Iowa · United States
Cycling in Ankeny
Best season: April–October
Ankeny is the eastern gateway to the High Trestle Trail, the ride that put Iowa rail-trails on the national map: 25 paved miles through Sheldahl, Slater and Madrid to Woodward, ending at a half-mile, 13-story trestle over the Des Moines River valley. After dark the bridge’s 41 twisting steel frames glow blue with LED art — the night ride to the bridge is the signature experience, and the trailside Flat Tire Lounge in Madrid and Whistlin’ Donkey in Woodward are destinations in their own right.
Logistics are simple. Kyle’s Bikes in Ankeny rents hybrids, all-road bikes and e-bikes by the day with helmet and lock included, a short pedal from the trail corridor. Halfway out in Slater, Local Spokes rents e-bikes at the crossroads of the High Trestle and Heart of Iowa Nature Trails — a 26-mile round trip to the bridge from their door. For lodging, the Residence Inn in Ankeny’s District at Prairie Trail sits on the trail side of I-35, and booking sites list free guest bikes there (call to confirm the program).
The network keeps growing: a nine-mile connector now links the High Trestle Trail at Woodward to the 89-mile Raccoon River Valley Trail loop at Perry — home of the bike-friendly, historic Hotel Pattee — so multi-day loops are realistic. Ride April through October, and time your bridge arrival for dusk; the lights make the last miles worth it.
Weather in Ankeny
Live · NWSLoading current conditions…
Typical by month
avg high/low · 1991–2020 normals · ANKENY- Jan 30° 12° 1.0"
- Feb 34° 16° 1.0"
- Mar 47° 27° 2.0"
- Apr 61° 38° 4.0"
- May 72° 50° 5.3"
- Jun 82° 61° 5.4"
- Jul 86° 65° 4.2"
- Aug 84° 62° 4.7"
- Sep 77° 53° 3.6"
- Oct 64° 40° 2.7"
- Nov 48° 29° 1.9"
- Dec 35° 18° 1.4"
Bike-friendly hotels
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Residence Inn by Marriott Des Moines Ankeny
Extended-stay suites in The District at Prairie Trail on the High Trestle Trail side of I-35; Booking.com lists free bicycles for guests, and Kyle's Bikes rentals are a short ride away.
From $180+/night
Before you book: Confirm the free loaner bikes are active for 2026 (claim is Booking.com-sourced), bike types, helmets/locks, waiver, and the best route from the hotel to the High Trestle Trail.
Bike program reported via source (2026-07-11)
Where to rent or borrow a bike
Kyle's Bikes
From $60/day
Ankeny shop at 825 E 1st St renting hybrids ($60/day), all-road bikes ($75) and e-bikes ($90) with helmet, lock and fit included; the shop's own route guide points riders to the High Trestle Trail. Online reservations; refundable $200-$350 deposit hold.
Call ahead: Confirm Sunday closure and whether a signed waiver is required beyond the ID/deposit.
Verified via source (2026-07-11)
Local Spokes
From $50/half-day
Family-owned e-bike rental at 410 Main St, Slater — at the crossroads of the High Trestle Trail and Heart of Iowa Nature Trail, 26 miles round trip to the High Trestle Bridge. $50 half day / $75 full day with helmet, lights, lock and bottle holder included. Rentals Thu-Sun 7am-10pm.
Call ahead: Confirm waiver policy and off-season availability: 515-203-3472.
Verified via source (2026-07-11)
Guided bike tours
Iowa Trestle Bike Tour
Wilderness Voyageurs · from $2,375
Four-day guided, van-supported tour riding the Raccoon River Valley Trail, High Trestle Trail (including the LED-lit bridge), Heart of Iowa and Neal Smith trails, 24-39 miles/day with historic-hotel lodging; 2026 departures May 17 and Sep 8.
Where these are on the map Ankeny
Hotels Rentals & loaners · 3 of this destination's listings located · © OpenStreetMap contributors