Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Monona Conservancy Unit
Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Monona Conservancy Unit
Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Monona Conservancy Unit is a 2,500-acre urban-edge park located just south of Madison, Wisconsin. This recreation area features a diverse landscape composed of extensive wetlands, sedge meadows, native forests, and restored prairies, alongside miles of undisturbed lakeshore and numerous springs. The terrain includes both flat, paved paths and natural dirt trails, making it suitable for several sports like hiking, road cycling, touring cycling, jogging, and more. The Monona Conservancy Unit itself is a 226-acre wetland…
90
Routes
4.4
(47)
Average rating
1294
People visited

5.0
(1)
10
hikers
26.7km
06:50
100m
120m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
hikers
7.33km
01:52
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
hikers
4.45km
01:07
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.71km
01:00
60m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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66
riders
42.5km
02:01
170m
170m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

3.0
(1)
104
riders
49.6km
02:06
170m
170m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

4.0
(4)
83
riders
48.4km
02:07
300m
300m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

82
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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90
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

25
runners
4.29km
00:27
10m
10m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

24
runners
12.0km
01:24
40m
40m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

23
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
62
riders
41.2km
02:28
140m
130m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

19
riders
19.3km
01:06
60m
60m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(3)
19
riders
22.5km
01:18
80m
80m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(4)
15
riders
12.2km
00:49
40m
40m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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10
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.0
(1)
11
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
10
riders
28.1km
01:40
150m
150m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.

3.0
(2)
6
riders
32.5km
01:48
180m
180m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Monona Conservancy Unit offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, road cycling, touring cycling, jogging, and mountain biking. The area features over 6 miles (9.7 km) of hiking trails and boardwalks, alongside an extensive paved trail network for cyclists. The Monona Conservancy Unit itself provides over 3 miles (4.8 km) of trails for wildlife viewing.
Yes, the recreation area features over 6 miles (9.7 km) of hiking trails and boardwalks, including a 5-mile (8.0 km) system through the Lewis Nine Springs E-Way. The Monona Conservancy Unit specifically offers over 3 miles (4.8 km) of trails. Explore various options with the Hiking in Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Monona Conservancy Unit guide.
Capital Springs State Recreation Area is a premier destination for cyclists, featuring an extensive paved trail network. The 17-mile (27.4 km) Capital City State Trail winds through the area, connecting to broader regional networks. Find suitable routes in the Road Cycling Routes in Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Monona Conservancy Unit guide.
Yes, the recreation area offers trails suitable for various fitness levels, including easy and family-friendly options. Many segments of the paved trails are accessible, and some hiking paths are relatively flat. Consult the Family-friendly hikes and Easy hikes guides for specific recommendations.
Specific regulations regarding dogs may vary by trail section or unit within the recreation area. It is generally advisable to keep dogs on a leash and follow posted signage. For dog-friendly options, refer to the Dog-friendly hikes in Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Monona Conservancy Unit guide.
The area is known for its diverse natural features, including extensive wetlands, sedge meadows, native forests, and restored prairies. Visitors can observe miles of undisturbed lakeshore, numerous springs, and the Nine Springs Creek. The Monona Conservancy Unit is a 226-acre wetland area, offering significant bird and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Capital Springs State Recreation Area- Monona Conservancy Unit is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 17,000 visitors having shared their experiences. The routes in the area have an average rating of 4.55 out of 5 stars from over 850 ratings. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users.
Trail maps and detailed route information can be found on komoot, often within specific route descriptions or guides. The Wisconsin DNR and Dane County Parks websites also provide official maps for the recreation area. These resources help in planning visits and navigating the extensive trail system.
Parking is available at various access points throughout Capital Springs State Recreation Area, including locations near trailheads and park facilities. Specific parking areas may be managed by either the Wisconsin DNR or Dane County Parks. Visitors should check official park websites for detailed parking information and any associated fees.
Komoot offers several guides for the area, including Hiking, Road Cycling, and Running Trails. There are also specialized guides for Family-friendly hikes, Easy hikes, and Dog-friendly hikes.
The official website for the Wisconsin DNR section of Capital Springs State Recreation Area is dnr.wi.gov/org/land/parks/specific/capsprings/. For inquiries related to Dane County Parks, which manages parts of the area, the phone number is +1-608-224-3730. These resources provide up-to-date information on park regulations and facilities.
Yes, the Monona Conservancy Unit is a 226-acre wetland area specifically known for its undisturbed wildlife habitat and excellent bird viewing opportunities. The broader recreation area, particularly the MMSD Wildlife Observation Unit, attracts over 200 different species of birds. Interpretive signs along some trails provide educational information about the local environment.

