Mines of Spain State Recreation Area
Observation Deck–Horseshoe Bluff Nature Trail, 3 sights
4.4 mi · ▲ 513 ft · 1 hr 43 min
Observation Deck–Horseshoe Bluff Nature Trail, 3 sights is a 4.4-mile out-and-back in Mines of Spain State Recreation Area near Cattese, IA. The route reaches Observation Deck. It climbs 513 ft, with sections as steep as 25% grade, and is mostly dirt. It scores 25/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: green fringe.
Elevation
Getting there
Directions
Observation Deck–Horseshoe Bluff Nature Trail, 3 sights
4.4 mi · ▲ 513 ft · 1 hr 43 min
Elevation 598–810 ft
Out & Back · Mines of Spain State Recreation Area
Trailhead: Wetland Trail · 42.45958, -90.63312
Weather Sep 21: sunrise 6:49 AM · sunset 7:03 PM
- Start on Wetland Trail, heading W.
- 50 ftPass Observation Deck.
- 350 ftSharp right, heading NW.
- 50 ftSharp left onto Horseshoe Bluff Nature Trail, heading W.
- 0.1 miBear left onto Horseshoe Bluff Trail, heading SW.
- 0.3 miSharp left onto Calcite Trail, heading SW.
- 0.7 miTurn left onto Mesquakie Trail, heading NW.
- 1 miReach Observation Deck, then turn around and head back the way you came.
- 1 miTurn right onto Calcite Trail, heading E.
- 0.7 miSharp right onto Horseshoe Bluff Trail, heading SE.
- 0.3 miBear right onto Horseshoe Bluff Nature Trail, heading E.
- 0.1 miSharp right, heading E.
- 50 ftSharp left onto Wetland Trail, heading E.
- 250 ftArrive 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 0.8 mi in (~25 min). Leave by 6:18 PM for the 7:03 PM sunset. Back at your car by 7:38 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp. Trailhead visible from the viewpoint
More from Wetland Trail Trailhead
- Observation Deck–America's State Tree Woodland Walk, 5 sights 5.2 mi · ▲ 612 ft
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Hikes near Cattese, Iowa