Gray's Lake Trail
Easy
1.9 miles
Paved
Featured
A popular 1.9-mile loop trail around Gray's Lake in the heart of Des Moines. The iconic pedestrian bridge lights up at night and offers stunning views of the downtown skyline.
Activities
walking
running
biking
Trail Highlights
Iconic lighted pedestrian bridge, downtown skyline views, paddleboard and kayak rentals in summer, and beautiful sunset vistas. Connected to the larger trail network.
Before you go
- From downtown
- 2 miles, about 6 minutes down Fleur Drive.
- Parking
- Free lots on both sides. The main lot at 2101 Fleur Drive fills first on summer evenings; the Raccoon River Drive side almost never does.
- Where to start
- Start at the Fleur Drive lot for the shortest walk to the bridge, or at the boathouse if you want rentals.
- Dogs
- Leashed dogs are welcome on the loop. There is no off-leash area inside the park, so the nearest fenced run is a short drive away.
- In winter
- Open and worth it. The loop is cleared through winter and the bridge lights run year round, which makes this one of the few places in the metro to walk after dark in January.
- Cost
- Free. Rentals are seasonal and paid.
Written