Hiking Trails & Parks in Des Moines, Iowa
153 hiking & walking trails and 0parks, recreation areas & campgrounds in Des Moines, located in Polk County, Iowa. Free trail map for every listing.
About Outdoor Recreation in Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines offers 153 mapped hiking trails and 0 federally managed parks within the city or nearby. Located in Polk County, Iowa, it’s a starting point for hikers, campers, and casual nature seekers.
Explore more nearby: Polk County overview, all Polk County trails, or statewide Iowa list.
Hiking Trails in Des Moines
Curated Guides for Des Moines
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there hiking trails in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa?
Yes — we have 153 mapped hiking and walking trails in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, sourced from OpenStreetMap. Browse the full list below, with distance, elevation, and difficulty for each.
What is the best hiking trail in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa for families?
28th Street Plaza near Des Moines is one of the best family picks in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa — easy difficulty, short enough for kids and first-timers. See the full family hiking guide below for more options.
Is there a trail map for Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa?
Each of the 153 trails in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa has its own page with an interactive map, GPS coordinates, and a link to view it on OpenStreetMap — no app or account needed.
What parks and recreation areas are in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa?
We don't have parks or recreation areas mapped in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa yet.
Can I go camping in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa?
We don't show any campgrounds with mapped campsites in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa right now — check the county level for more camping options nearby.
Where can I find hiking trails and parks near Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa?
Browse all hiking trails, walking trails, parks, and campgrounds across Polk County for more options beyond Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.
From the OutsideAtlas Blog
Photo: Sergei AkulichThe 10 Longest Hiking Trails in Iowa, Ranked
Iowa's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.
Photo: Tobias MrzykIowa's 10 Most Punishing Trails by Elevation Gain
Steep is hard. These are the ten Iowa trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.
Photo: Sergei AkulichThe Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes in Iowa
Ten gentle, well-marked Iowa trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.
Photo: Tobias MrzykThe 10 Most Challenging Hikes in Iowa
Iowa's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.
Photo: Diego LozanoThe Best National Parks & Recreation Areas in Iowa
Federal parks and recreation areas in Iowa ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.
Photo: Tobias MrzykBest Waterfall Hikes in Iowa: 10 Trails to See Falls Up Close
Iowa's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.