Mines of Spain State Recreation Area

Calcite Trail

2.1 mi · ▲ 219 ft · 49 min

Calcite Trail is a 2.1-mile out-and-back in Mines of Spain State Recreation Area near Cattese, IA. It is mostly level, with 219 ft of elevation gain, and mostly dirt. It scores 29/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: green fringe.

Elevation

0 mi594 – 810 ft · steepest grade: 24%2.1 mi

Getting there

Trailhead: Mines of Spain Road 42.46106, -90.63593
Nearest town Cattese, IA

Directions

AMBLEWAYwww.ambleway.com

Calcite Trail

2.1 mi · ▲ 219 ft · 49 min

Elevation 595–810 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

  1. Start on Horseshoe Bluff Trail, heading W.
  2. 0.3 miSharp left onto Calcite Trail, heading S.
  3. 0.8 miTurn left onto Mines of Spain Road, heading W.
  4. 250 ftReach the turnaround, then head back the way you came.
  5. 250 ftContinue straight onto Calcite Trail, heading N.
  6. 0.6 miTurn left onto Horseshoe Bluff Trail, heading S.
  7. 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

97% dirt3% paved

Weather

Sunrise 6:48 AMSunset 7:05 PM

Sunset

The best sunset spot on this hike is 0.6 mi in (~19 min). Leave by 6:26 PM for the 7:05 PM sunset. Back at your car by 7:34 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.

More sunset hikes nearby

Good to know

  • Toilets at the trailhead
  • Parking lot at the trailhead

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