UNPLUG. Magazine
WINTER BACKCOUNTRY
OUTDOOR EXCURSIONS
Explore ice caves in Wisconsin
Camping in Utah’s Bryce Canyon
UNPLUG. Team
PUBLISHER
NATALIE GARGIULO
MANAGING EDITOR
KAY ESPOSITO
CONTENT DIRECTOR
JESSICA MITCHELL
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
AARON WILLIAMS
SYDNEY STONE
ADVERTISING
JOSHUA DAVID
WELCOME
UNPLUG. Magazine’s Winter Issue
As the world slows under a blanket of snow, winter invites us to embrace the cold, step outside, and experience nature in its raw, breathtaking beauty. In this issue of UNPLUG. Magazine, we take you on a journey through winter landscapes, from the frozen shores of Lake Superior to the icy trails of the Rocky Mountains. Venture with us to Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands, where the legendary ice caves emerge each winter, transforming into a frozen wonderland of towering icicles and shimmering blue ice. For those craving high-altitude adventure, we take you deep into Colorado’s Apex Park Loop, where a winter hike through snowcovered forests and rugged mountain challenge. Whether you’re an experienced winter explorer or simply looking for inspiration to get outside, this issue is your guide to unplug and explore. season of change and renewal. . The Unplug. Team
ICY TRAILS
A WINTER HIKE THROUGH APEX PARK LOOP IN GOLDEN, COLORADO
Setting Out on the Trail
Golden, Colorado
Asthe winter sun peeked overthe
foothills of the Rocky Mountains, casting a soft golden glow on the snowcovered trails, Alex Turner laced up his hiking boots and tightened the straps on his backpack A seasoned hiker, Turner had traversed many trails across Colorado, but the challenge of hiking Apex Park Loop in the dead of winter was one he had yet to conquer.
Located just outside of Golden, Colorado, Apex Park is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts for its diverse landscapes and panoramic views of the Front Range In the winter, however, the trail transforms into a rugged and unpredictable path, covered in ice, snow, and occasional rockslides Despite the challenges, Turner was determined to experience the solitude and beauty that only a winter hike could offer.
The airwascrisp, hovering around 20 degrees Fahrenheit as Turner set out from the Heritage Square Trailhead His breath formed small clouds as he took his first steps onto the well-trodden path The initial stretch of the Apex Park Loop was relatively flat, winding through a dense grove of ponderosa pines and bare aspens The crunch of snow beneath his boots was the only sound accompanying him as he ventured deeper into the wilderness
Turner had come prepared microspikes on his boots for traction, layered clothing to protect against the biting wind, and a backpack filled with essentials, including extra gloves, energy bars, and a thermos of hot coffee He knew from past experience that winter hiking required careful planning, as the weather in the Rockies could change in an instant.
As he ascended towards the Enchanted Forest section of the trail, the landscape grew more dramatic Large boulders, dusted with snow, jutted out from the hillside, and icicles hung from tree branches like delicate glass ornaments The Enchanted Forest, true to its name, was one of the most magical parts of the hike dense evergreens lined the trail, their branches weighed down by thick layers of snow It was a stark contrast to the dry, rocky terrain that hikers typically encountered on Colorado’s Front Range
ICE CAVES IN WISCONSIN
Aswinter tightens itsgripon the Midwest,a hidden world of shimmering ice formations emerges along the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. For adventurers like Sarah Whitman, the chance to hike across the frozen expanse of Lake Superior and explore Wisconsin’s legendary ice caves is an experience like no other
Each year, if conditions permit, the lake’s frigid waters freeze solid enough to create a natural pathway to the spectacular sea caves of the Apostle Islands The caves, which are carved into the sandstone cliffs, transform into a mesmerizing winter wonderland, adorned with glistening icicles, frozen waterfalls, and otherworldly ice formations
Theice caves are not accessible every winter, making them a coveted destination for outdoor enthusiasts The National Park Service monitors ice conditions closely, only allowing visitors to cross the frozen lake when the ice is thick enough to support foot traffic Some years, the caves remain unreachable due to unsafe ice, while in others, they welcome thousands of hikers eager to witness their fleeting beauty
For Whitman, a seasoned winter hiker from Madison, the wait was finally over She had been watching ice reports for weeks, hoping for the right conditions When the announcement came that the caves were open, she packed her gear and made the five-hour drive north to Bayfield, the gateway to the Apostle Islands
“I’ve seen pictures, but nothing compares to seeing it in person,” Whitman said. “It’s like stepping into a frozen cathedral.”
Dressed in layers to combat the subzero temperatures, Whitman set out from the Meyers Beach access point, where most visitors begin their journey The trek across the lake was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking despite reassurances from park officials, the thought of walking on a frozen Great Lake was daunting
Crunching across the snowcovered ice, she could hear occasional cracks and groans beneath her boots, natural sounds caused by the lake’s constant shifting Other hikers moved carefully, some wearing ice cleats for extra traction The wind howled across the open expanse, making the frigid temperatures feel even colder
After a mile-long hike, the cliffs of the mainland came into view, their red sandstone walls draped in layers of ice Enormous icicles, some over 20 feet long, cascaded down from the rock formations, forming frozen waterfalls of white, blue, and translucent hues
Inside the Ice Caves
Stepping into the caves felt like entering another world The air was still, and the icywalls glowed with an ethereal light Whitman ran her gloved hand along the smooth, glassy surfaces, marveling at the intricate patterns formed by freezing water and time
Some caves featured towering ice pillars, while others had ceilings covered in delicate ice crystals that sparkled like diamonds in the sunlight. The frozen formations changed with each passing week, sculpted by wind, water, and fluctuating temperatures.
“I could have stayed in there for hours,” Whitman said. “Every cave had something different some were small and intimate, others felt like grand ice palaces.”
TheChallenges of Winter Exploration
While the ice caves offer an unforgettable experience, they also demand caution The weather along Lake Superior can change rapidly, and the ice though thick can be unpredictable Visitors are advised to dress warmly, bring traction devices for their boots, and check the latest ice conditions before venturing out
Rangers warn that no ice is ever completely safe Sudden cracks, shifting ice, or hidden weak spots can pose risks to even the most experienced hikers
“There’s always an element of danger,” said Jake Larson, a park ranger with the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore “But if you respect the conditions and prepare properly, it’s one of the most incredible winter experiences you can have”