The Ankeny Brief
The High Trestle Trail Bridge is a half-mile-long crossing that stands about 13 stories above the Des Moines River valley, one of the largest trail bridges in the world. Its art installation, by designer David Dahlquist, is a run of 41 diamond-shaped steel frames you ride through; from the right angle they line up into a tunnel-like optical illusion meant to evoke looking down an old coal mine shaft, a nod to the area's mining history. At night, blue LED lights make it glow, and that's the shot everyone drives out for.
The lights run from sunset until midnight from April through October, and shut off earlier, at 9 p.m., from November through March. Golden hour into full dark is the sweet spot for photos, so aim to arrive before sunset, watch it light up, then ride or walk back with a headlamp or bike light.
The bridge is not at the Ankeny end; it sits between Madrid and Woodward, so where you park matters:
Because the trail begins in Ankeny, you can ride the whole thing from the Hawkeye Park trailhead, with waypoints in Sheldahl, Slater, and Madrid before the bridge. It's a serious out-and-back to reach the bridge from Ankeny, so many locals ride short stretches from town and save the bridge itself for a drive out to the Madrid trailhead. For the wider network and easier local loops, see our Ankeny trails guide and the trail finder.
The ride pairs well with a stop in Madrid or the small towns along the way, and the bridge is a favorite for an evening outing. If you're building a day around it, our day trips from Des Moines guide has more nearby ideas.
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It crosses the Des Moines River valley between Madrid and Woodward, not at the Ankeny end. Park at the Madrid (Johnson Family) trailhead on Highway 17, about 1.5 miles away.
April through October, sunset to midnight; November through March, they shut off at 9 p.m. Arrive before sunset for the best of it.
About 25 miles, paved, from Ankeny to Woodward, with trailheads in Ankeny, Sheldahl, Slater, Madrid, and Woodward. It opened in 2011.
For the bridge, the Madrid trailhead on Highway 17 is closest; Woodward has a large lot with restrooms. From the Ankeny end, park at Hawkeye Park, 804 W 1st St.
For most people, yes, especially after dark when it glows. It's one of Iowa's most photographed spots and an easy flat walk or ride from the Madrid trailhead.
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