HomeMinnesotaEden Prairie › Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area

Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area

4.7 ★★★★★ 322 Google reviews · Running trail in Eden Prairie, Minnesota · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

ScenicHillyTrailhead parking

Picnic area featuring hilly hiking trails, plus a spring where you can refill water jugs.

What runners say about Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (322 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 4 mentions

“Stunning views, well maintained trails, feels like backpacking up north.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 16 mentions

“I go here with my kids and take the trail up to the highest point to catch one of the gorgeous bored that oversee Bloomington, Savage & Shakopee.”

🏃 great for running 2 mentions

“Great place for trail running and challenging hiking.”

All trails are not created equal--this is a beautiful hilly hike. Be prepared to get your heart pumping and your adrenaline flowing! Lovely trails!! My first time here, and I will definitely be back!

★★★★★ — Kelly , Dec 2020

I absolutely love this hiking trail. Probably one of the only few areas in the metro where you can hike up and down some hills. Very well maintained, great to be on during any time of the year!

★★★★★ — Steve , Feb 2024

Beginning at the parking lot, we kept steering ourselves left all the way up the trail. I would rate this hike a level 1 on distance to the top of the look out, but a 4 out of 5 for steepness. I’m not quite in shape and I definitely was panting before reaching the top. This picnic table was at the top of this route.

★★★★★ — Cecilia , Oct 2022

Always a fantastic walk here. The trails are more challenging than a lot of the western suburbs and it’s for walking only, no bikes. There are some picnic tables, a porta potty and also fresh spring water for drinking (just read the caution sign.) Big views over the river valley !!

★★★★★ — Christine , May 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 322 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 23 mentions

“I go here with my kids and take the trail up to the highest point to catch one of the gorgeous bored that oversee Bloomington, Savage & Shakopee.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 9 mentions

“If you have trouble walking bring trekking poles as some parts are a little hilly but the average person should have no problems.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

“Beginning at the parking lot, we kept steering ourselves left all the way up the trail.”

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Plan your run at Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • Websiteedenprairie.org
  • Phone(952) 949-8333

Where to find Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area

18700 Flying Cloud Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55347

Get directions

Running trails near Eden Prairie

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Elizabeth Fries Ellet Interpretive Trail

5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews

Eden Prairie, MN

under a mile away

Riley Creek Conservation Area

4.8 ★★★★★ 95 reviews

Eden Prairie, MN

ShadedScenicDog-friendly

under a mile away

Huber Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 562 reviews

Shakopee, MN

Clean spot with swings, trails and picnic tables; playground for kids.

1.3 miles away

Memorial Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 536 reviews

Shakopee, MN

PavedScenic

Casual, tree-shaded park with a playground and grills for cookouts.

1.4 miles away

Minnesota Valley State Trail

5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews

Shakopee, MN

1.4 miles away

Bandimere Heights Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 142 reviews

Chanhassen, MN

Disc golf is the main attraction at this small site with 4 acres of fields & a basketball court.

1.6 miles away

All running trails in Eden Prairie, MN →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.