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Gray's Lake Park – Neal Smith Trail loop from Valley Junction Park

Gray's Lake Park – Neal Smith Trail loop from Valley Junction Park

Easy

3.3

(14)

riders

Gray's Lake Park – Neal Smith Trail loop from Valley Junction Park

01:31

27.2km

80m

Road cycling

Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: June 23, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 13.1 km for 70 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

6.33 km

Bill Riley Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Bill Riley Trail is a 2.7-mile paved pathway that winds through wooded areas, including Ashworth Park, and crosses the Raccoon River via a rustic trestle bridge. The trail is …

Tip by

7.70 km

Gray's Lake Park

Highlight • Lake

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 …

Tip by

10.4 km

Raccoon River

Highlight • River

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 …

Tip by

11.7 km

The Principal Riverwalk is a smooth, scenic pathway along the Des Moines River, perfect if you're looking to explore downtown. Its well-paved paths and pedestrian bridges connect key districts, making …

Tip by

12.5 km

Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

The Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge is a car-free bridge that gives you the chance to enjoy a pleasant ride or walk across the Des Moines River—even at night, thanks to its good lighting.

Tip by

13.1 km

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Highlight • Structure

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is located in the center of Des Moines and has a size of about 17 acres. It includes a Café and multiple gardens where young and old can learn about endemic plants and flowers.

Tip by

13.9 km

Neal Smith Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Neal Smith Trail is a 26-mile trail through Des Moines along the Des Moines River. It is fully paved and traffic free, so it is a great way to move through the heavily populated city.

Tip by

19.7 km

Gray's Lake beach

Highlight • Beach

This sandy beach at Gray’s Lake is a great spot to pause during or after your hike. Dip your feet in the water, relax on the sand, or even have a quick picnic before finishing the loop around the lake.

Tip by

27.2 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

22.9 km

2.77 km

853 m

566 m

126 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

14.9 km

11.0 km

1.23 km

113 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Thursday 9 July

32°C

20°C

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Gray's Lake Park – Neal Smith Trail loop from Valley Junction Park

Bill Riley Trail

Gray's Lake Park

Raccoon River

Principal Riverwalk

Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Neal Smith Trail

Gray's Lake beach

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