About Horse Thief Trail
Horse Thief Trail is a easy hiking trail near Anamosa in Jones County, Iowa.. The surface is dirt. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.
Photo by Jay Mantri on Unsplash
EasyDirt
Horse Thief Trail
Anamosa, Iowa · Jones County
Horse Thief Trail is a easy hiking trail near Anamosa in Jones County, Iowa.. The surface is dirt. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.
Advertisement
42.08949, -91.28629
Open in OpenStreetMap5-Day Forecast
Weather at Horse Thief Trail
Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.
Today
Overcast
93°/77°
💧 2%🌬 17mph
↑ 5:53 AM ↓ 8:29 PM
Tue
Overcast
86°/71°
💧 1%🌬 10mph
↑ 5:54 AM ↓ 8:28 PM
Wed
Overcast
82°/62°
💧 1%🌬 8mph
↑ 5:55 AM ↓ 8:27 PM
Thu
Light Drizzle
80°/64°
💧 2%🌬 11mph
↑ 5:56 AM ↓ 8:26 PM
Fri
Violent Rain
70°/62°
💧 42%🌬 20mph
↑ 5:57 AM ↓ 8:25 PM
Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.
What “Easy” Means
Gentle terrain, well-marked. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.
What to Pack & Wear
Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.
👔 What to Wear
- Moisture-wicking T-shirtLight color, breathable.
- Lightweight shorts or pantsQuick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- Brimmed sun hatBetter than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- Trail runnersBreathable mesh uppers.
- Rain jacket / shell42% chance of precipitation in the forecast.
🎒 What to Pack
- WaterBring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- High-energy snacksA snack for the trail.
- Sun protection (UV 6)SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- First-aid kitBlister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- Offline mapDownload your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
- Dry bags for electronicsPhone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Trail Safety in Iowa
Trail conditions in Iowa change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:
- Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
- Tell someone your plan and expected return time
- Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
- Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes
References & Maps
Nearby
Other Trails Near Horse Thief Trail
Closest trailheads, sorted by distance from this one.
Guides & rankings
More on hiking in Iowa
Photo: Sergei AkulichState Rankings
The 10 Longest Hiking Trails in Iowa, Ranked
Iowa's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.
Photo: Tobias MrzykState Rankings
Iowa's 10 Most Punishing Trails by Elevation Gain
Steep is hard. These are the ten Iowa trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.
Photo: Sergei AkulichState Rankings
The Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes in Iowa
Ten gentle, well-marked Iowa trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.
Photo: Tobias MrzykState Rankings
The 10 Most Challenging Hikes in Iowa
Iowa's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.
Photo: Diego LozanoParks & Travel
The Best National Parks & Recreation Areas in Iowa
Federal parks and recreation areas in Iowa ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.
Photo: Tobias MrzykState Rankings
Best Waterfall Hikes in Iowa: 10 Trails to See Falls Up Close
Iowa's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.