John Pat Dorrian Viewpoint–Pond for Growth, 5 lakes
5.3 mi · ▲ 53 ft · 1 hr 48 min
John Pat Dorrian Viewpoint–Pond for Growth, 5 lakes is a 5.3-mile out-and-back in Birdland Park near Des Moines, IA. The route passes Raun Reflection Garden, Pond for Growth, Pond for Prosperity and John Pat Dorrian Viewpoint. It is mostly level, with 53 ft of elevation gain. It scores 0/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: paved and peopled.
Elevation
Getting there
Directions
John Pat Dorrian Viewpoint–Pond for Growth, 5 lakes
5.3 mi · ▲ 53 ft · 1 hr 48 min
Elevation 788–844 ft
Out & Back · Birdland Park
Trailhead: Neal Smith Trail · 41.61054, -93.61089
Weather Sep 21: sunrise 7:02 AM · sunset 7:15 PM
Toilets at the trailhead · Drinking water at the trailhead · Parking lot at the trailhead
- Start on Neal Smith Trail, heading S.
- 0.4 miTurn right, heading SW.
- 0.7 miPass Raun Reflection Garden.
- 450 ftPass Pond for Growth.
- 50 ftPass Pond for Prosperity.
- 350 ftTurn left, heading S.
- 50 ftTurn right onto John Pat Dorrian Trail, heading SW.
- 0.1 miContinue straight onto Principal Riverwalk, heading S.
- 0.4 miPass John Pat Dorrian Viewpoint.
- 250 ftContinue straight onto John Pat Dorrian Trail, heading S.
- 1 miContinue straight onto John Pat Dorrian Trail Service Spur, heading SE.
- 50 ftContinue straight onto John Pat Dorrian Trail, heading SE.
- 0.1 miReach John Pat Dorrian Viewpoint, then turn around and head back the way you came.
- 0.1 miContinue straight onto John Pat Dorrian Trail Service Spur, heading E.
- 50 ftContinue straight onto John Pat Dorrian Trail, heading E.
- 1 miContinue straight onto Principal Riverwalk, heading NW.
- 0.4 miContinue straight onto John Pat Dorrian Trail, heading N.
- 0.1 miTurn left, heading N.
- 0.8 miTurn left onto Neal Smith Trail, heading NE.
- 50 ftArrive back at the trailhead.
Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.
Trail surface
Weather
Sunset
The best sunset spot on this hike is 2.3 mi in (~57 min). Leave by 5:58 PM for the 7:15 PM sunset. Back at your car by 8:28 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.
Good to know
- Toilets at the trailhead
- Drinking water at the trailhead
- Parking lot at the trailhead
More from Neal Smith Trail Trailhead
- Crocker Woods–Riverview Lake, 3 lakes 3 mi · ▲ 0 ft
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