Level: Intermediate
Length: 13 mi (20.9 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Loop
Elevation: +133/89 ft
Total: 262 riders
Mountain Biking Elm Creek Park
#3 of 136 mountain bike trails in Minnesota
#128 in the world
This is a great trail for the whole family. I saw fathers and grandfathers out with their children and grandkids showing them the ropes of Mountain Biking. This trail was completed this summer (2011) and doesn't have a lot of technical features but it rolls quickly and in ome sections your bike can get away from you if you carry too much speed around the corners. Just be careful as there were children out on BMX bikes and geared 20" mountain bikes as well.
I use the beginner loop as a warmup (about 2 1/2 miles), and then ride on to the intermediate loop which eventually connects to the advanced loop. To hit every bit of singletrack in a day you will need to re-ride a few sections but it is all very fun.
First added by PHRANQUY on Aug 29, 2011. Last updated May 11, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
- Drinking water: yes
- Lift service: unknown
- Night riding: yes
- Pump track: unknown
- Restrooms: yes
- Fat bike grooming: yes
- E-bikes allowed: unknown
- Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
Take MN 169 North from 494 to Hayden Lake Road, turn left (West) at the intersection. As Hayden Lake Road curves to the right and turns into Tilden Avenue, you will see a brick maintenance building on the left and Hayden Lake Road continues left at the intersection. Follow Hayden lake Road until you come to the trailhead. There is also a nice paved trail that runs near much of the singletrack.
Featured in
A 3 minute video of the entrance to the intermediate trail and the flow to get you warmed up. https://youtu.be/ss2YT1T3tWk
| ThankLove the new change to the trail!
| ThankMy favorite trail system in the metro area. Good variety difficulty and scenery, well designed singletrack, fun features. I've seen deer on the trails often. Only thing to be aware of is there can be groups of newbies going slowly.
| ThankWas good but got caught in a shower that really slicken the track..
| ThankAwesome trial for winter fat biking. Very smooth flowing. Love the roller coasting section towards the end. Climbing is not as intense and doesn't have as much variety as Lebanon does.
Since all obstacles have a by-pass route the intermediate section is like an advance beginners; no bumps just sharp flat corners and mild up/down hill.
| ThankWonderful conditions on a Chilly day!
| ThankFantastic trail to take any experience rider. You can get as much of everything that you want. Less experienced riders will also have a good time. The offshoot obstacles/ skills are the best.
| ThankNot much elevation. Lots of tight twists and turns. Smooth as a baby's bottom with some fun technical features.
| ThankThis is my favorite trail in the cities great flow fun obstacles. Only thing it needs is a skills area similar to Leb and it would be perfect.
| ThankMiles of beautiful, varied scenery and a very fun ride.
| Thankreally an excellent course. has a nice set of steps up in terms of difficulty. Usually dries out quickly. Love the overall location, and the access to paved trails
| ThankAwesome set of trails with miles to explore and enjoy; one of my favorite areas in the metro area. Great feel and awesome environment! Lots of fun...
| ThankI thought this place was awesome, and I actually had more fun here than Lebon Hills. It's some of the most compact dirt I've ever ridden with some super nice flow. Throw in the unique skinnys and its a cool place to ride
| ThankGreat place to ride with differing ability riders. Newer riders are challenged and can have fun. The more advanced riders have fun little challenges (rocks, bridges,logs) along the way. This is a place to build some passion for riding.
| ThankExcellent trail for newer riders. Lots of flow and gentle climbs.
| ThankVery fast and tons of fun. The course transitions very well. My son's and I agree this is our favorite tail so far.
| ThankHave to ride! Great area to get your adrenaline pumping with fast flowing singletrack with wooden features and tight burms. Awesome ride!
| ThankWill be going back, Very nice.
| ThankThis trail is fast and fun but it's not very challenging at all. You have a few technical skinny bridges and I think the biggest jump I came across was maybe a 10 foot gap if that. Most of them are little rollers to flat. I gave it 4 stars because it is well maintained and it is really fast for how flat it is. But I'm not sure how this is 3rd best in the state. It might be a little overhyped. This is my first trail in Minnesota but I've got to imagine there are better trails than this. Don't get me wrong it's still a fun trail and worth going to I just think it's overrated.
| ThankFinally made my way out there today, well worth the drive. Great trail system with tracks for all skill levels. The expert level area was unreal, I will have to go back when I am capable of doing all of it.
| Thank