Much better than just a walk in the park...
… but you’ll need to experience it to believe it! We go off-the-beaten-path on inspiring wilderness adventures in secret places that make people question whether or not they’re still in Iowa
We travel (mostly) off human trails, which is the key that unlocks a whole, new world and is more fun with just the right amount of challenge! Sometimes the use of hands may be required, navigating over rocks, boulders & downed trees, and up steep creek banks, making things more interesting!
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We often hike on deer trails, in dry creek beds or along rocky lake shores, following the footprints of animals, not humans. During the summer we try to avoid foliage and walk in clear-water streams, perfect for keeping cool! (and the most fun summer activity for hikers in Iowa!) From fall through spring, the foliage is sparse to none, making off-trail exploration easy as we follow in the footprints of generations of hunters and mushroom gatherers. And yes, we do occasionally take actual trails, too!
My off-the-beaten-path routes have been perfected over many years, visiting places you won’t find on trail apps. These aren’t just your typical boring Iowa trail hikes–they’re so much more. In fact, my events have been specifically designed to evoke all the wonderful feelings people have outside of Iowa, but don’t think they can experience here–including the senses of wonder, discovery, comradery, excitement and adventure…
If you like nature, lead an active lifestyle, value the journey more than the destination, and don’t mind getting a little dirty or wet in the thrill of adventure, you’ll love it! Experience Iowa as you may never have thought possible overcoming fun, natural obstacles and discovering beautiful new places!
And even better yet, explore with people of all ages who are fun but respectful of both nature and each other. These trips are for both introverts and extroverts alike with participants having a diversity of fascinating professional backgrounds! Engage in conversation or quietly enjoy nature from the back of the group. You be you!
We value the uniqueness and talent of each participant, while coming together in the spirit of cooperation... nobody is left behind and people are always willing to assist those in need. We create an elevated experience together!
More Info:
Small group sizes of around 10-14
Event duration: Varies, from 3 – 6 hours, typically approx. 4 hrs
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Optional post-event restaurant meals with the group
Sights to see (every location is different): beautiful vistas, scenic limestone bluffs, colorful cliffs, clear water streams, caves, waterfalls, natural springs, natural rock arches, slot canyons, multicolored sandstone.
Lots of wildlife… none that eats you! Deer, turkey, coyote, fox, beaver, eagle, river otter, even wild pigs! And more!
Poison ivy is much less of a concern off-trail where we see little to none in most locations. It tends to grow much more around human disturbances–along trails, roads, rivers, etc, and most of the year Iowa is free of poison ivy. Fun fact: Up to 50% of people are immune. Prudence should be taken during the growing season for those susceptible, including wearing long pants and using special wipes that have been proven effective by Iowa Explorers participants.
“I hear from so many people who hesitated to attend an event for a year or more because they didn’t think they were capable, only to find out later they’d been missing out! Don’t sell yourself short!”
