The best road cycling routes around Westwood

Westwood offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 70 tours available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy rides to more challenging excursions.

Road cycling in Westwood features a diverse landscape of parklands, lake areas, and river views. You can expect rolling hills with moderate elevation gains, providing a good mix of challenges and scenic stretches. Routes often follow established roads and paths, connecting natural features like Mallard Lake and the Missouri River.

Yes, Westwood has a good selection of routes for beginners. Approximately 26 easy road cycling tours are available. A great option is the Mallard Lake – Creve Coeur Lake loop from Olive at Creve Coeur Mill, which is 22.0 miles (35.4 km) long and leads through pleasant lake areas.

For those seeking a challenge, Westwood offers 5 difficult road cycling routes. The region's rolling hills and varied terrain provide ample opportunity for more strenuous rides. Consider exploring routes that venture further into the parklands for increased elevation.

Many of Westwood's road cycling routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Popular circular routes include the Mallard Lake – Greens Bottom Road loop from Craig at Craigshire and the Mallard Lake – View of the Missouri River loop from Craig at Craigshire, both offering scenic round trips.

As you cycle through Westwood, you'll find several points of interest. Many routes offer expansive views of the Missouri River and pass by Mallard Lake. You might also cycle near Queeny Park or through the charming area of Kirkwood, which has its own park, Kirkwood Park.

The spring and fall months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in Westwood, with mild temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can be enjoyable, but it's advisable to ride earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the peak heat. Winter cycling is possible, but be mindful of colder temperatures and potential icy patches, especially on less-trafficked roads.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Westwood, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 60 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, which includes scenic lake views and rolling hills, as well as the well-maintained roads that connect natural features and charming local areas.

While many routes involve public roads, some of the easier, shorter loops that stick to park areas or quieter roads can be suitable for families with older children. Always assess the specific route's traffic conditions and difficulty to ensure it's appropriate for your family's skill level. The Mallard Lake – Creve Coeur Lake loop is a good starting point for considering easier options.

Many routes pass through or near local communities like Kirkwood, where you can find various cafes and shops for refreshments. Planning your route in advance and checking for amenities along the way is recommended to ensure you have convenient stopping points.

Route lengths in Westwood vary significantly. You can find shorter rides, such as the Kirkwood – Kirkwood Train Station loop from Des Peres at 19.0 miles (30.6 km) taking about 1 hour 15 minutes. Longer routes, like the Mallard Lake – Greens Bottom Road loop from Craig at Craigshire, can be around 33.7 miles (54.3 km) and take over 2 hours 25 minutes to complete.