Library
12601 Ridgedale Drive
Minnetonka , MN 55305

We have the room starting at 12:30p. Please arrive early to socialize and get seated, presentations will start promptly at 1:00p. This room seats 100 so feel free to bring friends.

After the presentations we will socialize with food and drinks at a nearby restaurant, to be announced at the event. Please join us!

NOTE: This is the first of two Cool Mountain Trip Presentation events. The second will be January 24 at this same library, with different presentations. Join us for both events!

NOTE: These events are dual-posted in the Minneapolis-St Paul Backpackers and Hardy Hikers meetup groups. You only need to RSVP for one group.

Members of this meetup group will present on recent backpacking/trekking trips to cool places:

• Highlander - Southern California - DeAnna Clemens
• Empire Builder/Glacier National Park - Satish Desai
• Snow Camping in the Boundary Waters - Paul Stelter
• Hiking hut-to-hut on AT in White Mountains - Goran Latisko
• Glacier NP - Karen Jacobson

LOCATION:
Robert H Rohif meeting room (first floor)
Ridgedale Hennepin County Library
12601 Ridgedale Drive
Minnetonka , MN 55305

We have the room starting at 12:30p. Please arrive early to socialize and get seated, presentations will start promptly at 1:00p. This room seats 100 so feel free to bring friends.

After the presentations we will socialize with food and drinks at a nearby restaurant, to be announced at the event. Please join us!

NOTE: This is the second of two Cool Mountain Trip Presentation events. The first will be January 10 at this same library, with different presentations. Join us for both events!

NOTE: These events are dual-posted in the Minneapolis-St Paul Backpackers and Hardy Hikers meetup groups. You only need to RSVP for one group.