High Trestle Trail – High Trestle Trail loop from Staff Parking

The High Trestle Trail – High Trestle Trail loop from Staff Parking is one of those road cycling routes worth your legs: a moderate 39.3 miles (63.2 km) route with 524 feet (160 metres) of climbing over roughly 3 hours and 10 minutes. It's perfect for cyclists looking for a smooth, scenic ride with a truly iconic landmark, offering an easy high-payoff win for nearly all skill levels.

What to expect on High Trestle Trail – High Trestle Trail loop from Staff Parking

This route takes you through classic Iowa farmland, with wide-open cornfields and occasional silos, before transitioning to more wooded areas as you approach the Des Moines River. The absolute highlight is the High Trestle Bridge itself, a 130-foot-tall, half-mile-long former railway bridge that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the river valley. Don't miss the unique "From Here to There" art installation, featuring 43 twisting, diamond-shaped steel ribs with LED lights that evoke the region's coal-mining history. The trail is predominantly paved and largely flat, making it an easy and accessible ride suitable for all fitness levels.

Planning your visit

Parking for this loop is available at various trailheads, including the Staff Parking area. You'll find amenities like restaurants and bars in the towns the trail connects, such as Madrid and Woodward. The High Trestle Bridge is particularly spectacular at night when the blue LED lights illuminate the structure, remaining on from dusk until midnight during summer months and until 9:00 p.m. in winter, so consider an evening ride for a unique experience.

Trail details

• Distance: 39.3 miles (63.2 km)
• Elevation gain: 524 feet (160 metres)
• Difficulty: moderate
• Estimated time: 3 hours and 10 minutes