The best road cycling routes around Des Moines

Road cycling routes in the Des Moines area feature a diverse landscape, primarily characterized by gently rolling hills and scenic river valleys. You'll encounter paths along riverbanks, through wildflower meadows, past lakeshores, and dense forests, offering varied scenery throughout your ride.

Yes, Des Moines offers a good selection of routes for beginners. Out of the 59 available road cycling routes, 23 are rated as easy. These routes provide a comfortable introduction to the area's extensive trail system, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without significant challenge.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, the Des Moines area has several options. The Raccoon River Valley Trail Loop is a notable difficult route, spanning nearly 99 miles and taking over 7 hours to complete. This route winds through multiple communities, offering varied scenery and amenities for a demanding ride.

Des Moines is known for its extensive trail system, offering several long-distance road cycling routes. Beyond the challenging Raccoon River Valley Trail Loop (98.8 miles), you can also explore the Chichaqua Valley Trail, which is 60.8 miles long and leads through rural landscapes. These routes are perfect for cyclists looking to cover significant distances.

Yes, the Des Moines area features several circular routes that allow you to start and end in the same location. The Raccoon River Valley Trail Loop is a prime example, offering a comprehensive loop through the region's diverse landscapes. Additionally, the Neal Smith and High Trestle Trail Loop provides another excellent circular option.

Many road cycling routes in Des Moines offer access to beautiful natural features and landmarks. You can cycle along the Des Moines River, past wildflower meadows, and near lakes like Saylorville Lake. Notable attractions include the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge and the Neal Smith Trail itself, which offers diverse landscapes. You might also encounter areas like Brown's Woods, providing a chance to experience the region's natural beauty.

The best time for road cycling in Des Moines is generally during the spring, summer, and fall months. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, from blooming wildflowers to colorful autumn foliage. The extensive trail system is well-maintained, making it enjoyable for cycling during these periods.

Des Moines is very family-friendly for cyclists, with many trails suitable for all ages. The city's extensive network includes numerous paved paths that are relatively flat and safe. Trails like the Meredith Trail, which links downtown to Gray's Lake Park, and sections of the Raccoon River Valley Trail are popular choices for families looking for an enjoyable ride together.

Des Moines offers numerous accessible trailheads with parking facilities for road cyclists. Popular starting points include the Waukee Trailhead for the Raccoon River Valley Trail, which provides access to 'The Loop.' Many parks, such as Gray's Lake Park and Water Works Park, also offer convenient parking and direct access to the trail network.

The road cycling experience in Des Moines is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 5.0 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the extensive and well-maintained trail system, the diverse scenery ranging from riverbanks to forests, and the overall accessibility of routes for various skill levels.

Yes, many of Des Moines' road cycling routes pass through or near communities that offer amenities. For instance, the Raccoon River Valley Trail winds through 14 communities, providing numerous opportunities to stop for restaurants and cafes along the way. This makes it convenient to refuel and relax during your ride.

There are over 50 road cycling routes available around Des Moines, offering a wide variety of distances and difficulty levels. This extensive network ensures that cyclists of all abilities can find a suitable path to explore the region's diverse landscapes.