MUNISING, Mich. – Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore will be temporarily closing Sand Point to all ice climbing activity effective immediately to protect park trails and natural resources.
Temperatures at Sand Point have been well above average for several days, resulting in considerable ice melt at popular ice climbing locations and severe snowmelt. Melt activity in combination with increased foot traffic has caused drastic deterioration of trail conditions and the potential for significant impacts on park resources.
The forecast through Sunday does not appear to have the potential for ice building or snowfall. Temperatures are predicted to remain well above average into the weekend and rain is expected Thursday night.
“We value our long-standing partnership with Michigan Ice Fest,” Superintendent David Horne said, “and we both remain committed to protecting park resources and maintaining recreation access into the future.”
On a typical year, the park has several feet of snowpack on trails leading to ice climbing locations. Snowpack allows for foot traffic with limited impacts on the ground below. Without snow, areas with high foot traffic are extremely muddy and approaches to climbs are beginning to erode – which can have long-term effects on future trail conditions.
Park staff will be closely monitoring conditions to determine when ice climbing activity can resume on Sand Point.
Additional information regarding Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and updates can be found at www.nps.gov/piro or on Facebook @PicturedRocksNL and Instagram @picturedrocksnps.
