Dog walking in Clive

NW 156th St

In Lions Park, you will find a trailhead for the Clive Greenbelt Trail. This paved trail covers a total of 7.9 miles and has many trailside parks and scenic vistas along Walnutt Creek, and plentiful shady trees to enjoy. Some of the trail winds through housing estates, but it quickly transforms back into the ‘greenbelt’. From Lion’s Park, you also have access to two other trails: Heart of the Warrior Trail that heads three miles west, and the Raccoon River Valley Trail, which travels 80 miles northwest to Jefferson. Your pup needs to stay on a leash here, and always pick up after him. Bring water for you both, and enjoy exploring these great pup-friendly trails with your best fur bud.

Campbell

Huntington Ridge Park is a small green space in Clive where you can take your pup for a little walk on the lead around the paved path and down to Lake Clive. There is a playground here and a basketball court, but no toilet facilities or drinking water. Make sure you also pack your doggie clean up bags when out and about here. Close by, Granite City Food & Brewery offers 15 pet-friendly outdoor tables and a delicious array of pub-style meals to choose from. Try their famous nachos, or a hearty burger or plate of ribs, washed down with a refreshing cold drink. Yum!

University Ave/ 35th St

Officially West Des Moines, but one street below the Clive City Centre is this neighborhood, and a great place to seek out some pup-friendly eateries. Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery serves the works – from appealing appetisers, hearty pub-style meals, lighter lunches and the all-important dessert selection and unique drinks, there is something for everyone. Looking for something a little different? Try Noodles & Company for some eastern-inspired dishes, as well as soups, salads, mac and cheese, or spaghetti and meatballs. Panera Bread or Jason’s Deli are the places to go for a sandwich or wrap. All of these places have designated pet-friendly tables outside, so your dog can stay with you while you refuel for the rest of your day together.

Windsor Heights

The Windsor Heights Dog Park in neighbouring Windsor Heights is your pup’s chance to free the lead and have a great run with some new friends. There are two fenced areas here, one for the little dogs and one for the bigger guys and gals. Seating and picnic tables are provided for the humans, and some agility equipment gives your pup some extra skill-testing fun. Back on the lead, from the adjacent Colby Park you can walk the 3.2-mile Walnut Creek Trail. This trail winds through wooded neighbourhoods of Windsor Heights and south to the Bill Riley Trail. For a shorter stroll, Colby Park itself has a path you can take your leashed pup on, as well as a playground and bathroom facilities for two-legged kids travelling with you.

Commerce

The Raccoon River Dog Park inside the Raccoon River Park in the nearby town of West Des Moines is the opportunity for your pet to have a great play with like-minded furry friends. This is large, 12 acre space features two separate fenced areas, walking trails within the dog park, seating for you, and agility equipment provided for playful pups. There are plenty of doggie-do bags provided, as well as water stations for your thirsty friend. You will need to obtain a day pass to access this park from the Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge or the Parks & Recreation Administrative Office in WDM City Hall, but the fee is worth it for the facilities you can enjoy. Raccoon River Park itself is huge at over 630 acres. There is a swimming beach, as well as numerous trails you can take Fido on when he is ready to go back on the leash.