{"id":12081,"date":"2021-06-12T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-12T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/?p=12081"},"modified":"2024-01-30T06:18:59","modified_gmt":"2024-01-30T12:18:59","slug":"hiking-sugar-loaf-bluff-in-winona-mn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/hiking-sugar-loaf-bluff-in-winona-mn\/","title":{"rendered":"Hiking Sugar Loaf Bluff in Winona Minnesota"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Sugar Loaf Bluff is an iconic landmark in Winona Minnesota<\/a>. It towers 580 feet above the lake below. The landmark can be seen from most places in the historic downtown. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The trail Sugar Loaf Bluff is used for hiking, walking, and running. Climbers often will use the trail to make their way to the summit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This hike, while short, is one of the coolest summits you\u2019ll ever get to. Hiking Sugar Loaf Bluff in Winona MN should be on everyone\u2019s list this summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just the look of Sugar Loaf Bluff had me intrigued. This massive rock formation shoots out of the bluff side out of nowhere. For some reason, this trail completely intimidated me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When planning my Day Trip to Winona<\/a>, I had a few hikes in mind. When my first hike to Garvin Overlook turned out to be a bust, we decided, why not try Sugar Loaf Bluff?<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Sugarloaf<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

History of Sugar Loaf Bluff<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sugar Loaf Bluff, originally called Wapasha\u2019s Cap<\/a> after the local Dakota chief. When early explorers came, they thought it looked more like a loaf of sugar that you can buy at the general store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soon after Winona was founded, the town started to quarry the limestone for city sidewalks and buildings. Quarry operations were shut down when the limestone was removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is left is Sugar Loaf Bluff\u2019s unique shape. Today the main use is for recreational hiking and rock climbing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hiking Sugar Loaf Bluff<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Getting to the parking area, we got the kids ready and headed up the hill to the summit trail. The first few feet were straight up. With no idea how long the trail was, I was having second thoughts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully my husband kept on pushing me. This seems to be a recurring trend for me. At 8am, my ability to climb hills is nonexistent<\/a>. By 11am, you can put 585 steps in front of me and I\u2019m ready to run up them all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It wasn\u2019t long before the trail switched back and we started going toward the bluff again. Surprisingly, the first .3 miles is the steepest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The trail is mostly a gradual incline the rest of the way and pretty easy. The trail itself is a mix of dirt with a few rocky sections at the top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One on top, you\u2019ll see a great view of the downtown, the river valley and Lake Winona!<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Summit<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n
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\"Hiking<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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@daytrippermn<\/a>

A must see when you visit Winona MN Sugar Loaf Bluff! #roadtrip<\/a> #onlyinminnesota<\/a> #winonamn<\/a> #getfit<\/a> #daytrip<\/a> #hikingtiktok<\/a> #mn<\/a> #exploreminnesota<\/a><\/p> \u266c Home – Edith Whiskers<\/a> <\/section> <\/blockquote>