The best cycling routes around Spanish Lake

The Spanish Lake area offers a diverse range of terrain for touring cyclists. You'll find paved loops, such as the 1.4-mile Lakeside Trail within Spanish Lake Park, suitable for a smooth ride. For those seeking a more rugged experience, there's also a dirt/gravel trail around Sunfish Lake, approximately 2.5 miles long, ideal for fat tire bikes. Additionally, routes like the Melvin Price Locks and Dam – MCT Confluence Trail loop feature paved levee paths along the Mississippi River, offering scenic views.

Yes, Spanish Lake offers several easy touring cycling routes. The Melvin Price Locks and Dam – MCT Confluence Trail loop is an easy 14.8-mile (23.8 km) route that provides views of the Mississippi River. Another accessible option is the Confluence Trail – Confluence Trail – east of Alston loop, which is 16.3 miles (26.2 km) and also rated easy. For a shorter, easy ride, consider the Gravel Road in Columbia Bottom loop, which is about 7.9 miles (12.7 km).

The touring cycling routes around Spanish Lake offer several interesting sights. You can cycle near the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, a historic landmark. The Melvin Price Locks and Dam – MCT Confluence Trail loop provides views of the Melvin Price Lock and Dam and the Confluence Tower and the Lewis & Clark Monument. The Chouteau Island Country Road is also a highlight, known for its minimal car traffic.

The best time to go touring cycling around Spanish Lake is generally in the spring or fall. During these seasons, the weather is typically more moderate, making for a more comfortable ride. Routes along the Mississippi River, such as the Confluence Trail, lack tree shade, which can make them very hot during the summer months.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Spanish Lake are designed as loops. Examples include the Troy Junction at Route 162 – Bridge on MCT Goshen Trail loop, the Luther Ely Smith Square – Gateway Arch loop, and the Melvin Price Locks and Dam – MCT Confluence Trail loop. Within Spanish Lake Park, there's also a 1.4-mile paved loop around Spanish Lake itself, and a 2.5-mile dirt/gravel loop around Sunfish Lake.

The touring cycling routes around Spanish Lake are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars from over 8 reviews. More than 93 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the area, often praising the scenic river levee paths, the variety of parkland trails, and the natural beauty of the lakes and forests.

Spanish Lake Park, a central hub for outdoor activities, offers reservable picnic shelters and likely provides parking facilities for visitors accessing its trails. For routes like the Melvin Price Locks and Dam – MCT Confluence Trail loop, you can often find parking at designated trailheads or park and ride lots, such as the MCT Park and Ride mentioned in the route description.

The Spanish Lake area is rich in natural beauty and diverse wildlife. While cycling, you might spot various bird species, including bald eagles, herons, and woodpeckers. Deer and foxes are also commonly observed in the lush forests and rolling hills surrounding the lakes, making it an appealing spot for nature enthusiasts.

Yes, for more experienced touring cyclists looking for longer distances, routes like the Troy Junction at Route 162 – Bridge on MCT Goshen Trail loop from Granite City offer a substantial ride. This moderate route covers 33.2 miles (53.5 km) and typically takes around 3 hours to complete. Another moderate option is the Luther Ely Smith Square – Gateway Arch loop from Chouteau Island, which is 28.8 miles (46.4 km).

While specific cafes directly on every route might vary, the area does have options. For example, the Luna Cafe (Route 66) is a nearby highlight that could serve as a refreshment stop, depending on your chosen route and its proximity to Route 66.

There are at least 5 touring cycling routes available in the Spanish Lake region, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from paved park loops to longer levee trails along the Mississippi River.