Gateway and Bruce Vento Trails Loop

This cycling loop is generally considered easy. Both the Gateway State Trail and the Bruce Vento Regional Trail are primarily converted rail beds, offering mostly flat or gently graded terrain. This makes it suitable for a wide range of touring cyclists, including families and those looking for a relaxed ride.

You can expect predominantly paved surfaces with a mostly flat or gently graded terrain, characteristic of rail-trails. While the Gateway State Trail is largely flat, the Bruce Vento Trail does have a slight but steady incline for about a mile in one section. If you incorporate the loop around Lake Phalen, you might encounter some minor ups and downs.

The loop offers diverse scenery. The Bruce Vento Trail passes through the particularly scenic Swede Hollow Park, featuring a ravine and historical landmarks like the Seventh Street Improvement Arches. It also provides glimpses of Lake Phalen and leads to the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary. As the Gateway State Trail extends further from the city, you'll experience parkland, lakes, wetlands, and open fields, transitioning towards a more rural landscape.

While specific parking lots aren't detailed in the provided information, both the Gateway State Trail and the Bruce Vento Regional Trail typically have designated access points with parking. Given their popularity, you can usually find parking at various trailheads along their routes in and around St. Paul.

Generally, multi-use trails like the Gateway State Trail and Bruce Vento Regional Trail are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. However, it's always best to check local regulations for specific leash laws and any restrictions within parks or natural areas along the route, such as Swede Hollow Park or the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary.

The varied scenery of the loop makes it enjoyable across multiple seasons. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer is also great, though you might want to start earlier to avoid the midday heat. Winter cycling is possible for those equipped for cold weather, but trail conditions may vary.

For cycling on the Gateway State Trail, a Minnesota State Parks and Trails annual or daily permit is required for vehicles parked at trailheads. The Bruce Vento Regional Trail typically does not require a separate permit for cycling, but it's always good to confirm with local park authorities for any changes.

Yes, the loop is well-connected. It serves as a vital link, connecting downtown St. Paul to its eastern suburbs and providing numerous connections to other regional trails. For instance, it connects to the Lake Phalen Trail and trails around the Keller chain of lakes. The route also passes through sections of the Gateway State Trail, Bruce Vento Regional Trail, 75th Street Trail, Long Lake Road Trail, and the Streetcar Trail.

While specific rental shops along the immediate trail are not mentioned, St. Paul and the surrounding metropolitan area offer various bike rental services. You would likely find options in downtown St. Paul or nearby communities that provide access to the trail system.

Given its urban and suburban nature, sections of the Bruce Vento Regional Trail and the Gateway State Trail are accessible via public transportation in the St. Paul area. You would need to check local bus or light rail routes for stops convenient to trail access points.

As the loop traverses urban, residential, and natural areas, you will find opportunities for food and refreshments, especially in the more urban sections of St. Paul and its suburbs. It's advisable to carry water and snacks, particularly for longer stretches through parkland or more rural areas.