Mines of Spain State Recreation Area
Calcite Trail
1.9 mi · ▲ 365 ft · 49 min
Calcite Trail is a 1.9-mile out-and-back in Mines of Spain State Recreation Area near Cattese, IA. It climbs 365 ft, with sections as steep as 22% grade, and is mostly dirt. It scores 32/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: green fringe.
Elevation
Getting there
Directions
Calcite Trail
1.9 mi · ▲ 365 ft · 49 min
Elevation 604–810 ft
Out & Back · Mines of Spain State Recreation Area
Trailhead: Mines of Spain Road · 42.46106, -90.63593
Weather Sep 20: sunrise 6:48 AM · sunset 7:05 PM
Toilets at the trailhead · Parking lot at the trailhead
- Start on Horseshoe Bluff Trail, heading W.
- 0.3 miSharp left onto Calcite Trail, heading S.
- 0.7 miReach the turnaround, then head back the way you came.
- 0.7 miSharp right onto Horseshoe Bluff Trail, heading SE.
- 0.3 miArrive back at the trailhead.
Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.
Trail surface
Weather
Sunset
The best sunset spot on this hike is 0.6 mi in (~20 min). Leave by 6:25 PM for the 7:05 PM sunset. Back at your car by 7:35 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.
Good to know
- Toilets at the trailhead
- Parking lot at the trailhead
More from Mines of Spain Road Trailhead
- Horseshoe Bluff Nature Trail–Mesquakie Trail, 3 sights 5.1 mi · ▲ 754 ft
- America's State Tree Woodland Walk–Horseshoe Bluff Nature Trail, 4 sights 5.2 mi · ▲ 777 ft
- Calcite Trail 1.9 mi · ▲ 59 ft
- Calcite Trail 2.1 mi · ▲ 219 ft
- Calcite Trail 2.1 mi · ▲ 205 ft
- Calcite Trail 2 mi · ▲ 219 ft
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Hikes near Cattese, Iowa