Caution - Bayfield, WI Trail 31S from Red Cliff nonexistent

mertel

New member
Rode from Barnes thru Valhalla, to Cornucopia and headed east on trail 1 to Red Cliff... hoping to take Trail 31S into Bayfield where we had a reservation to spend the night. Spent 90 minutes searching and finally took the Hwy the last 3 miles. Spoke to he locals who said the town hasn't been very supportive of the trail system or excited to have snowmobiles coming through (just the opinion from a group of very kind gentlemen). Hotel (Bayfield Inn) was awesome and very apologetic despite this not being their fault.

The ride out was EVEN worse. Found the trail we were supposed to be on. The trail head was marked (and on the map) however closed a mile in by a private land owner in a very tight part of the trail with little/no option to turn around. Definitely the land owners right however someone needs to connect the dots, it can create a dangerous situation as the temperatures were sub zero. Spent 90 minutes navigating the fence to get to a road... it was our only option as the snow was too deep for our younger riders to navigate.

I've been riding northern WI for 20 years... some of the best trails and clubs around. Don't let this post scare you away but know that getting into Bayfield is not convenient. Someone needs to attend to the map, trail markers, etc.

Other than that.... trails were AWESOME!!!
 

mertel

New member
put this in Area Conditions and more people will see and comment

Trail closure is at the intersection of Weidinger and Farm Rd. The farm field to the south east is where the trail is closed. We accessed the trail from Meyers Olson road after following the trail system out of downtown Bayfield. Locals gave us the route to Meyers Olson (all fine), then we saw the trail head for 31 only to be dead-ended at the field by fencing.

This was the same issue coming into town the night before. Got to Weidinger and no trail 31S
 
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woodside

Member
There is no longer and active club in Bayfield thus signage is lacking. You are correct, the town has never been a welcoming place for snowmobilers. I never rode into Bayfield even when the trail was open as it was horrible to get in and out of town. When I was doing active trail reports, I always informed riders what to expect when they called me as I feel its important to be honest about trail conditions.

I have been to city council meetings in the past and have experienced the lack of interest and effort in attracting snowmobilers. I feel for the business's.

For those coming this way, the TR1 to Red Cliff with casino, food, lodging,gas, etc. is open. There never was a trail from the casino to Bayfield.
 

90s

New member
this goes back years, bayfield never has been friendly/receptive to snowmobilers. years back came by truck to eat at the pink flimingo, had snomo jackets on. waited over an hour to get served, while others (locals) that came in after us were served. don't even stop there in the summer.
 

mertel

New member
That’s really unfortunate, especially for the businesses that paid for advertising on the trail maps. Bayfield In. Was going to call chamber of commerce and I hope for their sake it gets figured out. We have a lot of fun in town while resting up from the day.

Agree on staying at the casino in Red Cliff until Bayfield gets things figured out. My only regret is not checking the forum before making my plans. That won’t happen again. Thanks for confirming the trail issue... hope it helps others.
 

WorkHardPlayHrd

Active member
Yes Snirtdawg you can if conditions are there for it. We did it last year, but talked with some locals first. Watch for ice heaves, and don't run directly along the shore. I wouldn't recommend fueling up in Bayfield. I had big problems with my sled after fuelling up at the gas station approximately 3 blocks north of the Marina. Had to drain everything out. Not trying to hurt any businesses just stating the facts that happened.

Remember the lake is always changing, and is not for inexperienced riders. Just be careful.
 

mertel

New member
Agree... there was no way we were taking the ice.

No ice heaves on HWY 13! A little extra wear on the sled and some freyed nerves but it’s what worked in our situation. Definitely do not recommend it unless no other option. Technically, it’s a green line on the map so I believe you can ride the ditch. Problem, snow banks were too high and snow too deep for our younger riders.
 

woodside

Member
Unfortunate experience for you mertel.

A few comments on the comments.

Nothing will change in Bayfield RE: the attitude of the decision makers in the community about snowmobiling. Washburn, Iron River, Brule, Cornie and for the most part Ashland, make their communities accessible to snowmobiles and ATV's. But not Bayfield. Yet Bayfield has been wonderful hosts to other groups such as mushers, XC and downhill ski, snowshoe, bikers and even motorcycle groups. Its a shame as its a great little town on the Big Lake.

I will be shocked if TR31 re-opens unless the owner of the Pier wants to put in a lot of work and effort. David at the Chamber understands the value snowmobile business has on a community but his hands are tied. I can't remember a concerted effort on the part of business owners to improve the situation. Even when TR31 was open it was usually a difficult In and Out of town and tough on the hifax and carbides. Did it once years ago and vowed never to do it again.

Pay attention to WorkHardPlayHrd advice if you venture out on the lake. High risk factor and bad things have happened to folks who are not informed and understand the perils. However, I do have issues with his comment regarding the Bayfield gas station. I have gased up there hundreds of times, sled, truck, Ranger, lawn tractor, Kubota, boat, etc. and never had one problem. Same with my wife, brother and Candyman. Bad gas can happen anywhere.

The Bayfield County Snowmobile Map is printed every two years. I assume TR31 into Bayfield will be deleted next printing.
 

mertel

New member
I am fortunate to have a cabin in Barnes and along with the areas you mentioned, have an abundance of trails to ride.

Thanks for all of the reply’s. This is a great community
 

bubba800

New member
I feel bad if anyone had trouble with gas from anywhere; our group has been refueling at the Bayfield station at the end of each day for going on 11 seasons when riding with woodside and candyman, both EFI and carbs also back in the day, and have not had any issues.
 

Tree

New member
I feel bad if anyone had trouble with gas from anywhere; our group has been refueling at the Bayfield station at the end of each day for going on 11 seasons when riding with woodside and candyman, both EFI and carbs also back in the day, and have not had any issues.

Been riding in that area for almost 30 years, never felt welcome in Bayfield, also too much tar riding to get to gas and food. Switched to Red Cliff many years ago, excellent hospitality at the casino. I always advised people to avoid Bayfield, don't miss it one bit.
 

vmax1994

New member
I've taken the lake from Bayfield to Red Cliff based on someone's advice. I'll tell you right now it is not recommended. I've ridden tens of thousands of miles and those miles are ones I surely will not repeat. Even though we were told it was safe, we probably rode around two miles of open slush/water. Stay away is my advice!
 

Snirtdawg

New member
We were there the first week of March last year and the lake was fine. But I never feel real comfortable, especially on one of the deepest lakes in the US.
 

woodside

Member
Glad that posters are advising riders to stay off the lake. It is very unpredictable and good ice can turn into bad in a matter of hours.

There are many great reasons to ride North of Hwy 2 and one is there are no lakes to cross. None. That helps make for a safer ride.
 

vmax1994

New member
Glad that posters are advising riders to stay off the lake. It is very unpredictable and good ice can turn into bad in a matter of hours.

There are many great reasons to ride North of Hwy 2 and one is there are no lakes to cross. None. That helps make for a safer ride.

Bladder lake and Siskiwit ;) Those are not on trails but Bladder very accessible off fire roads.
 
we were on our way up to Bayfield in middle January.........little snow by Ashland, no gas ....alot of places closed for good! Never made it to Bayfield and rerouted. The whole penninsula area isn't what it used to be. We had reservations at the casino in Bayfield and it took me talking to 3 different people to find out where the trail came into their joint! Obviously it may not at all!!

You would think they would want the business this time of the year.........casinos have the resources to keep things going......but then look what happened between Hurley and Ashland.....there they cut off the "Iron Horse" trail and dead ended it at their casino....SORRY NOT A SNOWMOBILE FRIENDLY AREA ANYMORE
 

candyman

New member
we were on our way up to Bayfield in middle January.........little snow by Ashland, no gas ....alot of places closed for good! Never made it to Bayfield and rerouted. The whole penninsula area isn't what it used to be. We had reservations at the casino in Bayfield and it took me talking to 3 different people to find out where the trail came into their joint! Obviously it may not at all!!

You would think they would want the business this time of the year.........casinos have the resources to keep things going......but then look what happened between Hurley and Ashland.....there they cut off the "Iron Horse" trail and dead ended it at their casino....SORRY NOT A SNOWMOBILE FRIENDLY AREA ANYMORE[/QUOTE

HUH? You really need to spend a dollar and get yourself a Bayfield County Snowmobile map. If you look at the map it would have guided you from Lakewoods to the Casino. How do I know? I've ridden the route and both areas for many years. Legendary Waters Casino is located in the town of Red Cliff not Bayfield. Trail 31/1 goes directly to the door steps of the Casino. This is the second time you have posted negative comments about this area which aren't true. My wife and I own a lodging business in Bayfield and we do everything possible to promote the sport and this area. Not to mention the years that (Woodside) has posted trail reports on JD. Again, I invite you to stay with us and I will personally show you what your missing and have you leave with a positive experience. Cheers
 
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