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A trail through the trees and in and out of the ravines.


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Map Key

3.0

Miles

4.9

KM

Point to Point

1,251' 381 m

High

1,116' 340 m

Low

300' 91 m

Up

300' 91 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

13%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · Views

Closed when wet. For trail updates, check the website: whiterockconservancy.org/

Bikes and hikers only. Use fee ($3/day) payable at multiple self-serve stations.

Description

This trail starts off the Little Dipper and finishes on the other side of the Little Dipper. Use this trail to connect to Shooting Star Trail or to make a quick loop around the Star Field. This trail is plenty of fun in both directions, but might be just be a bit better when hiking counter-clockwise.

When starting on the east side of Little Dipper, take a right onto Big Dipper and follow it down into a switchback followed by a creek crossing. After crossing the creek, start climbing back into the trees and follow the trail in and out of the ravines. After the first few ravines, the trail will start to descent more steadily.

Almost half way through, you'll descend a sandy section with some exposure and then cross another stream. Begin climbing slightly into a quick push up a 50-yard steeper section, before you get a break through the flats. At this point, you'll come to the intersection with Shooting Star Trail.

Take Shooting Star Trail at this point if you would like to link up with the other trails like Riverside Trail and Bobcat.

To continue on Big Dipper and head back towards Star Field, take a left and go up the switchback. Continue sweeping through the trees, hiking in and out of the ravines, descending and climbing along the way. You'll then hit a T intersection with Little Dipper. Take a right to get back to the shower house at Star Field or take a left to have a bit more fun and hike Little Dipper back around the Star Field, bringing you back to the shower house.

Contacts

Land Manager: Whiterock Conservancy

Shared By:

Kristen Arendt

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 1 vote

#18333

Overall
  4.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#56

in Iowa

#18,333

Overall
2 Views Last Month
195 Since Apr 26, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Smooth trail through the trees in Iowa!
Apr 26, 2016 near Coon Ra…, IA

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Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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