100 45th St,
Des Moines, IA 50312
Center Trails is a two-way trafficked trail, located behind the Art Center in Des Moines, Iowa. It’s fast, flowing singletrack through an urban forest, smack in the middle of the city.
Center Trails and Denman’s consists of around 13 miles of trail segments. They range from easy to moderately challenging. Most are fast, flowing singletrack through woods while Hillside provides a few climbs and descents as it weaves around several ridges.
Winding through Greenwood/Ashworth Park (Rollercoaster/Hillside) and continuing south of the railroad track and across Walnut Creek in the Raccoon River flood plain (Denman's Woods, Rhythm, J11, and Squirrel's Nest).
WET OR MUDDY CONDITIONS
Be considerate of the trails in the low-lying areas. During the fall and spring freeze/thaw or heavy rains cause the trails to close. Signs at the trailheads will indicate whether a trail is open or closed and is regularly updated by the Trail Steward.
PARKING
Hillside/Ashworth Pool: Parking can be found along the road on 45th Street, near the pond, or at the pool parking lot.
Rollercoaster/Rose Garden: Parking can be found at the Rose Garden parking lot on the west side of the Art Center. Here, you can access Rollercoaster.
FACILITIES & SERVICES
Ashworth Pool has a water fountain, but is only open during summer hours.
An air pump and bike maintenance tool unit is available at the south side of the Ashworth Pool parking lot at the Bill Riley trail head.
Restrooms are not available.
USE CAUTION
These trails are two-way trails that also allow hiking and other foot traffic. Please use caution and ride at your own risk.
TRAIL SEGMENTS
ROLLERCOASTER
Length: 2.32 miles
Challenge: Moderate
This trail contains several climbs and fast descents, along with free-ride bridges (no railings). Old growth tree roots provide some technical challenge, but overall the trail flows fast and has some nice ups and downs when you get your pace.
HILLSIDE
Length: 2.23 miles
Challenge: Moderate
Hillside is really a continuation of the new Greenwood Park improvements which fluidly connect Rollercoaster and Hillside. Hillside is primarily the hilly bit that follows the contours of the ridges on the southeast side of the park.
Hillside provides some of Des Moines largest climbs (and that's not saying much, it's pretty flat around here), but with the trail improvements (Spring 2015) the flow of this trail has improved. Challenging climbs, and fast descents are the reward.
J11
Length: 0.5 miles
Challenge: Easy
J11 is a quick little run south of the Walnut Creek Trail that takes you through the woods and along Walnut Creek. Just across the creek is Denman's Woods.
DENMAN'S WOODS
Length: 4.4 miles
Challenge: Easy
Denman's Woods is a singletrack loop that winds through the woods along the south side of Walnut Creek. It rides fast enough to flow nicely, and enough variety to keep you on your toes.
LAND MANAGERS:
PROHIBITED USES
Motorized vehicles (any non-human powered vehicle, i.e. motorcycles, one wheels, etc.).
Riding or hiking on wet/soft or muddy trails.
Any activity that causes damage to the trail tread by foot or bike.
Unauthorized building or modification of trails and/or technical features.
Horseback riding on single track trails.
Photos by K&K Images | Hillside at Center Trails
