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Sandy Creek Natural Tunnel Hike

Find a tall narrow cave in limestone at the end of a two-mile out and back hike at Sandy Creek Natural Tunnel Conservation Area.

Created when a stream branch took a shortcut to Sandy Creek creating a natural tunnel. The tunnel is 12 feet wide, and 16 feet high inside a 50-foot cliff on the shoreline of the creak.

The gravel lane to the trailhead is immediately on the right after the intersection of Missouri Highway Z on Missouri Highway HH.

Limited parking so you are asked not to block the lane. I parked in the grass in front of the trail sign.

Before starting I would recommend printing off the map for this area provided online by the Missouri Department of Conservation. The map shows the fields and forests and it helped me to find my way. Be aware that along the hike there are field roads so that was why the printout was important so I could follow where I was going.

The path first follows a gravel road along a bean field.

I sighted a white trail sign with an arrow. A few more of these would help but look for them as you go to make sure you are heading in the right direction.

Next, I passed by a dark wooden barn in the trees. I wondered if it was still used and how old it was.

I came to the point where the trail went to the right off the gravel road with a sign saying Masters Trail.

Now I went through some more woods before reaching some fields. I used the map to keep heading in the right direction with the forest to the left and the field to the right.

The field trail can be hard to follow since it might be overgrown.

Keep going around the field on the right and eventually, you will come to a sign that says No Swimming. I read in some reviews that the creek can be quite swift and dangerous if it is up don’t go into it then.

It was only about ankle-deep when I was here. I stopped for a moment to admire the cliffs and the rocky shoreline.

A large tree had fallen, and small rapids formed nearby. I wore sandals here so getting my ankles wet was not a problem.

Once across, I walked with the creek on my left and a farm field on my right.

Then I came to an opening in the woods and saw a sign with a plant on it and written below was Missouri Natural Area. A black arrow pointed to the left.

I walked down through the woods and faced the natural tunnel. A sign on a tree here said no swimming.

You could look in and see the short cave and then the opening on the other side. I didn’t go in since I thought it might be wet inside so close to the streambed.

If you look to the left there is another short cave higher on the cliff.

I sat on a rock and had a drink and a snack taking my time to commune with nature.

It is unusual to see a rock feature like this far from the Ozarks and by itself. Having to use the map to find my way made it feel like my own little private place. I almost didn’t want to share it with others, just a cool hike to a natural treasure.

I retraced my steps and headed back through the fields then crossed the creek again.

I walked back through the first woods area that crosses over a rock escarpment.

When I came out of it I should have gone right but instead, I went left and walked along the farm field back to the gravel road. I knew that the tree line where the gravel road was is in the distance. So as long as I headed northwest I would find my way back.

For about a two-mile out and back hike this was worth the drive. It is an unusual rock cave all by itself north of Wentzville and Troy, Mo. When I come back with my son, I’ll check the weather to make sure the creek is low.

At the trailhead in a box is paperwork that you need to fill out. You are also asked to carry part of the paper with you and turn it in after the hike.

This property is privately owned and made possible through a partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation and the homeowner so stay on trails. The homeowner also does not want any hunting, fishing, camping, or looking for mushrooms here.

Drive: Take either Interstate 70 or Interstate 64 to north U.S. Highway 61. Drive-up U.S. Highway 61 to Missouri Highway Z and make a left onto this road. Then turn onto Missouri Highway HH and then immediately look for the lane for the conservation area on the right.

Hours: The area opens one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.

Hiking along Big Creek and exploring prairie fields and wooded hills is a day at Indian Camp Creek Park north of Wentzville, Mo.

Hiking by small ponds and seeing wildlife is part of a day on the trails at Glen Travis Park and Rabbit Run Park in St. Peters, Mo. The parks are located not far from the Mid Rivers Mall shopping area in a suburban neighborhood.

Stealey Way Trail crosses small brooks and goes along Peruque Creek through Quail Ridge Park south of Wentzville, Mo.

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