The best cycling routes around Urbandale
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Touring cycling routes around Urbandale feature an extensive network of paved trails that connect to broader regional systems. The area is characterized by the Des Moines River Valley, offering routes through wooded forests and views of the river. Cyclists can also experience prairies, wetlands, and oak savannas, particularly along trails leading towards Saylorville Lake. The terrain generally consists of gentle gradients, with some routes offering moderate elevation changes.
Best touring cycling routes around Urbandale
- The most popular touring cycling route is Gray's Lake Park – Raccoon River loop from Urbandale, a 21.4 miles (34.4 km) trail that takes 1 hour 59 minutes to complete. This easy route offers scenic views around Gray's Lake and along the Raccoon River.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Colby Park – Walnut Creek Trail loop from Westmont Condos, an easy 20.0 miles (32.3 km) path. This route winds through local parks and along the Walnut Creek Trail, providing a pleasant urban and natural blend.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Trestle-to-Trestle Trail – Des Moines River loop from Ashton Pointe Conservation Easement, a 24.2 miles (39.0 km) trail leading through the Des Moines River Valley, often completed in about 2 hours 52 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Urbandale is defined by its extensive paved trail system, the Des Moines River Valley, and areas of prairies and wetlands. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to more challenging routes.
- The routes in Urbandale are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from more than 50 reviews. More than 500 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Urbandale's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
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40.5km
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120m
120m
This touring cycling loop from Glen Eagles Park takes you through the heart of Des Moines' green spaces, offering a delightful blend of urban parkland and natural landscapes. You'll cruise along the paved Kruidenier Trail around Gray's Lake, enjoying continuous lake views and the striking Chris and Marcie Coleman Bridge, before exploring the vast open wooded areas and wetlands of Water Works Park, bordered by the Raccoon River. It's a moderate 25.1-mile (40.5 km) ride with a gentle 382 feet (116 metres) of elevation gain, making it a perfect outing for a couple of hours.
Connecting from Glen Eagles Park, you'll find Des Moines' extensive network of multi-use paved trails and bike lanes makes reaching the main loop straightforward. Both Gray's Lake and Water Works Park offer convenient amenities like picnic spots, and Gray's Lake even has boat rentals and concessions. The route is best enjoyed during the spring, summer, and fall when the weather is mild, allowing for a comfortable 2 hours and 26 minutes of cycling.
This route is a fantastic example of Des Moines' commitment to interconnected trails, linking two of its most significant parks. Water Works Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States, provides a tranquil escape with its nearly 1,500 acres, while Gray's Lake offers a vibrant recreational hub with its iconic bridge and city skyline views. It's an easy touring cycling option that showcases the city's natural beauty and accessibility.
5.0
(1)
18
riders
32.2km
01:52
120m
120m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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18
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Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
5.0
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14
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26.2km
01:33
120m
120m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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11
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23.9km
01:22
60m
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The Colby Woods – Walker Johnston Park loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience through Urbandale's green spaces. You'll glide along mostly paved asphalt, tracing the scenic North Walnut Creek and passing through lush wooded areas where deer sightings are common. Inside Walker Johnston Park, the route reveals charming hidden sculptures, vibrant murals, and a storybook trail around a pond, creating a varied and engaging journey.
Planning your ride is simple; this easy 14.9-mile (23.9 km) loop with only 195 feet (59 metres) of elevation gain is suitable for all skill levels and takes about 1 hour and 22 minutes. It's a fantastic option for families or anyone seeking a relaxed outing. The trail is well-regarded for its accessibility and is part of a broader network, suggesting easy trailhead access and parking in the Urbandale area.
This route stands out as a popular and family-friendly option within Urbandale's extensive trail system, connecting urban amenities with natural beauty. Walker Johnston Park itself is a community hub, offering more than just cycling with playgrounds, courts, and a skate park, making the area a great destination for a full day of activity.
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Tips from the Community
This Smoothie King location sits on Alice’s Road in Waukee, which means it’s plugged in to Central Iowa’s trail system, It’s literally right on the trail but the guy I talked to said they don’t get a lot of bikers. Ya’ll are SLEEPING on this place. They use real fruit in their smoothies (not syrups) so it’s so tasty and better for you. They have a bunch of other stuff there, but I’m really just excited about smoothies. On Fridays, you can order a small but upgrade to a medium for the price of a small. Smalls (20oz) around $7 Medium (32oz) roughly $11 You don’t want large. Trust. It’s like 40-something ounces.
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Colby Park is a large recreational area planted beside a church and tucked into a multi-use paved trail. They have a MASSIVE playground for kiddos, wide open grassy areas, picnic tables and benches, and a stage for live music. It seemed busy in the evening when we were there.
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There’s a group called BCycle Bike Share (owned by Bicycle Transit Systems). They have these stations along the trail (Clive Greenbelt) that allow you to rent traditional or electronic bikes. It’s managed on a free app, where you can purchase by the minute, hour, or opt for an annual pass. The whole process was smooth sailing. The bikes (while needing some tune ups — like the front break, for instance) were decent road bikes and fun for the family to try something new! We went over the hour we booked them for, and they only charged us for the time we used instead of clocking a full second hour, which was very generous. They seem to be a hit around here, as they have several locations and all have bikes that are out. Unfortunately, as far as iowa goes, this is the only city they’re in. I’d love to see them other places along trails — in some of our rural areas. I think their presence could teach kids about alternative transportation and open doors by giving them an experience they won’t have otherwise.
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This sandy beach at Gray’s Lake is a great spot to pause during or after your hike. Dip your feet in the water, relax on the sand, or even have a quick picnic before finishing the loop around the lake.
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The Walnut Creek Trail is a 3.2-mile, flat, paved multi-use trail that serves as a vital connector within the Des Moines metropolitan area's extensive trail network. Starting in Windsor Heights, the trail links to the Clive Greenbelt Trail at 73rd Street, providing access to the western suburbs. It extends southward, connecting to the Bill Riley Trail, which leads into Des Moines' broader trail system. The trail is popular for biking, inline skating, walking, and birding.
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Water Works Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and spans 1,500 acres. It is managed by Water Works, a publicly owned municipal water utility serving the greater Des Moines metropolitan area. It ranks among the largest urban parks in the United States, features a beer garden, and is dog-friendly.
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The Sycamore Trail follows the perimeter of the Sycamore Trail Recreation Area, keeping you alongside the Des Moines River amidst lush vegetation. The Owl Trail is another option if you choose to explore this beautiful area, although it takes you through the middle, further away from the river.
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Discover hidden sculptures and murals throughout the park. Follow a storybook trail around the pond, enjoying pages displayed along the path. There's even a community garden where residents can grow their own food.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Urbandale?
There are over 80 touring cycling routes around Urbandale, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a wide selection, with more than 50 routes classified as easy, 20 as moderate, and a few more challenging options.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Urbandale?
Urbandale's touring cycling routes primarily feature an extensive network of paved trails. You'll experience gentle gradients through the Des Moines River Valley, offering scenic views of the river and wooded forests. Many routes also traverse prairies, wetlands, and oak savannas, especially those leading towards Saylorville Lake.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Urbandale offers many easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners and families. A great option is the Gray's Lake Park – Raccoon River loop from Urbandale, an easy 21.4-mile trail with scenic views. Another family-friendly choice is the Smoothie King, Alice’s Road loop from Clive, which is also easy and covers about 16 miles.
What are some notable landmarks or attractions I can see along the cycling routes?
Many routes offer access to significant landmarks and natural features. You can cycle past the iconic High Trestle Trail Bridge, which spans the Des Moines River valley. Other attractions include the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge, and the expansive Neal Smith Trail which showcases prairies and views of Saylorville Lake.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes around Urbandale?
Yes, Urbandale has several excellent circular touring cycling routes. The Colby Park – Walnut Creek Trail loop from Westmont Condos is an easy 20-mile loop that blends urban and natural scenery. Another option is the Wakonsa Bridge – Neal Smith Trail loop from Urbandale, a moderate 24.6-mile route offering diverse landscapes.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Urbandale?
The touring cycling routes in Urbandale are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 50 reviews. Cyclists often praise the extensive paved trail system, the scenic views along the Des Moines River, and the well-maintained paths that connect various parks and natural areas.
Can I find routes that offer views of Saylorville Lake?
Absolutely. The Neal Smith Trail, which is part of several touring routes, extends through the Saylorville Lake area. This trail provides panoramic views of the lake and access to areas rich in wildlife and wildflowers, particularly along its eastern shore.
Are there any challenging touring cycling routes for experienced riders?
While many routes are easy or moderate, there are options for more experienced riders. The Trestle-to-Trestle Trail – Des Moines River loop from Ashton Pointe Conservation Easement is a difficult 24.2-mile trail that leads through the Des Moines River Valley, offering a more demanding ride.
What is the best season for touring cycling in Urbandale?
The best seasons for touring cycling in Urbandale are typically spring, summer, and fall. These months offer pleasant temperatures and lush scenery. The extensive paved trail system makes cycling enjoyable, with autumn providing particularly beautiful foliage along the wooded sections of trails like those in the Des Moines River Valley.
Are there parks with bike trails directly in Urbandale?
Yes, Urbandale itself features several parks with pleasant routes for cycling. Colby Park and Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park & Garden offer green spaces and diverse trees for a relaxed ride. Walker Johnston Park also has a mapped 5K route suitable for cycling.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see on the trails?
Beyond the Des Moines River Valley's forests, many trails showcase Iowa's diverse natural heritage. You'll encounter rolling prairies, wetlands, and oak savannas, especially along routes like the Neal Smith Trail and the Raccoon River Valley Trail, offering a varied and scenic experience.
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