The best road cycling routes around Dallas Center
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Road cycling routes around Dallas Center are primarily defined by the Raccoon River Valley Trail, an extensive multi-use pathway. This region features mostly flat terrain with gentle grades, traversing serene prairies, farmlands, and occasional tree canopies. The landscape includes wetlands and prairie remnants, offering a consistent surface for road cyclists. The Brenton Arboretum, located nearby, contributes to the natural backdrop with its diverse plant collections and open spaces.
Best road cycling routes around Dallas Center
- The most popular road cycling…
Last updated: May 16, 2026
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riders
62.1km
03:09
90m
90m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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riders
39.1km
01:35
140m
140m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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14
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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riders
64.7km
02:38
230m
230m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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6
riders
84.6km
04:17
330m
330m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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Popular around Dallas Center
Tips from the Community
Perry’s trailhead is cute, welcoming, and functional from its one-legged candycane arch to the massive car lot (48-hour parking! Woo!). Porta potty’s, upgraded water fountains, colored lawn chairs, food trucks, and a bike maintenance stand/tools are available. The trail itself splinters off in several directions. One part toward Jefferson/Dawson/Jamaica/Redfield, another toward Woodward/Ankeny, and a third section toward Dallas center/adel/waukee. The trail winds through town in a very intentional sort of way, hitting several parks, restaurants, the hospital, and showing off some of Perry’s more interesting qualities.
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This sandy beach at Gray’s Lake is a great spot to pause during or after your hike. Dip your feet in the water, relax on the sand, or even have a quick picnic before finishing the loop around the lake.
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The Bill Riley Trail is a 2.7-mile paved pathway that winds through wooded areas, including Ashworth Park, and crosses the Raccoon River via a rustic trestle bridge. The trail is named after Bill Riley, a member of the Des Moines Park Board who played a significant role in raising funds for the city's trail system. It is popular among cyclists, walkers, and runners, and although dogs are welcome, they must be kept on a leash. Parking is available near the Ashworth Memorial Pool in Ashworth Park, and in Gray's Lake Park.
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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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City Campus Pond, located right behind the West Des Moines Library, is a fantastic place that offers visitors several amenities. The pond boasts a delightful and spacious picnic area, hiking trails perfect for exploring the outdoors, and many opportunities to indulge in shore fishing. It is home to the Jamie Hurd Amphitheater, the newest addition to the City/School Campus, which serves as a cultural hub for the community.
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Gray's Lake Park has a total size of 166-acres and is located in the heart of Des Moines. The lake of the same name is the park's main feature and is surrounded by a path for cycling and hiking. One of the highlights is the bridge that crosses the lake, as it can be illuminated in the evening and nighttime.
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The Perry Trailhead is a great place for a break when riding the Raccoon River Valley Trail. There are restrooms in the converted depot right off the trail. In the town of Perry, there are many options for food, if you need to stock up on supplies before continuing on the trail.
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Raccoon River Valley Trail is a 72-mile loop rails-to-trails conversion. It is fully paved and goes through landscapes varying from prairies to woodlands. The trail is very popular and there are many convenient stops for snacks and drinks and there are rest stops around every 6 miles.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Dallas Center?
There are 6 road cycling routes around Dallas Center, offering various options for exploration on komoot.
What is the typical terrain and difficulty level for road cycling routes in Dallas Center?
Road cycling routes around Dallas Center are predominantly flat with gentle grades, primarily utilizing the asphalt and concrete pathways of the Raccoon River Valley Trail. Most routes are rated as moderate, with some easy options available, making them accessible for a range of cyclists.
Are there any family-friendly road cycling routes in Dallas Center?
Yes, the generally flat and well-maintained surfaces of the Raccoon River Valley Trail make many sections suitable for families. An easy option is the Walnut Creek Trail loop from Waukee, which is 26.5 miles long and leads through open prairies and farmlands.
What natural features or landmarks can I expect to see along the road cycling routes?
You'll experience diverse scenery including serene prairies, farmlands, wetlands, and occasional tree canopies. The Raccoon River Valley Trail: Minburn to Dallas Center section offers classic views of the Iowa landscape. Just south of Dallas Center, the Brenton Arboretum provides a beautiful natural backdrop with over 2,500 labeled trees and shrubs, prairies, and streams.
Where can I park my car when starting a road cycling route in Dallas Center?
The Dallas Center Trailhead in Heritage Park (14th Street and Walnut Street) is a key access point for the Raccoon River Valley Trail and offers dedicated parking facilities. This trailhead is well-equipped with amenities for cyclists.
Are there any long-distance road cycling routes available from Dallas Center?
Yes, the Raccoon River Valley Trail itself is an extensive 89-mile trail. For a longer ride, consider the Perry Trailhead – Perry Trail Head loop from Waukee, which is 38.6 miles (62.1 km) and connects to the Raccoon River Valley Trail, offering consistent surfaces for an extended ride.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Dallas Center?
The Raccoon River Valley Trail is well-maintained and suitable for cycling through much of the year. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer provides lush green landscapes, though it can be warmer. The heated restrooms at the Dallas Center Trailhead are open year-round.
Are there any loop road cycling routes around Dallas Center?
Yes, many routes are designed as loops. For example, the Raccoon River – Gray's Lake Park loop from Waukee is a moderate 40.9-mile path that provides diverse scenery, including views of the Raccoon River and connections to urban parks.
Where can I find food and drinks near the cycling trails in Dallas Center?
Dallas Center offers several convenient options. The Handlebar, located directly off the bike trail, provides bike parking, outdoor seating, and serves local brews, pizza, and burgers. Five Points Bar and Grill is another option just off the trail for food and drinks. The nearby town of Minburn also has dining options.
What makes the Raccoon River Valley Trail a good choice for road cyclists?
The Raccoon River Valley Trail is ideal for road cyclists due to its 89 miles of smooth asphalt and concrete pathways, mostly flat terrain with gentle grades, and diverse scenery. It connects Dallas Center to other communities like Waukee and Minburn, offering varied ride options and well-equipped trailheads like the one in Dallas Center.
Can I connect to other trails from the Raccoon River Valley Trail near Dallas Center?
Yes, the Raccoon River Valley Trail is continuously enhancing its connectivity. There are ongoing projects to link it with other major trails, such as a new section connecting to the High Trestle Trail, expanding your cycling possibilities in the region.
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