The views from what is known as the Gunflint High Cliffs are some of the best in the area, and they are also some of the easiest to access.  An expansive 180 degree vista to the west and north is what you will find after making the trek up from Gunflint Lake along a network of ski trails and sunsets from here are outstanding.  Being able to stay and watch the sky change from light to dark and the colors that come with it can be tough if you hiked in from the north, as it is the longest way.  The quickest and most straight forward method to get to those sweet sweet views is to drive to the Loon Lake public access and hike up the back side from the south along the South Rim ski trail.  With combining the driving the actual times from the north and south are probably negligible but you will be back to a car quicker from the south and can stay at the cliffs for longer in the evening.  After parking at the lot at the end of the road to Loon Lake you will walk back up the road about 50 yards and take the ski trail on the right that leads up hill.  From there you will climb and then drop twice disregarding the West End ski trail on your left before coming to a loop turn-around for the ski trail groomer.  This is where the ski trail ends and a well established hiking trail runs out the end of the loop to the north and continues through the woods for another 1/5 of a mile before depositing you out on the massive slab of rock perched 400 feet above Gunflint Lake with spectacular views into Canada and beyond.  No matter which direction you come from you will not be disappointed.

Gunflint Lodge Ski Trail System Map