Elm Creek Park Reserve – Rush Creek Regional Trail loop from Champlin Park High School
Elm Creek Park Reserve – Rush Creek Regional Trail loop from Champlin Park High School
2.9
(18)
34
riders
Elm Creek Park Reserve – Rush Creek Regional Trail loop from Champlin Park High School
01:38
40.8km
150m
Road cycling
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: June 1, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
9.51 km
Elm Creek Park Reserve Parking Area
Highlight • Parking
Tip by
15.0 km
Medicine Lake Regional Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
15.9 km
Rice Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
16.2 km
Rice Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
17.4 km
Medicine Lake Regional Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
21.1 km
Bridge on the Medicine Lake Regional Trail
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
30.7 km
Elm Creek Park Reserve
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
38.7 km
Rush Creek Regional Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
40.8 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
28.6 km
11.2 km
870 m
118 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
39.3 km
813 m
697 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Monday 22 June
23°C
11°C
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a diverse and engaging road cycling route in the Twin Cities metro area, the Elm Creek Park Reserve – Rush Creek Regional Trail loop from Champlin Park High School offers an accessible option. This easy 25.4-mile (40.8 km) ride, with a gentle 490 feet (149 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 1 hour and 38 minutes, making it perfect for a relaxed outing or a longer spin without punishing climbs.
What to expect on Elm Creek Park Reserve – Rush Creek Regional Trail loop from Champlin Park High School
The route seamlessly connects two major trail systems, offering a rich tapestry of landscapes. You'll start on the Rush Creek Regional Trail, known for its smooth, wide, and mostly flat paths that wind through forests, farmlands, and residential areas, sometimes feeling quite remote. As you transition into the Elm Creek Park Reserve, the terrain becomes more varied, with rolling hills, twists, and turns. Expect to cycle through open prairie, quiet wooded corridors, and past several of the park's six lakes, providing a constantly changing backdrop. While the southern loop of Elm Creek can be demanding, this combined route offers plenty of accessible sections, making it suitable for cyclists of varying fitness levels.
Planning your visit
Parking is readily available at Champlin Park High School, providing a convenient starting point for this loop. Both the Rush Creek Regional Trail and the Elm Creek Park Reserve trails offer various amenities, including picnic areas, restrooms, and drinking fountains at trailheads. The Rush Creek Regional Trail is particularly well-maintained year-round, with snow clearing in winter, making it a viable option even in colder months. For the most pleasant experience, consider an early morning ride to potentially spot wildlife, especially on the Rush Creek trail.
Trail details
- Distance: 25.4 miles (40.8 km)
- Elevation gain: 490 feet (149 metres)
- Difficulty: easy
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 38 minutes
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