about lohi
In late 2020, Kelly Madigan hiked the length of western Iowa's (Lo)ess (Hi)lls. Learn more about her hike here.
In June 2021, more than 30 people participated in the first-ever LoHi Trek from Southwood Conservation Area to Loess Hills State Forest. Find a summary and photos of the event here.
In June 2021, more than 30 people participated in the first-ever LoHi Trek from Southwood Conservation Area to Loess Hills State Forest. Find a summary and photos of the event here.
2023 Registration:
Our 2023 LoHi Trek will take place May 25-29 (Memorial Day weekend) in the northern Loess Hills.
Registration is full.
Registration is full.
Previous trek info
Little lohi - fall 2022
Explore Iowa's Loess Hills up close & personal on this 2 day hike through Monona County's Loess Hills, October 7th - 9th, 2022.
2022 - 2nd annual lohi trek
Read about the 2022 Trek here.
The second LoHi Trek will take place May 28-30, 2022 (Memorial Day weekend) through Loess Hills State Forest.
Explore Iowa's Fragile Giants on foot! This year, the second LoHi Trek will primarily be through the Loess Hills State Forest, with a combination of County Conservation property and the Little Sioux Scout Ranch. The entire 3 day trip will be approximately 25 miles. Actual route will be provided to registered attendees prior to hike.
This is a semi-rugged hiking and camping experience. Attendees should be prepared for being outdoors for extended periods of time in Iowa in late May (sun, heat, bugs, wind, rain, etc.). Bring your own tent and sleeping gear. This year camp will remain in one spot - at the Little Sioux Scout Ranch - and we will shuttle hikers to the start and back from the end points each day. We have rented the Administration Building, where morning and evening meals will be held, and showers, bathrooms, electric outlets and A/C are available. We are working to provide Loess Hills educational/entertainment pop-ups each day. Registration fee also includes a commemorative bandana. Please let us know about any dietary restrictions or other accommodations as soon as possible.
This event can be as social or as solitary as you prefer - while we will make sure you don't get left behind, we will respect your wishes to hike alone if you would like to do so. While it can be a time for deep introspection, it is also a great time to meet fellow adventurers and create friendships!
This Lo Hi Trek is made possible by Golden Hills RC&D, the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, Friends of the Loess Hills State Forest, Monona County Conservation, Kelly Madigan, and additional supporters.
There are a limited number of registration slots available and may sell out. Financial assistance may be available dependent upon need. Please send us a message to inquire. Please note that Eventbrite fees on top of registration fees will total about $12.
Click here to register for the 2022 LoHi Trek.
The second LoHi Trek will take place May 28-30, 2022 (Memorial Day weekend) through Loess Hills State Forest.
Explore Iowa's Fragile Giants on foot! This year, the second LoHi Trek will primarily be through the Loess Hills State Forest, with a combination of County Conservation property and the Little Sioux Scout Ranch. The entire 3 day trip will be approximately 25 miles. Actual route will be provided to registered attendees prior to hike.
This is a semi-rugged hiking and camping experience. Attendees should be prepared for being outdoors for extended periods of time in Iowa in late May (sun, heat, bugs, wind, rain, etc.). Bring your own tent and sleeping gear. This year camp will remain in one spot - at the Little Sioux Scout Ranch - and we will shuttle hikers to the start and back from the end points each day. We have rented the Administration Building, where morning and evening meals will be held, and showers, bathrooms, electric outlets and A/C are available. We are working to provide Loess Hills educational/entertainment pop-ups each day. Registration fee also includes a commemorative bandana. Please let us know about any dietary restrictions or other accommodations as soon as possible.
This event can be as social or as solitary as you prefer - while we will make sure you don't get left behind, we will respect your wishes to hike alone if you would like to do so. While it can be a time for deep introspection, it is also a great time to meet fellow adventurers and create friendships!
This Lo Hi Trek is made possible by Golden Hills RC&D, the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, Friends of the Loess Hills State Forest, Monona County Conservation, Kelly Madigan, and additional supporters.
There are a limited number of registration slots available and may sell out. Financial assistance may be available dependent upon need. Please send us a message to inquire. Please note that Eventbrite fees on top of registration fees will total about $12.
Click here to register for the 2022 LoHi Trek.
inaugural June 2021 LoHi trek info
June 6-9, 2021
Cost: $175
Gear hauling and all meals provided.
Financial assistance available based on need.
Registration is full for this event. Stay tuned for future events!
Explore the Loess Hills on foot! Using a combination of county parks, state wildlife areas, Loess Hills State Forest, private property with permission, land owned by Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, and gravel and paved roads, we will spend four days walking the Loess Hills. Daily mileage will range between 7 and 13 miles. Most of the route will be on rural county roads between public wildlife and recreation areas.
Bring your own tent and sleeping gear, which we will transport each day to the next location for you. Occasional options for getting a shuttle ride for a portion of the day’s route. Limited campsite amenities vary each night but will include options for pond swimming, kayaking, and campfire. Hot showers available at some campsites. Charging station. Brief Loess Hills educational and entertainment pop-ups each day. This event is planned in conjunction with the Loess Hills Prairie Seminar and will begin on Sunday, June 6, at 11 AM with a kickoff event at the seminar site.
This hike is sponsored by Golden Hills RC&D, Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, Monona County Conservation, the Loess Hills Prairie Seminar, Woodbury County Parks, Backwoods, Gossamer Gear, the BeWildReWild Fund at Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, and more to be announced.
There are a limited number of registration slots available and may sell out, so register now!