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Swope Park Mountain Bike Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 140 Google reviews · Running trail in Kansas City, Missouri · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Swope Park Mountain Bike Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. 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.
Network of bike-friendly trails amid rocks & hardwood forest in Kansas City’s largest park.
What runners say about Swope Park Mountain Bike Trail
“Beautiful even in winter, the trails were a bit muddy and very rocky, wear good shoes for hiking and watch your step.”
“This is a large quiet place, hiking trails are huge with lots of possible ways.”
The trails at Swope are a blast for the intermediate to advanced rider. Most of Rancho Deluxe is suitable for beginners, along with portions of other trails but the rock gardens, ledges and drops are plentiful and will cause even the well experienced rider to pucker-up and think twice.
Beautiful even in winter, the trails were a bit muddy and very rocky, wear good shoes for hiking and watch your step. Will definitely be going back when it gets warmer.
This trail is long and challenging to finish if you aren't in shape. This is assuming you take the 6 mile route. Other than that, there is a lot of variance, and no single part of the trail is too challenging. The trail surprised me for being so close to Kansas City.
This is a large quiet place, hiking trails are huge with lots of possible ways. This could be such a great place to spend times alone with camping and other outdoor opportunities. Security seemed to be active here, so we really didn’t feel that much worried.
Trail conditions & character
“I kept following more trails, eventually crossing over a road, and from there, it was all uphill, rocky, and — at first — really fun.”
“This is a large quiet place, hiking trails are huge with lots of possible ways.”
Plan your run at Swope Park Mountain Bike Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- Websitekcparks.org
- Phone+1 816-513-7500
Hours
| Monday | 5 am–12 am |
| Tuesday | 5 am–12 am |
| Wednesday | 5 am–12 am |
| Thursday | 5 am–12 am |
| Friday | 5 am–12 am |
| Saturday | 5 am–12 am |
| Sunday | 5 am–12 am |
Running trails near Kansas City
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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