This run route path, also known as the John Pat Dorrian Trail, begins in the Pete Crivaro Park and runs for about 3.5 miles to Birdland Park and Marina, just north of downtown. The flat and paved path parallels the river (veering away from it at times) and continues along Pennsylvania Ave.
Choose an Area
A good park run within a mile or so of downtown Des Moines
* Our Start/Finish measures from the site of vintage building that used to be a hotel -- at Walnut & 10th St.
* Most hotels are located within a mile of this start point
For those staying in/near West Des Moines, this trail is a wonderful run/walk/bike/skate path popular with the locals.
This health club offers top-of-the-line fitness equipment inside the ground level of a downtown Des Moines office tower. Large windows provide adequate natural light, but also provide somewhat of a "fish bowl" experience--at least for those sweating on ellipticals and treadmills.
Here's to a hot yoga find! Both hot Barre and hot yoga are offered here. Expect temperatures of 98 to 104 for the hot and 85 to 95 for the barre. Kris' classes are 45 minutes to 1 hour in duration.
Power Life Yoga teaches Power Yoga, a Vinyasa-inspired style of yoga that improves flexibility and strength through flow and body posture. The basic Power I class is gently heated, while Power 1.5 and Power 2 classes are warmer and more fast-paced.
Shakti Yoga offers classes based on Anusara, which is a playful style of yoga focusing on alignment, breath and openness.
Across Fleur Drive from Gray's Lake Park entrance, this park/arboretum's paved roads can be utilized as a run route as well. You'll find smaller crowds here, but the path is not as scenic as Gray's Lake. See our Gray's Lake listing for a route map.
This YMCA is at the top of the YMCA food chain with its 1/8 mile track, skywalk access, open and airy space, newer equipment, loads of classes, sport courts, upscale locker facilities (with hot tub and sauna) and a triathlon training center!!
As the closest fitness center to hotels in West Des Moines, this splendid community center offers high-end cardio and strength equipment. However, its BEST feature is a 6 x 25-yard lap pool--the only 25-yard lapper in this part of town. Admission is very reasonable at $10/week.