Hike The Kruidenier Trail To See An Iowa Skyline And Sunset You Won’t Forget

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

You may want to head to the east side of the lake in the evening - the sunsets are incredible!

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.