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Routes
Running trails & routes
United States
Wisconsin
Dane County
Madison

Monona Terrace View – Monona Terrace Rooftop loop from Starkweather Uplands

Routes
Running trails & routes
United States
Wisconsin
Dane County
Madison

Monona Terrace View – Monona Terrace Rooftop loop from Starkweather Uplands

Hard

3.5

(10)

72

runners

Monona Terrace View – Monona Terrace Rooftop loop from Starkweather Uplands

01:45

16.6km

60m

Running

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: April 19, 2026

Waypoints

A

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1

5.45 km

Capital City State Trail at Monona Terrace

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

The Capital City State Trail is a 17-mile paved multi-use path open year-round. A state trail pass is required to bike the nine-mile portion of the trail that passes through …

Tip by

2

7.14 km

From this spot along John Nolan Drive, you can see sweeping views of Lake Monona with the short skyline of Madison the background.

Tip by

3

8.12 km

At the edge of Lake Monona, you have a very beautiful view of the city center of Madison, including the Capitol building which stands out clearly.

Tip by

4

10.7 km

Monona Terrace Convention Center

Highlight • Monument

Monona Terrace is a large convention center on Lake Monona. There is a mulit-use path that takes you along the lake and through the grounds of the convention center.

Tip by

5

10.7 km

Monona Terrace View

Highlight • Viewpoint

If you want an unbeatable view of the Capitol building dome — not to mention the rest of Madison — it's well worth tying up your bike and popping up to this rooftop terrace on the convention building.

Tip by

6

10.7 km

Monona Terrace Rooftop

Highlight • Viewpoint

This place provides one of the best views in the area of Lake Monona. It's a perfect spot for a break, offering plenty of seating with tables and umbrellas to …

Tip by

7

14.6 km

Lizard Effigy Mound

Highlight • Historical Site

On a small rock next to a tree at this spot is the Lizard Effigy Mound Marker. This marker offers information about the mound at this spot constructed by native peoples.

Tip by

8

15.7 km

Olbrich Park

Highlight • Natural

Explore Olbrich Park's scenic beauty with its stunning botanical gardens, Thai Pavilion, and serene Lake Monona. Enjoy walking trails, picnic areas, and diverse recreational facilities.

Tip by

B

16.6 km

End point

Bus stop

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

13.1 km

2.07 km

1.48 km

Surfaces

8.82 km

6.77 km

736 m

171 m

149 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Today

Thursday 25 June

24°C

14°C

68 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Description

If you're looking for a challenging urban jogging experience with incredible views, the Monona Terrace View – Monona Terrace Rooftop loop from Starkweather Uplands is a fantastic choice. This difficult 10.3-mile (16.6 km) route, with 196 feet (60 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 1 hour and 45 minutes, making it a rewarding workout for those with good fitness who appreciate cityscapes and lakeside beauty.

What to expect on Monona Terrace View – Monona Terrace Rooftop loop from Starkweather Uplands

This route offers a dynamic journey, starting in the diverse landscapes and urban green spaces around Starkweather Uplands on mostly paved paths. As you make your way towards downtown Madison, the scenery gradually shifts, building anticipation for the highlight: the Monona Terrace area. Here, you'll be treated to continuous, stunning views of Lake Monona and the iconic Madison skyline, including the State Capitol building, especially from the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace rooftop gardens. While predominantly paved and relatively flat, expect some gentle inclines, particularly as you navigate the urban landscape and the slight elevation of the Monona Terrace itself. This is a moderate to difficult jog, best suited for those who enjoy a blend of urban exploration and natural beauty.

Planning your visit

Given the urban nature of this route, it's generally accessible year-round, though the best time to visit Monona Terrace Madison for jogging is during milder weather to fully enjoy the open-air sections. Parking for Monona Terrace View trail can be found in various public lots downtown, but check for availability, especially during events. Public transport options are also readily available in Madison. Always carry water, particularly on warmer days, as the route is exposed in many sections.

Trail details

  • Distance: 10.3 miles (16.6 km)
  • Elevation gain: 196 feet (60 metres)
  • Difficulty: difficult
  • Estimated time: 1 hours and 45 minutes

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