The high trestle bridge trail is a beautifully appointed, concrete paved, multi use trail. Multiple trail entrances with great parking make it very convenient to gain access. The trail's name is derived from a former Union Pacific railroad bridge that spans the Des Moines River between the towns of Madrid and Woodward (just outside of Des Moines). The highlight of this trail is of course is the bridge that runs nearly 3/4 a mile more than 130 feet from the river bottom. The views are absolutely spectacular and the wildlife abundant. Hiking and biking are the only way to access this bridge. There is plenty of camping in the area, or not too far north of I80 if you're just looking for a day trip around the Des Moines area. At night, the bridge is lit, emphasizing the unique metal sculptures that have been installed the full length of the bridge. This trail is a must for bike enthusiasts. read more

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Neat place on the 'plains' of Iowa. Beautiful views of the river, a nice breeze on a hot day, Lots of bikers, walkers and runners. There must be multiple parking lots but I considered myself lucky I could find one. Google maps was confused. Clean bathrooms, could use an outside water faucet that works. read more

absolutely fantastic. Especially at night time. We came when it was very cold but the bridge experience is just so fun that we didn't even notice. There are not contrary to popular belief blue lights across the whole bridge but the parts with light make it absolutely worth it. 10/10. Great walking trial. Well maintained. No tripping hazards. Excellent place to go on a lil walk with your friend when you're going through some things after the fire department breaks your door. The end. You should for sure check it out. read more

High Trestle Trail - Local Flavor Near Me

SUCH a beautiful trail l, paved, accessible, and dog friendly - I couldn't recommend it enough! This trail spans ~25 miles and cuts through a ton of towns in Iowa, so you can make a whole day of it on a bike, stopping to check out each town! I wish I had been on a bike to explore this trail more, because just by walking it it was already so lovely! This trail was converted from a discontinued railway and I genuinely think that that's such an incredible thing to do! Now the community can appreciate it in a whole new way! If you're walking and don't have a whole day to spare, I would recommend parking as close to the High Trestle Trail Bridge as possible because this is a must see and must experience! The bridge has some extra architectural elements to it that make it extra special to take in and offset by the backdrop of nature! It was gorgeous coming here in the fall and looking out over this portion of the Des Moines river, seeing some of the trees beginning to change color! If you can fit it into your schedule where you can come to this bridge near sunset, that would be even more spectacular I'm sure! Just be forewarned that if you go on a bit of a windy day, you'll be getting a ton of wind up here given its out in the middle of the river, above the trees, and open to the elements! It did get a tad windy while we were walking the bridge, but the bridge isn't too long so it was manageable until we got off the bridge and back in the cover of the trees! We parked at the High Trestle Trail parking lot closest to the bridge, so it ended up being about just around a mile out to the bridge and back. I was also considering parking in the city of Woodward, where the trailhead is and walking from there to the bridge and back, which would've been closer to 4-5 miles roundtrip if you have a little more time on foot to spare. I definitely want to come back and ride the entire 25 miles on bike though because from just the beauty on the short stretch of the trail we saw, I would love to soak in the rest of the trail too! The closest part of this trail is only about 15 minutes North of Des Moines. The trail bridge is probably closer to 40 minutes out of Des Moines, but still so doable if you're in this area! I could not recommend this trail more and hope you all have a gorgeous time the way we did! read more

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Trail is wide, smooth, and goes through several towns with refreshments. You walk or ride past fields and some wooded areas.

This is a great spot to go see the beautiful sunset. Medium walk to the actual bridge but worth every step. Amazing views of the river, land and sunset if you go at the right time. A must see if around the area. read more

The High Trestle Trail, which runs through Ankeny is simply an amazing concept. An old railroad line, now paved and turned into a smooth path for pedestrians and bicyclists alike. I've not ridden the entire trail, but I looked online at: https://www.traillink.com/trail/high-trestle-trail/ and it says the trail is just over 30 miles long, beginning in Ankeny and ending in Perry. I usually ride from my house in north Ankeny, several blocks south where pick up the trail at 18th Street. From there, I go either SE through Ankeny to the NEW bridge crossing Oralabor Road, then turn around and come back home. (About 13 miles.) If I go NW from 18th Street intersection, I go until I meet the "Oasis". I then turn around, head home, and this route is also about 13 mile roundtrip from my house. Pretty scenery and landscape, cornfields (of course), and animals. Sure, I've seen in reviews that it gets very windy on the trail. Well, on those days, I choose to ride SE into Ankeny, and on this route, I'm protected by trees and houses. How simple is that? read more

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50 miles round trip! Nice flat ride, out in the open. Iowa corn fields and a few beautiful stops. I started at the Ankeny trail head. My first attempt at this trail. I started strong. Leaving from Ankeny there are quite a few road crossings. This is really a nice mostly flat trail. I noticed one bathroom stop on the way too Slater. Once in town (about halfway) there is a nice bike bar, Nite Hawk, on the trail. I pulled off to meet a friend and take a moment. Then we got moving again to make it to the bridge. Taking a note of another bar, Flat Tire, for a break on the way back. We made it to the bridge. So beautiful. Took lots of pictures while we took in the scenery. We did not make it to the end due to time but headed back too Slater after a quick stop at the Flat Tire. What a beautiful trail. I'm gonna make the entire trip soon. read more

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Bikers ruind the experience for one they need to use a different bridge because its always move out of the way can even get a good picture without them interrupting and then you have only a section of the bridge lighted up which ruins it a bit more i think the whole bridge should be lit up and no restroom nearby i think there should be a couple made at least instead of just portable ones where the car parking is read more

This place is amazing. It's so worth the walk. Incredible and clean and very beautiful - try it at night like we did, you won't be disappointed. It's an easy, flat walk and accessible. There is limited parking, but we waited and found a spot after 30 minutes or so. Glad we did! read more

High Trestle Trail - Beautiful night! - Local Flavor Near Me

Free Parking and a perfect place for a light hike or bike ride or a sunset Picnic by the High Trestle Bridge. It's a walk depending on how you go but worth stopping on at the FlatTire Lounge before or after to reward yourself. Bring your camera- some really great shots to capture! read more

High Trestle Trail - Local Flavor Near Me

This has turned into one of my favorite trails in DeMo. There are many stops along the way. Either in bar/restaurant or picnic table and chairs. I've enjoyed both and drank beer at both. The Sunday Fun Day are my favorite rides, live music, beer, and food at all bar stops. Plus you get to meet friendly cyclist along the way. The trail goes from Ankeny to Woodward and a 50 mile round trip. It's almost flat I can't think of a single spot where you have to work hard to climb a hill. The Trestle is really beautiful in the day and at night when it is lighted up it gains 10 times the day time view. If you choose to walk the trail at dusk or dark to see the Trestle all lit up please wear light colors like yellow or white. So many people wear black out on the trail at night. Many cyclist can't see you until they are right up on you. Be Safe!! read more

High Trestle Trail - Up high on the trail - Local Flavor Near Me

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Love the scenery to enjoy with family on a summer day I have been there also during the winter months is pretty but is to cold lol

Loved riding the 50 miles round trip! Great paved bike path through the corn fields... started at the bridge during daylight and ended during nighttime- loved the view of both! read more

High Trestle Trail - Local Flavor Near Me

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I can't say enough great things about this very creatively built bridge. I took my wife (girlfriend back then) here on our first weekend trip out of town and it was the night she first said told me that she loves me! The walk to the bridge is a paved bike and walking path which is a beautiful walk during daylight hours and even better once the sun has set on the western horizon. Walking this path at night gives ample opportunity for parents to tell their kids some ghostly scary stories all while hearing wildlife in the bushes and trees or the wind rustling through the timber. When getting to the bridge itself you are greeted by a large stone monument for which the artist's information is close by. Upon stepping onto the High Trestle Trail Bridge you see the sheer size of it better and are able to view the Des Moines river in it's beauty. The little islands that have come about as the river flow changes its course is a sight of its own. You are now well over 100 feet above the river and just start to notice the steel squares surrounding you in a spiral type pattern. As you approach the middle of the bridge (definitely best time to view this is after darkness has set in) the steel squares have blue light lines on them making the spiral pattern that much more apparent. It is magical if I must say so myself lol. I just love coming back here every once in a while to take in the absolute beauty of Iowa. On your way back as it is most likely dark now take some time as you wander away from the magical blue lights and stop, look up, and awwww at the darkness around you as you can slowly see stars appear in front of your eyes. Yet another wonderful thing to talk to the kids about before they get tired and you end up carrying them back to one of the two parking lots a half mile down the path read more

High Trestle Trail - Entrance to the bridge from the East - Local Flavor Near Me

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Nature at its best in Iowa....beautiful bridge and unique structure. Great nature walk leading up to the bridge. Comfortable shoes and clothes a must! Also watch out for bikers. If you're into trails and simply enjoying what nature has to offer a must see. Not recommended to go on a hot day read more

High Trestle Trail - Local Flavor Near Me

I hop on in Ankeny and ride out toward Woodward. You will love the bridge and want to go back time and time again. Nice trail. water stop about 10 miles out along with port o potty. watch for traffic as you cross the main roads as they DO NOT slow down for you. The towns along the way have nice restaurants to stop at. Local joints that love having you there. Stay a little bit or awhile. read more

There August 7, 2017. Visiting Des Moines from Denver, drove the hour round trip to see the the full moon and blue artistic lights on this trestle bridge as featured prominently on the "Catch Des Moines" web site. The moon delivered as promised, the bridge, however, was a dud. No lights, just a series of hollow iron squares that grew darker and darker as the light faded. "It's a shame they aren't lit up," said a fellow bridge crosser. Couldn't agree more especially as we had brought 5 children with us. read more