You are viewing trails categorized under High Trestle Trail.

High Trestle Bridge via Gravel

Dallas County
Length: 47 miles
Surface: Mostly Gravel
Parking: Webster Elementary School, Urbandale

It's no accident that the High Trestle Trail is grabbing a lot of attention from cyclists. It's a spectacular view 130 feet above the Des Moines River—and a treat for eyes at night. Photo: Kelly Green

This relatively flat round-trip gravel road ride leads riders from the heart of suburbia to a vast scenic vista with not a building in sight.

The High Trestle Trail bridge, 130 feet above the Des Moines River, is currently the longest bike/walk bridge in the US. It’s a magnificent structure.

Leaving from Webster Elementary School in Urbandale, a mile of pavement leads to the first section of gravel at Meredith Dr. and Y Ave. As you continue north, you will be lead down to the Beaver Creek Valley. Turning north on Xavier Ave. takes you through a flood plain on the washed out road. The quiet backwater ponds that surround the road are teeming with wildlife. The road has been closed for several years, but is passable by bicycle. It can be muddy after a rain. After a quick stop in Granger to refuel at Casey’s, continue north, through town, on Xavier and wind north and west for six miles. A right turn on 145th Lane leads you down into the Des Moines River Valley and onto a narrow gravel road that has a north woods feel about it. A detour to a boat ramp, at the very north east corner of this road, brings the High Trestle Bridge into full view. A stiff climb out of the river valley and a few miles of gravel takes riders to the High Trestle Trail. About ½ mile after turning right onto the trail, the buttresses that mark the entrance to the bridge begin to come into view. Be sure to stop at the overlook on the west side of the bridge as you marvel at the work of art that connects the west side of the river to the east.

For an extra special treat, strap on your lights and try this ride at night to see how beautifully the bridge is lit. Afterwards, head two miles west for pizza and beer at Mr. C’s in Woodward.

Ride along with a group of Des Moines-area cyclists on an evening ride to the High Trestle Trail bridge with a  slightly different return trip.

Where to stay: Two Bears Lodge (twobearslodge@mchsi.com, 515-795-3880); Butler House on Grand (515-255-4096); The 1900 Inn (877-577-0149).

River Valleys and Trail Art

Daytime: Bill Rumme, a top-notch bike mechanic in the Des Moines area, rides across the High Trestle Trail on his trike. Photo: Kelly Green

Boone and Story counties
Length: 57 Miles (full route); 43 Miles (cutoff)
Surface: Paved Roads and Trails
Parking and Restrooms: West Towne Pub, Ames

This scenic route mixes hills with a trail conversion and an iconic bike/walk bridge and sculpture. Park at the West Towne Pub and head north out of Ames on South Dakota. Cross Lincoln Way and continue north on North Dakota for 3.3 miles and turn left (west) onto Cameron School Road. In one mile, turn right (north) onto R38 and in.5 mile, turn left (west) onto E26, which you will take all the way to Boone.

Two miles west of Hwy 17, pull off to check the view northeast – you can see forever! In Boone, turn left (south) onto Story Street. A Casey’s is just .75 mile down the road. Turn right onto 11th Street, left on Division, right on 10th, left on Marion, right on 8th, left on Ringgold, and right on Third Avenue to traverse through town. Third transitions to E41, the old Lincoln Highway, which descends into the Des Moines River valley. Approximately 1 mile beyond the bridge, turn left (south) on R18. Use caution to cross busy Hwy 30.

Continue south on R18 to Woodward and connect with the High Trestle Trail. The jaw-dropping bridge across the Des Moines River is just 2.5 miles east. Twin 42-foot-tall towers on each side include dark bands of rocks that represent geologic coal veins found in local limestone deposits, and the 41 steel frames over the bridge represent support cribs within an old-fashioned coal mine.

John Washburn’s collection of photos—about the nicest we’ve seen.

In Madrid, The Flat Tire Lounge – just 12 feet from the trail – draws in plenty of riders. Down the road in Slater, stop at the bike-friendly Take Down Bar before turning north (left) on R38, with dedicated bicycle lanes all the way to Ames. End the trip in Ames at West Towne Pub with a burger and a cold one!

Where to stay: Two Bears Lodge (515-795-3880); MonteBello B&B (515-296-2181)

Nighttime: If you ride the High Trestle Trail at night (and you should) don't forget to bring lighting for your bike and a camera. You'll capture plenty of images like this to treasure. Photo: Kelly Green