Colosseum Trail is a 0.7 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Camdenton, Missouri that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and camping and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
dogs on leash
kid friendly
camping
hiking
cave
forest
wild flowers
The Colosseum trail is a natural surface trail that winds under a natural bridge and through a large sinkhole, the Colosseum spans 60 feet, is 100 feet high, and is 70 feet wide. This natural surface trail winds under the natural bridge and through a large sinkhole, the Colosseum, and is part of the Ha Ha Tonka Karst Natural Area. In spring, you will be treated to a lovely view of flowering dogwood, redbud and serviceberry from the wooden platform where this trail begins. The natural bridge is a massive stone arch left behind when the cave system around it collapsed. It spans 60 feet, is 100 feet high, and is 70 feet wide. The natural bridge was used as a route to the castle until it was closed to vehicular traffic in 1980 because it was too narrow. It is an impressive geological feature and one of the highlights of the park. After a heavy rain, water often cascades off the back side making its way to the lowest point in the sinkhole beyond. The Colosseum Sinkhole is 150 feet deep. Spring wildflowers are abundant in this sheltered enclave, especially in the section just beyond the natural bridge where the trail is immediately adjacent to one sheer bluff side. As you start your hike out of the sinkhole at the south end, you will step between large boulders evidence of the rocky ceiling that one covered this cave room. It is a long, steep climb out of the sinkhole to near the top of the ridge, but the views of the old post office, spring and castle ruins at the top are a great reason to stop to catch your breath. The figure-eight loop then takes you across the top of the natural bridge and back to the trailhead.
Nice trail. Enjoyed the outing.
could've had more information on the fork. when you get near it, veer left to the rock steps.
Very pretty loop trail that features the Natural Bridge formation - lots of climbing if you complete the entire loop.
Loved the natural bridge! This was a great trail as well. Lots to see along the way!
I enjoy this trail most in late fall to early spring.
The natural bridge was cool to see.
We combined the spring and colosseum trails. The trail was well maintained but some of the wood steps need work. The area is beautiful and has a lot to see. I suggest the parking lot accord from the postoffice (Start high finish high). There are parking lots at colosseum and the island. Lots of stairs and great scenery.
A fun trail if you walk passed the natural bridge! Steep grade (warning) if you do continue on. Connects through to ha ha Tonka. Completed the whole trail and went down the vertical staircase to the river which was a strenuous workout both down and back up. Very scenic and very worth it!