The best city hikes and walks around Des Moines

Des Moines offers an extensive network of trails for urban hiking. This guide features 13 specific routes, ranging from easy strolls to moderate walks. Beyond these, the city boasts over 800 miles of connected recreational trails, with the Des Moines Parks and Recreation system alone managing over 100 miles across its parks.

Yes, Des Moines has many easy urban hikes perfect for all skill levels. For a gentle, scenic walk, consider the Gray's Lake beach loop from Des Moines, which is just over 5 km long. Another accessible option is the Principal Riverwalk loop from Des Moines, offering pleasant views along the river.

Urban hikes in Des Moines offer a blend of natural beauty and city landmarks. You can enjoy views of the Des Moines River and the city skyline along trails like the Principal Riverwalk loop. The Iowa State Capitol loop from Des Moines takes you past the impressive Capitol building. Additionally, the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge and the Neal Smith Trail are notable features you might encounter.

Many urban hiking trails in Des Moines are designed as convenient circular routes. For example, the Gray's Lake beach – Gray's Lake Park loop from Des Moines offers a moderate 9 km circuit around the picturesque lake. Another great loop is the Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens – Neal Smith Trail loop, which provides an easy 5.5 km walk.

The urban hiking experience in Des Moines is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.76 stars. Hikers frequently praise the well-maintained paths, the accessibility of trails within the city, and the beautiful blend of natural scenery with urban landscapes, particularly around Gray's Lake and along the riverwalks.

Yes, several urban trails in Des Moines offer opportunities for wildlife spotting, especially those that follow river corridors or pass through larger green spaces. The Neal Smith Trail, which winds along the Des Moines River, is known for its wildlife-rich forests and wetlands. Brown's Woods, Iowa's largest urban forest, also provides a natural habitat where you might spot various birds and small animals.

Many urban hiking trails in Des Moines are accessible via public transport, especially those located closer to the downtown core and within city parks. The extensive trail network is well-integrated with the city's infrastructure, making it convenient to reach starting points for many routes without a car. It's advisable to check local DART bus routes for specific trailheads.

While large natural waterfalls are less common directly within the urban core, the Clive Greenbelt Trail is known for its vibrant greenery, wildlife, a small creek, and even features some small, tranquil waterfalls. For a more rugged natural experience, Brown's Woods offers trails through Iowa's largest urban forest with oak and hickory trees.

For a longer, moderate urban hike, the Gray's Lake beach – Gray's Lake Park loop from Des Moines is an excellent choice. This route covers over 9 km and offers varied scenery around the lake. Another option for a moderate challenge is the Iowa State Capitol loop from Des Moines, which is nearly 8 km with some elevation changes.

Des Moines is a hub for an impressive network of trails that connect to broader regional systems. The city's trails link to over 600 miles of trails in Central Iowa. Notable connections include the Neal Smith Trail, which extends towards Saylorville Lake and Big Creek State Park, and the Raccoon River Valley Trail, which stretches from Des Moines to Jefferson, Iowa.

While many trails are well-known, the Brenton Arboretum, though a short drive from the immediate urban core, is considered a 'near-hidden gem' with 140 acres housing 2,500 trees and shrubs, offering its own trail network. Within the city, Ewing Park provides trails through the woods that are often less crowded than more central locations.