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Des Moines Riverwalk

4.8 ★★★★★ 36 Google reviews · Running trail in Des Moines, Iowa · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Des Moines Riverwalk'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.

Des Moines Riverwalk — running trail in Des Moines, IA, photo 1
Des Moines Riverwalk — running trail in Des Moines, IA, photo 2
Des Moines Riverwalk — running trail in Des Moines, IA, photo 3
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Des Moines Riverwalk — running trail in Des Moines, IA, photo 5
Open 24hScenic

What runners say about Des Moines Riverwalk

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (36 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 6 mentions

“Absolutely beautiful, I really enjoy this area of Des Moines and am so excited for the future changes !”

Des Moines Riverwalk Park is a nice and relaxing place to walk and enjoy the river views. It’s known for the Women of Achievement Bridge, which is a cool and meaningful landmark. The path is clean and easy to walk, and it’s a good spot to take a break or enjoy some fresh air.

★★★★☆ — Connected , Jan 2026

This is a different view of the city and a nice place to walk with gardeners along the way.

★★★★★ — Richard , Aug 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 36 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 10 mentions

“Absolutely beautiful, I really enjoy this area of Des Moines and am so excited for the future changes !”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Des Moines Riverwalk

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • 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.

Hours

Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Des Moines Riverwalk

Des Moines River Trail, Des Moines, IA 50309

Get directions

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.

Central Place Trail

5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews

Des Moines, IA

Paved

under a mile away

Gray's Lake Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 2,410 reviews

Des Moines, IA

ShadedLitScenicDog-friendly

167-acre park featuring a 1.9-mi. lighted walking path around a lake with small boat rentals.

1.9 miles away

Carl Voss Trail

4.6 ★★★★★ 14 reviews

Des Moines, IA

2.9 miles away

Greenwood - Ashworth Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 565 reviews

Des Moines, IA

MixedScenic

Public recreation area with playgrounds, a splash pad & picnic shelters, plus a pond & rose garden.

3.3 miles away

Great Western Trail Head

4.7 ★★★★★ 31 reviews

Des Moines, IA

3.9 miles away

Strasser Woods State Preserve

4.4 ★★★★☆ 68 reviews

Des Moines, IA

1 miShadedDog-friendly

City-area nature preserve offering hiking and walking trails through woods, with a creek.

3.9 miles away

All running trails in Des Moines, IA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.