Event

Think Ledges State Park without the roads, trails, and people. Plus, there’s a cave, rocky wilderness beach, possible Indian mound, and lots of nooks and crannies to explore! This is a spectacular place without trails (or other people) and deserves a full day of discovery as we traverse along the ridges, canyons, creeks, and cliffs. Optional dinner with the group after the hike at a local Mexican restaurant.

What To Expect On An Iowa Explorer’s Club Event:

• Rediscover the wonder of nature
• Experience the thrill of exploration
• Enjoy peace of mind on trips guided by a leader with decades of wilderness experience and first responder certification
• Take a well-earned break from hectic, technologically driven, contemporary living
• Seize the opportunity to challenge yourself & overcome fears within a supportive group
• Connect with other welcoming people with diverse backgrounds, or quietly enjoy the hike. You be you!
• Get inspired!
• Nobody is left behind and rest breaks are scheduled along the way
• Optional late lunch after the hike at local restaurant (self-pay)
• Relax… I’ve done all the planning. You just need to show up. 🙂

CARPOOLING: Please post in the comments if you would like to carpool or have a vehicle to take others up.

WHERE TO MEET: We’ll meet at the Subway in Solon, IA, then drive to the trailhead. Please arrive a little early to complete the release form.

TRIP ORGANIZER – CHRIS
Born in the mountains of California and raised in the cornfields of Iowa, Chris has led hundreds of throughout the state and USA. He is an avid backpacker, rock climber, canyoneer, certified Wilderness First Responder and is educated in “Leave No Trace” practices.

DIFFICULTY: Moderate but we will be out most of the day. Beginners welcome and we don’t leave anyone behind! Approx. 6 miles total on varied terrain: hills, valleys, creek beds, bluffs and along the river. We’ll mostly be off-trail but the foliage won’t be grown in and it’s a lot of fun! Hills are steep and SLICK this time of year so bring trekking poles and some form of foot traction like microspikes, yaktrax, or amazon alternative ($22). (Note: Request to borrow these from trip organizer if you don’t have.)

COST: $39.00 – Please message the trip organizer via meetup or text at 641-233-1122 if you have trouble signing up or paying for the event.

WHAT TO BRING:

• Backpack to carry extra clothing layers and personal items, plus water bottle(s), snacks & special gear (if applicable) provided by Iowa Explorers.
  

WHY GO WITH IOWA EXPLORERS:  

Our day adventures are so much better than “just a hike”, you’ll need to experience it to believe it!  My “patented” method of exploring nature in Iowa is a game changer, giving people wilderness like experiences that are far superior to trail hiking, in a leisurely & fun setting. For most of history, we didn’t lead isolated lives, we lived meaningfully in tribes with a shared sense of purpose & community.  Come experience a taste of that

KEEPING IT CLEAN: Iowa Explorers Club is grateful for all of the wonderful public and private land set aside for conservation and recreation in Iowa. As a way of saying thank you it’s our policy to carry out any trash we find in the wild in order to leave these special places in a better condition than when we found them.