The 1,453 acre Rockwoods Range has two trails that are open to bikes. There is the 2.8 mile Roundhouse loop and the 3.5 mile out-back Fox Run trail. At this time the trails are mostly a wide “track and a half” lane along the ridgetops with several steep rocky plunges in and out of the valleys. Although all of the trails are rideable, these rough descents and climbs will challenge even experienced riders. Still, the trails are worth exploring and can be spectacularly beautiful in the fall. The western portion of the Green Rock trail runs through Rockwoods Range but is open to hiking only.
The Roundhouse loop is the most rideable and seems easier if ridden in counter clock-wise (CCW) direction. Roundhouse features one of the longest sustained dirt climbs in the St. Louis area. Comprised of 4 climbing segments broken up by short recovery legs, Roundhouse is sure to max out your heart rate. There is a 0.5 mile Fox Creek Spur trail that connects into Roundhouse at the westernmost point. The spur trail descends steeply and ends at Fox Creek Road at the Green Rock parking lot.
Fox Run connects into the Roundhouse Loop about a quarter mile going CCW. Fox Run climbs up and over four or so major hills and travels along the ridgetops finally ending at the northernmost Rockwoods Range parking lot located off Fox Creek Road. It is a mix of hardpack dirt and chunky rock sections. Rockwoods Range offers old-school fall line trails that are sure to test your climbing skills and is like no other park in our area.
The trails take a long time to dry out and can be in very rough condition. Their rutted nature make them slow to dry and retain the hoof prints of equestrians who ride the trails when they are too wet. Rockwoods Range, being managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation, is open until 9pm and is the St. Louis county alternative to night riding at Lost Valley albeit much more difficult. Be sure to park at one of the lots off Fox Creek Road as the gravel Roundhouse Lot at Greensfelder is closed after dusk. Hunting is permitted here so be sure to check the hunting season schedule before heading into the conservation area.
