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Bridge Over Des Moines – Des Moines River loop from Des Moines University

Bridge Over Des Moines – Des Moines River loop from Des Moines University

Moderate

3.2

(16)

riders

Bridge Over Des Moines – Des Moines River loop from Des Moines University

04:06

89.5km

380m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: May 25, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

30.7 km

Great Western Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Great Western Trail is a 19-mile rail trail built on the former Great Western Railroad between Des Moines and Martensdale. It is fully paved and is a very popular path for walking, running and cycling.

Tip by

34.5 km

Martensdale

Highlight • Settlement

Martensdale is a quiet, small town nestled along the Middle River, offering a peaceful escape just outside Des Moines. With its connection to the Great Western Trail, it is an excellent destination for a scenic ride through the countryside.

Tip by

78.0 km

Bridge Over Des Moines

Highlight • Bridge

At the Bridge over the Des Moines River, where the Inter Urban Trail crosses, you'll find a serene spot perfect for a rest and enjoying the view. Take a break here and soak in the tranquil atmosphere along the riverbank.

Tip by

78.3 km

Des Moines River

Highlight • River

Along the Des Moines River, Iowa's largest river, you'll find a wealth of culture, tradition, and recreational opportunities. Here, and along most of the trail, you'll enjoy stunning views, making it perfect for adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Tip by

79.0 km

Neal Smith Trail at Riverview Lake

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This section of the Neal Smith Trail skirts right along the river. It's very quiet and a nice ride. With no traffic to worry about, it's an ideal place to escape the city!

Tip by

80.1 km

Riverview Lake & Park

Highlight • Lake

Check out the revamped Riverview Park. Once an amusement park, it's now a municipal park with a playground and permanent bandstand. Despite delays due to COVID-19, the project was completed in fall 2020.

Tip by

81.0 km

Neal Smith Trail Recreation Area

Nature Reserve

83.7 km

Neal Smith Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Neal Smith Trail is a 26-mile trail through Des Moines along the Des Moines River. It is fully paved and traffic free, so it is a great way to move through the heavily populated city.

Tip by

85.2 km

Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge

Highlight (Segment) • Bridge

This iconic bridge spans the Des Moines River, linking the east and west sides of the city at the northern edge of the riverwalk loop. This single-arch pedestrian bridge features …

Tip by

89.5 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

77.5 km

8.00 km

2.61 km

1.37 km

111 m

Surfaces

76.1 km

11.7 km

1.79 km

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (300 m)

Lowest point (240 m)

Weather

Friday 19 June

28°C

13°C

26 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Bridge Over Des Moines – Des Moines River loop from Des Moines University

Great Western Trail

Martensdale

Bridge Over Des Moines

Des Moines River

Neal Smith Trail at Riverview Lake

Riverview Lake & Park

Neal Smith Trail

Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge

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