Mines of Spain- Horseshoe Bluff

In Dubuque, Iowa there is a very popular Wildlife Refuge known as the Mines of Spain.  There is a collection of well kept hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty.  There is also a place for launching canoes and other recreational activities.  One of the more popular trails for tourism is known as Horseshoe Bluff.  This trail is unique because it offers a scenic overlook with a breathtaking view of the geological formations for which the area is known, a great view of the Mississippi River and the Julian Dubuque Monument.  

This trail is also tiered and you can choose whether to start at the top or the bottom.  There are stairways that lead to each level and it is well marked as to what sites you are looking at, the history of the area, and other pieces of conservation information as you go.  It is impossible to get lost as the trail is essentially one big loop that leads back to the parking lot as long as you follow the signs and the main trail.    

This trail is one of my favorites in the park; especially when I get off work and I am looking for something quick to unwind from the day.  The completed loop is just under 1 mile in length and takes 30-45 minuets to walk.  

This day was memorable because I started the #wildphotochallenge offered from the We are Wilderness University; which you can check out here.  I started my day one on this trail on a very cold and very windy Wednesday afternoon!  

As always, please enjoy the following photographs from the hike:

View from the trail; you can see the Mississippi there in the background.

View of the limestone bluff and the second level from the overlook.

Stairway down to the second level; or up to the 3rd.

Day 1: #wildphotochallenge- photo of myself out in nature!

Icy walkway

View with process filter; I enjoy the way the lighting looks in this picture.

View from the overlook; the Julian Dubuque Monument is just to the left of this photo.

Walkway on the 2nd level; Red Pines.  It smells amazing through here.

Stairs from parking lot up to the 3rd level/overlook; or you can go to the right of the parking lot and start at the bottom!

Once again; I really hope that you enjoyed reading about my hike and looking at the photos that I took.  If you would like more information about the Mines of Spain or the EB Lyons Center please click on the links bellow:

Mines of Spain
Trail Information
EB Lyons Interpretive Center

Please comment; suggestions are always welcome, like and share!! 

Happy Trails!!