The best road cycling routes around Grandview Plaza

Road cycling routes around Grandview Plaza primarily feature paved surfaces through the diverse landscapes of the Flint Hills region. You'll encounter rolling hills and tallgrass prairie, providing a scenic backdrop for your rides. Many routes are located near Fort Riley, offering unique views of the military installation.

Yes, there are several easy road cycling options. For instance, the Morris Hill – Caisson Hill loop from Fort Riley Elementary is an easy 18.1-mile path, offering a gentler ride. Another easy option is the Morris Hill – Machine Gun Ridge loop from Fort Riley North, which is about 9.3 miles long.

For those seeking more challenge, routes like the Packers Hill – Campbell Hill loop from Marshall Army Airfield offer moderate climbs over 15 miles. Another moderate option is the Harvey Hill – Campbell Hill loop from Fort Riley Elementary, which covers 20.7 miles through the rolling hills of the Fort Riley area.

The region offers picturesque views of the Flint Hills' rolling terrain and tallgrass prairie. Routes around Fort Riley provide glimpses of the military installation, and some paths like the Marshall Army Airfield Trail offer views of the Kansas River and pastures where the Commanding General's Mounted Color Guard horses can be seen. Milford Lake, the largest lake in Kansas, is also nearby and offers scenic cycling opportunities.

Yes, all the routes highlighted in this guide are circular loops, designed to bring you back to your starting point. Examples include the Packers Hill – Campbell Hill loop and the Morris Hill – Caisson Hill loop.

The Flint Hills region, including Grandview Plaza, is beautiful for road cycling during spring and fall when temperatures are milder and the prairie is vibrant. While suitable for cycling, summer can be hot, and winter may present colder conditions, though some routes remain accessible.

While the routes listed in this guide are primarily road cycling loops, the wider area offers multi-use paths suitable for families. The Riverwalk Trail near Milford Lake, a 4.8-mile crushed limestone path, and the Marshall Army Airfield Trail at Fort Riley are both paved options that accommodate cyclists of various ages and abilities.

Many routes around Grandview Plaza, particularly those originating from Fort Riley, often have designated parking areas. For example, routes like the Packers Hill – Campbell Hill loop start from Marshall Army Airfield, which typically has parking available. Routes from Fort Riley Elementary also suggest starting points with potential parking.

Beyond the immediate loops, the broader Flint Hills region is home to the 118-mile Flint Hills Trail State Park. This crushed limestone rail-trail offers a longer adventure for cyclists looking to explore the historic landscape, including old wagon ruts and remnants of trading posts.

Road cycling in Grandview Plaza offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical context. You'll ride through the iconic rolling hills and tallgrass prairie of the Flint Hills, often alongside the active military landscape of Fort Riley. This combination provides a distinct experience not found in many other cycling destinations.

Absolutely! The region is rich in outdoor opportunities. Near Milford Lake, you can combine cycling with hiking on trails like Eagle Ridge or Crystal Trail, or enjoy water activities. The Konza Prairie Research Natural Area, while primarily for hiking, offers stunning views of the tallgrass prairie that complement a cycling trip to the area.

There are several road cycling routes available around Grandview Plaza, with this guide highlighting four distinct options. These routes vary in length and difficulty, offering choices for different preferences.