The best cycling routes around Des Peres

There are over 25 touring cycling routes around Des Peres, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 20 reviews.

Yes, Des Peres offers several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. For example, the Meramec Greenway: Valley Park Loop is an easy 15.9-mile path that winds along the Meramec River, showcasing woodlands and scenic river views. Another option is the Meramec Greenway Trail – Henry L. Simpson Park loop from Unger County Park, which is a shorter 8.5-mile easy route.

For those seeking a more challenging ride, the Baldwin loop is a moderate 32.3-mile trail with varied terrain and significant elevation gain, often completed in about 3 hours. The Gravois and River des Peres Greenways Loop also offers a moderate challenge over 25.1 miles, connecting urban and natural landscapes.

Des Peres provides access to extensive regional greenway networks, which can be combined for longer rides. The River des Peres Greenway and Meramec Greenway Trail are significant attractions for touring cyclists, offering paved paths that extend into the greater St. Louis area. Future plans aim to connect the River des Peres Greenway to the Mississippi River Greenway, creating even more extensive touring options.

Touring cycling routes in Des Peres offer a blend of natural beauty and urban landscapes. You can expect scenic river views along the Meramec River and River des Peres, woodlands, and well-maintained park settings. Local parks like Des Peres Park and Sugar Creek Park also feature natural areas and lakes, providing pleasant scenery for leisurely rides.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Des Peres are designed as loops, offering convenient starting and ending points. Popular loop options include the Gravois and River des Peres Greenways Loop, the Meramec Greenway: Valley Park Loop, and the Baldwin loop.

While cycling around Des Peres, you can explore various points of interest. The Meramec Greenway Trail itself is a highlight, with its Eastern Section offering scenic views. Other nearby attractions include Lone Wolf Trail, Forest 44 Conservation Area, Laumeier Sculpture Garden, and Queeny Park, which are all accessible from the broader network of trails.

Des Peres is well-equipped with local parks that serve as excellent starting points. Des Peres Park and Sugar Creek Park both offer well-maintained bike paths and are likely to have parking facilities. Additionally, access points to regional greenways like the River des Peres Greenway and Meramec Greenway Trail often have designated parking areas or are near public access points.

The spring and fall seasons generally offer the most pleasant weather for touring cycling in Des Peres, with mild temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can be enjoyable, but it's advisable to ride in the mornings or evenings to avoid the midday heat and humidity. Winter cycling is possible, but be prepared for colder temperatures and potential icy conditions.

The komoot community highly rates touring cycling in Des Peres, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the extensive greenway networks, the well-maintained park trails, and the varied terrain that caters to different cycling preferences, from easy river paths to more challenging loops with elevation changes.

While many routes are well-known, exploring the connections between the various greenways can reveal unique experiences. The Meramec Greenway, for instance, offers segments that wind through quieter woodlands and along limestone bluffs, providing a more secluded feel. Local parks like Sugar Creek Park also offer quieter, more natural settings away from the busiest trails.

Absolutely. Des Peres serves as a gateway to a broader network of cycling routes. The River des Peres Greenway connects to trails like the Christy Greenway and the Carondelet Connector, leading to other parks and neighborhoods. The Meramec Greenway Trail, accessible from nearby areas, links to numerous parks in the region and provides connections to other significant trails like Grant's Trail, Busch Greenway, Creve Coeur Park Trails, and Fee Fee Greenway.