The Best Loop Trails in West Des Moines, Iowa
One of the many reasons residents love West Des Moines is its incredible access to parks, trails, and outdoor recreation. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll, a scenic bike ride, a family-friendly adventure, or a peaceful nature walk, West Des Moines offers several outstanding loop trails that showcase the area's lakes, woodlands, prairies, and river corridors.
Here are some of the best loop trails in West Des Moines that deserve a spot on your outdoor bucket list.
1. Blue Heron Lake Loop at Raccoon River Park
If there's one trail that defines outdoor recreation in West Des Moines, it's the loop around Blue Heron Lake at Raccoon River Park. This approximately 3.1-mile loop combines paved and gravel surfaces, making it popular with walkers, runners, cyclists, and families. The route circles the lake, winding through wooded sections, open water views, and beach areas while offering opportunities to spot birds and other wildlife.
The park itself spans more than 600 acres and is often considered the crown jewel of the West Des Moines park system. Amenities include a swimming beach, playground, fishing areas, boat rentals, and direct trail connections to surrounding parks.
A favorite among local runners, the trail is frequently recommended by Des Moines-area outdoor enthusiasts for its flat terrain and beautiful lake scenery.
2. Brown's Woods Trail Loops
For those who prefer a more natural hiking experience, Brown's Woods offers some of the best wooded trails in the metro area. Located in southern West Des Moines, this beautiful forest preserve features interconnected loop trails through mature oak, hickory, and walnut trees.
Unlike many paved recreational trails, Brown's Woods feels surprisingly remote despite being just minutes from suburban neighborhoods. The trail system includes an outer loop and several smaller connected loops that allow hikers and trail runners to customize their distance.
During the fall, the colorful canopy makes this one of the most scenic hiking destinations in Central Iowa.
3. Walnut Woods State Park River Loop
Nestled along the Raccoon River, Walnut Woods State Park offers several loop options that combine river views, towering cottonwood trees, and peaceful woodland scenery. The park is famous for its massive black walnut trees, some of the largest in Iowa.
Visitors can create loops using the park's paved and natural-surface trails while enjoying bird watching, photography, and seasonal wildflowers. The relatively flat terrain makes it suitable for hikers of all ages and ability levels.
One of the biggest advantages of Walnut Woods is its proximity to Raccoon River Park via the Athene Pedestrian Bridge, allowing ambitious walkers and cyclists to create even longer loop adventures.
4. Willow Springs Park Walking Loop
Tucked into the rapidly growing western side of West Des Moines, Willow Springs Park offers a peaceful neighborhood trail experience centered around a picturesque pond. The park's walking paths create an easy loop perfect for families, dog walkers, and anyone looking for a quick outdoor escape.
The loop may not be the longest trail on this list, but the combination of water views, open green space, and convenient location makes it a hidden gem for local residents.
It's especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset when the water reflects the changing colors of the sky.
5. Quail Cove Park Loop
Quail Cove Park provides another excellent option for those seeking a shorter but scenic walking loop. The park features trails around a pond with opportunities to observe waterfowl and other wildlife throughout the year.
The relatively flat terrain and well-maintained pathways make it a favorite destination for families with young children and residents looking for an easy evening walk.
While it may not attract the crowds of Raccoon River Park, Quail Cove delivers a peaceful outdoor experience right in the heart of West Des Moines.
Honorable Mention: Build Your Own Loop Adventure
One of the best aspects of West Des Moines' trail network is how connected it has become. Trails linking Raccoon River Park, Walnut Woods, Jordan Creek, and surrounding greenways allow walkers, runners, and cyclists to create custom loop routes far beyond the traditional park loops. City leaders are even working toward a future citywide marathon-length loop trail connecting many of these destinations.
Why West Des Moines is a Trail Lover's Paradise
West Des Moines offers something many communities struggle to provide: variety. In a single afternoon, you can walk around a lake, hike through mature hardwood forests, explore riverside woodlands, or enjoy a relaxing neighborhood pond trail.
Whether you're training for a race, spending time with family, walking your dog, or simply enjoying nature, these loop trails showcase some of the very best outdoor recreation opportunities in Central Iowa.
If you're considering a move to West Des Moines, the city's exceptional trail system is just one more reason why it continues to be one of Iowa's most desirable places to call home.