Trail of the week Gateway Arch fitness route

Head to the Gateway Arch grounds for a route that will get the heart pounding alongside a great view.

Where Under the Arch, along the riverfront.

Surface Paved.

How long About a straight quarter-mile on the north end of Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard, but more with the winding route.

The route Park in the far north parking garage on the top. From there, walk south to the promenade. Head down. Walk north along the street until you reach the stairs heading back to the top. Walk up. At this point, turn around and do the route in the reverse direction, or keep circling. Good for the heart, good for the knees.

Difficulty Depends on how hard you work. flat surfaces plus scaling four staircases.

Hikers journal The Mississippi River is a calming presence in this area. A lot of the foot traffic has been put off by construction, but on that far east side of the north half of the Arch grounds, theres a lot of room to move. The park has plenty of benches, fountains and restrooms in and near the Arch museum. For resting; there are still places to stop and sit in the shade. A note, the National Park Service says the east side of the upper area will be open until the end of summer, then theres more renovation.

Can be used for Walk or run on flat surfaces. Running on steps is not recommended, but running up is safer than running down.

Wheelchair accessible On flat surfaces.

Parking Use the lot at the north end of the park on Washington Avenue. On the top level the entrances to the park open to the walkways. That lot also serves Lacledes Landing businesses. Parking is also available along the river.

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Trail of the week Gateway Arch fitness route