The best cycling routes around West Des Moines

West Des Moines offers a variety of touring cycling routes, with 16 routes detailed on komoot. The broader Greater Des Moines area boasts an extensive network of over 800 miles of connected recreational trails, providing numerous options for cyclists.

Yes, West Des Moines is very beginner and family-friendly. Most of the routes in the area are rated as easy. For example, the Raccoon River Park Trail is an easy 3.2-mile loop winding between Blue Heron Lake and the Raccoon River. The Walnut Creek Trail is also known for its easy sections and significant shade, making it a peaceful option for those new to touring cycling.

The region offers many scenic routes. The Denman's Woods – Des Moines Art Center loop from Historic Valley Junction Foundation takes you through forests and streams. The Raccoon River Valley Trail, a nationally recognized rail-to-trail, offers a quintessential central Iowa experience with woodlands, prairies, and agricultural landscapes. The High Trestle Trail, while a bit further out, features an iconic illuminated bridge across the Des Moines River valley.

Absolutely. The Raccoon River Valley Trail is a major highlight, offering an 89-mile paved trail with a 72-mile loop, making it the longest paved loop trail in the nation. It connects 14 central Iowa communities, providing ample opportunities for longer touring experiences. An extension is also underway to connect it with the High Trestle Trail, further expanding long-distance options.

West Des Moines' touring cycling routes showcase diverse landscapes. You'll encounter river valleys, urban parks, and a mix of prairie and agricultural fields. Key waterways like the Raccoon River and Jordan Creek define many routes, offering lush riverside woodlands and open vistas. Areas like Denman's Woods provide scenic multi-use trails through forests and streams.

Yes, many routes are designed as loops. The Raccoon River Park Trail is a 3.2-mile loop. The Gray's Lake Park loop from Valley West Mall is a moderate 25.6-mile option, and the Denman's Woods – Des Moines Art Center loop from Historic Valley Junction Foundation is a 10.3-mile trail. The Raccoon River Valley Trail also features a significant 72-mile loop.

Many routes pass by or connect to notable attractions. You can explore the Gray's Lake Park with its distinctive illuminated bridge, or the natural beauty of Brown's Woods. The West Des Moines Historical Bike Tour highlights landmarks such as the Jordan House and the Red Caboose in Valley Junction. The High Trestle Trail features an iconic bridge with overlooks detailing local history and nature.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 50 reviews. Reviewers often praise the extensive network of multi-purpose trails, the varied landscapes from river valleys to prairies, and the well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable touring experiences.

Yes, the trail system in West Des Moines is well-integrated with its parks. The Jordan Creek Greenway Trail forms the main spine of the city's system, linking Raccoon River Park to residential areas and other recreational facilities. The Water Works Park – Raccoon River Park loop from Brown's Woods is another excellent example, connecting two significant green spaces.

Many routes in West Des Moines offer shade, particularly those that follow waterways or pass through wooded areas. The Walnut Creek Trail, for instance, is a lowland trail known for its significant shade from lush forests and follows Walnut Creek. Routes along the Raccoon River and Jordan Creek also provide scenic views and often pass through shaded sections.

Yes, the Walnut Creek Trail is a great option for wildlife viewing, as it follows Walnut Creek and occasionally reveals deer and other local wildlife. Areas like Denman's Woods, with their scenic multi-use trails through forests and streams, also provide opportunities to observe diverse wildlife in a peaceful setting.