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Road cycling

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Nearby routes
Best routes near Gray's Lake Park

5.0
(1)
11
riders
66.3km
03:48
250m
250m
The Great Western Trail offers a delightful touring cycling experience, winding through a mix of suburban landscapes, open farmlands, and wooded areas. As you pedal, you'll pass by the tranquil waters of Gray's Lake Park, a perfect spot for a quick break or to simply enjoy the view. The route's gentle grade, typical of a rail-trail, makes for an easy and enjoyable ride, allowing you to soak in the changing scenery and spot local wildlife.
This moderate 41.2-mile (66.3 km) route, with a modest 834 feet (254 metres) of elevation gain, is designed to be completed in approximately 3 hours and 48 minutes. It's an ideal choice for cyclists seeking a relaxed day out without significant physical demands. While specific trailhead access points and parking details are best confirmed locally, rail-trails typically offer convenient entry points in towns along the route.
This particular Great Western Trail is part of a broader network of trails often built on abandoned railway corridors, known for their accessible and relatively flat terrain. It provides a fantastic opportunity for touring cycling for beginners or families, connecting communities and offering a peaceful escape into nature right from the edge of Des Moines. You might even find opportunities to link up with other local trail systems for longer adventures.

2
riders
7.49km
00:26
20m
20m
Cycle the easy 4.7-mile Meredith and Martin Luther King Trails in Des Moines, enjoying urban views and Gray's Lake Park.

1
riders
12.4km
00:44
40m
40m
Cycle the easy 7.7-mile Meredith Trail in Des Moines, offering smooth asphalt, riverfront views, and downtown skyline vistas.
Details
Informations
Elevation 240 m
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Thursday 25 June
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11 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h
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