5.0
(15)
229
riders
20
rides
Mountain biking around Excelsior features a landscape characterized by numerous lakes, including Lake Minnetonka and McKnight Lake, alongside extensive regional trail networks. The terrain generally consists of rolling hills and park reserves, with moderate elevation changes suitable for various skill levels. These routes often traverse through wooded areas and open parkland, providing diverse riding experiences.
Last updated: August 11, 2026
5.0
(7)
133
riders
28.7km
02:12
220m
220m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
14
riders
28.9km
02:00
190m
190m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(3)
6
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
5
riders
31.6km
01:42
160m
160m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
8
riders
30.0km
01:41
120m
120m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Caught glimpses of it today like you say Matthew. Guessing it pops out more in the fall/winter.
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Carver is a great park, and it connects to the Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail, the gravel one seen in some of these pictures. The main trails for biking in Carver are all paved or single track for mountain biking. They also groom for fat biking in the winter along with having great cross country skiing.
2
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Great place to stop for a quick beer, it was there several year birthday today!
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Tamarack Lake is just off the side of the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail. It's sort of hidden behind some trees and below some cliffs, but you can catch a glimpse if you look for it.
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This short bridge on the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail give you great views of Saint Albans Bay. It is purpose built for trail users and set apart from the road traffic bridge.
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Lake Minnetonka is one of Minnesota's most well known lakes, which is quite the feat for a state know as "The Land of 10,000 Lakes". It was formed roughly 10,000 years ago at the end of the last ice age, and it has been inhabited ever since. The name derives from the Dakota language and means “the-water-they-speak-of-is-large”. Which is fitting since it covers an area of 14,528 acres.
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The St. Albans Bay Bridge carries Minnetonka Boulevard over St. Albans Bay, an inlet of Lake Minnetonka, connecting the cities of Excelsior and Greenwood in Minnesota. From the bridge you get great views over the bay, making it a pleasant place to stop and take in the views as you ride around the area.
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There are over 20 mountain bike trails documented on komoot around Excelsior, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels.
Yes, Excelsior offers several easy mountain bike trails perfect for beginners. For example, the McKnight Lake – Abandoned Bridge loop from Victoria is an easy 18-mile (29 km) route that takes around 2 hours to complete, providing a gentle introduction to the area's terrain.
Absolutely. Experienced riders can tackle more difficult routes such as the Carver Park Reserve Trail – Carver Park Reserve loop from Excelsior. This 28.3-mile (45.6 km) trail is rated difficult and typically takes nearly 3 hours, leading through varied parkland terrain.
Mountain bike trails around Excelsior vary significantly in length and duration. You'll find routes ranging from shorter, easy rides of around 10-15 miles (16-24 km) taking 1-2 hours, to longer, more challenging loops like the Excelsior Brewing – Dakota Rail Regional Trail loop from Boat Launch, which is 24.7 miles (39.8 km) and takes over 2.5 hours.
Many of the easier trails around Excelsior are suitable for families, especially those looking for a relaxed ride. These routes often feature relatively flat terrain and scenic views, making them enjoyable for riders of various ages and abilities. Look for trails designated as 'easy' on komoot.
The best time for mountain biking in Excelsior is typically from late spring through early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally mild, and trails are dry and well-maintained. Fall offers particularly beautiful scenery with changing leaves.
Yes, many mountain bike routes in the Excelsior area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Grimm's Entrance – John's Jam loop from Lake Minnetonka Swim Pond and the Dakota Rail Regional Trail – Excelsior Brewing loop from Wayzata.
Mountain bike trails around Excelsior offer diverse scenery, characterized by numerous lakes, including Lake Minnetonka and McKnight Lake. You'll often ride through wooded areas, open parkland, and along regional trail networks, providing a mix of natural beauty and lakeside views.
Along the mountain bike trails, you can explore various natural and man-made attractions. Notable highlights include the Carver Park Reserve Trail, Riley Lake Park, and sections of the Dakota Rail Regional Trail. You might also encounter interesting bridges like the St. Albans Bay Bridge.
The mountain biking experience in Excelsior is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, the scenic lakeside paths, and the well-maintained regional trails that cater to various skill levels.
Yes, the Dakota Rail Regional Trail is a prominent feature in the Excelsior area, offering extensive riding opportunities. Many routes incorporate sections of this trail, providing smooth surfaces and picturesque views, often alongside Lake Minnetonka.
While specific parking details vary by trailhead, many routes around Excelsior start from public parks, boat launches, or designated trailheads which typically offer parking facilities. For instance, routes often begin near Lake Minnetonka access points or within Carver Park Reserve, where parking is generally available.


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