Devil Dog Challenge Course
On Saturday December 5th, beginning at 7:00 a.m. the first participants will be crossing the starting line for the 2-day, 1-night, 17-mile Devil Dog Challenge Course. The trailhead begins at the base of Goggin Mountain within the beautiful Johnson Shut-Ins State Park Campground. The trail takes challengers over ancient mountains with grand vistas, through glades, fording the Black River and along rugged winter mountain trails with steep inclines, a winter bivouac for 1 night and another river crossing before finishing at the Johnson Shut-Ins State Park by 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 6th. This will be a staggered start with participants crossing the starting line in 5-minute intervals.
Devil Dog Challenge Registration
This 17-mile backpacking/bivouacking event will traverse some of the same terrain as the Chosin Challenge Course with two river crossings and steep terrain along the way.
Minimum age to participate is 15 years old, provided the individual is registered and hiking with a parent/guardian or a member of the family 18 years or older. (15-17 year olds MUST be with parent/guardian at all times when on the route)
No wheelchairs, knee scooters, bicycles or strollers are allowed.
Capacity
40
Cost
$100 for a team of two. $45 for each additional team member up to a maximum of 5.
Estimated Time of Completion
This course begins at the Goggin Mountain Trailhead between 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. (5- minute staggered start between teams) on December 5th and finishes at the Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park Day Use Area by 3:00 p.m., December 6th (Team start times are emailed one week prior to Challenge and will also be available upon check-in).
Packet Pick-up
3-Day Packet Pick-up Dates:
• Thursday, December 3rd, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Black River Center at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park)
• Friday, December 4th, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Black River Center at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park)
• Saturday, December 5th, 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. (Goggin Mtn. Trailhead Starting Line)
Note: Please ensure you pick up your packet prior to or on the morning of your event.
Starting Line Meet and Greet: From 6:00 am until last team steps off.
Meet up with fellow hikers that you’ll see along your journey. Gather under the heaters at the starting line pavilion and enjoy conversation over a breakfast of hot sandwiches, coffee, hot chocolate, tea and plenty of water.
Starting Line Safety Brief: 6:45. Mandatory for all participants.
Please ensure you’re present at the safety brief given by the Frozen Chosin and Parks Directors. Following this briefing the 1st Team will step off at 7:00 am.
Finish & Recognition
2026 Frozen Chosin Challenge Coin and tee shirt will be given to each participant. Completion Certificate will be awarded to each participant who completes their respective event.
Finishing Line Get Together: From 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Be at the finish line to cheer on fellow hikers as they cross that one last hurdle before the finish line. Join us and fellow hikers from the Chosin, Devil Dog and Warrior Courses in the warming tent for the camaraderie that comes from completing a brutal adventure. Relay your exploits and swap stories while enjoying hot coffee, hot chocolate, tea, plenty of water and warm finger foods.
Teams
Teams will consist of a minimum of 2 members, maximum of 5. No exceptions.
All participants must arrive as part of a team; the Frozen Chosin Challenge staff will NOT be able to help you build a team.
All participants will check out with Challenge staff at the Starting Line and check in/out along the route with the three (3) strategically located Safety Teams for this course.
All teams are required to trek single file for the first two miles of the Challenge. This allows fellow backpackers room to pass.
All members must strive to cross the finish line within two minutes of each other. No team will abandon or leave behind a member. If a team member cannot continue, it is the team’s duty to ensure that they are cared for and to notify the Challenge Staff who will organize medical care and/or evacuation. Leaving a team member behind is not in the spirit of the Frozen Chosin Challenge. Once a team member is left in the care of medical or rescue personnel, the remainder of the team may complete the course.
