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Gray's Lake Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,410 Google reviews · Running trail in Des Moines, Iowa · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Gray's Lake Park'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.
167-acre park featuring a 1.9-mi. lighted walking path around a lake with small boat rentals.
What runners say about Gray's Lake Park
“It has all the basic amenities I appreciate - water fountains and restrooms, these ones have been especially clean.”
“Beautiful drive around the entire park, continues across the street to Water Works.”
“There's lots of seating in the shade and picnic tables and even the swings that look out at the lake.”
“The walking and biking trail around the lake is well maintained and perfect for exercise or a peaceful stroll.”
Very nice place to take the family. Quite casual. Great walking, running, and bicycle area. They have a rental area to rent canoes and paddle boats.
Gray's lake is one of my favorite spots. I usually like more wooded trails, but I find the long path around the lake more than makes up for it. I wish the park was open later because I think it's a different experience after dark.
Love this place so much! Such a Beautiful place to visit! So much to see and do here. Walking, running, swimming, relaxing, riding your bike, roller skating, fishing, tanning, reading a book, having a picnic, listening to music, family pictures. Perfect place for kids to let out some energy!
Gray’s Lake Park is a beautiful and relaxing place to visit. The walking and biking trail around the lake is well maintained and perfect for exercise or a peaceful stroll. The David and Elizabeth Bridge is a great highlight — it looks especially nice in the evening and adds to the scenic views.
Trail conditions & character
“We drove around most of the lake to get a good view of everything and during which there was a marathon or 5K going on which was cool to see.”
“I love seeing the lights reflect off the water, and the colored lights on the bridge are much more fun.”
“Great place to think, walk the dog, or bring children I suppose for those that have that joyful displeasure.”
“I usually like more wooded trails, but I find the long path around the lake more than makes up for it.”
“There is a small beach my area where people can go swimming and there are some small facilities to change or use the restroom.”
“Front parking lot often fills up, so just plan on rear parking to make it easier on yourself.”
“It has all the basic amenities I appreciate - water fountains and restrooms, these ones have been especially clean.”
Plan your run at Gray's Lake Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Phone(515) 242-2855
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–10 PM |
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.
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Railroad Park
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