The best traffic-free bike rides around Des Moines
4.6
(67)
575
riders
20
rides
Des Moines, Iowa, offers an extensive network of no traffic touring cycling routes, characterized by its flat to gently rolling terrain and diverse natural features. The region features a comprehensive trail system, connecting urban areas with scenic parks, river valleys, and open countryside. Cyclists can navigate along the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers, through wildflower meadows, and dense forests, with numerous lakes and green spaces providing varied landscapes.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes around Des Moines
- The most popular no traffic touring cycling route is Mark C. Ackelson Trail, a 5.4 miles (8.6 km) trail that takes 30 minutes to complete. This easy route offers a pleasant ride with minimal elevation gain.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Great Western Trail, a moderate 41.2 miles (66.3 km) path. This trail follows a former railroad line, providing diverse countryside views and connecting several communities.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Neal Smith Trail, a 35.7 miles (57.4 km) trail leading through varied landscapes including wildflower meadows and dense forests, often completed in about 3 hours 30 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Des Moines is defined by extensive paved trail networks, river valleys, and open countryside, offering options for different ability levels.
- The routes in Des Moines are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 40 reviews. More than 400 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Des Moines's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
5.0
(2)
12
riders
8.65km
00:31
20m
20m
The Mark C. Ackelson Trail offers a delightful touring cycling experience around Easter Lake, featuring continuous scenic views of the water, woodlands, and wetlands. You'll ride on a smooth, 12-foot-wide concrete surface, making it ideal for a relaxed outing. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you pass by picturesque trees and open skies, with Owen's Covered Bridge providing a charming historical landmark along the way.
This easy 5.4-mile (8.6 km) loop is perfect for all ages and abilities, with only 74 feet (23 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 30 minutes to complete. The trail is easily accessible from surrounding neighborhoods and connects to Ewing Park, offering options to extend your ride if you wish. It's a great choice for a family-friendly cycling adventure.
Named after environmentalist Mark C. Ackelson, the trail is part of a successful restoration project that transformed a former coal mine into a valuable recreational area. This environmental legacy adds a unique layer to the natural beauty you'll encounter. The trail's design prioritizes universal accessibility, ensuring everyone can enjoy the tranquil cycling experience.
5.0
(1)
11
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66.3km
03:48
250m
250m
The Great Western Trail offers a delightful touring cycling experience, winding through a mix of suburban landscapes, open farmlands, and wooded areas. As you pedal, you'll pass by the tranquil waters of Gray's Lake Park, a perfect spot for a quick break or to simply enjoy the view. The route's gentle grade, typical of a rail-trail, makes for an easy and enjoyable ride, allowing you to soak in the changing scenery and spot local wildlife.
This moderate 41.2-mile (66.3 km) route, with a modest 834 feet (254 metres) of elevation gain, is designed to be completed in approximately 3 hours and 48 minutes. It's an ideal choice for cyclists seeking a relaxed day out without significant physical demands. While specific trailhead access points and parking details are best confirmed locally, rail-trails typically offer convenient entry points in towns along the route.
This particular Great Western Trail is part of a broader network of trails often built on abandoned railway corridors, known for their accessible and relatively flat terrain. It provides a fantastic opportunity for touring cycling for beginners or families, connecting communities and offering a peaceful escape into nature right from the edge of Des Moines. You might even find opportunities to link up with other local trail systems for longer adventures.
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9
riders
57.4km
03:30
280m
280m
Cycle the moderate 35.7-mile Neal Smith Trail near Saylorville Lake, enjoying diverse scenery, wildlife, and panoramic lake views.
6.02km
00:23
10m
10m
This easy 3.7-mile touring bicycle loop through Riverview Park and along the Neal Smith Trail offers river views and diverse landscapes.
5.0
(2)
35
riders
42.0km
02:24
100m
100m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Colby Park is a large recreational area planted beside a church and tucked into a multi-use paved trail. They have a MASSIVE playground for kiddos, wide open grassy areas, picnic tables and benches, and a stage for live music. It seemed busy in the evening when we were there.
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There’s a group called BCycle Bike Share (owned by Bicycle Transit Systems). They have these stations along the trail (Clive Greenbelt) that allow you to rent traditional or electronic bikes. It’s managed on a free app, where you can purchase by the minute, hour, or opt for an annual pass. The whole process was smooth sailing. The bikes (while needing some tune ups — like the front break, for instance) were decent road bikes and fun for the family to try something new! We went over the hour we booked them for, and they only charged us for the time we used instead of clocking a full second hour, which was very generous. They seem to be a hit around here, as they have several locations and all have bikes that are out. Unfortunately, as far as iowa goes, this is the only city they’re in. I’d love to see them other places along trails — in some of our rural areas. I think their presence could teach kids about alternative transportation and open doors by giving them an experience they won’t have otherwise.
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The Walnut Creek Trail is a 3.2-mile, flat, paved multi-use trail that serves as a vital connector within the Des Moines metropolitan area's extensive trail network. Starting in Windsor Heights, the trail links to the Clive Greenbelt Trail at 73rd Street, providing access to the western suburbs. It extends southward, connecting to the Bill Riley Trail, which leads into Des Moines' broader trail system. The trail is popular for biking, inline skating, walking, and birding.
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As you make your way over the bridge you will catch views of the Raccoon River, a tributary of the Des Moines River. Stretching over 30.8 miles, this river winds through an area of intense cultivation, including croplands and livestock farming. Since the 19th century, the Des Moines metropolitan area has relied on this river for drinking water, although it faced challenges during the Great Flood of 1993.
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Gray's Lake Park has a total size of 166-acres and is located in the heart of Des Moines. The lake of the same name is the park's main feature and is surrounded by a path for cycling and hiking. One of the highlights is the bridge that crosses the lake, as it can be illuminated in the evening and nighttime.
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Easter Lake Park is built on an old coal mine. The park has something for everyone: there is a 4 mile biking and walking trail that encircles the lake, picnic areas and a docks that allows visitors to fish for walleye, bass and catfish. The park is also home to Owens Covered Bridge, which is the only covered bridge in Polk County.
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Gray's Lake Park is a 166-acre park. The main feature of the park is the large lake, which give the park its name, and is located in the middle of the park. There is also a paved walking and biking path that goes around the lake and includes a bridge that crosses the water.
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Gray's Lake Park is a 166-acre park. Its main feature is the large lake in the center of the park. There is also a paved walking and biking path that goes around the lake and includes a bridge that crosses the water.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available in the Des Moines area?
There are over 25 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Des Moines, offering a wide range of options for cyclists looking for peaceful rides. These include 15 easy routes perfect for beginners or leisurely rides, and 11 moderate routes for those seeking a bit more distance or challenge.
What kind of terrain can I expect on these car-free touring routes around Des Moines?
The no-traffic touring routes in Des Moines are predominantly paved and often follow former railroad lines, resulting in generally flat and accessible terrain. This makes them ideal for touring cyclists of all skill levels, providing smooth surfaces and gentle gradients across diverse landscapes.
Are there any easy, beginner-friendly no-traffic touring routes for cyclists in Des Moines?
Yes, Des Moines offers 15 easy-rated no-traffic touring routes, perfect for beginners, families, or those looking for a relaxed ride. A great option is the Mark C. Ackelson Trail, which provides a pleasant, shorter ride with minimal elevation changes.
What are some of the longer, more challenging no-traffic touring routes in the region?
For cyclists seeking longer distances, the Des Moines area features several moderate no-traffic touring routes. The Great Western Trail stretches for over 66 km, offering a substantial ride through diverse countryside. Another excellent choice is the Neal Smith Trail, which spans over 57 km along the Des Moines River, providing varied scenery and a good workout.
What scenic landmarks or viewpoints can I see along these no-traffic cycling routes?
Many routes offer beautiful views and access to natural attractions. Along the Neal Smith Trail, you can enjoy views of the Des Moines River and Saylorville Lake. The Neal Smith Trail itself is considered a highlight. You might also encounter the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge in downtown Des Moines, which connects to the wider trail network. The region's extensive trail system often passes through wildflower meadows, dense forests, and along riverbanks.
Are there any loop routes for no-traffic touring cycling in Des Moines?
Yes, there are loop options available for no-traffic touring. For a shorter loop, consider the Neal Smith and Riverview Park Trail Loop. For a longer experience, the Raccoon River Valley Trail, while not explicitly listed in our routes, is nationally recognized for its 72-mile paved loop connecting 14 communities, offering a comprehensive car-free touring experience.
What is the best time of year for no-traffic touring cycling in Des Moines?
The best time for no-traffic touring cycling in Des Moines is typically during the spring, summer, and fall months. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while fall offers vibrant foliage. Summers are generally warm, but it's advisable to ride in the mornings or evenings to avoid peak heat. Winter cycling is possible, but trails may be subject to snow and ice, requiring appropriate gear and caution.
Are these no-traffic cycling routes family-friendly?
Absolutely! Many of the no-traffic routes in Des Moines are ideal for families due to their paved surfaces, gentle terrain, and absence of vehicular traffic. The 15 easy-rated routes are particularly suitable for children and less experienced riders, offering a safe and enjoyable environment for family outings.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about the no-traffic routes in Des Moines?
The Des Moines no-traffic touring routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the extensive, well-maintained paved trail system, the peaceful and scenic environment, and the ability to explore the region without encountering vehicle traffic. The variety of routes, from short, easy rides to longer, more immersive tours, is also frequently highlighted.
Are there opportunities to see wildlife along these car-free bike trails?
Yes, many of the no-traffic trails wind through natural areas, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. The Neal Smith Trail, for instance, passes through varied landscapes including wildflower meadows and dense forests, where you might spot local bird species. Jester Park, near Saylorville Lake, is known for its bison and elk herds, and trails in areas like Yellow Banks Park offer chances to see hawks and bald eagles.
Where can I find parking for these no-traffic touring cycling routes?
Many of the major trailheads for Des Moines' extensive trail system offer dedicated parking facilities. For example, the Waukee Trailhead is a popular starting point for the Raccoon River Valley Trail. Additionally, parks like Jester Park, Water Works Park, and Gray's Lake Park, which connect to or are part of the trail network, provide ample parking for cyclists.
Are there any cafes or places to stop for refreshments along the no-traffic routes?
While specific cafes directly on every trail segment are not guaranteed, the extensive trail network connects to many of the 14 central Iowa communities. This means you'll often find opportunities to stop for refreshments, food, or even accommodation in the towns and cities that the trails pass through or near. Planning your route with komoot can help identify these amenities.
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