Minnesota River Bluffs Trail – Carver Park Reserve Trail loop from Victoria
Minnesota River Bluffs Trail – Carver Park Reserve Trail loop from Victoria
5.0
(2656)
7,951
riders
Minnesota River Bluffs Trail – Carver Park Reserve Trail loop from Victoria
03:43
60.7km
280m
Cycling
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
Tips
Temporary access restrictions
Includes segments with temporary access restrictions.
After 26.7 km for 158 m
Discouraged
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
14.9 km
Minnesota River Bluffs Trail — Bridge 101
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
20.7 km
Biking/walking bridge over 212
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
21.9 km
Water Tower and Train Station recreation
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
23.0 km
Minnesota River Bluffs Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
29.5 km
Minnesota River Bluffs Trail View of Shady Oak Lake
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
31.7 km
Hopkins Water Tower
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
46.4 km
St. Albans Bay Bridge
Highlight (Segment) • Bridge
Tip by
55.0 km
Tamarack Lake
Lake
56.2 km
Carver Park Reserve Trail
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
60.7 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
32.4 km
26.3 km
1.25 km
771 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
32.1 km
26.9 km
1.32 km
449 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Wednesday 1 July
27°C
19°C
97 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
The Minnesota River Bluffs Trail – Carver Park Reserve Trail loop from Victoria is one of those touring cycling routes that truly delivers a varied experience, blending natural scenery with manageable terrain. This moderate 37.7-mile (60.7 km) loop, with 929 feet (283 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 3 hours and 43 minutes to complete. It's a fantastic option if you're looking for a diverse ride that combines different trail surfaces and beautiful views without being overly strenuous.
What to expect on Minnesota River Bluffs Trail – Carver Park Reserve Trail loop from Victoria
This route offers a journey through changing landscapes, starting with the Minnesota River Bluffs LRT Regional Trail, which follows an old railroad corridor. Expect mostly flat, hard-packed crushed stone, though some sections might be muddy after spring melt-off. You'll pass Shady Oak Lake, Miller Park, and Riley Lake Park, with expansive views across the Minnesota River Valley, especially from the bridge over Great Plains Blvd. As you transition into Carver Park Reserve, the surface shifts to well-maintained paved trails that wind through forests, prairies, and marshlands, featuring rolling hills and one notable long, winding climb. This blend of surfaces and scenery makes it suitable for cyclists with good fitness, including families, who appreciate diverse environments.
Planning your visit
The loop is easily accessible from Victoria, with Carver Park Reserve offering amenities like the Lowry Nature Center and Lake Auburn Campground, including bike-in-only campsites. While the trail is generally open, be aware that spring melt-off can make some crushed stone sections muddy. The paved trails within Carver Park Reserve are well-maintained year-round. This route is ideal for a day trip, offering a mix of natural beauty and manageable challenges.
Trail details
- Distance: 37.7 miles (60.7 km)
- Elevation gain: 929 feet (283 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 3 hours and 43 minutes
Comments
Want to know more?
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Sign up for free