Weekend Adventure: Camping & Hiking at Yellow River State Forest, Effigy Mounds & Pikes Peak

Enter A Land Of Soaring Peaks, Clear Mountain Streams, Roaring Campfires & Early Fall Foliage--3 Unforgettable Days In Rugged Northeast Iowa! Stay In A Comfortable & Beautiful Drive-Up Campground With Toilets And Experience Our "Patented" Day Hiking Adventures In The State's Most Astonishingly Wild State Forest, PLUS Effigy Mounds National Monument & "The greatest secret day hike in Iowa" at Pikes Peak State Park. Beginner instruction provided at no extra charge! (more pics below)

Arrival Times: Arrive anytime Thursday afternoon until 10:00PM at night

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

- Visit Effigy Mounds National Monument on a day hiking adventure that takes us to Indian mounds, a scenic overlook and more!

- Revel in expansive views at Pikes Peak State Park.

- Visit a waterfall, scenic views and clear trout streams in a deep wild valley off-the-beaten-path within Yellow River State Forest (day hiking adventure)

- Sunset drive to scenic overlook 5 minutes from camp with jaw dropping views of the rugged topography of Yellow River State Forest

- Drive up campsites next to a limestone and fern fringed trout stream surrounded by high bluffs reminiscent of mountains

- Nightly campfires

- Bocce ball, frisbee, Star Trek Uno and other games in camp.

- Visit a historic river town and have lunch at an 1800's style barbecue restaurant (self-pay at restaurant)

Our Best Iowa Fall Camping Trip Of The Year - Worth The Drive & Worth Taking Friday Off Work (Carpooling is encouraged-please post in comments or contact trip organizer if interested) (more pics below)

INCLUDES  3 nights campground fees, professionally guided hikes and full weekend activities. We welcome beginners and don't leave anyone behind.

DIFFICULTY: Moderate. Hikes will be both on and off-trail adventurous routes that are always fun! There are some off-trail hill climbs/descents that are steep (and more difficult) so bring a trekking pole. There will be two stream crossing up to knee-deep so bring water shoes to cross. A trekking pole is essential.

CARPOOLING:

Please post in the comments section below if you would like to carpool.

Please text me at 641-233-1122 if you would like to carpool from the Des Moines area on Thursday afternoon. I will leave around 2PM.

WHAT TO BRING:

- Tent, sleeping bag, insulated sleeping pad(very important in cooler weather--Note: regular air mattresses are not insulated and you WILL feel the cold from the ground if that's all you have)

- Clothing for warm & cold weather including hat, gloves, warm jacket. -

- Rain gear must be waterproof, not just water resistant, which is useless or in a downpour (rain poncho or rain jacket/rain pants recommended)

- Food & water for the weekend (Water is available near park office but recommended to bring all from home to avoid an extra drive)

- Headlamp or flashlight

- Water shoes or sandals for creek crossings

Optional: Chemical heat packs, camp stove, cooler, camp chair, adult beverages.

Hiking Gear: Hiking shoes or boots, backpack, water bottles, wool socks, trekking pole. Microspikes or Uelfbaby spikes recommended-check amazon.