Things to Do around West Des Moines
West Des Moines, a region in Iowa, features an extensive network of interconnected trails and diverse natural landscapes. The area encompasses urban forests, expansive parks with lakes, and greenways, providing varied terrain suitable for outdoor activities. These natural settings support several sports like hiking, touring cycling, road cycling, jogging, and more.
Things to Do in West Des Moines
Outdoor enthusiasts in West Des Moines can explore more than 40 routes across several sports like hiking, touring cycling, road cycling, jogging, and more. The region's extensive trail system, including paved paths and natural surface trails, caters to various activity levels. For those interested in exploring on foot, there are numerous hiking routes around West Des Moines, from easy walks to more challenging trails. Cyclists can find dedicated road cycling routes and touring options that traverse the city's green spaces and connect to broader networks. More than 2,000 visitors have shared their experiences on these routes, resulting in an average rating of 4.71 out of 5 stars.
51
Routes
4.7
(27)
Average rating
557
People visited
5
hikers
4.46km
01:11
50m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
hikers
5.11km
01:18
10m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
6.12km
01:35
30m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
2.65km
00:43
30m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4
riders
5.21km
00:19
10m
10m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
28
riders
43.1km
02:32
150m
150m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
16
riders
27.4km
01:36
60m
60m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
32
riders
45.3km
02:38
130m
130m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.46km
00:26
10m
10m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
31
riders
21.8km
01:35
100m
100m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
14
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.0
(1)
14
riders
8.53km
00:42
80m
80m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
55
riders
41.4km
02:50
120m
120m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
32
riders
43.0km
02:36
150m
150m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
21
riders
24.8km
02:08
50m
50m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
16
riders
35.6km
01:44
130m
130m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(1)
18
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
11
runners
21.6km
02:14
80m
80m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
runners
6.28km
00:41
60m
60m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
runners
20.1km
02:05
50m
50m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Explore the region
Most popular attractions in West Des Moines
Nearby adventure guides
Natural areas to explore nearby
Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in West Des Moines?
West Des Moines offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, touring cycling, road cycling, jogging, and mountain biking. The region features over 550 miles (885 km) of interconnected trails across diverse natural landscapes.
Where are the best hiking trails in West Des Moines?
Brown's Woods, the state's largest urban forest, offers over 4 miles (6.4 km) of moderate hiking trails. Raccoon River Park also features a 3.2-mile (5.1 km) nature trail. More options are available in the Hiking around West Des Moines guide.
Are there easy or family-friendly hiking trails in West Des Moines?
Yes, Gray's Lake Park provides a 1.9-mile (3.1 km) lighted paved path suitable for walking and running. Raccoon River Park's nature trail is also generally accessible. The Easy hikes around West Des Moines guide lists additional options.
What cycling opportunities are available in West Des Moines?
West Des Moines features extensive networks for touring cycling, road cycling, and mountain biking. The Jordan Creek Greenway offers a 7-mile (11.3 km) paved multi-purpose trail. The Neal Smith Trail provides a 26-mile (41.8 km) paved route along the Des Moines River.
Where can I find road cycling routes in West Des Moines?
The region offers 17 dedicated road cycling routes. The Road Cycling Routes around West Des Moines guide provides detailed information on these paths. The Neal Smith Trail is a 26-mile (41.8 km) paved option for cyclists.
Are there mountain biking trails in West Des Moines?
Yes, West Des Moines includes options for mountain biking. Specific trails and routes can be found in the MTB Trails around West Des Moines guide. These trails cater to various skill levels.
What are the most popular parks in West Des Moines for outdoor activities?
Raccoon River Park, spanning 600 acres, is a central hub with a nature trail and lake activities. Brown's Woods is known for its urban forest and hiking trails. Gray's Lake Park offers a paved path around a picturesque lake.
Are dogs allowed on trails in West Des Moines?
Raccoon River Park features a 10-acre dog park. Specific trail regulations for dogs vary by location. It is advisable to check local signage or park websites for detailed rules regarding pets on trails.
How popular is West Des Moines for outdoor activities on komoot?
West Des Moines has more than 2,600 visitors who have explored its routes on komoot. The region's 48 routes have an average rating of 4.71 out of 5 stars, based on over 100 ratings.
What komoot guides are available for West Des Moines?
Komoot offers several guides for West Des Moines, including Hiking around West Des Moines, Cycling around West Des Moines, and MTB Trails around West Des Moines. Guides for easy hikes, road cycling, and running are also available.
What is the official website for the City of West Des Moines?
The official website for the City of West Des Moines is wdm.iowa.gov. This site provides information on city services, parks, and local regulations.
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