Hiking Project Logo

A primary trail through the park past several canyons


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

2.5

Miles

4.0

KM

Point to Point

634' 193 m

High

510' 155 m

Low

256' 78 m

Up

228' 70 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

50%

Max Grade (27°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

Family Friendly Kids will enjoy the beautiful scenery along this trail.

Starved Rock State Park is only open from dawn to dusk.

Description

The Bluff Trail - West is one of the primary trails through the park. It can be accessed from parking areas on the west side of the park or near the center at the Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center.

From the west, it very quickly connects with the Interior Canyon Trail - St. Louis Canyon before continuing along the bluff's edge past Kickapoo Canyon, Sac Canyon, and Aurora Canyon, where a gradual descent brings it around the lodge and parking area.

Continuing on, it soon intersects the Connecting Trail - French Canyon near the top of French Canyon. A rolling climb brings it to the intersection with the French Canyon Trail followed by the top of Wildcat Canyon. Take some time to enjoy the overlook on either side. You can also descend the Wildcat Connector if you choose.

From there, the rolling terrain continues until the trail ends with a steep descent past the Sandstone Point Overlook.

Contacts

Land Manager: Illinois DNR - Region I

Shared By:

Eric Ashley

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 6 votes

#12857

Overall
  3.8 from 6 votes
5 Star
17%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
33%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#132

in Illinois

#12,857

Overall
3 Views Last Month
793 Since Nov 16, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
20%
80%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

French Canyon.
Jun 13, 2016 near Deer Park, IL
Bridge leading over a small creek.
Jun 13, 2016 near Deer Park, IL
Starved Rock State Park
Apr 7, 2020 near Deer Park, IL

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

May 17, 2022
Randy Turner
10h 30m
Dec 28, 2021
Narcedalia Martinez
Jun 7, 2021
Maryssa Slattery
2.5mi — 2h 45m
Oct 4, 2020
John Bruder
0.4mi
Sep 7, 2020
Sam C
Jun 20, 2020
Caroline Ulczycki
Sep 1, 2019
Omar Quadri
Aug 24, 2019
Christine Sampson
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.