Dell Rim, Spring and Colosseum Trail Loop

The Dell Rim, Spring and Colosseum Trail Loop is located within Ha Ha Tonka State Park. You'll find designated parking areas within the park that provide access to the various trailheads that make up this loop. Specific parking lots are usually well-marked near the main attractions like the castle ruins or the spring area.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on trails in Missouri State Parks, including Ha Ha Tonka State Park. However, they must be kept on a leash no longer than 10 feet at all times. Please remember to clean up after your pet to keep the trails enjoyable for everyone.

Spring is a particularly beautiful time to hike this loop, as the area bursts with wildflowers, especially in the sheltered zones beyond the natural bridge. You'll also see flowering dogwood, redbud, and serviceberry trees in bloom. Fall offers vibrant foliage. While accessible year-round, be prepared for potentially steep and uneven surfaces, especially after rain.

No, there are typically no entrance fees or permits required to access and hike the trails within Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Missouri State Parks are generally free to enter and enjoy.

The terrain on this loop can vary from moderate to rugged. You'll encounter some sections with steep climbs and uneven ground. For instance, the hike out of the 150-foot deep Colosseum sinkhole involves a long and steep ascent. The Spring Trail portion includes a boardwalk with 316 stairs. Sturdy shoes are highly recommended due to potentially rocky surfaces.

While the overall loop is rated as 'easy' in terms of distance and duration, some sections, particularly the ascent out of the Colosseum sinkhole and the 316 stairs on the Spring Trail, can be challenging. The Colosseum Trail itself is often rated 'Easy/Intermediate'. Families with younger children or beginners should be prepared for varied terrain and consider their fitness levels. Descending the stairs is generally easier than ascending.

This loop is rich in sights! You'll pass through an impressive natural bridge, explore the expansive Colosseum sinkhole, and see Missouri's 12th largest spring. The Dell Rim Trail offers overlooks of the 150-foot deep Whispering Dell Sinkhole. You can also enjoy views of the Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins, Boardwalk and River Viewpoints, and panoramic vistas from Deers Leap Hill overlooking the Ha Ha Tonka Spring and Lake of the Ozarks.

Yes, this loop is part of an interconnected trail system within Ha Ha Tonka State Park. While primarily following sections of the Dell Rim Trail, Spring Trail, and Colosseum Trail, it also passes through parts of the Castle Trail, Quarry Trail, and Devil's Kitchen Trail, allowing for flexible hiking and longer excursions if you wish to explore further.

The park is home to diverse flora and fauna. In spring, you'll find an abundance of wildflowers and blooming trees like dogwood, redbud, and serviceberry. While specific wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, you might spot various birds, small mammals, and reptiles common to Missouri woodlands. The constant 56-degree Fahrenheit spring also supports unique aquatic life.

While there are no facilities directly on the trail itself, restrooms and water fountains are typically available at the main visitor areas and parking lots within Ha Ha Tonka State Park. It's always a good idea to carry your own water, especially on warmer days, as the trail can be rugged in sections.

While you can hike the loop in either direction, many find descending the 316 stairs on the Spring Trail easier than ascending them. If you prefer to tackle the steeper climbs first, you might choose a direction that puts the Colosseum sinkhole ascent earlier in your hike. Consider your personal preference for inclines versus stairs.