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Johnson County

Westwood

The best running trails around Westwood

By Fede from komoot

·

Updated May 28, 2026

If you've ever tried to plan jogging around Westwood, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. With so many paths and parks, it's tough to tell which popular jogging trails Westwood offers are genuinely worth your time and effort. That's where komoot comes in. Our community has explored, mapped, and reviewed countless routes, and we've distilled that collective wisdom into a curated shortlist of the best running routes Westwood has to offer, saving you the guesswork.

Jogging around Westwood is all about urban parks and green spaces, characterized by relatively flat terrain with gentle elevation changes. It's a place where you can find well-maintained paths suitable for all levels, from easy strolls to more challenging runs. The area's charm lies in its accessible routes, often connecting scenic spots and offering a refreshing escape within the city.

If you only do one route, we'd start with the Trolley Track Trail – Trolley Track Trail loop from Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. At 6.0 miles (9.6 km) with minimal elevation gain, it's a local favorite for a reason – a well-established path that's perfect for a steady run. For something a little shorter but equally scenic, the J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain – Loose Park loop from Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a fantastic choice, offering 3.6 miles (5.8 km) through a beautiful park setting. With more than 1,200 runners already exploring these paths and an average rating of 4.1 stars, you're in good company. Dive in and find your next favorite route with komoot!

If you only do 3 of these routes

  1. 1

    Trolley Track Trail – Trolley Track Trail loop from Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
  2. 2

    Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park – J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain loop from Westwood Hills
  3. 3

    Kauffman Legacy Park – Kauffman Legacy Lake loop from Westwood Hills

Compare these routes at a glance

Trail

Distance

Elevation

Difficulty

Trolley Track Trail – Trolley Track Trail loop from Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

9.59 km

50 m

Moderate

Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park – J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain loop from Westwood Hills

12.5 km

60 m

Moderate

Kauffman Legacy Park – Kauffman Legacy Lake loop from Westwood Hills

6.17 km

30 m

Moderate

J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain – Kauffman Legacy Park loop from Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

7.63 km

40 m

Moderate

J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain – Loose Park loop from Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

5.83 km

50 m

Moderate

J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain – Trolley Track Trail loop from Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

11.9 km

80 m

Moderate

Kauffman Legacy Park – Kauffman Legacy Lake loop from Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

6.20 km

30 m

Moderate

Loose Park loop from Mission Woods

5.15 km

30 m

Moderate

J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain – Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park loop from Westwood Hills

14.0 km

120 m

Moderate

Willow Lake – Mirror Pool loop from Mission Woods

9.66 km

110 m

Moderate

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1.

Trolley Track Trail – Trolley Track Trail loop from Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

9.59km

01:00

50m

50m

The Trolley Track Trail loop from Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art offers a delightful urban jogging experience, blending historical significance with varied scenery. You'll traverse a mix of crushed limestone and asphalt, passing through charming residential neighborhoods with their distinctive old houses and tree-lined streets. The route provides a unique perspective on Kansas City, connecting green spaces with bustling urban areas like Brookside and Waldo, making it a popular route for those who enjoy a dynamic backdrop to their workout.

Planning your visit to the Trolley Track Trail is straightforward, especially when starting from the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Keep in mind that the northern sections can be quite busy, particularly during pleasant evenings, so an earlier start might offer a more serene experience. The trail involves numerous road crossings, which means you'll need to be cautious and prepared for intermittent stops, impacting a continuous jogging pace.

This trail is notable for its rich history as the route of Kansas City's last streetcar line, giving it a unique character as a former rail-trail. It's a beloved community asset, offering joggers a moderate 6.0-mile (9.6 km) loop with a gentle 163 feet (50 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 59 minutes. The urban integration means you can easily combine your jog with exploring local shops and eateries in the nearby neighborhoods.

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2.

Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park – J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain loop from Westwood Hills

12.5km

01:18

60m

60m

This urban jogging loop offers a unique blend of art, architecture, and green spaces, making it one of the best jogging routes in Kansas City. You'll pass through the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park, where giant shuttlecocks dot the landscape around the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and then continue to the impressive J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain, framed by the Spanish-inspired buildings of the Country Club Plaza. The route is mostly paved, providing a smooth surface for your run.

To tackle this 7.8-mile (12.5 km) route, which has a moderate 207 feet (63 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 1 hour and 17 minutes, you'll want to have good fitness. The trail is easily accessible from the Westwood Hills area, and as an urban path, parking is generally available in nearby public areas. It's a great option for a scenic run any time of year during daylight hours.

What sets this loop apart is its seamless connection of iconic Kansas City landmarks, offering a fantastic way to explore the city's cultural heart. It's an excellent choice if you appreciate public art and distinctive architecture while getting your miles in, providing a dynamic backdrop to your workout.

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3.

Kauffman Legacy Park – Kauffman Legacy Lake loop from Westwood Hills

6.17km

00:38

30m

30m

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.

J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain – Loose Park loop from Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

5.83km

00:36

50m

50m

This moderate 3.6-mile (5.8 km) jogging route, with a gentle 151 feet (46 metres) of elevation gain, offers a unique blend of art, history, and urban nature, typically taking around 36 minutes to complete. You'll pass by the iconic shuttlecocks at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the grand J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain with its impressive bronze figures, and the serene Loose Lake within Loose Park. The paved paths and generally flat terrain make it an accessible and visually rich experience for any urban explorer.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the route is easily accessible from the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, where parking is available. This area is a popular spot for joggers and dog walkers, making it a safe and welcoming environment for outdoor activity. While enjoyable year-round, spring and summer highlight the vibrant Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden in Loose Park, adding an extra layer of beauty to your run.

What makes this route truly stand out is its seamless integration of cultural landmarks with green spaces, offering a constantly evolving backdrop for your workout. The Country Club Plaza, with its Spanish-inspired architecture and numerous sculptures, acts as an outdoor museum, complementing the natural beauty of Loose Park. It's a fantastic way to experience Kansas City's charm and history while staying active.

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8.

Loose Park loop from Mission Woods

5.15km

00:32

30m

30m

If you're seeking a popular jogging route that combines natural beauty with urban convenience, the Loose Park loop from Mission Woods is an excellent choice. This moderate 3.2-mile (5.2 km) trail offers a delightful experience, winding through lush landscapes and past the stunning Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden. You'll also enjoy serene views of Loose Lake, complete with a fountain and arched bridges, making for a picturesque and engaging run.

The park is highly accessible, with paved paths suitable for all fitness levels and even strollers or wheelchairs. While specific parking from Mission Woods isn't detailed, the park itself provides amenities like restrooms. For the most vibrant experience, consider visiting in late spring or summer when the Rose Garden is in full bloom, adding a burst of color to your jog.

Beyond its scenic appeal, Loose Park holds historical significance as a site of the Battle of Westport during the Civil War, with markers offering insights into this pivotal event. This makes the loop more than just a running path; it's a journey through a peaceful urban oasis that also connects you to Kansas City's past. It's a fantastic option for a quick 32-minute workout with only 110 feet (33 metres) of elevation gain.

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9.

J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain – Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park loop from Westwood Hills

14.0km

01:28

120m

120m

The J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain – Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park loop from Westwood Hills offers a unique blend of urban jogging and cultural immersion. You'll navigate varied terrain, from paved paths and sidewalks around the iconic "Shuttlecocks" in the Sculpture Park to potentially fine gravel and natural surfaces closer to Westwood Hills. The route provides a constantly changing backdrop of world-class art, historic landmarks like the J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain, and pleasant green spaces along Brush Creek, making for a visually rich experience.

This moderate 8.7-mile (14.1 km) jogging route, with 400 feet (122 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 28 minutes to complete. While the full loop requires good fitness, sections around the Sculpture Park are easily accessible for shorter, easier runs. Parking can be found in various areas around the Plaza or the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and visiting during daylight hours is recommended to fully appreciate the scenery and art installations.

What truly sets this route apart is its seamless integration of art and exercise, allowing you to experience two of Kansas City's most recognizable landmarks while staying active. It transitions smoothly between manicured parklands, urban pathways, and potentially more natural sections, ensuring a stimulating run. This loop is ideal for those who appreciate a diverse urban landscape and want to combine their workout with a dose of local culture and visual interest.

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10.

Willow Lake – Mirror Pool loop from Mission Woods

9.66km

01:01

110m

110m

The Willow Lake – Mirror Pool loop from Mission Woods offers a dynamic jogging experience, blending easy, flat paths with more rugged, adventurous sections. You'll traverse the mellow western shore, enjoying wide, grassy expanses and views of Willow Lake, before encountering the eastern side's unique granite dells. Here, you'll navigate over impressive boulders and through small hidden canyons, some containing the 'reflective pools' that give the trail its name, making for a truly varied workout.

This moderate 6.0-mile (9.7 km) jogging route, with 363 feet (111 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 1 minute to complete. While the western side is suitable for all, the eastern shore involves some scrambling, so come prepared for technical terrain. Checking trail conditions, especially after rain, is wise due to potential muddy sections, and bringing water is always a good idea for this engaging loop.

Willow Lake is renowned for its striking granite rock formations, often mirrored in the water, and is designated an Important Bird Area, making it a fantastic spot for birdwatching. The trail's dual personality, offering both a relaxed and a more challenging experience, makes it a standout option for joggers seeking diverse scenery and a bit of adventure near Mission Woods.

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Tips from the Community

Zachary
June 26, 2025, Trolley Track Trail

You might encounter some homeless camps on the northern end of the path.

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The trail is super finely-crushed gravel and runs for many miles.

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The Brush Creek Trail is a paved, multiuse trail that runs along the creek of the same name. It is considered an easy trail, as there is not much elevation gain and the surface is great.

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This 6-mile crushed stone trail, a former trolley way, winds through numerous neighborhoods and passes by several parks. The trail has night lighting in limited areas, making it an option for a night ride.

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mtm05005
February 13, 2024, Brush Creek Trail

The Brush Creek Trail is a paved, multiuse trail that runs along the creek of the same name. It is considered an easy trail, as there is not much elevation gain and the surface is great.

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The Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park is a 22-acre sculpture park with 36 sculptures. The sculpture park is an exhibit on the campus of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

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Home to the Kauffman Community Garden, this park features plenty of stunning flowers and plants. The lake also attracts a wide variety of wildlife that you'll most likely see along the way.

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Kauffman Legacy Park beckons as an urban haven, inviting everyone to relish its green expanse. Whether it's a serene jog, leisurely dog walk, or exploration of the trails, the park is a communal space for all. Home to the Kauffman Community Garden, cultivated in collaboration with Kansas City Community Gardens, the park also emphasizes conservation and showcases native Missouri wildlife. A sanctuary for Canada geese during migration, the lake hosts adorable goslings in the spring, adding seasonal charm to this vibrant urban retreat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many running routes are available in Westwood?

Westwood offers a wide selection of running routes, with over 100 options recorded on komoot. These range from easy strolls to more challenging runs, catering to various fitness levels.

Are there easy running routes suitable for beginners in Westwood?

Yes, Westwood has 11 easy running routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed jog. A great option is the Loose Park loop from Mission Woods, which is 2.9 miles (4.6 km) and leads through urban parkland.

What are some family-friendly jogging routes in Westwood?

Many of Westwood's urban park routes are suitable for families due to their well-maintained paths and gentle elevation changes. The Loose Park loop from Mission Woods is an excellent choice, offering a pleasant and accessible experience for all ages.

Are the running trails in Westwood dog-friendly?

While specific regulations can vary by park, many urban parks in Westwood generally permit dogs on trails, provided they are kept on a leash. It's always a good idea to check local signage for any specific restrictions in individual parks.

Are there circular jogging routes in Westwood?

Yes, many of the running routes in Westwood are designed as loops, offering convenient circular paths. Popular options include the Trolley Track Trail – Trolley Track Trail loop from Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Loose Park – Loose Park Pond loop from Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

What kind of terrain can I expect on Westwood's running trails?

Westwood's running routes primarily feature urban parks and green spaces with well-maintained, often paved paths. The terrain is generally relatively flat with only gentle elevation changes, making it suitable for a comfortable running experience.

What do other runners enjoy most about jogging in Westwood?

The komoot community highly rates the running experience in Westwood, with an average score of 4.1 stars from over 10 reviews. Runners often praise the accessible urban parks, well-maintained paths, and the scenic green spaces that offer a refreshing escape within the city.

Are there any running routes in Westwood with scenic viewpoints or interesting landmarks?

Absolutely! Many routes connect to points of interest. For example, the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park – J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain loop from Mission Woods takes you past significant landmarks. You can also explore highlights like the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park and the National WWI Museum and Memorial near various routes.

Is public transport accessible to Westwood's running trails?

Given Westwood's urban setting, many running trails, especially those in central parks, are often well-served by public transport. We recommend checking local bus routes or tram lines that stop near major parks like Loose Park or the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art for convenient access.

Are there parking facilities available near Westwood's running routes?

Yes, parking is generally available near the main parks and trailheads in Westwood. For instance, routes starting from the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art or within Loose Park typically have nearby parking options, though some may be paid or have time limits.

Can I find cafes or amenities along the jogging routes in Westwood?

As many routes pass through or near urban areas and parks, you'll often find cafes, restrooms, and other amenities conveniently located. Major parks like Loose Park and areas around the Trolley Track Trail are good places to look for refreshments.

What is the best time of year to go running in Westwood?

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant running conditions in Westwood, with mild temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can be warm and humid, so early mornings or evenings are preferable, while winter running is possible but requires appropriate gear for colder temperatures.

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