Watson Trail Park Walk

Watson Trail Park in Sunset Hills is a favorite stop for my son if we are in South County for the zip line and trails that go throughout the park.

OUR TIME HERE

We stopped at Watson Trail Park in Sunset Hills, Mo., for lunch, a short hike, and playground time. We parked in a lot near the aquatic center and headed down to a lake near a playground to have our meal. He ate quickly so he could play.

Adventure – Themed Playground

This was an amazing playground. It had a long zipline and kids take turns using it.

Nearby is a rope ladder that you can climb up and down.

My son liked a circular climbing step structure that he crossed.

Then he slid down the slide several times before going through the log tunnel.

*View of the lookout and small duck house that looks like a boat.*

Trail Walk Start

After the playground, we started the walk around the large lake surrounded by trees on all sides.

Different kinds of ducks and geese call the lake home.

Looping Around the Lake

We headed uphill and then I had us follow a trail used by disc golf that led to a wooden bridge.

Below it is a small waterfall that flows into the lake.

Then we looped back towards the lake. Along the way, we came by a stump transformed into a home for fairies.

Back Loop

Then I had us go below the lake on the paved trail that goes through woods and across a bridge. The trail then swings back up to the nearby swimming pool.

To City Hall

We notice another loop that went from the lake up to Sunset Hills City Hall and Community Center.

It is a good workout since it goes uphill. Behind the community center is an outside workout area.

Then we went around the front of the Sunset Hills Community Center on a sidewalk. Then we took another trail back to the lake.

Finding a Second Playground

Then I noticed another paved trail at the front of the lake across a bridge. We took that up and discovered a second playground with a tower, slides, and more structures to climb. We spent more time here before we headed on the paved trail by the tennis court and back to the car.

Final Thoughts

We walked about a mile with 102 feet of elevation gain. Paved and unpaved trails crisscross the park so you can do as much hiking as you like. You can gain quite the workout if you do loops here.

*Bridge crossing the back side of the lake.*

My wanderings seem complicated but it is a small space so you can’t get lost. Just remember the lake is in the middle of the park. Most of all it is a good stop with the kid if they want to try out a zipline!

More Information

Other activities in the park include tennis courts, a swimming pool, a basketball court, disc golf, an aquatic center, and a basketball court. The restrooms are by the parking area.

The trail includes a number of stairs down from the parking. — *The trail includes a number of stairs down from the main parking.*

DETAILS:

Drive: Go south on Interstate 44 to exit 277 Lindbergh Boulevard and then make a right on Watson Road and look for the entrance to the park on the left.

Hours: Dawn to dusk

Address: 12450 W Watson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63127