Easy hikes and walks around Des Moines

This guide features nearly 30 routes around Des Moines, with 23 specifically categorized as easy. These trails traverse diverse landscapes, including woodlands, prairies, and riverine environments.

Yes, many easy trails in Des Moines are ideal for families. Parks like Gray's Lake Park and Easter Lake Park offer paved paths around lakes, while Brown's Woods provides gentle woodland loops. The Ewing Park Nature Trail Loop is another excellent option for a relaxed family outing through natural parkland.

Many parks and trails in Des Moines are dog-friendly, though leash laws typically apply. Always check specific park regulations before heading out. Trails like the Rollercoaster Mountain Bike Trail often welcome leashed dogs, offering a pleasant experience for both you and your pet through wooded areas.

Yes, Des Moines offers several easy loop trails. The Ewing Park Nature Trail Loop is a popular choice, providing a pleasant circular walk through parkland. Gray's Lake Park also features a well-known 1.9-mile lighted path encircling the lake, perfect for an easy loop.

For scenic water views, consider trails around Gray's Lake Park or Easter Lake Park, which feature paths directly alongside the water. The Neal Smith Trail also offers extensive views of the Des Moines River and connects to Saylorville Lake. The Lakeside Trail is another great option for enjoying water vistas.

Many of Des Moines's extensive trail systems are relatively flat, especially those built on former railroad beds like the Chichaqua Valley Trail or paved urban paths. The Denmans Mountain Bike Trail, while named for bikes, offers gentle elevation changes suitable for an easy, flat-ish hike through woodlands and open spaces.

For shorter, easy hikes, Gray's Lake Park offers a 1.9-mile loop. The Lakeside Trail is approximately 1.4 miles (2.3 km) and provides a quick, enjoyable walk. Brown's Woods also has multiple shorter trail loops within its extensive urban forest.

Most major parks and trailheads in Des Moines, such as Gray's Lake Park, Raccoon River Park, Brown's Woods, and Easter Lake Park, offer dedicated parking lots. For trails like the Principal Riverwalk, parking is available in downtown garages or street parking nearby. The High Trestle Trail also has several access points with parking.

Public transport access varies by trail. Downtown trails like the Principal Riverwalk are well-served by Des Moines Area Regional Transit (DART). For other parks like Gray's Lake Park or Easter Lake Park, check DART routes for nearby stops, though some trailheads may require a short walk or ride-share connection.

Near easy hiking trails, you can explore several points of interest. The Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge is accessible from downtown trails. The Neal Smith Trail offers views of the Des Moines River and connects to Saylorville Lake, where you can find the Saylorville Lake Visitor Center. Brown's Woods itself is a significant urban forest to explore.

The easy trails around Des Moines are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from nearly 10 reviews. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the diverse scenery ranging from dense woodlands to open prairies, and the accessibility of these routes for all skill levels.

The best time to experience fall foliage on easy trails in Des Moines is typically from late September through October. Woodlands like Brown's Woods and Jester Park, as well as riverine trails along the Des Moines River, offer vibrant displays of oak and hickory trees during this period.

While popular trails can see more visitors, many of Des Moines's extensive network of trails offer quieter sections, especially during off-peak hours or on weekdays. Exploring trails within larger parks like Jester Park or Yellow Banks Park, which feature multiple loops, can often lead to more secluded experiences away from the main access points.