Des Moines features a series of residential neighborhoods west of downtown that are lovely for running. There are tree-lined streets with sidewalks attractive homes, parks, and multi-use paths than can also be incorporated.
The area we recommend is generally west of SW 9th St. and east of Walnut Creek, bound by Waterworks Park to the south and I-235 to the north. The neighborhoods are: Sherman Hill, North of Grand, Ingersoll Park, Waterbury, Westwood, and Salisbury Oaks. Create your own route here. Long east-west streets such as Grand Ave., Ingersoll Ave., and Woodland Ave. can be used as guideposts. The neighborhoods south of Grand Ave. are a bit more suburban, and north of Grand they’re a but denser. Greenwood-Ashworth Park is centrally located and can be used as a good start point.
Add-Ons: At the west end of this area, the Walnut Creek Trail can be incorporated into the route, and at the south end, our Waterworks Park route.
Des Moines features a series of residential neighborhoods west of downtown that are lovely for running. There are tree-lined streets with sidewalks attractive homes, parks, and multi-use paths than can also be incorporated.
The area we recommend is generally west of SW 9th St. and east of Walnut Creek, bound by Waterworks Park to the south and I-235 to the north. The neighborhoods are: Sherman Hill, North of Grand, Ingersoll Park, Waterbury, Westwood, and Salisbury Oaks. Create your own route here. Long east-west streets such as Grand Ave., Ingersoll Ave., and Woodland Ave. can be used as guideposts. The neighborhoods south of Grand Ave. are a bit more suburban, and north of Grand they’re a but denser. Greenwood-Ashworth Park is centrally located and can be used as a good start point.
Add-Ons: At the west end of this area, the Walnut Creek Trail can be incorporated into the route, and at the south end, our Waterworks Park route.
Scroll Down For Route Maps
Essentials
Create your own route
Generally flat
Any point in area. Greenwood-Ashworth Park is centrally located and is a good starting point
A ‘runseeing’ tour of central Des Moines, showcasing the Riverwalk, several parks, the Capitol, and the Sherman Hill Historic District. The full route is 10+ miles, but there are numerous shorter options.
A scenic run along the Des Moines River, with numerous distance and add-on options. The longer path is on the east side, headed north, passing Birdland Park, River Drive Park, & more.
One of our favorite runs in Des Moines. Combine the 1.9-mile loop around Gray's Lake with the numerous paths in Water Works Park, with its large lake, wetlands, and fields. Multiple trails & distance options.
A pleasant 5k around Raccoon Lake on a crushed rock/asphalt trail. The park has athletic fields and a swimming beach. For a longer run, the Jordan Creek Trail connects to Water Works Park & Fairmeadows Park.
The series of trails along Walnut Creek make for another pleasant, easy run on paved multi-use paths in northwestern Des Moines. One can run for up to 9 miles to Clive Lake.
A pleasant 4-mile loop around Easter Lake in southeastern Des Moines, nearly entirely on paved off-road paths and multi-use trails. Combination of woods, park, and some lake views.
Paved multi-use path that runs southward from Des Moines for 17 miles through Willow Creek Golf Course, Orilla, and Cumming. Combination woods & farmland, a bit monotonous, but a good opp to rack up the miles.
A nice running option in northern Des Moines, following the Neil Smith Trail for up to 13.7 miles, through woodlands, prairie, and wetlands, with views of Saylorville Lake. Can also head south toward Des Moines
Wonderful, paved rail-trail that runs for 31 miles between Woodward and Oralabor. Farmland & wooded landscape. Highlight is the High Trestle Bridge: 1/2 mile, 13-story high, w/ 'From Here to There' blue LED night light installation.
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!
Subscribe
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Essentials
Create your own route
Generally flat
Any point in area. Greenwood-Ashworth Park is centrally located and is a good starting point
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!