Intro to Hiking: Bass Ponds

Just because it's cold doesn't mean the outdoors can't be enjoyed! Come out for a hike with refuge staff and volunteers as they lead you down snowy paths to see the winter wonderland of Minnesota Valley. Snowshoes will be provided if suitable snow conditions are met.

This program is intended for all ages as an introduction to hiking and refuge trails. No experience necessary - we're here to show you the ropes! Registration optional. For information on trail conditions, please read the accessibility section.

Questions? Contact [MinnesotaValley@fws.gov](mailto:MinnesotaValley@fws.gov) or call (952) 854-5900.

Date and Time: Sunday, December 7th from 1-2:30pm

Location: Meet us at the upper trailhead kiosk at Bass Ponds. 2501 86th St E, Bloomington, MN 55425

Registration Information: Registration optional through [Signup.com](https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/108391542095/false#/invitation).

Optional registration allows us to prepare supplies and materials for the program, send reminders, and allows us to contact you in the event of inclement weather!

Activity Level: This is an easy to moderate outdoor activity. We hope to reach 2-2.5 miles in 1.5 hours. This will be guided by refuge staff and volunteers. Frequent breaks will occur.

What to Bring: Please wear winter clothing as this program is fully outdoors (coat, pants, boots, mittens, hat, etc). Consider dressing in layers. A full water bottle is recommended.

Accessibility: Accessibility at Bass Ponds:

Restrooms are located at the lower trailhead, a short 0.3 mile, but steep, downhill walk on paved road from the parking lot. Persons who cannot travel the steep hill from the upper to the lower trailhead on foot may receive a gate code to drive down to the lower lot. Please call (952) 854-5900 for the gate code. There are no water fountains at this location. Trails are natural surface, mostly flat. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter) and may not always be suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. There are two benches along the trail near the fishing piers.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to these events for all participants. Please direct all requests for sign language interpreting services, close captioning, or other accommodation needs at least ten business days before the event to Oscar Hernandez at [oscar_hernandez@fws.gov](mailto:oscar_hernandez@fws.gov).