If you’re looking for good running trails in Minnetonka, Minnesota, the west metro has a surprisingly strong mix of wooded paths, crushed limestone rail trails, rolling hills, and scenic lake routes. Whether you want an easy recovery jog, a long-distance training route, or a more technical trail run, there are several options worth checking out.
For runners searching for running trails near Minneapolis, trail running in the Twin Cities, or scenic trail runs in Minnesota, Minnetonka offers a convenient mix of natural terrain and accessible routes without needing to drive far from the metro.
Here are five of the best running trails in and around Minnetonka, Minnesota.
1. Big Willow Park
Big Willow Park is one of the best all-around trail running spots in Minnetonka. The trails follow Minnehaha Creek through wooded terrain with a combination of dirt and crushed limestone surfaces that are comfortable on the legs.
The park offers enough rolling elevation to keep runs interesting without becoming overly technical. Because much of the trail is shaded, it’s also a great summer running option for anyone looking for a cooler, more protected route in the west metro.
Why runners like it
- Soft dirt and limestone surfaces
- Scenic creek views
- Shaded trails
- Flexible loop options
Best for
- Daily runs
- Recovery runs
- Casual trail running
Distance
- Roughly 2–4 miles depending on route combinations
2. Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail
If you want uninterrupted miles, the Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail is hard to beat. This converted rail trail stretches from Hopkins west toward Excelsior and Victoria, giving runners long, smooth sections with very few interruptions.
The crushed limestone surface is excellent for steady pacing, long runs, and marathon training. It’s also relatively flat, making it ideal for tempo efforts or easier aerobic runs. For runners looking for longer running trails in the Minneapolis west metro, this is one of the most practical and accessible options.
Why runners like it
- Long continuous mileage
- Flat and highly runnable
- Smooth crushed limestone surface
- Scenic lake-area surroundings
Best for
- Long runs
- Tempo workouts
- Marathon training
Distance
- Easily supports runs from 5–15+ miles
3. Purgatory Park
Purgatory Park offers quieter trails with a mix of wooded paths, wetlands, and small rolling hills. The terrain is gentle enough for everyday running while still feeling more natural than a standard paved trail.
The park tends to be less crowded than the regional trails, making it a solid option if you prefer calmer routes. For runners who want a peaceful trail run near Minnetonka without heavy traffic, Purgatory Park is a strong choice.
Why runners like it
- Peaceful atmosphere
- Softer trail surfaces
- Small hills for variety
- Good tree coverage
Best for
- Easy runs
- Recovery days
- Relaxed trail running
Purgatory Park Running Trail
4. Lone Lake Park
For runners who want something more technical, Lone Lake Park is one of the better trail systems in the western suburbs. The single-track trails include tighter turns, more elevation changes, and varied terrain compared to most Minnetonka-area parks.
One of the biggest advantages of Lone Lake Park is its connectivity. Runners can extend routes beyond the park itself by connecting to nearby trail systems, including Bryant Lake Regional Park and the Minnesota River Bluffs Trail. That makes Lone Lake a strong option for runners who want both technical terrain and the ability to build longer mileage days.
Because the trails are shared with mountain bikers, it’s a good idea to stay alert and run with awareness on busier days.
Why runners like it
- Technical single-track sections
- More elevation changes
- Strong trail-running feel
- Access to connected regional trail systems
- Flexible long-run options
Best for
- Trail-specific training
- Hill workouts
- Strength-focused runs
- Extended trail runs
5. Bryant Lake Regional Park
Located just outside Minnetonka in Eden Prairie, Bryant Lake Regional Park combines rolling hills, lake views, and well-maintained trails into one of the best running environments in the west metro.
The terrain provides enough variation to make it useful for both easy runs and harder efforts, and the scenery makes longer workouts more enjoyable. Because Bryant Lake also connects with nearby regional trails and parks, runners can easily extend routes for higher mileage training days.
For people searching for Twin Cities trail running or scenic running trails near Minneapolis, Bryant Lake is a great option close to Minnetonka.
Why runners like it
- Beautiful lake views
- Rolling terrain
- Well-maintained paths
- Multiple loop options
- Connected trail access
Best for
- 10K training
- Tempo runs
- Weekend long runs
Choosing the Best Minnetonka Running Trail for Your Run
Each trail offers something slightly different depending on what kind of run you want.
If you prefer smoother surfaces and longer distances, start with the Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail. If you want more traditional trail running, Big Willow Park and Lone Lake Park are excellent places to begin. And if you simply want a scenic, low-stress run, Bryant Lake and Purgatory Park are both strong options.
The ability to connect parks and regional trails is one of the best parts of running in the west metro. With routes linking places like Lone Lake Park, Bryant Lake, and the Minnesota River Bluffs Trail, it’s easy to customize runs ranging from short recovery miles to longer endurance efforts.
Support for Runners in Minnetonka
Running is one of the simplest ways to stay active, but the body still needs the right balance of strength, mobility, recovery, and load management to keep it feeling good over time.
At Embody Health and Performance, located inside The Marsh in Minnetonka, we work with runners and active adults through integrative physical therapy, sports performance coaching, functional wellness coaching, and recovery services. Whether you’re returning from an injury, building mileage, preparing for a race, or trying to stay consistent without recurring aches and pains, our approach looks at the whole body — not just the symptom.
Final Thoughts
Minnetonka offers more running variety than many people expect. From the shaded creekside trails at Big Willow Park to the long uninterrupted mileage of the Lake Minnetonka LRT Trail, there’s something here for nearly every type of runner.
Whether you’re training for a race, building your endurance, or simply trying to get outside more consistently, these trails are some of the best places to run in and around Minnetonka, Minnesota.
For runners searching for running trails in Minnetonka, trail running near Minneapolis, or scenic trail runs in the Twin Cities, these five routes are a great place to start.
