Frozen Chosin Challenge

Location: Johnson Shut-Ins State Park, Middle Brook, MO

Dates: December 4th - 6th, 2026

See our website for additional information: https://mokoreanwarmemorial.org/frozen-chosin-challenge/

The Battle of Chosin Reservoir, or "Changjin" as it’s called in Korea, was a two-week-long bloodbath fought between 27 November and 13 December 1950, where United Nations (UN) forces, primarily U.S. Marines, faced a surprise attack from a much larger Chinese army in harsh winter conditions. The Service members who fought during this defining moment of the Korean War are nicknamed "The Chosin Few."

Frozen Chosin

The Frozen Chosin “Challenge” honors those Service members who fought during the Korean War between 1950 and 1953. This event supports awareness and education of the Korean War, specifically the Battle of Chosin Reservoir; along with direct funding for the Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial ensuring that this will never be the “forgotten war.” Some gave all, all gave some.

What’s the Challenge?

A Team event! The “Challenge” is not between individuals or teams, but about teamwork. The “Challenging” teamwork that’s required to ensure that each person of your team succeeds and endures the hardships and harsh environment of a winter in the St. Francois Mountains. It’s the “Challenge” of helping a buddy out when you’re just as tired, being the positive one or the joke teller, and being a leader while ensuring you finish with everyone your team started with. Along the way remember our Service members who fought for 78 miles during the coldest winter in recorded history on the Korean Peninsula. Leave no one behind!

The “Frozen Chosin Challenge” consists of three separate events over three days each with its own difficulties. The events are:

• Chosin Challenge - Rigorous 3-day, 2-night, 40-mile winter trek.
• Devil Dog Challenge - Difficult 2-day, 1-night, 17-mile winter trek.
• Warrior Course - 4-mile hike along the Johnson Shut-Ins (all-accessible).

Finish & Recognition

Every participant receives a 2026 “Frozen Chosin Challenge Coin” and “Challenge Tee Shirt.” “Completion Certificates” will be awarded to each participant who completes their respective event.

1 - “Chosin” Challenge Course

The Chosin Challenge Course is a rigorous 3-day, 2-night, 40-mile winter trek. This course requires a two night bivouac. The Chosin Challenge begins at 7:00 a.m. on December 4th and traverses the Goggin and Ozark Trail Sections of Johnson Shut-Ins and Taum Sauk Mountain State Parks. The trailhead begins at the base of Goggin Mountain within the beautiful Johnson Shut-in State Park Campground and takes you along a 28.5-mile journey outbound across Goggin Mountain and along the Ozark Trail and is considered one of the best trails in Missouri. The trail takes challengers over ancient mountains with grand vistas, through glades, fording the Black River, ascending and descending the state’s highest waterfall and highest point. The trail then takes you back along 11.5 miles through the Devil’s Tollgate, long ascents and another winter river crossing back to the Johnson Shut-Ins to complete the course by 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 6th. This course was picked to replicate the conditions our Marines and soldiers endured during their 16 Day, 78 mile fighting withdrawal in temperatures as low as -35° F. This will 0be a staggered start with participants crossing the starting line in 5 minute intervals.

Teams

Teams will consist of a minimum of 2 members, maximum of 5. No exceptions. All participants must arrive as part of a team.

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.

Capacity: 80

Cost: $150 for a team of two. $70 each additional team member up to a maximum of 5.

2 - “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 Finish Line located at the Johnson Shut-Ins State Park Day Use Area by 2:00 p.m., December 6th. This will be a staggered start with participants crossing the starting line in 5 minute intervals.

Teams

Teams will consist of a minimum of 2 members, maximum of 5. No exceptions. All participants must arrive as part of a team.

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.

Capacity: 40

Cost: $100 for a team of two. $45 for each additional team member up to a maximum of 5.

3 - “Warrior” Course - Accessible

On Sunday, December 6th, at 10:00 a.m. the first participants will cross the starting line for the 4-mile Warrior Course. Beginning in the campground near the Goggin Mountain Trailhead the trail traverses open fields before crossing under Highway N and over a bridge at Cope Hollow then along the Black River to the Johnson Shut-Ins and a wheelchair-accessible .3-mile boardwalk trail above the flowing waters of the Shut-Ins. The trail then follows the Black River Trail System back to the Johnson Shut-Ins Day Use Area and the finish line. This course is wheelchair-accessible and open to all hikers; the trail offers benches along the way for convenient resting places.

The 4-mile course is open to registered families and individuals.

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. If under 15 the child is not considered a participant (no cost) and MUST be with parent/guardian at all times when on the course).

Pets (in accordance with Missouri State Parks Regulations), wheelchairs, knee scooters, or bicycles are allowed on the 4-mile Warrior Course.

Capacity: Unlimited

Cost:

• Individual: $25
• Family: $60 - family of three ($20 each additional family member)