Things to Do around Des Moines

Des Moines offers a variety of outdoor activities, including Hiking, Touring cycling, Jogging, and Road cycling. The region features an extensive network of trails, with more than 800 miles (1,287 km) available for exploration. These trails cater to various skill levels and preferences.

Popular hiking locations include Ledges State Park, known for its sandstone ledges and a 4-mile (6.4 km) trail system, and Water Works Park, offering trails through meadows and along the Raccoon River. Gray's Lake Park provides a 1.9-mile (3.1 km) lighted path around the lake. For more details, refer to Hiking around Des Moines.

Yes, Des Moines offers several easy hiking options. Gray's Lake Park features a 1.9-mile (3.1 km) lighted path around the lake, suitable for leisurely walks. The Mark C. Ackelson Trail is an easy 5.4-mile (8.7 km) loop around Easter Lake. Additional easy routes can be found in Easy hikes around Des Moines.

Des Moines is known for its extensive cycling network. The High Trestle Trail is an iconic 25-mile (40 km) paved trail featuring the High Trestle Bridge. The Raccoon River Trail is an 89-mile (143 km) loop, and the Neal Smith Trail stretches along the Des Moines River. For more options, see Cycling around Des Moines.

Road cyclists can explore various routes across the region's more than 800 miles (1,287 km) of trails. Many paved trails, such as sections of the Raccoon River Trail and the Great Western Trail, are suitable for road cycling. Specific routes are detailed in Road Cycling Routes around Des Moines.

Joggers and runners can utilize the extensive trail system. Gray's Lake Park offers a 1.9-mile (3.1 km) lighted path ideal for urban runs. Water Works Park provides winding trails through natural settings. For a comprehensive list, consult Running Trails around Des Moines.

Trails in Des Moines offer diverse natural features, including riverfront views along the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers, wildflower meadows, and dense forests. Ledges State Park features towering sandstone ledges and deep ravines. Jester Park provides opportunities to see bison and elk.

Many of Des Moines' paved and well-maintained trails are suitable for families. The 1.9-mile (3.1 km) path at Gray's Lake Park and the 5.4-mile (8.7 km) Mark C. Ackelson Trail around Easter Lake are popular choices for all ages. These trails often offer amenities and scenic views.

Des Moines routes are popular among komoot users, with more than 2,000 visitors having explored the region. The available routes have an average rating of 4.53 out of 5 stars, indicating a high level of satisfaction from the community.

Komoot offers several guides for Des Moines, including Hiking around Des Moines, Easy hikes around Des Moines, Cycling around Des Moines, Running Trails around Des Moines, and Road Cycling Routes around Des Moines.

The official website for the City of Des Moines, Iowa, is dmgov.org. This site provides information on city services, local government, and community resources.

The general phone number for the City of Des Moines is (515) 283-4500. This number can be used for general inquiries and to reach various city departments.