High Trestle Trail

Over 23 miles of the High Trestle Trail are finished and in use, from the west side of Madrid to Slater, Sheldahl, and Ankeny on the east. The High Trestle Trail is 25 miles from beginning to end when the bridge over the Des Moines River Valley is completed connecting Madrid to Woodward to the west. In addition, the High Trestle Trail connects to the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail in Slater and will connect to the Neal Smith Trail in Polk County, providing miles of connected trails in the Central Iowa Trail Loop. It is only a short ride or a good walk (about 2 ½ miles) from the Johnson Family Trailhead at Dalander Park in Madrid to the High Trestle Trail Bridge over the Des Moines River Valley. This half-mile long, 13-story high bicycle-pedestrian bridge (no horses on bridge) will afford trail users spectacular views up and down the Des Moines River Valley. The High Trestle Trail Bridge lights have winter and summer hours. In winter, they are only on from dusk until 9 pm. In summer, they are on from dusk until midnight.