The best traffic-free bike rides around West Des Moines
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No traffic touring cycling routes around West Des Moines are characterized by a network of multi-use paths that traverse river valleys, urban green spaces, and open prairie. The landscape features the Raccoon River and Jordan Creek, with trails often winding alongside these waterways. Urban parks like Raccoon River Park, Water Works Park, and Gray's Lake Park integrate natural settings into the city's trail system. The topography is generally flat, making it suitable for touring cyclists of varying fitness levels.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes around West Des Moines
- The most popular no traffic touring cycling route is Raccoon River Park Trail, a 3.2 miles (5.2 km) trail that takes 19 minutes to complete. This route winds between Blue Heron Lake and the Raccoon River.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Walnut Creek Trail – Colby Park loop from Jordan Square, an easy 17.1 miles (27.4 km) path. This route offers a paved, shaded ride that connects to other significant trails in the area.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Bill Riley Trail – Gray's Lake Park loop from Hamlet Apartments, a 15.9 miles (25.5 km) trail leading through Gray's Lake Park, often completed in about 1 hour 27 minutes.
- Touring cycling around West Des Moines is defined by river valleys, urban green spaces, and prairie landscapes. The extensive network of multi-use trails offers options for different ability levels, from short loops to longer interconnected routes.
- The routes in West Des Moines are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 70 reviews. More than 800 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore West Des Moines's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
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5.21km
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The Raccoon River Park Trail offers a serene 3.2-mile (5.2 km) touring cycling loop around Blue Heron Lake, providing continuous lakeside views and a mix of paved and crushed rock surfaces. With only 24 feet (7 metres) of elevation gain, this easy route is a quick 19-minute pedal, perfect for a relaxed outing or a family ride through the park's green spaces. About half of the trail is shaded, offering a pleasant experience even on sunny days.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is located within the larger Raccoon River Park, which provides ample parking. Restrooms are available seasonally, and the park offers additional amenities like picnic shelters and playgrounds. This route is best enjoyed during warmer months, allowing you to take advantage of the park's full offerings.
This trail stands out for its accessibility and its setting within a 631-acre "crown jewel" park in West Des Moines. While it's an excellent option for local recreational cycling, it's important to distinguish it from the much longer Raccoon River Valley Trail, which is better suited for extensive touring cycling between communities. The Raccoon River Park Trail is ideal for those seeking a short, easy ride with plenty of park amenities.
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27.4km
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Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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45.3km
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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This 10.3-mile (16.6 km) touring cycling route offers an easy ride, connecting the historic Valley Junction Park to the Des Moines Art Center and the natural escape of Denman's Woods. You'll start on smooth paved paths, likely following the Jordan Creek Trail, before transitioning to the winding dirt singletrack of Denman's Woods. The trail meanders through lush forests along Walnut Creek, providing a refreshing urban forest experience within the city limits.
Planning your ride requires a bit of foresight; Denman's Woods, due to its low-lying location, can become muddy and may close after heavy rains or during the spring thaw. It's best to check conditions before you go. Valley Junction Park serves as an excellent starting point, offering free public bike parking and easy access to the broader Des Moines trail network. This loop is rated easy, with a modest 285 feet (87 metres) of elevation gain, and typically takes about 1 hour and 17 minutes to complete.
While the Denman's Woods section is primarily suited for mountain biking or gravel bikes due to its dirt and singletrack nature, the overall route is accessible for those seeking a multi-surface adventure. It's a fantastic option for beginner cyclists looking to try singletrack or for anyone wanting to combine the city's paved trails with a natural, wooded escape. The connectivity of this route allows for extensions into other parts of the Center Trails system, offering even more exploration opportunities.
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If you're looking for an easy, scenic touring cycling route in the Des Moines area, the Water Works Park – Raccoon River Park loop offers a pleasant experience. This 17.6-mile (28.4 km) ride, with a minimal 331 feet (101 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 42 minutes to complete and winds through urban green spaces and along riverbanks. You'll enjoy smooth, paved trails with views of the Raccoon River and Blue Heron Lake, making it a relaxing outing for cyclists of all abilities.
Planning your ride is straightforward, though it's crucial to remember that Brown's Woods itself prohibits bicycles on its trails. Instead, focus on the interconnected cycling trails within Water Works Park and Raccoon River Park. Both parks provide amenities like picnic areas and even bike rentals at the Raccoon River Park Boathouse, ensuring a comfortable and convenient day on the saddle.
This route is part of the extensive Des Moines area cycling trails, offering a fantastic way to explore the city's natural side. You can even combine your ride with paddling activities thanks to the "Pedal to Paddle" opportunities, or cross the notable Athene Pedestrian Bridge. It's a great option for family friendly cycling or for anyone wanting to experience the best touring cycling routes Des Moines has to offer without significant climbs.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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Tips from the Community
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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Greenwood Park Lagoon is a small, 2.3-acre pond within Greenwood Park and was one of the first urban wetland projects in the country. Adjacent to this historic pond is a large outdoor amphitheater that is a popular spot to rest and relax while exploring the area.
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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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The Des Moines Art Center was established in 1948 and began with a mission to enrich lives through the power of art. Today, the museum still offers over 5,000 works of art in their exhibitions, collections, and educational programs for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Some of the artists featured here are Edward Hopper, Georgia O'Keeffe, Andy Warhol, and many more. The Des Moines Art Center is closed on Monday; Wednesdays are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and weekends are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Denman's Woods have scenic multi-use trails through lush forests and streams and are home to diverse wildlife habitats. This area is a peaceful getaway for bikers and hikers. During the warm summer months, the shade and foliage area are a nice place to be. The Walnut Creek Trail and the Levee Trail border Denman's Woods as well.
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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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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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available in West Des Moines?
Komoot offers 6 no-traffic touring cycling routes in West Des Moines. All of these routes are rated as easy, making them accessible for various skill levels.
Are the no-traffic touring cycling routes in West Des Moines generally paved?
Yes, many of the no-traffic touring cycling routes in West Des Moines are paved, offering a smooth ride. The region is known for its extensive network of multi-use paths, often built along former rail lines, which typically feature paved surfaces suitable for touring cyclists.
Which no-traffic routes are suitable for families with children?
For families, the Raccoon River Park Trail is an excellent choice. It's a shorter, easy route winding between Blue Heron Lake and the Raccoon River, offering a pleasant and safe environment for all ages. The broader Des Moines area also boasts over 800 miles of connected recreational paths, many of which are flat and car-free.
Are there any longer no-traffic touring cycling routes for extended rides?
Yes, for longer rides, consider the Bill Riley Trail – Gray's Lake Park loop, which covers approximately 25.5 km (15.8 miles). Another great option is the Walnut Creek Trail – Colby Park loop, extending about 27.4 km (17 miles). These routes provide ample distance for a more extended touring experience without traffic.
Can I find circular no-traffic touring cycling routes in West Des Moines?
Absolutely. Many of the no-traffic routes in West Des Moines are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Walnut Creek Trail – Colby Park loop and the Bill Riley Trail – Gray's Lake Park loop, both offering convenient circular journeys.
What scenic attractions can I see along the no-traffic touring cycling routes?
The routes often pass by beautiful natural and urban features. For instance, the Bill Riley Trail – Gray's Lake Park loop takes you around Gray's Lake Park, known for its distinctive illuminated bridge. You might also encounter the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge or explore parts of Brown's Woods on other routes.
Are there opportunities for wildlife viewing on these routes?
Yes, the diverse landscapes of West Des Moines, including river valleys, urban parks, and prairie areas, offer chances to spot local wildlife. Trails like the Raccoon River Park Trail, which winds along the Raccoon River, are particularly good for birdwatching and observing other small animals in their natural habitats.
Are the no-traffic touring cycling routes in West Des Moines dog-friendly?
Many multi-use trails in West Des Moines, including the no-traffic cycling routes, are dog-friendly, provided your dog is on a leash. Always check specific park or trail regulations before heading out, but generally, these paths welcome well-behaved, leashed dogs.
What is the best time of year to enjoy no-traffic touring cycling in West Des Moines?
The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in West Des Moines. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while fall showcases vibrant foliage. Summers are warm, but many trails, like the Walnut Creek Trail, offer ample shade. Always check the weather forecast before your ride.
Where can I find parking near the no-traffic touring cycling routes?
Parking is typically available at various access points and parks along the trail system. For example, routes starting from areas like Jordan Square or Hamlet Apartments often have nearby parking facilities. Raccoon River Park also provides dedicated parking for trail users, making it convenient to access routes like the Water Works Park – Raccoon River Park loop.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about the no-traffic routes in West Des Moines?
The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in West Des Moines, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained, traffic-free paths, the scenic views along rivers and lakes, and the accessibility of routes for all skill levels. The integration of urban green spaces with natural landscapes is also a frequently highlighted positive aspect.
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