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Easter Lake Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 568 Google reviews · Running trail in Des Moines, Iowa · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Easter Lake Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Shady lakeside park featuring a beach, playgrounds, hiking and walking trails.
What runners say about Easter Lake Park
“Not something you expect so close to downtown, bit the facilities and shelters were clean.”
“Thank you for such a beautiful place to hang out at while in town.”
They've put a lot of effort into improving this lake. I've taken advantage of the bike paths. Looking forward to fishing here upon my next visit. The volleyball courts are ok, but not the best.
Nice little park. Not something you expect so close to downtown, bit the facilities and shelters were clean. The park was well kept and full of kids. The covered bridge is a great addition to the bike trail. We walked and fished. Explored off trail. It was a great day.
Great quiet park to relax at. Also good for biking, running and swimming.
We were driving near Easter Lake, so we decided to make a stop to see the park. What a beautiful place! We really enjoyed the park area right alongside the shore of Easter Lake that is open to the public. There is a paved bike trail that circles the lake for a trip of just a little over 6 miles.
Trail conditions & character
“Thank you for such a beautiful place to hang out at while in town.”
“You can bring your own portable grill or use one of the Park's.”
“There is a paved bike trail that circles the lake for a trip of just a little over 6 miles.”
“Only thing is is its always so busy, theres never enough parking.”
Plan your run at Easter Lake Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitepolkcountyiowa.gov
- Phone(515) 323-5300
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–9 PM |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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