Home › Iowa › Ankeny › High Trestle Trail
High Trestle Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 42 Google reviews · Running trail in Ankeny, Iowa · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from High Trestle 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 High Trestle Trail
“Clean, safe, well-marked, great views, lots of wild birds, kind fellow riders, cows, and a well-maintained trail!”
“Clean, safe, well-marked, great views, lots of wild birds, kind fellow riders, cows, and a well-maintained trail!”
“Clean, safe, well-marked, great views, lots of wild birds, kind fellow riders, cows, and a well-maintained trail!”
Fantastic trail! Suitable for all levels. So many nice places to stop on the route, in addition to the beautiful scenery! My group will be returning from Kansas to cycle again!
We parked at trail head in downtown Ankeny. Plenty of parking and modern restrooms very clean. Trail was well marked and restroom building had detailed maps on outside of building. The trail was very well maintained. Lots of bikers and trail walkers. This is a very nice trail. The bridge was worth visiting.
Nice trail. Pretty straight and level... which makes sense, it's on land once used by a train. The view from the bridge is nice. We visited on a VERY cold and windy day and still enjoyed it. I think it would be even better lit up at night... next time.
So spoiled by this trail. Every inch is perfectly manicured and carved out amongst God's country. Ride it. Walk it. Whatever you're into. Just slow the F down when approaching the crossings by vehicle.
Trail conditions & character
“Clean, safe, well-marked, great views, lots of wild birds, kind fellow riders, cows, and a well-maintained trail!”
“Entirely paved which is perfect for a road bike.”
“Plenty of parking and modern restrooms very clean.”
“Clean, safe, well-marked, great views, lots of wild birds, kind fellow riders, cows, and a well-maintained trail!”
Plan your run at High Trestle Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- 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 — reported by runners
- Websitepolkcountyiowa.gov
- Phone+1 515-963-3570
- 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 |
Running trails near Ankeny
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
