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  • Posted Apr 30, 2021

The High Trestle Trail was one of the most complicated trail projects that Iowa has ever had, but the long process to create a world-renowned trail bridge paid off!

The High Trestle Trail turns 10!

As the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) puts in "The shining star of Iowa's trail system, the High Trestle Trail runs for 25 miles through five towns and four counties.The trail includes an iconic, 1/2-mile, 13-story high bridge across the Des Moines River valley, one of the largest trail bridges in the world."

This trail has become the destination for thousands upon thousands of cyclists a year. One any given day during the normal cycling season, you'll see cyclists from all over Iowa and the USA riding the High Trestle Trail.

Use #hightrestle10 to share your experiences on the trail

The INHF has limited edition t-shirts for purchase.

THANKS to all who made this trail happen and to those who continue to make it a destination.

High Trestle Trail 10 Year Anniversary Ride

Saturday May 1st 2021 is the High Trestle Trail 10 Year Anniversary Ride.

Please Join The Flat Tire Lounge, The Nite Hawk Bar and Grill and The Whistlin' Donkey in celebrating the High Trestle Trail operating for 10 years. The Ten Year Anniversary Ride will include live music food and drink specials at all the locations. We are grateful for your patronage. the ride is informal: Start at any location on the trail, stop by and enjoy food, beverage and entertainment at all locations

Enjoy one of Iowa's greatest trails!

If you cannot make Saturday, there will be plenty of celebratory time on Sunday and the rest of the year!


High Trestle Trail: Grand Celebration - April 30th 2011

The High Trestle Trail's grand opening was on April 30th 2011. This was a VERY popular day on the trail with hundreds of riders celebrating the official opening by visiting one of the five communities along the trail and getting an HTT passport stamped along the way. "Discover a new view," was the day's theme.

There was live music at the Oasis, free bandanas and different events in Ankeny, Sheldahl, Slater, Madrid and Woodward, and of course along the bridge itself!

View 2011 event - High Trestle Trail: Grand Celebration


HISTORY - High Trestle Trail - 1912 - 2010

Vintage photos of first "High Trestle" bridge across the Des Moines River that started construction in 1912, then steel beams in 1973, then concrete trail in 2010. These AMAZING Photos are from a Nov 2011 "Discover a New View" presentation by Rich Voelker of Snyder & Associates and Steve Kunz of Shuck Briston consulting engineers.

More on the High Trestle Trail

INHF Trail Info

BIKEIOWA Posts



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