Things to Do around Ames
Ames is a region in Iowa known for its diverse natural landscapes and extensive trail systems, making it suitable for a variety of outdoor activities. The area features a mix of tranquil lakes, expansive prairies, and dramatic river valleys, including the unique sandstone formations at Ledges State Park and the iconic High Trestle Trail bridge. These varied terrains support several sports like mountain biking, road cycling, touring cycling, hiking, jogging, and gravel biking. Ames offers accessible natural features and well-maintained…
108
Routes
4.3
(151)
Average rating
1634
People visited
3.7
(7)
48
riders
59.9km
04:21
1,190m
1,190m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(4)
24
riders
42.7km
02:56
670m
670m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(2)
25
riders
48.3km
03:18
810m
810m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
16
riders
61.0km
03:52
630m
630m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(10)
105
riders
40.2km
02:47
450m
450m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
50
riders
32.5km
03:00
700m
700m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(4)
27
riders
39.7km
03:11
670m
670m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.7
(15)
26
riders
28.8km
02:01
350m
350m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(9)
89
riders
50.4km
02:33
740m
740m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.8
(5)
37
riders
30.3km
01:35
450m
450m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
29
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
30
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(1)
70
runners
34.5km
03:55
840m
840m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
33
runners
14.0km
01:29
50m
50m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
26
runners
12.5km
01:20
160m
160m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
runners
8.35km
00:53
70m
70m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(13)
110
hikers
20km
05:39
430m
430m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
36
hikers
8.68km
02:20
110m
110m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(4)
33
hikers
9.78km
02:38
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.7
(3)
21
hikers
8.60km
02:19
110m
110m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
39
riders
90.0km
06:07
1,610m
1,600m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(3)
34
riders
33.2km
02:06
490m
490m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
riders
57.9km
04:10
560m
560m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
riders
61.3km
04:06
810m
810m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Most popular attractions in Ames
Nearby adventure guides
Natural areas to explore nearby
Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in Ames?
Ames offers a variety of outdoor activities including Mountain biking, Road cycling, Touring cycling, Hiking, Jogging, and Gravel biking. The region features diverse landscapes such as tranquil lakes, prairies, and river valleys, providing a suitable environment for these sports.
How many outdoor routes are available in Ames on komoot?
Komoot features 165 outdoor routes in Ames. These routes cover various sports and have received an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from more than 6,000 visitors.
What are the best mountain bike trails in Ames?
Ames offers several mountain biking opportunities. Users can explore specific routes and find detailed information in the komoot guide MTB Trails around Ames. McFarland Park also provides multi-use trails suitable for mountain biking.
Are there good road cycling routes in Ames?
Yes, Ames has numerous road cycling routes. The region is known for its well-maintained paved trails, including sections of the High Trestle Trail. Detailed routes can be found in the komoot guide Road Cycling Routes around Ames.
Where can I find hiking trails in Ames?
Ames provides a range of hiking trails suitable for various skill levels. Notable locations include Ada Hayden Heritage Park, Ledges State Park, and McFarland Park. For a comprehensive list, refer to the komoot guide Hiking around Ames.
Are there family-friendly outdoor activities in Ames?
Many outdoor areas in Ames are suitable for families. Ada Hayden Heritage Park offers extensive paved trails for walking and cycling, along with opportunities for fishing and birdwatching. The Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor also provides accessible walking trails.
What natural features or landmarks can be found on trails in Ames?
Ames features several notable natural landmarks. The High Trestle Trail includes a 13-story bridge offering views of the Des Moines River Valley. Ledges State Park is known for its towering sandstone ledges, and Ada Hayden Heritage Park features a large man-made lake and prairie landscapes.
What komoot guides are available for outdoor activities in Ames?
Komoot offers several guides for Ames, including MTB Trails around Ames, Road Cycling Routes around Ames, Cycling around Ames, Hiking around Ames, Running Trails around Ames, and Gravel biking around Ames.
What is the official website for the City of Ames, Iowa?
The official website for the City of Ames, Iowa, is cityofames.org. This site provides general information about the city and its services.
Are there options for touring cycling in Ames?
Yes, Ames is well-suited for touring cycling with its extensive network of paved and multi-use trails. The High Trestle Trail is a popular option for longer rides. More information can be found in the komoot guide Cycling around Ames.
What are the best running trails in Ames?
Ames offers various trails for running, including paved paths in Ada Hayden Heritage Park and multi-use trails in McFarland Park. The komoot guide Running Trails around Ames provides specific route recommendations.
Are there gravel biking routes in Ames?
Ames provides opportunities for gravel biking, with routes that explore diverse terrains. Cyclists interested in gravel biking can find suitable options and detailed information in the komoot guide Gravel biking around Ames.
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