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Great Western Trailhead

4.3 ★★★★☆ 4 Google reviews · Running trail in West 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 Great Western Trailhead'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.

Great Western Trailhead — running trail in West Des Moines, IA, photo 1
Open 24hTrailhead parking

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.

🅿️ Trailhead parking 2 mentions

“Convenient location with six parking spaces for trail users.”

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Plan your run at Great Western Trailhead

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.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • Websitepolkcountyiowa.gov
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

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 Great Western Trailhead

800 SE Pine Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265

Get directions

Running trails near West 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.

Brown's Woods

4.7 ★★★★★ 551 reviews

West Des Moines, IA

3 miLoopShadedScenic

Wildlife preserve filled with oak & hickory trees as well as trails for hiking & geocaching.

1.6 miles away

Walnut Woods State Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 804 reviews

West Des Moines, IA

16.5 miPavedShadedScenic

260-acre nature reserve with trails, camping, river boating & fishing & a 1930s lodge for rentals.

2.1 miles away

Billy O Phillips Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 126 reviews

Norwalk, IA

Recreational space featuring a playground, covered pavilion, and picnic tables.

2.5 miles away

Raccoon River Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 2,650 reviews

West Des Moines, IA

PavedScenicDog-friendly

Large sports & recreation venue with athletic fields, a swimming beach, fishing pier & nature trail.

2.6 miles away

Purple Martin Lake Water Resource Area

4.3 ★★★★☆ 90 reviews

West Des Moines, IA

Scenic

Purple martin nesting area featuring kayak and canoe access for the lake for fishing and shore walks.

2.8 miles away

Elizabeth Holland Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 17 reviews

Norwalk, IA

86 miLit

2.9 miles away

All running trails in West 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.