Get To This Cedar Rapids Landmark Before It Closes Next Tuesday

Well, folks, it’s that time of year—Mount Trashmore is officially closing for the season! If you've been dreaming of hiking, running, or cycling to the top of Cedar Rapids' highest point, you’ve got until 4 p.m. Tuesday to make it happen before the trails shut down.

It Was  A Record-breaking Year

According to the Linn County Solid Waste Agency's Facebook page this year, a whopping 29,448 visitors made the trek to Mount Trashmore—whether they were walking, running, or cycling their way to the summit. That’s a lot of people getting their steps in! So many I'm winded just thinking about it.

Are You Aware of The Mount Trashmore Challenge?

If you’re really into pushing your limits, you might have heard of the Mount Trashmore Challenge—the goal is to make it to the top 140 times, basically climbing Mount Everest in your own backyard. Well, 98 people completed it this year, clocking in an impressive 28,279 miles walked. That’s a lot of cardio! Again, I better sit down, I'm winded.

The claim is that it's ROUGHLY the equivalent of scaling Mount Everest and I say, woh, hold on there a minute. Mount Everest has crevasses requiring ladders to cross over, that people fall into and don't come out of, and temperatures that are around 32 below.

I'm a seasoned watcher of YouTube videos about Mount Everest. I've seen a thing or two... on YouTube and last time I checked Mount Trashmore didn't have any of that.

If you were really looking for fun you can burn your retinas looking at the sun on Mount Everest and I say good luck with that on Mount Trashmore.

What is the ONE Thing Both Mount Everest & Trashmore Could Use?

Seriously, though—those Sherpas over in Nepal could take a page from the tourism book of America. A little merch never hurt anyone! After all, you’re basically scaling the tallest peak on the planet (well, kinda, but close enough), so why not sell a few souvenirs along the way? Get that commemorative t-shirt, or perhaps a “I Survived Mount Everest” mug for your efforts. It’s the little things that make the journey unforgettable.

Get our free mobile app

So yeah, Mount Trashmore—if you really want to level up your Everest game, just add a few of those features. And maybe, just maybe, we can start considering Cedar Rapids the “new” Everest. 😉

It Is All Coming to a Close

the Linn County Solid Waste Agency's Facebook page says The trails and overlook will be closed after 4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19th—but don’t pack away your hiking boots just yet. If we get some weirdly warm days this winter and the trails stay in good shape, there’s a chance Mount Trashmore could re-open for a little winter surprise. Keep your eyes peeled for updates!

When Will Mount Trashmore Re-Open?

If you want to keep tabs on any winter surprises or find out when the trails are open again in the spring, just visit the Cedar Rapids-Linn County Solid Waste Agency website or check out their Facebook page for the latest updates.

So, get your last hike in before the season’s over, and who knows? Maybe we’ll see you at the top next year—just don’t try to scale Everest in one go!