The best road cycling routes around West Des Moines

West Des Moines offers a diverse landscape for road cycling. You'll find routes winding through river valleys, urban forests like Brown's Woods and Walnut Woods State Park, and open rural areas. Many trails follow waterways such as the Des Moines River and Walnut Creek, or loop around lakes like Gray's Lake. The terrain generally features a mix of flat sections and gentle rolling hills, making it suitable for various cycling experiences.

Yes, West Des Moines has several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the Roadbike loop from Clive is an easy 17.3-mile (27.9 km) trail that takes you through local green spaces. Another great option is the City Campus Pond loop from Clive, which is an easy 15.4-mile (24.8 km) ride. These routes are generally paved and have minimal elevation gain.

Road cycling routes in West Des Moines offer numerous scenic highlights. You can cycle past the iconic Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge, a unique pedestrian bridge over the Des Moines River. Many trails, like the Bridge Over Des Moines – Des Moines River loop from Waveland Woods, offer views along the Des Moines River. You can also explore natural areas like Brown's Woods, the state's largest urban forest, or enjoy lake views around Gray's Lake Park, as seen on the Gray's Lake beach – Gray's Lake Park loop from Clive route.

Absolutely. West Des Moines is part of a larger trail network that includes significant long-distance routes. The Raccoon River Valley Trail, an 89-mile loop, touches the western suburb of Waukee and offers extensive rural cycling. The High Trestle Trail, a 25-mile route, features an iconic 13-story bridge across the Des Moines River valley. While not directly starting in West Des Moines, these trails are easily accessible and provide excellent long-distance options.

Many road cycling trails in West Des Moines offer convenient parking. For example, the Great Western Trail loop from Iowa National Guard Readiness Center starts from a location with parking. Major parks like Raccoon River Park and Gray's Lake Park also provide ample parking facilities for trail access. It's always a good idea to check specific trailheads for designated parking areas.

The road cycling routes in West Des Moines are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.3 stars from over 6 reviews. Cyclists often praise the extensive paved trail system, the variety of scenic landscapes from river views to urban forests, and the well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable rides.

While many routes feature gentle rolling hills, for more challenging rides, you might consider exploring the longer, multi-county trails accessible from West Des Moines. The Raccoon River Valley Trail, with its 89-mile length, offers a significant endurance challenge. While not featuring extreme elevation, the sheer distance and varied rural landscapes provide a demanding experience for seasoned road cyclists.

Yes, many road cycling routes in West Des Moines are designed as loops, offering convenient circular rides. Examples include the popular Bridge Over Des Moines – Des Moines River loop from Waveland Woods and the Gray's Lake beach – Gray's Lake Park loop from Clive. These circular routes allow you to start and end at the same point, making logistics easier.

The best time for road cycling in West Des Moines is typically during the spring, summer, and fall months. Spring offers pleasant temperatures and blooming scenery, while summer provides warm weather for longer rides. Fall is particularly scenic with changing foliage and cooler, comfortable temperatures. Winters can be cold with snow, making road cycling less ideal, though some dedicated cyclists may still venture out on clear days.

Yes, some trails in the West Des Moines area offer amenities. For example, along the Great Western Trail, cyclists can find unique stops like 'The Chicken' restaurant in what was once the town of Orilla, providing a fun reward during a ride. The extensive trail system often passes through or near communities where cafes and restaurants are available, especially in areas like Valley Junction or near Gray's Lake Park.

There are over 10 road cycling routes available in West Des Moines on komoot, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels. These routes are part of the extensive paved trail system that integrates into the greater Des Moines area's network, providing numerous options for cyclists.