Over 25 miles of the High Trestle Trail are finished and in use, from the west side of Madrid to Slater, Sheldahl, and Ankeny on the east. The High Trestle Trail is 25 miles from beginning to end when the bridge over the Des Moines River Valley is completed connecting Madrid to Woodward to the west. In addition, the High Trestle Trail connects to the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail in Slater and will connect to the Neal Smith Trail in Polk County, providing miles of connected trails in the Central Iowa Trail Loop.

It is only a short ride or a good walk (about 2 ½ miles) from the Johnson Family Trailhead at Dalander Park in Madrid to the High Trestle Trail Bridge over the Des Moines River Valley. This half-mile long, 13-story high bicycle-pedestrian bridge (no horses on bridge) will afford trail users spectacular views up and down the Des Moines River Valley.

The trail connects Ankeny, Sheldahl, Slater, Madrid, Woodward and most recently has been extended to Perry, Iowa.

The High Trestle Trail Bridge lights have winter and summer hours. The bridge lights are on from sunset to 12:00 am during the months of approximately April 1 - October 31. During the winter months of approximately November 1 -March 31, the lights are on from sunset to 9:00 p.m.

Parking is available within Madrid at the Johnson Family Trailhead at Dalander Park in Madrid (at Highway 17 and the trail) or at the intersection of West 3rd Street and South Main Street. You can go east or west on the trail for some fresh air and fun, but the High Trestle Trail Bridge is west of Madrid.

Parking is also available west of Madrid along QF Lane, which is the closest place to park to access the bridge. To find QF, drive on 210 west of Madrid, and watch for a trail access sign.

Why are the monoliths at the beginning of the bridge a V-shape? Ever notice that the cribbing pieces gradually get closer together? Why? Learn more on the High Trestle Trail Artwork site.

• The 13-story and 1/2 mile long bridge spans the Des Moines River, which is located between Madrid and Woodward. 
• There are six overlooks on the bridge with interpretive signage that explain the history of the bridge, trail and the surrounding area.
• 41 steel “frames” over the bridge represent support cribs within a historic coal mine. 23 of these cribs have blue lights on them for which the bridge is widely recognized by. 
• At each end of the bridge are two 36 feet tall monoliths designed to represent coal veins found in the area limestone deposits. For more info on this unique architecture, go to the designer's website.
• An overlook for the bridge and Des Moines River valley with permanent binoculars for your viewing pleasure.