The best road cycling routes around Des Moines

Des Moines offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 60 tours available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy rides to more challenging excursions.

Road cycling in Des Moines features diverse landscapes, including rolling prairies, picturesque river valleys, and urban green spaces. You'll find trails traversing wildflower meadows, dense forests, and scenic lakeshores. The terrain generally consists of gentle gradients, with some routes offering minor hills.

Yes, Des Moines is very welcoming for beginners and families. Many routes are designed to be accessible, with 23 easy tours available. The Van Doren's Landing Park – Green River Trail loop is an easy 10.9-mile ride through riverside parkland. The High Trestle Trail, while not listed in the provided routes, is also known for being flat and wide, making it ideal for various skill levels and families.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Des Moines offers several options, including 33 moderate and 4 difficult routes. A notable challenging route is the East Channel Bridge – Poo Poo Point Trailhead loop from SeaTac/Airport, which spans over 76 miles with significant elevation gain.

Des Moines' routes offer numerous scenic views. The Neal Smith Trail provides vistas of Saylorville Lake and wildflower meadows. The Clive Greenbelt Trail meanders along creeks and features small waterfalls. For urban views, the Meredith Trail offers stunning perspectives of the downtown Des Moines skyline, especially around Gray's Lake Park. You can also explore the Green River Natural Resources Area for natural beauty.

Absolutely. The Principal Riverwalk allows cyclists to ride along the river, admiring downtown skyscrapers and murals, and connects to attractions like the Lauridsen Skate Park. The Pappajohn Sculpture Park, while not a trail itself, is easily incorporated into urban rides, offering a unique cultural experience. The Meredith Trail also provides views of the city's waterways and skyline.

Yes, many road cycling routes in Des Moines are designed as loops, offering convenient starting and ending points. Examples include the Green River Trail – Green River Trail loop from Kent Des Moines and the Green River Trail loop from Angle Lake.

The road cycling experience in Des Moines is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 33 reviews. Cyclists often praise the extensive network of trails, the diverse scenery ranging from river valleys to urban green spaces, and the well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable rides.

The warmer months, typically from spring through fall, are ideal for road cycling in Des Moines. This period offers pleasant weather to enjoy the rolling prairies, river valleys, and lakeshores. The region even hosts RAGBRAI, a major cycling event, in the summer, indicating favorable conditions.

The High Trestle Trail is an iconic 25-mile paved rail-trail featuring a spectacular half-mile, 13-story-high bridge over the Des Moines River Valley. The bridge includes art installations that tell the history of the area's coal mining past, offering a unique blend of cycling and cultural exploration.

Beyond the trails themselves, you can find several attractions. The Green River Trail is a highlight in itself, offering a great cycling experience. For those interested in coastal views, the Point Robinson Lighthouse is a notable landmark nearby. Additionally, areas like Water Works Park and Easter Lake Park offer extensive trail networks and natural playscapes.

Des Moines boasts an impressive and extensive network of over 800 miles of connected trails. This vast system creates a true cyclist's paradise, linking various landscapes and communities, and providing endless possibilities for exploration on two wheels.