The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Des Moines

The Des Moines area offers a great selection of dog-friendly trails. This guide features 11 curated routes, but the Greater Des Moines area boasts over 800 miles of interconnected trails, many of which are suitable for you and your canine companion.

You'll find a diverse range of terrain. Many trails follow scenic riverine landscapes and woodlands, like those found in Water Works Park or Brown's Woods. You can also explore prairie environments, such as sections of the Neal Smith Trail, or even more dramatic sandstone cliffs at Ledges State Park. Most trails are well-maintained, offering a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces.

Yes, Des Moines has plenty of easy options perfect for a relaxed stroll with your dog. For instance, the Gray's Lake Park – Gray's Lake beach loop from Terrace Hill is an easy 3.5 km route around the picturesque Gray's Lake, offering a pleasant, flat walk. Overall, 9 of the routes in this guide are rated as easy.

While most trails are easy to moderate, there are options for a longer outing. The Bill Riley Trail and Greenwood Park Loop is a moderate 12.3 km hike that offers a good distance for more active dogs and their owners. This guide includes 2 moderate routes for those looking for a bit more of a challenge.

Absolutely! Des Moines offers many trails with beautiful scenery. You can enjoy river views along the Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers, explore dense woodlands in areas like Brown's Woods, or experience prairie landscapes with potential wildlife sightings on the Neal Smith Trail. The Clive Greenbelt Trail is also known for its scenic route, featuring a creek and small waterfalls.

The dog-friendly trails in Des Moines are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.76 out of 5 stars from 9 reviews. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the variety of landscapes, and the peaceful atmosphere perfect for enjoying nature with their dogs.

Yes, many of the dog-friendly trails in Des Moines are designed as loops, making them convenient for hikers. For example, the North Loop is a 5 km circular hike, and the trails around Gray's Lake Park also offer popular loop options.

You'll find several points of interest. The Brown's Woods offers a peaceful escape into towering oak trees. The Neal Smith Trail provides access to diverse landscapes including wildflower prairies. For a unique experience, the Trestle to Trestle Trail features the iconic High Trestle Bridge, especially stunning when illuminated at night.

Many of the easy and moderate trails are great for families. Flat, paved paths like those around Gray's Lake Park or sections of the Clive Greenbelt Trail are ideal. Water Works Park also features the Reichardt Family Natural Play Area, making it a good spot for families to combine hiking with playtime.

Spring and fall are generally the most pleasant seasons for hiking in Des Moines, offering mild temperatures and beautiful scenery, such as spring blossoms or fall foliage. Summers can be warm and humid, so early mornings or late evenings are best, and always ensure your dog has plenty of water. Winters can be cold with snow, but some trails remain accessible for those prepared for the conditions.

Many trails in Des Moines run alongside the Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers, as well as around lakes like Gray's Lake. While direct access for swimming might be limited or restricted in some areas, these bodies of water offer scenic views and a cooler environment. Always check local regulations regarding dog access to water bodies.