Colosseum Trail is a 0.6 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.
Short figure eight loop trail under the natural bridge and then over the top of it. Nice view of the ruins along the ways. Very busy. Beware of overlapping trails that cause confusion.
Josh Leyba recorded Recording - Jul 04, 10:56 AM
Quick 330 ft to bridge. Due to a little one being worn out from 2 previous hikes in the state park we just made it to the natural bridge. worth the quick trip down.
Great easy trail, natural bridge is stunning. Excellent maintenance.
The bridge is beautiful. A haha Tonka must!
A favorite trail, even with the traffic. It is also a good workout.
The steep climb out is a great workout!
We hiked the Colosseum Trail/Natural Tunnel on our way to the Spring Trail. Be aware that the climb out of the sinkhole area does require a steep, rocky climb that I would describe as rugged. From there we got on the Spring Trail and went “down” the stairs before making our way to the Island Trail, around the other side of the Spring Trail loop and back to the parking area nearest the Colosseum. The far western part of the Spring Trail also has a steep rocky, rugged section. We hiked the Castle Trail, Quarry Trail, Lake Trail, Colosseum Trail, Spring Trail, and part of the Island Trail on Oct 24. That was around 6 miles total. Most of the hike on these trails could be described as moderate, but there are some rugged areas, so be aware of that. The fall colors were near peak and very pretty. Great hike and a good work-out!
The Natural Bridge is a cool feature of Ha Ha Tonka State Park and something you don’t want to miss. Take some time to explore this interesting area and continue on for the rest of the trail.
returned and did the trail with the boy scouts. One of the few natural tunnels in the state.
The trail was very hard to follow at times; but was very beautiful. When I hiked a mother deer and her fawn were in the trail, it was so cool.
love natural bridge
I really love this trail, from the moment you enter beneath the Natural Bridge...seems like a portal to Narnia! Lots of moss-covered boulders, rocks, and logs. Love the bowl feature below the trail. I climbed up and out and connected to the Spring Trail (blazed in blue) from this trail.
easy trail, bridge is pretty cool.
Tammy F.
loved it
Fun to see the natural bridge, great hiking trail but be careful for dogs pads as some small sections were very rocky terrain.
Natural bridge was awesome. The hike out was very rugged terrain. Recommend hiking boots with good ankle support.
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!
Nice trail with about 100 foot rise if you follow the loop in the opposite direction. Wife, kids, dog and I all enjoyed the hike. We combined a few trails to increase to about 2 miles which seemed like enough for the girls first time out. Natural bridge was great and some obstructed views of the lake and castle from the highest elevation. Next time we'll brave the Spring trail and its 318 stairs for a longer hike.
Nice trail with Natural Bridge. Water available at the Trailhead and parking is readily available. Easy connect to other trails in the area.
Great trail. It's a regular part of my weekend route in Ha Ha Tonka. Well worth the time. Grow to catch water falling from the formations of rock in the heat of the summer.
Awesome trail any time of the year.
The rock formation they call the natural bridge is pretty awesome. It's a short hike to the natural bridge. I would like to visit again in the winter for the possibility of seeing icicles hanging from the rocks.
Grew up going to Ha Ha Tonka and have great memories from there and always love going back and bringing first-timers! The castle ruins are beautiful and have great history behind them, the trails are even more beautiful and the hike on the boardwalk stairs down to the crystal clear fresh spring water is gorgeous. Let's not forget the gorgeous view of the lake! The hike back up is... lets just say you will get your workout in. If you are in the area for any reason it is worth the the trip to see with your own eyes. Something for all ages!! Ruins are handicap accessible as well.
