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 some of the most spectacular 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 snow-covered forests and rugged mountain trails offers both solitude and challenge Whether you’re an experienced winter explorer or simply looking for inspiration to get outside, this issue is your guide to unplug from the ordinary and embracing the extraordinary season of ch The Unplug. Team
ICY TRAILS
A WINTER HIKE THROUGH APEX PARK LOOP IN GOLDEN, COLORADO
Setting Out on the Trail
Golden, Colorado
As the winter sun peeked over the 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 air was crisp, 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
CHALLENGES OF WINTER HIKING.
Despite the serene beauty, the hike was far from easy Snowdrifts concealed uneven terrain, and sections of the trail had turned into sheets of ice Turner moved carefully, planting his feet firmly with each step to avoid slipping He had read reports of hikers turning back due to the treacherous conditions, but he was determined to complete the loop
Halfway through the hike, the wind picked up, whipping through the trees and stinging Turner’s exposed skin He pulled his hat lower over his ears and tightened the hood of his jacket Even with the extra layers, the cold was unrelenting
“Thewindgetsyou,”Turnersaid.
“Youdon’trealizehowquicklyitcandrain yourenergyuntilyou’reoutthere,fullyexposed.”
One of the biggest challenges he faced was staying hydrated In winter, the body doesn’t always signal thirst the way it does in summer, making it easy to become dehydrated Turner made a conscious effort to sip from his insulated water bottle every 30 minutes, ensuring he stayed properly fueled for the journey ahead
Summit and Breathtaking Views
After nearly two hours of steady hiking, Turner reached the high point of the Apex Park Loop, where the trail opened up to breathtaking views of Golden below The town, nestled in the valley, was blanketed in white, with the winding roads and buildings appearing like a model landscape from above
To the west, the towering peaks of the Rockies stretched as far as the eye could see, their snow-capped summits glistening in the midday sun Turner paused to take in the view, pulling out his thermos of coffee and savoring a few moments of solitude
“This is why I do it,” he said “It’s hard, it’s cold, but moments like this make it all worth it ”
Descent and Unexpected Encounters
The way down presented its own set of challenges Descending in icy conditions can be even more dangerous than climbing, as gravity works against you Turner adjusted his footing, making sure to use his trekking poles for extra stability At one particularly steep section, he resorted to a controlled slide, laughing to himself as he landed softly in a snowbank
Further down the trail, he encountered another hiker making their way up a rare sight on a winter day. The two exchanged greetings, both acknowledging the difficulty of the conditions The fellow hiker, a local named Emily Carter, said she often hiked Apex Park Loop in the winter for the solitude it offered
“There’s something special about being out here when no one else is,” Carter said “It’s peaceful in a way you just don’t get during the summer ”
Lessons from the Trail
As Turner neared the end of his hike, he reflected on the lessons winter hiking had taught him Preparation was key without the right gear, even a short hike could turn into a dangerous situation Respect for nature was equally important; trails like Apex Park Loop could be unforgiving, and hikers needed to recognize their limits
By the time he returned to the trailhead, the sun was beginning to dip behind the mountains, casting long shadows over the snow-covered landscape Turner’s legs ached, his face was windburned, but his heart was full
ICE CAVES IN WISCONSIN
As winter tightens its grip on 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
The ice 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.
pictures, but nothing s to seeing it in Whitman said “It’s like into a frozen l.”
n layers to combat the emperatures, Whitman m the Meyers Beach nt, where most visitors r journey. The trek across as both exhilarating and cking despite ces from park officials, ht of walking on a frozen e was daunting.
g across the snowe, she could hear l cracks and groans er boots, natural sounds the lake’s constant ther hikers moved ome wearing ice cleats action. The wind howled open expanse, making temperatures feel even
le-long hike, the cliffs of and came into view, andstone walls draped f ice. Enormous icicles, 20 feet long, cascaded m the rock formations, ozen waterfalls of white, translucent hues.
Inside the Ice Caves
Stepping into the caves felt like entering another world The air was still, and the icy walls 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 ”
The Challenges 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 ”
From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, each issue is a curated guide to inspire your next adventure