The best cycling routes around Des Moines
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Best touring cycling routes Des Moines Iowa feature an extensive network of paved trails, offering diverse landscapes for cyclists. The region is characterized by river valleys, woodlands, prairies, and agricultural areas, providing varied scenery. Many routes utilize former railroad corridors, ensuring mostly flat and smooth paths. This makes Des Moines a destination with numerous options for touring cyclists.
Best touring cycling routes around Des Moines
- The most popular touring cycling route is Great Western Trail, a 41.2 miles (66.3 km) trail that takes about 3 hours 48 minutes to complete. This path extends southward from Water Works Park, passing through suburban areas, farmland, and the wooded valley of the North River.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Neal Smith Trail, a moderate 35.7 miles (57.4 km) path. It follows the banks of the Des Moines River near Saylorville Lake, offering diverse scenery including wildflower meadows and panoramic lake views.
- Local touring cyclists also love the High Trestle Trail and Neal Smith Trail Loop, a 71.9 miles (115.8 km) trail leading through river valleys and agricultural landscapes, often completed in about 6 hours 55 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Des Moines is defined by extensive paved trail networks, river valleys, and agricultural landscapes. The network offers options for various ability levels, from easy urban paths to longer, more challenging loops.
- The routes in Des Moines are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from more than 50 reviews. More than 500 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Des Moines's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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12
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8.65km
00:31
20m
20m
The Mark C. Ackelson Trail offers a delightful touring cycling experience around Easter Lake, featuring continuous scenic views of the water, woodlands, and wetlands. You'll ride on a smooth, 12-foot-wide concrete surface, making it ideal for a relaxed outing. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you pass by picturesque trees and open skies, with Owen's Covered Bridge providing a charming historical landmark along the way.
This easy 5.4-mile (8.6 km) loop is perfect for all ages and abilities, with only 74 feet (23 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 30 minutes to complete. The trail is easily accessible from surrounding neighborhoods and connects to Ewing Park, offering options to extend your ride if you wish. It's a great choice for a family-friendly cycling adventure.
Named after environmentalist Mark C. Ackelson, the trail is part of a successful restoration project that transformed a former coal mine into a valuable recreational area. This environmental legacy adds a unique layer to the natural beauty you'll encounter. The trail's design prioritizes universal accessibility, ensuring everyone can enjoy the tranquil cycling experience.
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11
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66.3km
03:48
250m
250m
The Great Western Trail offers a delightful touring cycling experience, winding through a mix of suburban landscapes, open farmlands, and wooded areas. As you pedal, you'll pass by the tranquil waters of Gray's Lake Park, a perfect spot for a quick break or to simply enjoy the view. The route's gentle grade, typical of a rail-trail, makes for an easy and enjoyable ride, allowing you to soak in the changing scenery and spot local wildlife.
This moderate 41.2-mile (66.3 km) route, with a modest 834 feet (254 metres) of elevation gain, is designed to be completed in approximately 3 hours and 48 minutes. It's an ideal choice for cyclists seeking a relaxed day out without significant physical demands. While specific trailhead access points and parking details are best confirmed locally, rail-trails typically offer convenient entry points in towns along the route.
This particular Great Western Trail is part of a broader network of trails often built on abandoned railway corridors, known for their accessible and relatively flat terrain. It provides a fantastic opportunity for touring cycling for beginners or families, connecting communities and offering a peaceful escape into nature right from the edge of Des Moines. You might even find opportunities to link up with other local trail systems for longer adventures.
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9
riders
57.4km
03:30
280m
280m
Cycle the moderate 35.7-mile Neal Smith Trail near Saylorville Lake, enjoying diverse scenery, wildlife, and panoramic lake views.
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riders
78.5km
04:56
350m
350m
Cycle the Neal Smith Trail, a 48.8-mile route in Big Creek State Park, offering moderate touring cycling through diverse Iowa landscapes.
116km
06:52
460m
460m
Cycle the High Trestle Trail and Neal Smith Trail Loop, a difficult 71.9-mile route featuring the iconic High Trestle Bridge and scenic Sayl
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Tips from the Community
Gray's Lake Park has a total size of 166-acres and is located in the heart of Des Moines. The lake of the same name is the park's main feature and is surrounded by a path for cycling and hiking. One of the highlights is the bridge that crosses the lake, as it can be illuminated in the evening and nighttime.
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Easter Lake Park is built on an old coal mine. The park has something for everyone: there is a 4 mile biking and walking trail that encircles the lake, picnic areas and a docks that allows visitors to fish for walleye, bass and catfish. The park is also home to Owens Covered Bridge, which is the only covered bridge in Polk County.
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Gray's Lake Park is a 166-acre park. The main feature of the park is the large lake, which give the park its name, and is located in the middle of the park. There is also a paved walking and biking path that goes around the lake and includes a bridge that crosses the water.
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Big Creek State Park is a very popular park for cycling and hiking. Big Creek Lake, at the center of the park, is the largest lake in the Iowa State Park system. The park has a swimming beach, paved bike and walking paths, restrooms and picnic areas.
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Gray's Lake Park is a 166-acre park. Its main feature is the large lake in the center of the park. There is also a paved walking and biking path that goes around the lake and includes a bridge that crosses the water.
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Great Western Trail is a 19-mile rail trail built on the former Great Western Railroad between Des Moines and Martensdale. It is fully paved and is a very popular path for walking, running and cycling.
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The High Trestle Trail is a 25-mile trail that runs through five towns. It was built on an old rail bed and is mostly flat. It is fully paved and is not a difficult path, so it is a great place for a family ride.
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The Neal Smith Trail is a 26-mile trail through Des Moines along the Des Moines River. It is fully paved and traffic free, so it is a great way to move through the heavily populated city.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Des Moines?
Des Moines offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 50 options available on komoot. These routes cater to various preferences, ranging from easy urban paths to more challenging long-distance loops.
What kind of terrain can I expect on Des Moines touring cycling routes?
The touring cycling routes in Des Moines primarily feature extensive networks of paved trails. Many of these utilize former railroad corridors, ensuring mostly flat and smooth paths. You'll cycle through diverse landscapes including river valleys, woodlands, prairies, and agricultural areas.
Are there family-friendly touring cycling routes in Des Moines?
Yes, Des Moines has numerous family-friendly options. Many trails are paved and mostly flat, making them suitable for cyclists of all ages. For example, the Mark C. Ackelson Trail is an easy route that's just over 8.6 km long, perfect for a leisurely family ride.
What are some notable natural features or scenic views along the trails?
You'll encounter diverse natural beauty. The Neal Smith Trail follows the banks of the Des Moines River near Saylorville Lake, offering wildflower meadows and panoramic lake views. The High Trestle Trail is famous for its iconic bridge over the Des Moines River valley, providing impressive vistas, especially when illuminated after dusk. You can also explore woodlands, prairies, and agricultural landscapes on trails like the Raccoon River Valley Trail.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes around Des Moines?
Yes, the region offers circular routes for touring cyclists. A notable example is the Raccoon River Valley Trail, which features a 72-mile paved loop, recognized as the longest hard-surfaced loop trail in the nation. For a longer option, consider the High Trestle Trail and Neal Smith Trail Loop, which covers nearly 116 km.
Where can I find parking for the touring cycling trails?
Many trailheads across the Des Moines area offer convenient parking facilities. For instance, the Great Western Trail extends from Water Works Park, which typically has parking available. Trailside communities along routes like the Raccoon River Valley Trail also provide amenities, including parking.
What attractions can I see along the touring cycling routes in Des Moines?
Beyond the natural landscapes, you can discover various attractions. Along the trails, you might encounter historic sites, as many routes are built on former railroad corridors. In downtown Des Moines, the trail system connects to the Principal Riverwalk, featuring public art and unique pedestrian bridges, and the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge. The Neal Smith Trail itself is a highlight, and you can visit the Saylorville Lake Visitor Center nearby.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about the routes in Des Moines?
The touring cycling routes in Des Moines are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 50 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the extensive paved trail networks, the diverse scenery encompassing river valleys and agricultural landscapes, and the variety of options suitable for different ability levels.
Are there options for longer, more challenging touring cycling routes?
Yes, Des Moines offers routes for more experienced touring cyclists seeking longer distances. The High Trestle Trail and Neal Smith Trail Loop is a challenging 115.8 km route that takes approximately 7 hours to complete, leading through river valleys and agricultural landscapes. Another longer option is a 78.5 km segment of the Neal Smith Trail.
Can I find places to eat or rest along the touring cycling trails?
Absolutely. Many of the major trails, such as the Raccoon River Valley Trail and the Great Western Trail, connect Des Moines to various rural communities like Adel, Martensdale, and Cumming. These trailside towns often provide amenities for cyclists, including places to eat, drink, and rest, making them perfect stops during your ride.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Des Moines?
The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Des Moines. During these seasons, the weather is typically mild, and the natural landscapes, from wildflower meadows to vibrant foliage, are at their most beautiful. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
Are dogs allowed on the touring cycling trails in Des Moines?
Many multi-use trails in the Des Moines area are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash and owners clean up after them. It's always a good idea to check specific trail regulations before you go, but generally, you'll find plenty of options to enjoy with your canine companion.
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