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Cottonwood Recreation Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 91 Google reviews · Running trail in Ankeny, Iowa · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Cottonwood Recreation Area's 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.
What runners say about Cottonwood Recreation Area
“Beautiful, open shelter houses for day rentals, lots of open field to play in, and river access for fishing”
A really hidden Des Moines gem actually it's in Johnston but so very close to the north side of Des Moines. It has extensive walking areas parking areas and a beautiful area along the river all free.
Access to the campground, volleyball courts, and picnic shelters. Right by the Meal Smith bike trail too. Nice area. Lots of... Cottonwoods!
Beautiful place to walk your dog on-leash. Lots of great sniffs and open area. There is a loop at the end of the lane at this entrance. It's a little hard to see the turnoff. There are stone markers. Plenty of parking and open restrooms. There are shelters and a playground. If you go now, you can see the pelicans!
Very nice shelters for celebrations. Almost all have their own sand volleyball court and restrooms bear by. Lovely prairies between sections. Great place to go for a walk.
Trail conditions & character
“Almost all have their own sand volleyball court and restrooms bear by.”
“Beautiful, open shelter houses for day rentals, lots of open field to play in, and river access for fishing”
“And it's relatively flat easy location to get to with accessible walking you could walk in park with a wheelchair and have a nice outdoor experience.”
“It has extensive walking areas parking areas and a beautiful area along the river all free.”
Plan your run at Cottonwood Recreation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiterecreation.gov
- Phone+1 515-276-4656
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–8 pm |
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