Sunset Ridge Trail

Waubonsie State Park is located in the southwest corner of Iowa near Hamburg.  It is a beautiful and serene state park that offers stunning views, diverse ecosystems, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Waubonsie State Park spans ~2,000 acres of Loess Hills terrain, known for its windblown silt deposits, which create unique and dramatic landscapes.  The “Loess Hills” are a landform found only along the Missouri River in Iowa and Missouri, and in China. As the glaciers melted 14,000-28,000 years ago the Missouri River became a major channel for water and sediment during the summer.  In the winter, when the water level was reduced, these deposits were exposed to the wind. These fine particles, called loess, were carried by strong winds and deposited when the winds encountered the steep slopes of the east valley wall. This created the distinctive loess hills topography visitors can see today. The park topography resembles the “badlands” of the west and harbors plants like yucca that are normally found in more arid climates.

The park features seven miles of hiking trails that wind through prairies, woodlands, and scenic overlooks. Trails range in difficulty, with options suitable for families and seasoned hikers. This hike starts at the parking area for the main overlook in the park. It follows the ridgeline next to the road then takes a right turn to the west and follows the trail through a strand of hardwoods. There are outstanding views to the valley floor below – especially in the winter.  The park is open year-round, though winter conditions may limit access to some areas.