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Clive Greenbelt Trail

4.8
·4 reviews·, United States

A surprising urban oasis offering paved trails, abundant wildlife, and unique art installations, perfect for a peaceful escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Ideal for wildlife viewing

CrowdLow
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Pedestrian bridge

Clive Greenbelt Trail

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Ideal for wildlife viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A surprising urban oasis offering paved trails, abundant wildlife, and unique art installations, perfect for a peaceful escape.

4.8
(4 reviews)

"Absolutely love this trail! So surprised there's such an amazing slice of nature deep in the city."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear comfy shoes!

The paved trail is great for walking, running, or biking.

🦌 Be quiet for wildlife

Increase your chances of seeing deer and birds by moving quietly.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wildlife Spotting

Wildlife Spotting

Discover deer, birds, chipmunks, and more in this urban nature escape. Listen for frogs and watch for herons!

Instagram
Paved Path Perfection

Paved Path Perfection

Enjoy a smooth, wide, paved trail perfect for biking, running, or a leisurely stroll.

Reddit
Goat Grazing

Goat Grazing

See the unique sight of goats helping to maintain the trail's greenery.

Instagram
Art Installations

Art Installations

Discover sculptures like 'Lair' integrated into the natural landscape.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Wildlife Encounters

Keep an eye out for deer, birds, and even goats! The Clive Greenbelt Trail is a surprising slice of nature within the city, offering a chance to spot local fauna. Remember to be quiet and respectful of their habitat for the best viewing opportunities. Instagram

Trail Connectivity is Key

This trail is a fantastic hub, linking to other major paths like the Raccoon River Valley Trail. Plan your route to take advantage of this extensive network for longer rides or runs. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Ideal for wildlife viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Popular for runners & cyclists
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Clive Greenbelt goats - taking care of business, keeping the trail nice and trim! 🐐
gray_colonial_home
26 likes • 228 views

👟 Wear comfy shoes!

The paved trail is great for walking, running, or biking. Reddit

🦌 Be quiet for wildlife

Increase your chances of seeing deer and birds by moving quietly. Instagram

Took my videographer with me for 18 miles this morning! 😜 It was an absolutely beautiful fall morning 🤩🍁🍂 #marathontraining #clivegreenbelttrail #centraliowatrails #runnersofinstagram
emmalstern
47 likes • 1.1K views
Clive Greenbelt Trail, Clive, Iowa, USA 19 July 2024
kelitawd
2 likes • 151 views

🗺️ Check trail connections

Connects to Raccoon River Valley Trail for longer adventures. Reddit

🐐 See the trail goats!

These furry friends help keep the Greenbelt tidy. Instagram

Video of me in 2020 working on sculpture titled Lair, currently installed on the Clive Iowa Greenbelt trail.
judybales_field_of_view
47 likes • 372 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear comfy shoes!

The paved trail is great for walking, running, or biking. Reddit

🦌 Be quiet for wildlife

Increase your chances of seeing deer and birds by moving quietly. Instagram

🗺️ Check trail connections

Connects to Raccoon River Valley Trail for longer adventures. Reddit

🐐 See the trail goats!

These furry friends help keep the Greenbelt tidy. Instagram

☀️ Enjoy the tree cover

Gorgeous shade makes it pleasant even on warmer days. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(4 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Clive Greenbelt Trail's surprising natural beauty within an urban setting, praising its well-maintained paved paths and the delightful opportunities to spot wildlife like deer and birds. The trail's connectivity to other systems and unique features like art installations and grazing goats add to its appeal, making it a highly recommended spot for various outdoor activities.

"Absolutely love this trail! I was so surprised there ia such an amazing slice if nature deep in the city. There is gorgeous tree cover and if your quiet you may see some deer or other interesting wildlife!"

SimpleLife90

"I finally had a chance to walk a portion of the Clive Greenbelt Trail. It is nicely paved, and wide enough for bikes and walkers/joggers. There is also a nice stream running alongside it with a few bridges."

Jonathan Schulz

"Really fun trail with lots of fun curves to make it a more exciting time out there... hopefully next time we ride it won't be 33mph winds 🤣"

Jeffery Renken

What People Like

Surprising nature in city
Well-maintained paved path
Wildlife sightings

What People Dislike

Windy conditions sometimes

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Clive Greenbelt Trail is situated in Clive, Iowa, a western suburb of Des Moines. It's easily accessible and central to the surrounding communities. Reddit

Access points are available from various parks within Clive, offering convenient entry for walkers, runners, and cyclists. Reddit

Yes, there is good parking available at several parks along the trail, making it easy to start your journey. Reddit

Public transport options may be limited directly to trailheads. It's generally recommended to drive or cycle to an access point. Check local Des Moines transit schedules for potential routes. Reddit

Absolutely! The Clive Greenbelt Trail is well-connected to other major trails, most notably the Raccoon River Valley Trail, allowing for extensive exploration. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Clive Greenbelt Trail is a public park and is free to access. There are no tickets or admission fees required. Reddit

As an outdoor trail, it is generally accessible from dawn until dusk. Specific park hours at access points may vary, but the trail itself is open for use during daylight hours. Reddit

There is no entrance fee to use the Clive Greenbelt Trail. It's a public amenity for everyone to enjoy. Reddit

Dogs are generally welcome on the Clive Greenbelt Trail, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please be sure to clean up after your pet. Reddit

Restroom facilities are typically available at the parks that serve as access points for the trail. It's advisable to check the specific park amenities before your visit. Reddit

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

The trail is primarily paved and wide, making it suitable for various activities like biking, running, and walking. You'll also find some natural areas alongside the path. Reddit

Visitors often report seeing deer, various bird species, chipmunks, frogs, and even goats that help maintain the trail. Instagram+1

Yes, it's an excellent bike trail, especially for road bikes or hybrids, due to its smooth, paved surface and connection to other trail systems. Reddit

Yes, the trail features art installations, such as the sculpture 'Lair,' which are integrated into the natural environment. Instagram

The paved and wide nature of the trail makes it very suitable for strollers, allowing families to enjoy a comfortable outing. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Look for areas with good tree cover for dappled light, scenic bridges over the stream, and any of the art installations. Wildlife sightings also make for great shots. Instagram+1

Absolutely! The trail is known for its diverse wildlife. Be patient and quiet, and you might capture some amazing photos of deer, birds, and other creatures. Instagram

Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. This is also prime time for wildlife activity. Instagram

The integrated art sculptures, like 'Lair,' offer unique artistic backdrops. The grazing goats also provide a memorable and photogenic subject. Instagram+1

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for general scenery and art. If you're focused on wildlife, a telephoto lens (70-200mm or longer) will be beneficial. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Clive Greenbelt Trail is a fantastic option for families. Its wide, paved surface is perfect for strollers and young cyclists, making it easy for everyone to navigate. The chance to spot deer and other wildlife is a huge hit with kids, turning a simple walk into an exciting nature adventure. Instagram Pack some snacks and water, and plan for a leisurely pace to allow for plenty of wildlife observation and breaks. The presence of art installations can also add an element of discovery to your outing. Instagram

🏃‍♀️ Runners & Cyclists

For runners and cyclists, the Clive Greenbelt Trail offers a smooth, well-maintained path ideal for logging miles. Its connectivity to the Raccoon River Valley Trail is a major draw, enabling long-distance training sessions. Reddit You'll find it's a popular route, especially on weekend mornings, so be mindful of other users. The trail's curves add a bit of interest, preventing monotony on longer runs or rides. Reddit

📸 Nature Photographers

Photographers will find plenty of opportunities on the Greenbelt. The dappled light filtering through the trees creates beautiful scenes, especially during the golden hours of morning and late afternoon. Instagram Focus on capturing the diverse wildlife, from deer to birds, or frame shots of the integrated art installations against the natural backdrop. Instagram+1 The stream and bridges also offer picturesque compositions. Remember to bring a versatile lens or a telephoto if wildlife is your primary focus. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Clive Greenbelt Trail Network

The Clive Greenbelt Trail is more than just a single path; it's a vital part of a larger trail system in the Des Moines metropolitan area. Its strategic location makes it a key connector, most notably linking to the extensive Raccoon River Valley Trail. This connectivity allows for incredibly long and varied cycling or running routes, catering to endurance athletes and casual explorers alike. Planning your route in advance can help you maximize your time and discover new segments of the network. Reddit

Beyond its connection to the Raccoon River Valley Trail, the Greenbelt itself offers a dynamic experience. The trail is nicely paved and wide, ensuring a comfortable journey for all users, whether you're on a bike, rollerblades, or simply walking. The presence of a stream running alongside it adds to the scenic beauty, with several bridges offering picturesque crossing points. Reddit

What truly sets the Greenbelt apart is its surprising abundance of urban wildlife. Despite being within city limits, visitors frequently encounter deer, various bird species, chipmunks, and even frogs. The presence of goats, used for natural land management, adds a unique and charming element to the trail experience. Instagram+1 This blend of accessible infrastructure and natural encounters makes the Clive Greenbelt Trail a standout destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Reddit

Wildlife and Nature on the Greenbelt

One of the most delightful surprises of the Clive Greenbelt Trail is the prevalence of wildlife. Many visitors are thrilled to spot deer grazing peacefully, often in the early morning or late afternoon. The trail is also a haven for birdwatchers, with numerous species of birds, including cardinals, robins, herons, geese, and ducks, frequenting the area. Instagram

Beyond the larger animals, keep an eye out for smaller inhabitants like chipmunks and frogs, especially near the stream. The natural tree cover provides ample habitat and shade, contributing to the trail's appeal as a serene escape. The soundscape is often filled with the chirping of birds and the gentle flow of water, creating a truly immersive nature experience right in the heart of the suburbs. Reddit

Adding to the unique charm are the grazing goats that help manage the vegetation along the trail. This eco-friendly approach not only keeps the path tidy but also provides a memorable sight for visitors. Instagram Remember to observe wildlife from a distance and maintain a quiet presence to avoid disturbing them, maximizing your chances for observation and ensuring their well-being. Instagram

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