Banner Lakes at Summerset Park - Mountain Trail

The Banner Lakes At Summerset Park is a trail system with the most hilly and technical sections in the Des Moines area. 

The Banner Lakes at Summerset Park is a family-friendly out-and-back trail system. You can easily ride the entire 5.5 miles of singletrack trail and would never get lost despite its twists and turns. It has lots of exit spots that lead back to the park road. The trail system has hilly sections that require some biking expertise, hence it's intermediate rating. Moreover, it features at least 0.25 miles of road connecting Comet pocket trail, Riverside Trail, and Extra credit trail.

Before you go:

Drinking water

Restrooms

Fee required

Lift service

Fat bike grooming

Family Friendly

Night riding

E-bikes allowed

Dogs Allowed

Obstacles

Shuttles

Detailed Trail Description 

You can start your ride from the first parking lot. Join the Coal Miner’s Daughter trail north of the restroom at the parking lot. Ride the trail to its end, where there is a parking lot, a local shooting range, and a bathroom. You will see the paved Summerset trail as well. From here, take the trail that connects to the Missing link trail in the reverse direction. 

Ride the connector trail to its end point, where it runs parallel to the park road. Take a right turn and climb the hill to connect to the New ED Beach trail, which is flat, wide, and unshaded. From the New ED Beach trail signpost, ride straight to the road, turn left, and keep riding for about 500 ft. Stop and check your left for Comer Pocket trail’s signpost.

Ride the Comer Pocket trail to its end, then turn left and go on for a quarter mile. You should see the Riverside trail signpost on your left. Get on it and ride till the end. Join the pavement and turn left the ride to the intersection and take another left turn. Keep riding, then make a right turn onto Extra Credit trail about 500 ft away.

The Extra credit trail is a short section of about 0.75 miles that features continuous steep hills. It has twists and turns that almost look like switchbacks. We recommend this section for intermediate and advanced bikers only. 

Additional Trail Features

• Two parking lots with bathrooms.
• A local shooting range.

Sights of Interest, landscapes, views

Biking on the Banner Lakes At Summerset Park trail system is rewarding in terms of scenery. You will see beautiful wildflowers, squirrels, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, owls, deer, chipmunks, and wild cats. Move in a group or make some noise to avoid ambushing the dangerous animals like wild cats and foxes.

Recommendations/precautions

• When taking the New ED Beach trail, follow the path between the ridge and the street that circulates Summerset Park. Many people lose their way by taking the street by the bathroom.
• You can reduce your miles by turning right onto the road after the first two sections of the trail system. Ride the road to return to your car.
• Beware of poison ivy and wild animals on the trail system.
• Carry plenty of water and sunscreen, as some of the trail’s sections are unshaded.
• Ensure you are fit enough for the trail’s technical challenges.
• The bathrooms near Riverside Trail and Extra credit trail are only open between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
• The trail system floods in late spring because of the nearby lakes and rivers. Check the Central Iowa Trail Association for an update on the trail’s status before planning a ride.