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Flowing singletrack through hardwood forest of Iowa.


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Map Key

6.9

Miles

11.2

KM

100%

Singletrack

953' 291 m

High

884' 269 m

Low

435' 132 m

Up

434' 132 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

12%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

Fast riding flowing singletrack with some rocks, roots and climbs to keep you on your toes. Its lighter sandy soil allows for riding sooner after a rain without damaging the trail.

The latter part of May into June brings an awe inspiring carpet of bluebells in the Bottoms segment.

An occasional bald eagle can be seen, as well as many deer and turkeys. It is not uncommon to hear owls hooting and woodpeckers pecking.

Need to Know

No bathrooms or running water at the trailhead. There is a convenience store a few miles away.

Description

The trail is probably ridden equally each direction. I chose to map it going counter-clockwise. Either direction you'll encounter some short and somewhat rocky and or rooty climbs. The trail is one basic loop with a few spurs. As a general rule going in the counter-clockwise direction, each time there is a "Y" in the trail go to the right and you won't miss any of the spurs. Most of the spurs return to within 10-25 yards of where they spurred off so you can shorten your route if desired.

Eagle Lodge Loop (0.25 mile segment)is the first spur. It skirts behind a few houses and Eagle Lodge. This loop and the Bottoms Loop tend to be the wettest segments so keep that in mind if there has been a recent rain.

The Numbers (1.5 miles segment) spurs off about 1 mile on down the trail. It has some tighter turns, but still keeps with the fast flowy style of Ingawanis Woodlands.

Karmondo (0.75 mile segment) starts at the Numbers' exit and takes you quickly down to somewhat lower ground. Near the water's edge is a "Y" where keeping to the right again takes you up the challenging but scenic climb of El Capitan (0.25 mile segment) with its rocky outcroppings and pretty east facing overlook. Would be a nice spot to pull up a rock or stump and sip some early morning coffee and watch the sunrise. From the top, the trail drops down quickly to join Karmondo again. Karmondo winds uphill with some gradual switchbacks and seamlessly joins the main loop. At this point, the trail picks up some speed with a bit more open turns. Use caution through here as the bottom of the curves tend to collect sand and there are a few areas of erosion. [As a side note - the goal is to correct any of these older unsustainable trail pieces.]

In about 1 mile is the Bottoms (1.0 mile segment). This spur runs through the flood plain. Although it is basically flat through here, there are a couple opportunities to catch some air if you play it right. Late May into June the trail winds through an awe inspiring sea of Bluebells (as long as there is not considerable flooding). When the Bottoms are flooded go left at the "Y" to follow the Highwater Cutoff for about 50 yards and continue on the main loop.

Once you exit the Bottoms about 2 miles of trail remains. However, in those 2 miles are 2 climbs that will get your attention again. One is a bit rocky and loose. The other is quite rocky and rooty. Clearing the rocky rooty segment warrants a fist pump or high-five! Sail through the next half mile and you are back at the parking lot.

Contacts

Shared By:

Karmen Woelber

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 12 votes

#2617

Overall
  3.8 from 12 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
58%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
8%
1 Star
8%
Recommended Route Rankings

#12

in Iowa

#2,617

Overall
12 Views Last Month
4,026 Since Oct 22, 2013
Intermediate Intermediate

8%
8%
83%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Ingawannis Woodlands MTN bike park today
Feb 22, 2020 near Denver, IA
El Capitan climb
Oct 20, 2013 near Denver, IA
Skirting along Quarter Run Creek
Oct 20, 2013 near Denver, IA
Wiggle waggle
Oct 20, 2013 near Denver, IA
Nice flowing singletrack.
Oct 20, 2013 near Denver, IA
El Capitan descent (riding counter clock-wise)
Oct 20, 2013 near Denver, IA
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Aug 14, 2021
Jared Christensen
Hidden gem. Really well mowed, marked and mapped. I'm from west Des Moines but this might be my favorite trail. Great for a intermediate rider like me — 10h 00m
Aug 15, 2020
Ryan H
4.1mi
Apr 23, 2019
Michael Maney
Very fun trail system just north of Waterloo/Cedar Falls. Nice mix of up-and-down and fast, flowy woodland trails. 15mi — 1h 25m
Jun 22, 2018
Josh M
Great trail system! 14mi
Jul 3, 2017
brad janson
Perfect conditions. Surface mostly smooth like a baby's butt. Many deer out. Love the abundant shade on a hot day. Great trail maintenance & grooming! 11.2mi
Dec 3, 2016
Mick Meyers
Tacky wet. A bit leaf covered. Good riding. 13mi
Oct 21, 2016
Mick Meyers
Personal record. I love Ingawanis 12.8mi
Oct 15, 2016
Mick Meyers
6.5mi
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