GETAWAYS
Galena, IL
Oct. 22-23 or Oct. 24-25, 2024
If this is your first hike of the year, please register for the season and fill out the mandatory Annual Registration Waiver.
Oct. 22-23 or Oct. 24-25
2-days
$220.00
Difficulty rating
Miles
3 miles on Day 1, 3.5 miles on Day 2.
Treat yourself to 2 days in historic Galena when fall colors will be peaking. We will explore and hike through 2 different gorgous canyons, beautiful rivers and creeks, with an option to spend an afternoon ebiking up the rolling hills to a vineyard for wine tasting.
Our stay overnight is at the historic DeSoto House Hotel which includes breakfast and a boxed lunch for our 2nd day of hiking. Please see detailed itinerary for a description of hikes, hotel, and options for the afternoon.
Hotel
DeSoto House Hotel: 230 S. Main Street Galena, IL 61036
815.777.0090 or 800.343.6562
Named for the discoverer of the Mississippi River, the DeSoto House opened on April 9, 1855 and was billed as the “Largest Hotel in the West.” This warm and charming landmark hotel offers delux accomodations in a historical setting with Victorian styled rooms.
All rooms include two full-size beds, WiFi, TV, Toiletries, coffee/tea service and bottled water.
Trailbound will purchase your room and hold it for you. Registration is for a double occupancy room. Please email us to let us know your preferred roommate. (hello@trailboundtrip.com) If you don’t have a preference, we will match you with someone.
The upcharge for a solo room is $89.00. Please add this cost at check out if you desire a solo room.
Cost of registration and room is non-refundable if cancelled less than 72 hours before the reservation.
Driving Directions
Apple River Canyon State Park.
Address 8763 E. Canyon Road, Apple River, IL 61001
Google directions to Meeting Parking lot with outhouse.
DeSoto House Hotel
230 S. Main Street Galena, IL 61036
815.777.0090 or 800.343.6562
What to Bring:
Hiking Shoes
Hiking stick
Backpack
Layers & raingear
Sack lunch for 1st day of hiking
DAY 1
We begin our Getaway with a hike enroute to Galena at the Apple River Canyon. Our 3 mile hike winds through hardwood and pine forests, along animal trails, and provides gorgeous cliff-top views of the Apple River and its canyon far below. Once the bottom of a vast inland sea that streatched from the Alleghenies to the Rockies, this area was chiseled into cliffs and canyons by the Apple River. (We will enjoy our own lunch or hearty snack in the crisp air together after our hike)
Arrive at the DeSoto House Hotel. This historic hotel gives you all the modern conviences while remembering the history of the Victorian era and the many presidents who stayed here.
Afternoon Options:
Ebike up to a vineyard with winetasting. Enjoy the thrill of an Ebike on the beautiful rolling country hills of Galena to a vineyard with a prepared wine tasting. This is a leisurely 12.5 mile, or 1.5 hour bike ride, using the assist of the ebike the whole way, or just up the hills. Along the way, stop at Council Hill Station. This is an 1850’s train station and general store. Finish at Galena Wine Cellar’s vinyard for a tasting and glass of wine. Take the shuttle back to your car around 5:00. See link to Nuts Outdoors for more information. Trailbound will reserve your bike, with no hassel cancelation for rainy days. This is a $95.00 additional cost paid to the vendor on the day of ride.
Explore Downtown Galena. Step out of the hotel and into the center of this charming town on the banks of the Galena River. The town boasts of 19th century mansions, one of a kind shops, local wineries and eateries.
Stroll down the Galena River. An easy in and out path to follow from the popular downtown Grant Park, soaking in more of the autumns colors.
Dinner at the locally famous General’s Restaurant, located in the basement of the Desoto House Hotel. This top Tripadvisor restaruant has fine dining with a casual atmoshere. Choose from hand-cut steaks, seafood, pasta, chicken and gluten-free options.
Relax after dinner in your own room, or enjoy each other’s company in the hotel’s common areas.
DAY 2
Breakfast in the Courtyard restaurant of the DeSoto House. This is a 4 story atrium in the center of the hotel. Choose any breakfast entre on the menu. Breakfast is included in your registration.
Check out of the hotel, pack the car, and we will car pool to the Mines of Spain.
We begin our first hike at Horseshoe Bluff. Nestled along the Mississppi River, this 1.5 mile trail takes us past ponds and beaver lodges, through the woods and towering canyons of Ordovician dolomite rock. One might even feel like they are in Utah with all the interesting rock formations. This trail has a few steep spots, but overall an easy to moderate hike.
Our next hike in the valley takes us to nearby Catfish Creek. This 2 mile route hugs the banks of the babbling creek, and then takes us up the valley for a beautiful loop hike. A gentle incline and decline to enjoy all the views.
Boxed lunches are provided by DeSoto House Hotel. After our morning hikes, enjoy a croissant sandwich with your choice of meats and cheese.
Before heading home, consider this optional 1 mile hike to the Julien Dubuque Monument. Hiking from the parking lot of Catfish Creek, we ascend up a 100 ft bluff to a pituresque gravesite of Julien Dubuque & Chief Peosta overlooking the Mississippi River. A beautiful way to finish our time in this valley.
Return to Galena to pick up the cars at DeSoto hotel. Enjoy some final shopping in Galena, and head home refreshed and restored.
Registration Cost
Included in booking:
2 guides for 2 days of hiking and evening camaraderie
One night stay at DeSoto House Hotel at Double Occupancy
Breakfast at DeSoto House Hotel
Boxes Lunch to go from DeSoto House Hotel
Reserving Ebike to winery, able to cancel for rain.
Not included:
Dinner at General’s Restaurant
Sack Lunch on Day 1 at Apple River Canyon
Optional Ebiking tour to Winery. Additonal $95.00 This is paid directly to vendor “Nuts Outdoors”
Solo room upgrade: $89.00
Cancellations & Refunds
You may cancel your Getaway to Galena for a full refund if made 30 days in advance.
If you cancel less than 30 days, a refund will be made if your spot can be filled from a wait list.
If you cancel less than 72 hours, Trailbound will not refund your registration.
Itinerary may change due to weather.