Welcome back and thanks for reading! Locals Beta is where I hope to share beta on climbs, conditions, approaches, and more. As always, consider hiring a climbing guide!
Dairlyand is an ultra-classic ice climb dangling out over Lake Superior that forms most years. Although it forms a little bit different from year to year. Some years it resembles one large fang with monstrous bat wings and other years it will form something closer to two pillars with water running down the front. None-the-less, it should be on every climbers 2025 bucket list!
Where'd the name come from anyway? Well, it was mostly likely climbed first by Paul Kuenn aka PK. PK isn't a Munising local but has been visiting Pictured Rocks likely before it was Pictured Rocks. Paul resides in Wisconsin or "the Dairy State"!
The Crux! In most winters the National Park Service closes the road at the edge of the Park boundary to allow for snowmobile traffic. This puts climbers at a disadvantage...there are more of them than us likely. However, winter 2024/2025 the National Park Service is replacing the bridge further down the road. The construction company is trying to work as much as possible through the winter, so the road may remain plowed. If it is, and only IF it is, you can drive and park along the road. Be sure to move your vehicle over far enough so that traffic and construction equipment can pass!
The Beta:
The first is to walk the North Country Trail from the Sand Point Parking lot. This usually makes the most sense. There are numerous great climbs on the way in to/ out of Dairyland that are spectacular in their own right. Consider this option, especially on busy weekends or during Ice Fest. This option is roughly 3.4 miles on way, or about 1.5hrs walking.
The second is much shorter at 1.4 miles and the first half can be skied. Or if you have a snowmobile...just a short few minutes. Enter the woods across the main road from Miners Falls road. When entering the woods, find the past of least resistance and try to bee line it straight to the lake, even trending to the right just a bit. Be ware, it is notoriously difficult!
When traveling on or off trail, be respectful of where you are...pristine wilderness in the heart of the Upper Peninsula. Practice leave no trace principles while traveling in the backcountry. Also, consider carrying the 10 Essentials including navigation, headlamps, a Garmin inReach satellite messenger, and extra layers.
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