Riverparks West Bank Trail - Mountain Bike Trail

The Riverparks West Bank Trail is an easy, roughly 8.4-mile paved trail that snakes along the west bank of the Arkansas River. It should be easy for just about anyone with plenty of stamina to ride or get through, but there are some steep slopes to watch out for. It also provides access to Turkey Mountain Park, where there are plenty of singletrack trails with rocks, roots, and steep climbs, so anyone who wants something more challenging can stop there and explore.

Before you go:

Drinking water

Restrooms

Fee required

Lift service

Fat bike grooming

Family Friendly

Night riding

E-bikes allowed

Dogs Allowed

Obstacles

Shuttles

Detailed Trail Description

Being a point-to-point paved trail, you can start riding it at either of the two ends. Those from Tulsa should begin at the trail's north end, while those from areas like Beggs, Kellyville, Glenpool, etc., should start at the south end or even at Tulsa Mountain Park.

Assuming you're coming from the north, the trail will be near the Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza at the junction of Riverside Dr and Route 66 on the east side of the Arkansas River. From there, you'll take the trail northwest for about 100 meters, then turn left to cross the river to the west side. There is a dedicated bike bridge, so you needn't worry about cars while crossing.

From here, you'll be snaking along the west bank headed southeast. You'll ride past the River West Festival Park and go southeast until you get to 23^rd Street. Here you'll come across an intersection with another trail that goes east, but you'll instead cross 23^rd Street and keep heading in the same direction.

You'll also ride past the AEP Tulsa Power Station, West Bank Soccer Complex, and Interstate 44. Some amenities you may come across before getting to Interstate 44 include the River Parks Kayak Access, River Skate Park, and the West Bank Soccer Complex.

Once you cross the I-44, you go through about 2 miles of shaded paved trail. Afterward, you'll enter the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Park past the Southside Wastewater treatment plant. There's a bit of a climb before you get to the Turkey Mountain Park Center, but once you arrive, restrooms are available, and you can also fill up on your water.

Those in the Glenpool, Kellyville, and Beggs Vicinity can also park their cars at the park center with this as their starting point for the trail. There are plenty of challenging trails at Turkey Mountain Park that we had fun on the last time we were there that you could also explore.

The trail then snakes alongside E Elwood Ave up to West 71^st St then goes along West 71^st St to cross the Arkansas River to the east bank. Once you're at the River Parks Bear Fountain, we recommend following the Riverparks East Bank Trail northbound back to the start point to complete the loop.

Notably, there aren't many at-grade crossings on the West Bank, so you needn't worry about cars, and you even have a dedicated bike bridge on Route 66 to help you cross the river.

You'll see plenty of the Arkansas River while riding this trail.

Additional Trail Features

1. 1. Extra fees; Going through the Riverparks West Bank Trail is free even when you go through some of the parks, i.e., the River West Festival and Turkey Mountain Parks.
   2. Obstacles; There are no obstacles, although there is a steep climb to the Turkey Mountain Park center.
   3. Shuttles; For those in the Tulsa Hills Shopping Center vicinity, a bus route goes through West 71^st Avenue, which should provide relatively easy access to the trail's south end.

Sights of Interest, Landscapes, Views

Apart from the Arkansas River, which you'll see plenty of, you can also make a stop at Turkey Mountain Park.

Recommendations/Precautions

• Carry plenty of water, given that this is a relatively long trail, although you can also fill up at the Turkey Mountain Park center.