Home › Iowa › Des Moines › Denman's Woods Trail
Denman's Woods Trail
4.3 ★★★★☆ 11 Google reviews · Running trail in Des Moines, Iowa · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Denman's Woods Trail'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 Denman's Woods Trail
Great single track trail through the woods, easy to moderate ride. A few places a beginner may need to dismount. Over 4 miles with switchbacks tucked in this little woods.
Really well thought out trail system. Hats off to everybody who has put time and effort into maintaining this trail throughout the years. Thank you.
Beautiful place to ride through the dense trees on a well-kept single track trail. If you want an adrenaline rush, try going as fast as you can on an e-bike flying through the tight gaps in the tree trunks.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful place to ride through the dense trees on a well-kept single track trail.”
Plan your run at Denman's Woods Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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, water — reported by runners
- Websitecentraliowatrails.com
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Des Moines
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Railroad Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 86 reviews
Park featuring a farmers market and occasional bands, plus a space for picnicking.
Greenwood - Ashworth Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 565 reviews
Public recreation area with playgrounds, a splash pad & picnic shelters, plus a pond & rose garden.
Great Western Trail Head
4.7 ★★★★★ 31 reviews
Raccoon River Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,650 reviews
Large sports & recreation venue with athletic fields, a swimming beach, fishing pier & nature trail.
Brown's Woods
4.7 ★★★★★ 551 reviews
Wildlife preserve filled with oak & hickory trees as well as trails for hiking & geocaching.
Pearson Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 194 reviews
Family-friendly park with a walking loop, plus playground equipment and a basketball court.