St. Louis: Lewis and Clark Trail

This 8.5-mile loop climbs to rugged bluffs and views of the Missouri River and its bluffs, then rolls through cool hollows in Weldon Spring Conservation Area.

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Trail Facts

  • Distance: 13.7

Waypoints

Missouri Overlook

Location: 38.6760292053223, -90.7153549194336

©Bill Yearout

High Bluffs

Location: 38.6787338256836, -90.7088394165039

©Bill Yearout

LAC002

Location: 38.6841812133789, -90.7182464599609

R @ Y on Lewis and Clark Trails

LAC003

Location: 38.6757392883301, -90.715446472168

Take photos of giant bend in the Missouri River from limestone bluffs; short, steep descent into gully, then climb again

LAC004

Location: 38.6777992248535, -90.711067199707

Overlook #2: Note ridge across river, a popular rookery for birds migrating the Missouri River Flyway

LAC005

Location: 38.6825103759766, -90.7079162597656

Continue E on Lewis Trail, leaving the Clark Trail

LAC006

Location: 38.6805686950684, -90.7043228149414

Continue straight; traverse along bluffline above river. Optional side hike: A 100-yd. spur trail leads to Katy Trail and Missouri River shoreline

LAC007

Location: 38.6910209655762, -90.6930313110352

Rocky outcrop near unnamed stream; head WNW

LAC008

Location: 38.6914405822754, -90.6994857788086

Ascend into gully then back on ridgeline

LAC009

Location: 38.6905403137207, -90.709602355957

R @ T; Clark Trail rejoins Lewis Trail

LAC010

Location: 38.694580078125, -90.7164306640625

Stroll above running creek on large 20-foot wood bridge

LAC011

Location: 38.6944694519043, -90.7225494384766

Pass through healthy tract of pines and cedars

LAC012

Location: 38.6932106018066, -90.7234573364258

Cross small creek

LAC013

Location: 38.6914100646973, -90.7235565185547

Cross stream again on small wooden bridge and head WSW to close loop @ trailhead