ewing Park Trails | Des Moines, Iowa

EWING PARK FLOW & SINGLETRACK TRAILS

 
 

1651 E McKinley Ave
Des Moines, IA 50320

Ewing Park hosts Flow Trails and singletrack trails that wind through the thick forest of Ewing Park.

The Flow Trail starts off the western most parking area near the BMX track (accessible off McKinley). There are 3 trails - a jump line and two flow lines that start at the top of the hill in the trees.  Use the entrance flow trail to get to the tree line.

Several singletrack trails circumnavigate up the hillside on the south side of the park. They converge at the top, so you can choose any path back down.

WET OR MUDDY CONDITIONS

Be considerate of the trails in the low-lying areas. During the fall and spring freeze/thaw or heavy rains cause the trails to close. Signs at the trailheads will indicate whether a trail is open or closed and is regularly updated by the Trail Steward.

PARKING

  • BMX/Flow: Parking is available off McKinley at the BMX Track entrance for the Flow Trails.

  • Playground: Parking is also available off McKinley Avenue near the playground. On the east side of the playground there is an entrance to the singletrack (Trail A) that will take you to the main trails on the other side of the Soapbox Derby track.

FACILITIES & SERVICES

Restrooms are not available.

USE CAUTION

The Flow and Advanced Trail are one-way trails. However, the singletrack are two-way trails that also allow hiking and other foot traffic. Please use caution and ride at your own risk.

TRAIL SEGMENTS

FLOW TRAILS

Challenge: Easy to Moderate/More Difficult

The three flow lines begin off the parking lot just past the BMX track, but before the Soapbox derby track. All flow trails are directional, one-way.

  • Return Connector - The trail closest to the BMX track is the return (one-way) connector.

  • Pre-amp - This short connector flow line is the way to get to the tree line.

  • Grave Digger - The jump line that parallels the Soapbox Derby track. The line is challenging as you gain speed and considered "more difficult".

  • Railsplitter - At the tree line the western most flow line (the one on the right) has the biggest berms and is "more difficult". Meant to flow without any brakes, this line is a fun swoopy ride.

  • Jamestown - The other tree line flow trail (on the left) is still challenging but is a good place to start to ride down the hill and not ride your brakes.  The berms aren't quite as big, and the turns aren't as big as Railsplitter.

  • Return Connector - The trail at the bottom of the hill forks left to return to the top of the hill, or forks right to cross the sidewalk and is the main connection to get to Trail A.


Trail A

Challenge: Easy to Moderate

Trail A connects you from the parking lot to the main trails. It winds along the creek and provides some tight, twisty challenges.


TRAIL 1, 2, 3, 4, C, B

Challenge: Easy to Moderate

These trails wind their way up the hill and provide some enjoyable flow downhill. A good ride is taking B or C up to the top where the other trails converge and come downhill.


ADVANCED LOOP

Challenge: Moderate

The Advanced Loop flows along the Soapbox Derby track through the dense growth along the creek. It provides some challenges.

 

LAND MANAGER:

PROHIBITED USES

  • Motorized vehicles (any non-human powered vehicle, i.e. motorcycles, one wheels, etc.).

  • Riding or hiking on wet/soft or muddy trails.

  • Any activity that causes damage to the trail tread by foot or bike.

  • Jump line trails at Ewing Park - Hikers and pets are not allowed on these trails.

  • Unauthorized building or modification of trails and/or technical features.

  • Horseback riding on single track trails.

 

Photos: K&K Images | Rock Garden at South Sycamore