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Want to enjoy an evening of free summer hiking but don't know where to start? Well, look no further - the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge has got you covered. Meet us at the Bass Ponds trailhead for a stroll along our Hogback Ridge trail. Surrounded by stocked ponds and a flowing trout stream, a guided hike with refuge staff is the perfect excuse to start your hiking journey.No experience necessary! We'll help you learn the basics of hiking and enjoying the outdoors. Registration is optional.Questions? Contact MinnesotaValley@fws.gov or call (952) 854-5900 (press 1 to reach Visitor Services).Date and Time: Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 from 5:30-7pmLocation: Meet us the Upper Trailhead at Bass Ponds.2501 86th St E, Bloomington, MN 55425Registration Information: Registration optional through Signup.com.Optional registration allows us to prepare supplies and materials for the program, send reminders, and allows us to contact you in the event of inclement weather!Activity Level: This program is a staff led, easy-medium, outdoors activity and will cover between 1 - 1.5 miles of trail. We will walk at a slow to medium pace and will be taking frequent breaks throughout the program.What to Bring: We recommend that you bring a pair of good, close toed shoes for walking, bug spray, sunscreen, and a water bottle.Accessibility: Restrooms are located at the lower trailhead, a short 0.3 mile, but steep, downhill walk on paved road from the parking lot. Persons who cannot travel the steep hill from the upper to the lower trailhead on foot may receive a gate code to drive down to the lower lot. Please call (952) 854-5900 for the gate code. There are no water fountains at this location. Trails are natural surface, mostly flat. Depending on seasonal trail conditions, natural surface paths may be muddy (summer) or snowy (winter) and may not always be suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. There are two benches along the trail near the fishing piers.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to these events for all participants. Please direct all requests for sign language interpreting services, close captioning, or other accommodation needs at least ten business days before the event to Oscar Hernandez at oscar_hernandez@fws.gov.
