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Loop with some elevation and views.


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Map Key

1.3

Miles

2.1

KM

Point to Point

642' 196 m

High

609' 186 m

Low

44' 13 m

Up

62' 19 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

6%

Max Grade (4°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views

Family Friendly Easy terrain, but kids can feel like they are really on an adventure between the bluffs.

Need to Know

If you leave the parking lot to the left you'll begin with a path of elevation and then work your way down the three levels of the bluff. There is a picnic area on the far right that sits next to some backwaters that can provide for some wildlife viewing.

Description

The Horseshoe Bluff Trail is a loop that begins and ends at a parking area. The name comes from the horseshoe shaped opening in the bluffs that allow you to hike through and explore three levels. The views on the trail take on a drastic change depending on the season. There is lush coverage of tress surrounding the bluffs in the summer and fall. In the late fall, winter, and early spring you can see more of the rock formations in the bluffs and views of the Mississippi River.

Shared By:

Lee J

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 3 votes

#12201

Overall
  4.0 from 3 votes
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Trail Rankings

#28

in Iowa

#12,201

Overall
8 Views Last Month
885 Since May 27, 2018
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

View of the Mississippi River from Horseshoe Bluff - Mines of Spain
Dec 29, 2020 near Dubuque, IA
Looking down to level one from level two of Horseshoe Bluff
May 27, 2018 near Dubuque, IA
Runners crossing a bridge on the Sauk Fox trail during the 2018 Mines of Spain 100
Apr 8, 2019 near Dubuque, IA

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Check-Ins

Jul 11, 2020
Jennifer Kluender
This was my first hike. It was a nice challenge with some good views. The signage was confusing to me. Will do it again! 1.3mi
Jul 20, 2019
Lesley Schmitz
Oct 29, 2018
Jaci Moyer
3.9mi
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