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Pearson Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 194 Google reviews · Running trail in West Des Moines, Iowa · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Pearson 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.
Family-friendly park with a walking loop, plus playground equipment and a basketball court.
What runners say about Pearson Park
“we also liked that it was clean and new, with plenty of picnic tables and there is even a walking loop for the adults to walk on while the kiddos play.”
“It's a quiet, beautiful little park.”
“It's a quiet, beautiful little park.”
“Perfect for all ages, smaller area for 2-5yr olds.”
We loved this park! We stopped on our way through Des Moines. It’s easy to get to right off the interstate, and we loved the two playground structures right next to each other.
Pearson is a hidden little gem of a park in West Des Moines. It's a more casual park than those designed more recently and has several steeply hilled acres with a deep ravine and creek separating the northern quarter of the park from the more popular southern end.
Nice little park. It’s under construction right now. They’re adding some new equipment and buildings but it’s a great place. I love to walk around the lake. It’s about 3 miles if anyone’s interested in outdoor adventures, I would recommend.
Might be the best kept secret! This small park has a great shelter that is a good size, its in a quiet neighborhood, well kept, modern playground equipment for multiple age groups(even special need accommodations), basketball court, grill, and bathrooms.
Trail conditions & character
“Easy access, good parking and two really fun playgrounds.”
“There is also couple acres of moderately sloped hill popular with winter sledding, or near suicidal dirt bike runs at the creek.”
“we also liked that it was clean and new, with plenty of picnic tables and there is even a walking loop for the adults to walk on while the kiddos play.”
Plan your run at Pearson Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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
- Websitewdm.iowa.gov
- Phone+1 515-222-3444
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 am–10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:30 am–10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30 am–10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6:30 am–10:30 pm |
| Friday | 6:30 am–10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 6:30 am–10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 6:30 am–10:30 pm |
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