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Southwoods Explore — 1.5–2 mi

  • Southwoods Park 350 South 35th Street West Des Moines, IA, 50265 United States (map)
Hikers pose with two dogs on and in front of a wood and metal arch built as part of a bike skills area at Southwoods Park

Thank you for exploring the singletrack at Southwoods Park with me. The new signs they are putting in really help distinguish the trails from the disc golf paths. I look forward to continuing to go back and check the progress. I hope to see everyone next week at Center Trails!


Join us for a exploration of the trails at Southwoods Park! This sweet park is just off 35th Street, south of Mills Civic Parkway, in West Des Moines. Meet by 10:00 a.m. in the disc golf course parking lot.

We will walk up the paved trail from the lot to the singletrack and go left to check out the trail the goes behind the police station. We’ll come back and head clockwise around the outer loop. If the water at the creek crossings is low enough, we can add the south loop. When we get back, we can head to the paved loop at the top and over to the original hiking trail. Total distance will be somewhere between 1.5 and 2 miles.

We will walk slowly, think “stroll,” and no one will be left behind. If the dirt is muddy, we will walk over to the paved trail around the West Des Moines City Hall pond instead.

Southwoods Park is hilly. The trails here are relatively clear of roots and rocks, compared to other local dirt trails. Hiking poles are useful, but not a necessity.


I lead group walks on different trails a few times a month. This free series is designed to help people looking for a simple way to become more active and to increase appreciation of our local soft trails.

What is a soft trail? Simply, it is an unpaved trail. Its surface may be dirt, grass, or crushed rock/gravel. I am an avid mountain biker and know all these trails very well. I can guarantee that no one will get lost!


Please contact me if you have any questions.

Learn more about Southwoods Park from West Des Moines Parks & Recreation. UPDATE 12/7/2024: I just discovered they have published a new map!

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December 14

CANCELED: Sycamore Trails North Loop to Levee w/ High Life — 2.3 mi

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December 31

Center Trails South Rollercoaster — 1.5 mi