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Welcome to Frassati Young Adults Outdoor Ministry!
Join us for our monthly Hike & Mass as we explore the stunning Ancient Lakes Trail. This unique location in the Potholes Coulee offers some of the most remarkable geological formations shaped by Ice Age floods. You’ll experience scenic views of sparkling lakes set against dramatic basalt cliffs and steep rock walls—one of the best examples of a recessional-cataract canyon. The hike is not difficult, and, best of all, we'll celebrate Mass right before lunch.
Hike Details:
Trail Name: Ancient Lakes Trail
Distance: 4.6 miles (with optional extensions of 1-2 miles depending on group interest)
Elevation Gain: 295 feet (easy difficulty)
Route Type: Loop
Hike Duration: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes of hiking (plus Mass and optional extensions)
(Optional Extension: Time permitting, we may add a short 2-mile hike to Wee Franklin Falls on our return.)
Trail Highlights:
Spectacular lakes contrasting with the arid landscape
Towering cliffs and rugged rock walls shaped by historic floods
Possible wildflowers and wildlife sightings, such as hawks and waterfowl
Meeting Point & Schedule:
If Carpooling, meet at: Blessed Sacrament Church parking lot. (Park along the chain-link fence.) 7:00 AM (departure at 7:15 AM sharp).
If meeting at trailhead: meet us at 10:30 AM
Drive Time: Approximately 3 hours each way
Return: Estimated arrival back at 6:00 PM
Weather: this time of the year, it tends to be in the mid 50s and sunny, but we'll send a weather report the day before
What to Dress and Bring (depending on weather report)
1. Water
2. Snacks and lunch
3. Hiking shoes or runners
4. Layers: t-shirt, light sweater, soft shell, rain shell.
6. Appropriate pants (not jeans) 7. Wool socks
8. Hat
9. Gloves
10. Sunglasses
11. Sunscreen
12. Trekking poles (optional)
For more details on the trail, visit the AllTrails link here.
Note: if weather/trail reports makes this trail no longer ideal for the day (which is unlikely) we will indicate alternative plans in the email that will be sent the day beforehand.
Ancient Lakes