Red Rock Prairie Trail

Iowa

2 Reviews

The Red Rock Prairie Trail is a developing rail-trail that will link three central Iowa towns, just outside of Des Moines: Mitchellville, Prairie City, and Monroe. The paved, multiuse trail runs 9.75 miles along a former rail corridor from Monroe to Prairie City with a upcoming 5-mile extension to Mitchellville city limits. As the corridor is mostly located in Jasper County, the trail development is being spearheaded by Jasper County Conservation and the Friends of the Red Rock Prairie Trail.

As of August 2022, the rail-trail's eastern half—9.75 miles between Monroe and Prairie City—has been paved and is open to the public. With fields and farms stretching uninterrupted to the horizon in all directions, the trail runs from the outskirts of Prairie City to downtown Monroe. Iowa's flat landscape and open skies provide a dramatic background for the rail-trail as it parallels IA-163.

Eventually, the plan is to expand the trail to Pella and Red Rock Lake. As part of the Central Iowa Trail System, the trail will help link the Des Moines Metro to Lake Red Rock, Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge and Saylorville Lake.

Parking and Trail Access

For those driving, parking is available at Monroe Public Square (116 N Commerce St), a block east of the trail's Monroe endpoint. Visit the TrailLink map for detailed directions.

great trail plus more

July 2025 bricker.pam

Great trail, flat and smooth. Monroe has Jersey Freeze about 1/2 mile from trailhead- best ice cream esp the Van and Bonbon shake. Then Prairicty has Goldie’s restaurant which has the best tenderloin sandwiches and strips. The trailhead in prairie city is at west end of town by Casey’s gas. It has running water and real toilets . Has an oversized steel buffalo for a great photo shoot. You can continue your ride following the road to up and over the bridge to south of trailhead and then immediately left into the Neil Smith Wildlif Refuge- designated bike lanes on each side of roar and a 4+ mile pedal to the educational center. There are a few good hills to challenge you. Look to west and you might see the buffalo and elk.

I had to drive around to find the parking for this trail. It's at the water tower...corner of Monroe and York. There is a Porta potty at the beginning of the trail. I don't see any shade but it's only in the 70s so going to give it a try.