Lewis and Clark Trail Hike at Weldon Spring

Hike along the bluffs of the Missouri River, through deep valleys, and explore a small cave on the Lewis and Clark Trail loop at the Weldon Spring Conservation Area.

Map of Weldon Spring Conservation Area-- I began the hike using the west section of the Clark Trail-- the Lewis Trail connects off the Clark Trail and does not have its own trailhead. — **Map of Weldon Spring Conservation Area– I began the hike using the west section of the Clark Trail– the Lewis Trail connects off the Clark Trail and does not have its own trailhead.**

The complete loop covering the Lewis and Clark trails is 8.4 miles long and gains 883 feet in elevation. This includes a short detour to the Katy Trail and various lookouts, which I also visited.

If you’re looking for a shorter hike, the Clark Loop is 5.1 miles long and has an elevation gain of 574 feet.

Start of the Lewis and Clark Hike

I started my hike with the east trailhead for the Clark Trail section. The west trailhead is the main one most people use. I have done more on the eastern side, so I wanted to start in a different direction. The Lewis trail branches off the Clark Trail and does not have its own trailhead.

*Look for the narrow trail to the left of the roadblock.*

I walked past the trail sign and the old road leading to the trailhead near the road gate. The narrow west side of the Clark Trail takes you into the woods toward a ravine.

The brook below was covered in ice. Next, I came across another streambed with a small pool of water.

Then, I hiked a switchback along a ridge.

I found a small frozen pond white from the small amount of snow we had from the night before.

Another section of switchbacks led to a marker indicating the Clark and Lewis trails. I continued on the Lewis trail section, which I had not explored before.

To the Valley

Next, I came to an area of evergreens high over the trail.

Then a small streambed filled with ice and a white mushroom-filled dead tree leaned over it.

In the distance along the ridge walk, I saw a frozen waterfall holding water back from flowing into a stream.

Down in the Ravine

Now, I walked along a valley and a creek, finding a bright white frozen pool. Water had cut deeply into the limestone along the shore. This section of the walk is easy until I veer right towards River Hills

*First bluff view on the Lewis Trail section.*

Up to the Bluffs

The trail then curves around and then climbs straight up, providing a workout. I have views of the Chesterfield Valley and Missouri River through the trees on the bluffs.

Watch Out for Armadillos

I hear a noise, and something is moving in the leaves ahead of me. The leaves keep rustling until I finally spot an armadillo. I’ve never seen one alive before; I usually only find them dead along the highway. It must be searching for bugs to eat.

I walked carefully around him since he was right next to the trail. Armadillos are known to carry Hansen’s disease, also known as leprosy. He seemed too preoccupied to notice me. I later learned that they are more likely to feed during the day in winter since the weather is milder, and they do not hibernate.

Bluffs and a Cave

Now, the trail runs close to the bluffs. Below, I see the white gravel of the Katy Trail.

*Missouri River curves through the valley and hills below.*

Then, I take in the distant river views, looking out to the east and west.

*Carefully I walk over to checkout a small cave.*

The eroded rock is visible on all sides. Next, I pass a small grove of evergreens before noticing a path below me. I carefully walk along the hillside and discover a low-ceiling cave.

Katy Trail Intersect

Then I head back to the trail and downhill, coming to an intersection. A connector trail on the left goes along the valley and comes to the Katy Trail.

If you wanted to add more miles, you could also hike the Katy. I turn back around to the Lewis section of the trail.

Back Along the Lewis Trail

Next I head back to the Lewis Trail and go left.

*Intersection that ends the Lewis Trail.*

The path ascends and descends several short, steep hills until I reach the junction for the Clark Trail. I had the option to turn right and complete a shorter hike, but I chose to go straight and tackle the full loop of the Clark Trail section. This part of the trail follows the river bluffs, my favorite hike section.

At first, the trail goes through a valley and crosses a rocky creek more than once. I’ve been here in the spring when this creek has water flowing through it, but it has been too dry for that today.

Bluff Lookout

I ascend a flight of stairs to reach the river hills once more.

Afterward, I take a short walk to a bluff lookout that overlooks an eroded edge. From this vantage point, I can see some cliffs to my right and the Katy Trail far below.

Second Valley Walk

Next, I head back down the hill into a second valley. I come across piles of rocks that were once part of a mining operation.

Last Bluffs

Then back up once more to the bluffs. There is a lookout featuring a rock garden, which my son would enjoy exploring if he were with me. It is back from the edge. There are two benches for resting and an informational sign on the path.

Going to the Trailhead

Then, I walk away from the cliffs and enter the most tedious part of the hike. The trail becomes wide, which makes it easy to have a conversation if you are hiking with a friend.

Along the trail are two ponds that you can check out. On the day I was there, they were ice-filled.

I have been on this section in spring, which can be pretty muddy. The ground is not a problem because it is frozen, which is one advantage of a winter hike.

Lastly, I was back at the trailhead from the more used section. Many people walk out to the cliff and back from this section of the trail.

Final Thoughts

Completing the entire hike was quite a workout, and I wouldn’t recommend it unless you have experience with longer hikes. The hike took just over three hours, so allow plenty of time.

Several hills must be climbed, which means significant elevation gain both up and down.

On the positive side, the trail is well-marked and easy to follow. Hiking in winter also helped me avoid heat, bugs, and excessive sweating.

DETAILS

Drive: Take Interstate 64 to exit 10, make a left onto Highway 94, and look for the gravel parking lot for the Weldon Spring Lewis and Clark Hiking Trailhead on the left side of the road.

Hours: Closed for 10 pm – 4 am

Address: 6990 S Missouri 94, St Charles, MO 63304