DAY HIKES
Deer Grove West
Palatine
Feb 17, 18, 19, 2026
Feb. 17, 18, 19, 2026
2-hours
$25.00
Difficulty rating
Miles
Approx 2.5 - 3 miles depending upon the snow
Terrain
The 1st half is a narrow dirt trail with gentle hills. The 2nd half is a wide groomed trail, again with gentle hills.
The trail changes throughout the journey, ranging from a wide, well-groomed path to a narrow, winding dirt trail that runs alongside the beautiful ravines. The snow is so pretty along the slow moving creek. Our route takes us beneath towering oaks and maples the entire way, providing a natural canopy that helps shield us from any chilly winds. We are especially hopeful for fresh snowfall, as it would allow us to finish our adventure with some fun and optional sledding.
Washroom
Outhouse at the parking lot.
What to Bring
Water
Hiking sticks
Boot grips: YakTrax or even better Kahtoola Microspikes
Emergency Medical Information form filled out, kept in your bag
Layers to keep warm
Waterproof ankle high hiking boots or snow shoes
Optional: warming packets for hands or feet.
Optional Restaurant for lunch
Lunch at Jelly Cafe, corner of Quentin and Dundee Rd next to Forest Preserve. 795 W. Dundee Road, Palatine, IL 60067
Times
We meet by 9:45 am to use outhouse and begin hiking at 10:00am
Let’s Fully Savor the Outdoor Serenity
We ask you kindly to silence your phones and keep conversations positive.
Weather
We have fun in all kinds of weather, so we rarely postpone. If the temperature is below 0 degrees, or windchilll is below -20 degrees we will cancel. If it’s snowing too much to drive we will also cancel. Look for an email before 8am on the day of the hike for cancellations.
You Will Learn
About the Arctic Wolf
Driving Directions
Address: Deer Grove #5
Deer Grove West is accessed off the west side of Quentin Road in Palatine. (North of Dundee road and South of Lake Cook road) . After you turn into Deer Grove off Quentin rd., take a right at the first stop sign. The grove is the last shelter on the drive way on the left hand side.
We will meet in the Parking lot at 9:45am
Cook County Forest Preserve
Phone: 800-870-3666
Web: fpdcc.com
Discussion Starter Question
Wolves live in close family groups that work together to care for their young. After a female has puppies, both parents help raise them. The whole pack also helps get the pups ready for their future in the group.
Describe someone in your family, besides your mother or father, that played a role in helping prepare you for your future.
Guides
Karen, aka "Carin" Tue & Saturdays
Kari, aka “Lucky Duck” Wed & Thur.
Cancellations
If you desire to cancel your day hike, you can reschedule for a different hike within the same season:
Please email hello@trailboundtrip.com, and state your name, and desired new hike day.
You will receive confirmation for this new day hike if there is room on the trip.
Refunds
Refunds are given when Trailbound Trips cancels a hike. Trailbound Trips will cancel and refund a hike for two reasons:
There needs to be a minimum of three people. You will be notified 24 hours in advance if this is the case.
The weather is dangerous or not bearable. You will be notified before 8 a.m. on the day of the hike via email.