Des Moines: Jester Park Lake Shore Route

This great 5-mile lasso-loop links up several trails and is the best way to explore the NW end of Saylorville Lake.

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Trail Facts

  • Distance: 5.4

Waypoints

JPT001

Location: 41.7849235534668, -93.7878799438476

Trail threads NW toward lake from small parking area

JPT002

Location: 41.7873573303223, -93.7903213500976

Rest on bench after a quick climb

JPT003

Location: 41.7895584106445, -93.7900466918945

Cross small bridge

JPT004

Location: 41.7921028137207, -93.790283203125

Tintersection; bear left

JPT005

Location: 41.7942123413086, -93.7928237915039

Bear L, following roadway for about .25 mile

JPT006

Location: 41.7943649291992, -93.7940139770508

Turn R when gravel road meets 270th St.; trail is easy to spot

JPT007

Location: 41.7959327697754, -93.7943801879883

Turn L through the woods and amid native grass

JPT008

Location: 41.7970352172852, -93.7986907958984

Bridge over brook

JPT009

Location: 41.7989196777344, -93.8021850585938

Dip into small valley with peaceful stream

JPT010

Location: 41.8018493652344, -93.8122100830078

Ascend to overlook above lake; head N to water

JPT011

Location: 41.8024940490723, -93.8115844726562

Swing R and follow shoreline

JPT012

Location: 41.7989387512207, -93.8022537231445

Close loop; backtrack 1.7 miles along Saylorville Lake

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