The best cycling routes around Urbandale

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

At the bridge over the Des Moines River, where the Inter-Urban Trail crosses, you'll find a serene spot perfect for a rest and enjoying the view. Take a break here and soak in the tranquil atmosphere along the riverbank.

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.