Walnut Creek Trail – Gray's Lake beach loop from Clive
Walnut Creek Trail – Gray's Lake beach loop from Clive
4.9
(1750)
19,380
riders
Walnut Creek Trail – Gray's Lake beach loop from Clive
02:51
41.6km
130m
Road cycling
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 22, 2026
Tips
The surface along some of this route may not be suitable
Some segments of your route comprise a surface that may not be suitable for your chosen sport.
After 17.4 km for 805 m
After 25.3 km for 713 m
After 37.2 km for 104 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
12.1 km
Walnut Creek Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
20.5 km
Gray's Lake beach
Highlight • Beach
Tip by
22.7 km
Gray's Lake Park
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
23.6 km
Bill Riley Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
41.6 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
29.0 km
5.89 km
3.47 km
1.72 km
817 m
547 m
172 m
Surfaces
30.5 km
5.39 km
3.95 km
1.76 km
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Elevation
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Weather
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Sunday 12 July
31°C
17°C
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
The Walnut Creek Trail – Gray's Lake beach loop from Clive is one of those road cycling routes that truly delivers on variety and accessibility. This moderate 25.8-mile (41.6 km) ride, with a gentle 412 feet (126 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 2 hours and 50 minutes to complete. It's an ideal choice if you're looking for a well-paved, motor vehicle-free experience that blends natural beauty with urban convenience, perfect for a relaxed yet rewarding day out on two wheels.
What to expect on Walnut Creek Trail – Gray's Lake beach loop from Clive
As you set out on this loop, you'll quickly find yourself immersed in the lush, green environment of the Clive Greenbelt Trail. This section winds along Walnut Creek and through woodlands, offering fun twists and turns that make you feel a world away from the city. The trail is predominantly paved, providing a smooth surface for your road bike. As you continue, the scenery transitions to urban parks and riverside paths, eventually leading you to the highlight of Gray's Lake Park. Here, you can enjoy a scenic loop around the lake, take in the sandy beach, and admire the distinctive Chris and Marcie Coleman Bridge, which is beautifully lit at night. The ride is generally easy to moderate, requiring good fitness but without any significant climbs, making it suitable for most cyclists.
Planning your visit
This route is a vital part of the extensive Central Iowa Trail Network, offering excellent connectivity to other trails like the Bill Riley Trail and the Raccoon River Valley Trail. The Clive Greenbelt Trail section is entirely motor vehicle-free, enhancing safety and enjoyment. The trail system seamlessly integrates natural landscapes with urban amenities, providing access to neighborhoods, commercial areas, restaurants, and shops along the way. If you visit between May and September, you might also catch the "Art Along the Trail" exhibit on the Clive Greenbelt Trail, showcasing sculptures by Iowans and adding a unique cultural element to your ride.
Trail details
- Distance: 25.8 miles (41.6 km)
- Elevation gain: 412 feet (126 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 50 minutes
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