Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Discover

Des Moines

Discover

Des Moines

Things to Do around Des Moines

Des Moines is a region in Iowa characterized by an extensive network of recreational trails and diverse natural landscapes. The area features numerous waterways, parks, and wooded spaces, including the Des Moines River, Gray's Lake, and Water Works Park. Its varied terrain, from riverfront paths to forested trails and open parklands, provides opportunities for several sports like hiking, touring cycling, road cycling, mountain biking, and more.

Things to Do in Des Moines

The Des Moines region offers a wide range…

107

Routes

4.7

(61)

Average rating

1853

People visited

Loading
Hiking in Des MoinesSee all
placeholder

5

hikers

Rollercoaster Mountain Bike Trail

4.46km

01:11

50m

30m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Easy
placeholder

2

hikers

2.27km

00:36

20m

20m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
placeholder

1

hikers

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
placeholder

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
Sign up for free to see 24 more hikes Des Moines.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

placeholder

79

riders

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Hard
placeholder

58

riders

66.9km

02:41

250m

250m

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
placeholder

28

riders

97.8km

04:16

350m

350m

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
placeholder

10

riders

53.2km

02:56

290m

290m

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
Sign up for free to see 23 more rides Des Moines.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

placeholder

5.0

(1)

11

riders

8.65km

00:31

20m

20m

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
placeholder

5.0

(1)

9

riders

66.3km

03:48

250m

250m

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
placeholder

8

riders

57.4km

03:30

280m

280m

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
placeholder

3

riders

78.5km

04:56

350m

350m

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
Sign up for free to see 21 more rides Des Moines.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

placeholder

10

riders

11.2km

00:53

10m

10m

Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
placeholder

6

riders

94.0km

04:52

300m

300m

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
placeholder

Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
placeholder

Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
Sign up for free to see 7 more rides Des Moines.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

placeholder

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
placeholder

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
placeholder

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
placeholder

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
Sign up for free to see 17 more runs Des Moines.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Top attractions in the region

Gray's Lake Park

Lake

Explore the region

Hiking around Des Moines

Most popular attractions in Des Moines

Places to see

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do in Sycamore Trail Recreation Area (Webster Township)

Frequently asked questions

What outdoor activities are available in Des Moines?

Des Moines offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including Hiking, Touring cycling, Road cycling, Mountain biking, and Jogging. The region features over 800 miles of connected recreational trails. There are more than 200 routes available on komoot for various skill levels.

Where can I find hiking trails in Des Moines?

Hiking trails are available in various locations, including Water Works Park, Brown's Woods, and Ledges State Park. These areas offer diverse environments from open wooded spaces to unique rock formations. For more details, refer to the Hiking around Des Moines guide.

What are the best cycling routes in Des Moines?

Des Moines is known for its extensive cycling network, including the High Trestle Trail, Great Western & Bill Riley Bike Trail, and Clive Greenbelt Trail. These trails offer options for touring and road cycling. Explore more routes in the Cycling around Des Moines guide.

Are there mountain biking trails in Des Moines?

Yes, mountain biking enthusiasts can find dedicated trails in areas such as Greenwood/Ashworth Park. The region continues to invest in its trail infrastructure to support various cycling disciplines. Specific routes are detailed in the MTB Trails around Des Moines guide.

Are there easy hiking trails in Des Moines?

Des Moines provides easy hiking options suitable for all ages and skill levels. The Clive Greenbelt Trail offers smooth asphalt paths, and Gray's Lake features accessible walking paths. For more options, consult the Easy hikes around Des Moines guide.

What natural attractions can be found in Des Moines?

The region features Gray's Lake, offering watercraft rentals and paths, and the Des Moines River Water Trail for water-based recreation. Water Works Park includes the Arie Den Boer Arboretum, known for its crab apple tree collection. Jester Park is home to bison and elk herds.

What are some unique features of the Des Moines trail system?

The Des Moines trail system boasts over 800 miles of connected recreational trails, linking natural areas with urban amenities. The Principal Riverwalk in downtown Des Moines connects directly to this extensive system. Many trails also feature 'fun stops' like breweries and public art installations.

How popular is Des Moines for outdoor activities on komoot?

Des Moines is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts on komoot, with more than 2,800 visitors having explored the region. There are 209 routes available, which have an average rating of 4.74 out of 5 stars. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users.

What komoot guides are available for Des Moines?

Komoot offers several guides for Des Moines, including Hiking around Des Moines, Easy hikes around Des Moines, and Cycling around Des Moines. Other guides cover Road Cycling, MTB Trails, and Running Trails. These resources provide detailed information for planning outdoor adventures.

What is the official website for Des Moines tourism?

The official tourism website for the Des Moines area is Catch Des Moines. It provides comprehensive information on local attractions and activities. The website can be found at https://www.catchdesmoines.com/.

What is the phone number for Des Moines tourism information?

For tourism information regarding Des Moines, the official phone number is (515) 286-4960. A toll-free option is also available at (800) 451-2625. These numbers connect to the Catch Des Moines tourism office.

Are there opportunities for water-based recreation in Des Moines?

Yes, the Des Moines River Water Trail provides opportunities for water-based activities. Gray's Lake also features watercraft rentals, allowing for recreation on the water. Future investments, such as the Iowa Confluence Water Trails (ICON), aim to enhance river and stream access.

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating
Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy