You don’t have to head into the backcountry to enjoy nature and experience a beautiful trail. The Kruidenier Trail is an urban trail in Des Moines that passes a river and rings a lake, offering some gorgeous views of downtown as well as access to some great recreational facilities, including a beach.

It’s the ideal place for an evening stroll – the sunsets along the trail are simply incredible. Lace up your shoes: here’s what you need to know about the Kruidenier Trail.

The trail is located in Grays' Lake Park, a 166-acre green space. It's named after philanthropists David and Elizabeth Kruidenier.
AllTrails / Ashey Glenn
Grays' Lake Park is very popular - about a million people come here over the course of the year to hike, bike, eat lunch, or go fishing or boating.
Kathy Bruxvoort / AllTrails
The trail is about 2 miles long and it rings 96-acre Gray's Lake. It passes a sandy swimming beach, a boat launch, a picnic area and a playground.
Brad Utterback / AllTrails

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If you do the whole trail you'll travel across a 1,400-foot-long bridge. It's the best place to take in the skyline. Colored lights help people navigate the trail at night.
Heidi Butler / AllTrails
The trail is popular for walking, running and biking. The city maintains the trail during the winter so you can use it all year. There's even a heated bathroom!
Heidi Butler / AllTrails
You may want to head to the east side of the lake in the evening - the sunsets are incredible!
Ashley Glenn / AllTrails

The trail connects with a 42-mile network of Des Moines trails and more than 500 miles of the Central Iowa Trail System. You can access the Kruidenier Trail from either a north or south entrance. You’ll likely encounter quite a few bikers, dog walkers and runners, especially in the morning. It’s a popular place!

Looking for other places to enjoy the outdoors? Check out these 10 unforgettable trails.

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Kruidenier Trail, Des Moines, IA 50315, USA