Ironwood to Copper Harbor

[danbell78]

Is Ironwood to Copper Harbor a doable trip for one way in a day (overnight in Copper Harbor, back the next day)? We are renting sleds in February and have just been sticking around the Ironwood/Hurley area the past few years but want to change it up. Years ago we did an overnight trip to Copper Harbor like this, but I don't recall if we started in Ironwood or maybe Bergland. Don't own sleds but are regular renters up that direction and are willing to put on some pretty serious miles in a day. If we do that what are the spots to stay overnight in Copper Harbor, stayed at the Pines previously, but that doesn't seem to exist anymore.

Thanks

 

[Admin]

Totally doable trip. If during the week, you will probably have time to spare. If on the weekend, still plenty of time, but you will most likely be sore from the trails that appear that they "have not been groomed in 3 weeks" when actually were just groomed that morning!

www.copperharbor.org for places to stay/eat/drink

-John

 

[Deleted member 10829]

I love doing overnighters to Copper Harbor. It's about 150 miles from Bergland, but I'm not sure how much further from Ironwood. As John said, definitely doable. A few nice side loops too if you have time.

 

[pclark]

Try Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, it looks nice but I think they have a minimum night stay so you'll have to take that into consideration if you stay there.

 

[xsledder]

Rode from Mercer to Copper Harbor. Left Mercer around 10 am, got to Copper Harbor around 6 pm taking it easy. (That includes the hour loss.)

 

[favoritos]

Absolutely doable.
I would recommend trying to pick up the rentals and start early if possible. You already know the winders around the ski hills etc. Get those done early and get up to the gravy stuff when traffic starts getting busy. The ride gets super easy past Rockland. It's fun to get ahead of your schedule, and take some loops with the extra time.

We do that ride quite a few times during the season. Sometimes, we do the whole route in a day. Wouldn't recommend that if you want to "stop and see" along the way. Conditions often vary a lot over the distance. Some sections may be tough if there are groomer problems etc. with a specific club. We just bear with it in those sections and ride through till the next club. Early start and the extra time helps in those situations too.

I don't know the exact lodging options for this year, but book rooms before you leave. Also keep in mind that you have a time window for the last food. Store options are limited hours if you go that route.

 

[bonnevier]

We do this every year…stay and eat at Mariner North in the 2 story motel. I can give more details if you need

 

[Hoosier]

Agree with the above that there are some fun loops up there so I'd take advantage of that. There are hotels in Calumet too if Copper Harbor is booked.

 

[5_spot]

Did Hurley to Copper Harbor and back in one day a few years back. Mid March, so low traffic. Left at 8am, got back about 10pm, roughly 400 mile round trip.