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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 |
| Luce Line State Trail – Hardin Park loop from Medicine Lake | 31.4 km | 120 m | Easy |
| Carver Park Reserve – Libbs Lake loop from Wayzata | 49.8 km | 210 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 | 40.5 km | 210 m | Moderate |
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Sign up for free31.6km
01:42
160m
160m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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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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49.8km
02:45
210m
210m
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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40.5km
02:10
210m
210m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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57.3km
03:15
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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29.3km
01:38
140m
140m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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33.9km
01:53
180m
180m
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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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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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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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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