Let’s return to Grandview Park. It is a 60-acre park with several parking lots. Park along East 32nd Street just north of Guthrie Avenue. We will leave from there at 10:00 a.m.
The standard nature trail loop through the woods and disc golf course is 1.7 miles. We will make a couple detours to check out other park amenities, so our total will be about 2 miles.
If the nature trail is muddy, we will walk only on the pavement. Either way, we will walk slowly, think “stroll,” and no one will be left behind.
Most of the route is dirt singletrack, punctuated with roots and rocks. Hiking poles are useful, but not a necessity.
I lead group walks on different trails in the Des Moines area a few times a month. This free Soft Trail Stroll series is designed to help people looking for a simple way to become more active. The events are for people of all ages (and dogs on leashes)—anyone who fancies a stroll!
The second purpose is to increase appreciation of our local soft trails. What is a soft trail? Simply, it is an unpaved trail. Its surface may be dirt, grass, or crushed rock/gravel. I am an avid mountain biker and know all these trails very well. I can guarantee that no one will get lost!
View the weather cancellation policy at www.roccasecca.fitness/stroll.
This Soft Trail Stroll event is also part of the Spring 2026 Couch to 5K Walking Program. The program begins on National Walking Day, Wednesday, April 1st with a short kick-off walk and Q&A session. It concludes on Saturday, June 6th.
June 6th is National Trails Day, and I will be leading a 5K hike on the flat, dirt trail at Sycamore in Johnston. It is also the date of the American Heart Association 2026 Central Iowa Heart Walk at DMACC in Ankeny.
Learn more about the Couch to 5K Walking program at www.roccasecca.fitness/walking-program.
Soft Trail Stroll walks are endorsed by the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative.
They endorse events in Iowa whose primary purpose contributes to the goals of the Healthiest State Initiative and improves well-being in the state of Iowa.
View the HSI Event Calendar to learn more.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Learn more about the Grandview Park Trail from the Central Iowa Trail Association.
