High Trestle Trail Bridge – High Trestle Trail Bridge loop from Woodward
High Trestle Trail Bridge – High Trestle Trail Bridge loop from Woodward
4.8
(8390)
8,391
riders
00:32
10.0km
50m
Road cycling
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 28, 2026
Tips
The surface for a segment of your route may not be suitable
Some segments of your route comprise a surface that may not be suitable for your chosen sport.
After 5.75 km for 155 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
5.08 km
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
5.18 km
Highlight (Segment) • Bridge
Tip by
5.82 km
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
10.0 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
9.79 km
168 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
9.83 km
168 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (320 m)
Lowest point (270 m)
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Weather
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Today
Tuesday 14 July
33°C
18°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 6.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for an easy, high-payoff road cycling experience, the High Trestle Trail Bridge – High Trestle Trail Bridge loop from Woodward is definitely worth your time. This easy 6.2-mile (10.0 km) route, with a minimal 174 feet (53 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 32 minutes, making it perfect for beginner road cycling or a quick, scenic spin. It's an ideal choice for anyone wanting to enjoy Iowa's unique landscape without a strenuous effort.
What to expect on High Trestle Trail Bridge – High Trestle Trail Bridge loop from Woodward
This route offers a diverse visual journey, starting from Woodward and quickly leading you onto the paved multi-use High Trestle Trail. You'll cycle through classic Iowa farmland with open views before the scenery shifts to more wooded areas as you approach the Des Moines River. The highlight, of course, is the High Trestle Bridge itself, a half-mile long structure offering panoramic views of the river valley. The terrain is largely flat, with only a gentle 1% grade near the bridge, ensuring a comfortable ride suitable for all skill levels.
Planning your visit
The trailhead in Woodward is a convenient starting point, featuring a former rail house that offers a glimpse into the area's history. Parking is readily available here. For a truly unique experience, plan your ride to include sunset; the High Trestle Bridge's distinctive steel ribs are illuminated by blue LED lights from dusk until midnight, transforming it into an internationally recognized spectacle. This makes it a fantastic option for an evening ride.
Trail details
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