gay lea wilson trail

Explore the Gay Lea Wilson Trail: Your Guide to Des Moines' Premier Bike Trail System

Looking for a scenic escape right in the heart of Des Moines? The Gay Lea Wilson Trail offers a fantastic blend of urban accessibility and natural beauty. Stretching over 13 miles, this trail is a haven for cyclists, walkers, and anyone seeking a breath of fresh air. But what makes this trail so special, and how can you make the most of your visit?

Unveiling the Gay Lea Wilson Trail: A Multi-Phased Marvel

The Gay Lea Wilson Trail didn't appear overnight. It's the result of meticulous planning and execution, a testament to collaborative efforts between various communities, jurisdictions, and agencies within the Des Moines metro area. The goal? To seamlessly integrate a new trail system with existing recreational spaces, creating a unified network for outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the most impressive feats of engineering was the creation of a tunnel large enough for bicyclists. This involved a massive steel casing - in fact, the largest pipe ram project ever completed in Iowa! This allowed the trail to continue its northward journey, connecting different parts of the city with ease.

Overcoming Obstacles: Railroads, Floodplains, and More

Building a trail isn't always smooth sailing. The Gay Lea Wilson Trail presented its fair share of challenges. For instance, crossing elevated railroad tracks required innovative design solutions. Rather than disrupt an existing triple box culvert, designers ingeniously utilized an existing viaduct to place the trail section, carefully separating it from the roadway with a concrete barrier rail.

Navigating the natural landscape also demanded careful consideration. As the trail follows Mud Creek northward, floodplain and wetland concerns became paramount. Wetland and stream delineations were performed, and streambank stabilization efforts were implemented to prevent erosion and maintain trail access. The alignment was strategically chosen to minimize environmental impact, and where impacts were unavoidable, mitigation measures were taken.

Where Does the Trail Go? Key Connections and Future Plans

Currently, the Gay Lea Wilson Trail ends at Interstate 80. But the story doesn't end there! Plans are in place to extend the trail north, eventually linking up with the Chichaqua Valley Trail near Bondurant. This expansion will create even greater connectivity within the region, opening up new possibilities for exploration.

The trail meanders eastward, passing under Interstate 35 and following an existing railroad line. It continues through a growing subdivision and industrial park area east of Ankeny, eventually meeting up with the Polk County extension at Southeast 29th Street and Southeast Fourmile Drive.

These completed sections utilized abandoned railroad rights-of-way and excess Interstate 35 rights-of-way for portions of the alignment. The remaining sections were built along existing roadway rights-of-way and trail easements. Close collaboration with developers and their engineers proved crucial for navigating new subdivisions and industrial parks. Moreover, creative solutions were needed to work around a series of large utility poles that couldn't be moved.

Bridging the Gaps: Ingenious Solutions for Challenging Terrain

The team faced unique hurdles at three difficult bridge locations. By reviewing original construction drawings, they discovered that the bridges had silted in over the years. Excavation efforts at each site re-established the original plan grades, providing ample space for the trail to pass underneath without disrupting water flow. This ingenuity highlights the dedication and problem-solving skills that went into creating this trail.

Planning Your Visit: Access Points and Things to Know

Ready to experience the Gay Lea Wilson Trail for yourself? The trail offers multiple access points, making it convenient to hop on and explore. Several parks and trailheads along the path provide entry points. The trail generally runs north/south between Des Moines and Ankeny. But before you head out, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Beyond Recreation: The Broader Benefits of Trails

The Gay Lea Wilson Trail isn't just about exercise and recreation. It contributes to the overall well-being of the community in numerous ways. Trails promote physical and mental health, encourage environmental sustainability, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.

Are you looking for a way to escape crowded park areas and reconnect with nature? The Gay Lea Wilson Trail offers a serene alternative, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the outdoors without leaving the city.

Discovering Pleasant Hill's Trail Connections

The interconnected nature of the Des Moines metro area's trail system means you can extend your adventure beyond the Gay Lea Wilson Trail. For example, Pleasant Hill boasts many miles of recreational trails, some of which connect to the Gay Lea Wilson Trail. The Youngstown Trail, for instance, is nearly 4 miles in length and links neighborhoods and businesses to surrounding regional trails.

Cyclists and walkers can even enjoy traveling through Copper Creek Lake Park as part of the Four Mile Creek Greenway trail system, which connects Pleasant Hill to several other communities. And for a unique experience, check out the accessible Story Walk, updated seasonally, located across from the playground at Copper Creek Lake Park.

Gay Lea Wilson Trail: A Closing Thought

Whether you're a seasoned cyclist, a casual walker, or simply seeking a connection with nature, the Gay Lea Wilson Trail offers something for everyone. Its strategic design, commitment to environmental responsibility, and seamless integration with surrounding communities make it a true gem of the Des Moines metro area. Lace up your shoes, grab your bike, and discover the many wonders that await on this remarkable trail!