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Brown's Woods
4.7 ★★★★★ 551 Google reviews · Running trail in West Des Moines, Iowa · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 3 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Brown's Woods' own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Wildlife preserve filled with oak & hickory trees as well as trails for hiking & geocaching.
What runners say about Brown's Woods
“Very nice trails and well kept park for an impromptu day hike while on vacation.”
“😔 Its beautiful when you can get the time to slow down and breathe in air that actually doesn't smell like rotten eggs.”
“I love walking the loops here — it’s peaceful, well-maintained, and a great way to recharge.”
One of the best hikes in the Des Moines area, which admittedly isn't saying all that much. Still this is a great 3 mile loop with side-paths that can add on additional mile or 2. The first half mile is near a major road so you have the urban vibe but before long it veers off deep into the woods.
This is my absolute go to when it comes to getting a nice hike. There are long stretches, of flat and a few challenging hills to make for a great cardio session of about 3 miles. It’s the best Forest views that you will see near Des Moines.
Great trails to run or hike in West Des Moines. The outer loop ends up being three miles long. The trails are pretty hilly in spots so if you are wanting an easy, flat place to run or walk, this may not be for you.
Great little hike!!! So peaceful and pretty. BRING bug spray! My 7 year old son loved it! The trail signs also give u the option of a guided audio tour at each point by dialing a number on your phone! VERY COOL!!!! Forage black berries when they are ready!
Trail conditions & character
“😔 Its beautiful when you can get the time to slow down and breathe in air that actually doesn't smell like rotten eggs.”
“I love walking the loops here — it’s peaceful, well-maintained, and a great way to recharge.”
“Main parking lot was full but just down the road is another large gravel parking lot with access to the trail.”
“I completed the longest loop, which was just over 3 miles, in under an hour at a leisurely pace, also saw a couple of people trail running.”
“The trails are pretty hilly in spots so if you are wanting an easy, flat place to run or walk, this may not be for you.”
“The path is mostly shaded, offering a cool and relaxing atmosphere even on warmer days.”
“The trails are pretty hilly in spots so if you are wanting an easy, flat place to run or walk, this may not be for you.”
Plan your run at Brown's Woods
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- Loop distance3 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Phone(515) 323-5300
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 AM–10:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30 AM–10:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30 AM–10:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30 AM–10:30 PM |
| Friday | 6:30 AM–10:30 PM |
| Saturday | 6:30 AM–10:30 PM |
| Sunday | 6:30 AM–10:30 PM |
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