By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 31, 2026
If you've ever tried planning mountain biking around Tonka Bay, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. With so many trails, it's tough to tell which ones are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed these routes, so we've done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the best mountain bike trails Tonka Bay has to offer, saving you the guesswork.
Mountain biking here is all about embracing the unique landscape shaped by Lake Minnetonka and its surrounding natural areas. Expect a mix of lush greenery, mature trees, and wetland complexes, with trails ranging from easy, scenic lakeside rides to more challenging parkland routes, especially within areas like Carver Park Reserve. While some trails are multi-use, we find the dry, warmer months are best for enjoying the full mountain biking experience.
If you're looking for a challenge, we'd start with the Grimm's Entrance – John's Jam loop from Lake Minnetonka Swim Pond, a difficult 17.8 miles (28.7 km) route that really earns its place. For a more relaxed ride with plenty of scenic views, the McKnight Lake – Abandoned Bridge loop from Victoria is an easy 17.9 miles (28.9 km) path that delivers on natural beauty. With more than 184 mountain bikers already exploring Tonka Bay with komoot, you're in good company. Start planning your next ride!
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grimm's Entrance – John's Jam loop from Lake Minnetonka Regional Park | 28.7 km | 220 m | Hard |
| McKnight Lake – Abandoned Bridge loop from Victoria | 28.9 km | 190 m | Easy |
| Excelsior Brewing – Dakota Rail Regional Trail loop from Bluff Creek Preserve | 39.8 km | 220 m | Moderate |
| Carver Park Reserve Trail – Carver Park Reserve loop from Bluff Creek Preserve | 38.6 km | 260 m | Hard |
| Dakota Rail Regional Trail – Excelsior Brewing loop from Wayzata | 31.6 km | 160 m | Easy |
| Carver Park Reserve Trail – St. Albans Bay Bridge loop from Victoria | 30.0 km | 120 m | Easy |
| Minnesota River Bluffs Trail – Minnesota River Bluffs Trail loop from Excelsior | 56.4 km | 270 m | Moderate |
| Ferndale Marsh – Dakota Rail Regional Trail loop from Wayzata | 27.1 km | 110 m | Easy |
| Abandoned Bridge – Excelsior Brewing loop from Excelsior | 35.1 km | 260 m | Moderate |
| Saint Albans Bay Bridge – Shady Oak Lake loop from Pleasant View Preserve | 33.9 km | 180 m | Easy |
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28.7km
02:12
220m
220m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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28.9km
02:00
190m
190m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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39.8km
02:10
220m
220m
If you're looking for a scenic, mostly paved ride that's more about cruising than technical challenges, the Excelsior Brewing – Dakota Rail Regional Trail loop is a solid choice. This 24.7-mile (39.7 km) route, rated moderate, offers pleasant views of Lake Minnetonka and Lake Waconia, winding through wetlands and small towns. While it's listed for mountain biking, expect a smooth, multi-use path that's great for a relaxed outing, not rugged singletrack.
Planning your visit is straightforward, with Excelsior Brewing serving as a popular and convenient stop directly on the trail in downtown Excelsior. Parking is generally available in the towns along the route. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for most seasons, though checking local conditions is always a good idea, especially for winter riding.
The Dakota Rail Regional Trail is built on a former railway line, making it notably flat and easy to navigate. It's a fantastic option for those seeking a family-friendly ride or a leisurely day out, connecting to other regional trails like the Luce Line Trail. The trail's accessibility and the charming stops along the way, like Excelsior Brewing, make it a local favorite for a relaxed cycling experience.
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38.6km
02:19
260m
260m
The Carver Park Reserve loop offers an engaging mountain biking experience, primarily on the Monarch Singletrack system, winding through diverse terrain. You'll ride through rolling wooded hills, past wetlands, and across grasslands, with opportunities to spot wildlife such as trumpeter swans and white-tailed deer. The trail features well-designed flow sections, but also tight, twisty turns and rocky patches that keep the ride interesting.
This is a difficult 24.0 miles (38.6 km) mountain biking route with 857 feet (261 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 2 hours and 19 minutes. The Monarch Singletrack system caters to a range of skill levels, but this loop incorporates advanced features like steep drops and long climbs. Always check crowd-sourced trail conditions before you go to ensure the best experience.
Notably, the Monarch Singletrack is Three Rivers Park's newest mountain bike trail system, with ongoing expansion planned to make it the longest singletrack in the system. It's a multi-use trail, shared with hikers and snowshoers, and the park offers amenities like the Lowry Nature Center and bike-in camping at Lake Auburn Campground.
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31.6km
01:42
160m
160m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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30.0km
01:41
120m
120m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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56.4km
03:12
270m
270m
The Minnesota River Bluffs Trail loop near Excelsior offers a diverse mountain biking experience, winding through wooded areas, open spaces, and residential neighborhoods. You'll ride on a mostly hard-packed crushed stone surface, enjoying views of several lakes like Shady Oak Lake and Mitchell Lake, before reaching expansive vistas overlooking the Minnesota River Valley from the Great Plains Boulevard bridge. It's a journey that blends natural beauty with urban fringes, providing a varied backdrop for your ride.
This moderate 35.0-mile (56.4 km) route, with 915 feet (279 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 3 hours and 12 minutes to complete. While generally flat due to its rail-trail origins, expect a gradual climb in certain sections. The trail is multi-use and suitable for gravel, fat, or mountain bikes, making it accessible for a range of riders. Be sure to carry a map, as navigation through Chaska can be a bit complex where the trail leaves the old rail bed.
As a key component of the regional trail system, the Minnesota River Bluffs Trail connects to other major paths like the Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail, allowing for longer, custom loops. Its origin as a former railroad corridor provides a relatively flat and direct route, making it a confidence-inspiring option for those looking for a longer ride without extreme technical challenges. The northern end in Hopkins is even near the historic Depot Coffee House, housed in a restored train station.
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27.1km
01:24
110m
110m
The Ferndale Marsh – Dakota Rail Regional Trail loop from Wayzata offers a wonderfully easy and scenic bike ride, primarily along the paved Dakota Rail Regional Trail. You'll glide smoothly on asphalt, enjoying expansive views of Lake Minnetonka and Lake Waconia, with the landscape shifting between serene wetlands, lush wooded sections, and glimpses of charming small towns. While the name suggests mountain biking, this route is best enjoyed as a casual pedal, perfect for families or anyone seeking a relaxed outing rather than technical terrain.
This 16.9-mile (27.2 km) loop, with a gentle 351 feet (107 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 1 hour and 24 minutes to complete, making it an accessible option for most riders. The Dakota Rail Regional Trail is well-maintained and flat, following a historic railroad path. While Ferndale Marsh is part of the loop's name, be aware that the marsh itself lacks maintained trails for biking, so your ride will stick to paved paths and local roads around its edges. It's an ideal choice for a leisurely afternoon ride.
This route stands out as a fantastic option for beginner mountain bikers or those simply looking for a pleasant, low-effort ride in the Wayzata area. The Dakota Rail Regional Trail's smooth terrain and gentle gradients make it incredibly family-friendly. It's a great way to experience the natural beauty and scenic views of the Lake Minnetonka area without needing specialized gear or advanced skills, offering a peaceful escape into nature.
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35.1km
02:25
260m
260m
The Abandoned Bridge – Excelsior Brewing loop from Excelsior offers a delightful mountain biking experience through the picturesque Lake Minnetonka area. You'll pedal past scenic lake views and through natural areas with lush greenery, likely traversing sections of the Dakota Rail Regional Trail with its smooth crushed limestone surface. The route's namesake, the Abandoned Bridge, provides a unique landmark, while the journey culminates near Excelsior Brewing, perfect for a post-ride refreshment.
This moderate 21.8-mile (35.1 km) ride, with 851 feet (260 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 24 minutes. While much of the terrain is gently rolling and suitable for various skill levels, some sections within the broader network can present more challenging conditions, so good fitness is recommended. Starting from Excelsior, it's a convenient loop for a half-day adventure.
What makes this route particularly notable is its blend of natural beauty and local amenities. The extensive trail networks around Lake Minnetonka allow for varied experiences, connecting you to both serene waterfront views and the vibrant atmosphere of Excelsior. It's an ideal choice for those looking for popular mountain bike trails near Excelsior Brewing Excelsior MN that combine outdoor activity with a social reward.
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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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Great place to stop for a quick beer, it was there several year birthday today!
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The largest, most diverse horticultural site in all of Minnesota, this is the originating home of the honeycrisp apple variety! The oldest part of this arboretum was built in 1907; it now encompasses 1,200 acres and is open year-round. Fee for entry.
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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 Tonka Bay. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 14 easy, 5 moderate, and 2 difficult options available for exploration.
Yes, Tonka Bay offers several easy mountain bike trails perfect for beginners. One popular option is the McKnight Lake – Abandoned Bridge loop from Victoria, an easy 17.9-mile path that provides scenic views of lakes and natural areas, ideal for a relaxed ride.
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Grimm's Entrance – John's Jam loop from Lake Minnetonka Swim Pond is a difficult 17.8-mile route offering challenging terrain within the broader Lake Minnetonka area. Another difficult option is the Carver Park Reserve Trail – Carver Park Reserve loop from Excelsior, which spans over 28 miles.
Many trails offer access to the beautiful natural features of the region. You can explore areas like Ferndale Marsh, a diverse wetland complex, or ride through parts of Carver Park Reserve Trail, known for its winding trails and interconnected lakes. The trails also frequently provide views of Lake Minnetonka itself.
Yes, many mountain bike routes around Tonka Bay are designed as loops. Examples include the Grimm's Entrance – John's Jam loop from Lake Minnetonka Swim Pond and the McKnight Lake – Abandoned Bridge loop from Victoria, allowing you to start and finish at the same point.
The mountain bike trails around Tonka Bay are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 12 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse landscape, the scenic views of Lake Minnetonka, and the variety of trails that blend paved and unpaved segments.
While direct public transport to every trailhead might be limited, the region is connected by trails like the Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail, which links Tonka Bay's neighboring communities. For specific routes, checking local transit options to nearby towns like Excelsior or Victoria, where some trails begin, would be advisable.
Generally, permits are not required for mountain biking on public trails in Tonka Bay. However, some regional parks or specific trail systems, like those within Carver Park Reserve, might have their own rules or require a park entrance fee. It's always a good idea to check the specific regulations for the park or trail you plan to visit.
The best time for mountain biking around Tonka Bay is typically during the spring, summer, and fall months. These seasons offer pleasant weather for riding, with lush greenery in spring and summer, and beautiful fall foliage. Winter riding is possible but requires appropriate gear for colder temperatures and potential snow or ice.
Yes, there are family-friendly options, particularly among the 14 easy trails available. Routes that utilize segments of the Dakota Rail Regional Trail, such as the Dakota Rail Regional Trail – Excelsior Brewing loop from Wayzata, are generally well-suited for families due to their less technical terrain and scenic surroundings.
Parking is typically available at various access points for the regional trails and parks. For example, routes starting from Excelsior or Victoria often have designated parking areas. For specific trailheads, it's recommended to check the route details on komoot or local park websites for precise parking information.
While Tonka Bay itself is a smaller community, the surrounding towns like Excelsior, which serve as starting points for many routes, offer a variety of cafes and pubs. After a ride, you can find places to refuel and relax in these nearby vibrant communities.
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