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Greenbelt Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 96 Google reviews · Running trail in Clive, Iowa · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Greenbelt 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.
Scenic trail traversing woods, creeks and bridges, along with a playground.
What runners say about Greenbelt Trail
“Long, clean, relaxing trail with lots of shade from the trees, and multiple entry points, and parking spots.”
“Such a beautiful, peaceful place to take a nature walk.”
“Long, clean, relaxing trail with lots of shade from the trees, and multiple entry points, and parking spots.”
“Family friendly, we took our puppy as well and I felt the trail was spacious enough for us all!”
I love this trail. It goes on and on and on.... it's great for walking, running, biking, strollers, rollerblading, and is dog-friendly. Lots of scenes to take in as well as off-chutes (entrances), so you won't bore easily. Great piece of nature through the middle of a city. It doesn't feel urban.
Lovely trail. We enjoying walking on the trail when we visit Des Moines.
Family friendly, we took our puppy as well and I felt the trail was spacious enough for us all! Lots to see, a few different bridges to cross over. We didn't go in too far but plan to go back very soon! Location and entrance was easily accessible!
Great trail. I stopped at the Love’s truck stop and it’s right behind it, so I took a bike ride to Windsor Heights and back. It’s well paved and goes along a wooded creek. There are benches, a few restaurants, Walmart, Sams Club, dog park and other ones.
Trail conditions & character
“Such a beautiful, peaceful place to take a nature walk.”
“Long, clean, relaxing trail with lots of shade from the trees, and multiple entry points, and parking spots.”
“it's great for walking, running, biking, strollers, rollerblading, and is dog-friendly.”
“it's great for walking, running, biking, strollers, rollerblading, and is dog-friendly.”
“I gave it a 4 star because I feel the trail could use a few more lights for night walkers (parts of the trail are pitch black when walking at night).”
“Tons of shade, well-maintained trails, and water fountains every 2-3 miles”
Plan your run at Greenbelt Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late 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.
- 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 trailheadwater — 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.
Running trails near Clive
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Jackaline Baldwin Dunlap Park and Arboretum
4.7 ★★★★★ 71 reviews
Serene area featuring trees, benches and picnic spots, plus hidden statues.
Pearson Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 194 reviews
Family-friendly park with a walking loop, plus playground equipment and a basketball court.
Crossroads Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 106 reviews
City park with tennis courts, a walking trail, a skateboard park, and a playground.
Cross Creek Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 38 reviews
Jaycee Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 147 reviews
Neighborhood park with play structures, a baseball batting cage, and courts for tennis, basketball, and volleyball.