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Dakota Rail Regional Trail – Excelsior Brewing loop from Wayzata
31.6km
01:42
160m
160m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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By Fede from komoot
·
Updated June 4, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan mountain biking around Wayzata, you know how overwhelming the options can be. With so many trails crisscrossing the landscape, it’s tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community of more than 60 mountain bikers has ridden, mapped, and reviewed these trails, and we've done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the very best.
Mountain biking around Wayzata is defined by its unique blend of lakeside paths, former railroad trails, and a mix of wooded and open landscapes, all set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Minnetonka. You'll find everything from easy, gentle gradients perfect for a relaxed spin to more demanding, moderate rides that will get your heart pumping. The extensive trail networks here offer varied terrain, ensuring there's always something new to explore.
If you're looking for a solid, rewarding ride that showcases the area's character, we'd start with the Dakota Rail Regional Trail – Excelsior Brewing loop from Wayzata. This 19.6 miles (31.6 km) easy route follows a historic railroad path, offering scenic views and a smooth ride. For something a bit more challenging, the Carver Park Reserve – Libbs Lake loop from Wayzata is a fantastic moderate option at 30.9 miles (49.8 km), taking you through varied park terrain. Dive in and discover your next favorite ride with komoot.
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dakota Rail Regional Trail – Excelsior Brewing loop from Wayzata | 31.6 km | 160 m | Easy |
| West Medicine Lake Park Beach – Boardwalk loop from Medicine Lake | 32.3 km | 190 m | Moderate |
| Luce Line State Trail – Hardin Park loop from Medicine Lake | 31.4 km | 120 m | Easy |
| Carver Park Reserve – Libbs Lake loop from Wayzata | 50.5 km | 220 m | Moderate |
| Hardin Park – Ox Yoke Inn loop from St Philip Park & Ride | 54.5 km | 190 m | Moderate |
| Excelsior Brewing – Dakota Rail Regional Trail loop from Wayzata | 40.6 km | 220 m | Moderate |
| Minnesota River Bluffs Trail – Minnesota River Bluffs Trail loop from Excelsior | 57.0 km | 290 m | Moderate |
| Ferndale Marsh – Dakota Rail Regional Trail loop from Wayzata | 27.2 km | 110 m | Easy |
| Minnesota River Bluffs Trail – Riley Lake Park loop from Shady Oak | 30.8 km | 140 m | Easy |
| Abandoned Bridge – Excelsior Brewing loop from Excelsior | 35.1 km | 260 m | Moderate |
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31.6km
01:42
160m
160m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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32.3km
02:01
190m
190m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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31.4km
01:43
120m
120m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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50.5km
02:47
220m
220m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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54.5km
03:01
190m
190m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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40.6km
02:11
220m
220m
The Excelsior Brewing – Dakota Rail Regional Trail loop from Wayzata offers a delightful mountain biking experience, primarily on a paved rail-to-trail path. You'll enjoy continuous, breathtaking views of Lake Minnetonka and Lake Waconia as you cycle through diverse scenery, including wetlands, wooded areas, and charming small towns. The smooth surface and gentle gradients make this a moderate 25.3-mile (40.6 km) ride, perfect for a relaxed outing.
This 2-hour and 11-minute route with 720 feet (219 metres) of elevation gain is highly accessible, making it suitable for all skill levels, including families. Wayzata provides a convenient starting point with parking and dining options, and the trail connects several small towns where you can stop for refreshments. Given its paved nature, it's a great option for a leisurely ride in various conditions, though always check for seasonal specifics.
What truly sets this trail apart is its origin as a former railway corridor, providing a consistently flat and smooth ride that's rare for mountain biking. The historical significance, combined with the stunning natural beauty and connectivity to local amenities like Excelsior Brewing, makes it a notable choice in the Minneapolis western suburbs. It's an excellent way to explore the region's natural features and scenic spots.
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57.0km
03:14
290m
290m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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27.2km
01:24
110m
110m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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30.8km
01:44
140m
140m
The Minnesota River Bluffs Trail offers a delightful mountain biking experience, winding through diverse landscapes from urban edges to serene natural areas. You'll ride on a crushed limestone surface, enjoying views of Shady Oak Lake and the expansive Minnesota River Valley. This easy 19.1-mile (30.8 km) loop, with a modest 469 feet (143 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a relaxed ride that takes around 1 hour and 43 minutes.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is easily accessible and connects several communities. While the crushed limestone is generally smooth, be prepared for potentially muddy sections in the spring due to snowmelt. The route is known for its family-friendly nature, with very few road crossings, making it a safe and enjoyable option for all ages.
This trail stands out as a historic rail corridor, offering a unique journey through the region's past. It's a multi-use path popular for biking, running, and walking, providing direct access to parks like Riley Lake Park. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, as deer are frequently spotted along the route, adding to the natural charm of your ride.
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35.1km
02:25
260m
260m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. 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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Great place to stop for a quick beer, it was there several year birthday today!
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A short bridge that carries the Luce Line State Trail over Wayzata Boulevard.
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A short pedestrian bridge that saves you from the chaos of trying to dart across U.S. Route 12.
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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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There are over 20 mountain bike trails around Wayzata, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. The komoot community has explored these routes over 60 times, rating them highly for their scenic beauty and varied terrain.
Yes, Wayzata offers several easy trails perfect for beginners. For example, the Dakota Rail Regional Trail – Excelsior Brewing loop from Wayzata is an easy 19.6-mile path that follows a historic railroad route through wooded and open landscapes, crossing bridges. Another accessible option is the Luce Line State Trail – Hardin Park loop from Medicine Lake, which is also rated as easy.
Mountain biking around Wayzata is characterized by lakeside paths, former railroad trails, and a mix of wooded and open landscapes. You'll find routes with gentle gradients, offering varied terrain that caters to easy, moderate, and difficult rides.
Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Carver Park Reserve Trail – Carver Park Reserve loop from Excelsior is a difficult 28.3-mile trail that takes nearly three hours to complete, offering a demanding ride through varied park terrain.
The Theodore Wirth Trailhead – Luce Line Regional Trail loop from Medicine Lake is a popular 19.2-mile trail that leads through scenic wooded and open terrain. Another great option for a loop is the Carver Park Reserve – Libbs Lake loop from Wayzata, which is a moderate 30.9-mile ride offering diverse scenery.
Many trails in the Wayzata area offer access to beautiful natural features. You might encounter highlights such as the Dakota Rail Regional Trail itself, which is a scenic highlight. Other points of interest include the St. Albans Bay Bridge and the tranquil Ferndale Marsh. The region is also known for its expansive Lake Minnetonka, offering picturesque lakeside views.
Yes, many of the easier trails are suitable for families. The Dakota Rail Regional Trail, for instance, is known for its gentle gradients and scenic views, making it a pleasant experience for riders of all ages. The extensive trail systems, including former railroad paths, provide safe and enjoyable routes for family outings.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse trail network that caters to various skill levels, the picturesque lakeside settings, and the peaceful rides through wooded and open landscapes.
The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the best conditions for mountain biking in Wayzata, with pleasant weather and lush scenery. The trails are well-maintained and accessible during these seasons. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Yes, many of the popular trailheads and parks in and around Wayzata, such as those for the Dakota Rail Regional Trail and Luce Line Trail, offer designated parking areas. Shaver Park, located near Wayzata Beach and the Dakota Rail Trailhead, is one such example providing convenient access.
While popular trails can see more activity, exploring some of the longer loops or venturing slightly further from central Wayzata can lead to less crowded experiences. The region's extensive network means there are always options to find a quieter ride, especially during off-peak hours or weekdays.


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