Lone Elk Park

A unique park

Lone Elk Park is operated by St. Louis County Parks and is located near Highway 141 and Interstate 44 in Valley Park. The park offers a close-up glimpse of elk in their natural habitat. Visitors can also expect to see deer, bison, wild turkey, waterfowl, and raccoons and other wildlife. The elk are restricted to the park by a high fence, but the wooded area lends to the wild feel of the area. There is a scenic lake, picnic pavilions, and one nice hiking trail within the park. The trail, the White Bison Trail loop, is an easy and scenic 3.2 mile hike suitable for most hikers.

The Trail

I have walked the White Bison Trail many times in all seasons. However, I always find Fall to be the most captivating season. So when Ben, Daniel and I found an open window of time in late October we headed out for a quick hike. We were greeted at the trailhead by a large herd of elk, including this giant bull who was in absolutely no hurry to move on his way.

After giving the herd plenty of time to get on their way, we started off into the woods at a healthy clip. The rock/earthen trail was slightly muddy from a recent rain but conditions were pretty close to perfect. The fall color in the oak/hickory/maple forest was really just beginning.

The White Bison Trail winds through the woods before meetings the road down in a valley. Then you follow along the road, dodging elk droppings as you go, along the dam of the lake. From there the trail follows the up hills up and down through the the woods. The trail is marked clearly and a well-defined path ensure that there is no way to get lost. Almost every time I take the walk I come across deer and elk right next to or even on the trail. This day was no exception. Typically I either wait for the elk to move on or simply walk off trail to go around them in order to give them plenty of space.

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By the time we finished the hike, our trio of hikers was ready to call it a day. We had seen elk and deer, caught a frog, and enjoyed the fall scenery. Bird activity was extremely quiet as we only recorded 8 species for the trip meaning I lost the bet with the boys. We didn’t even find a single duck or goose on the lake, which may be the first time ever for that miss. However, on the drive out we were rewarded with a nice flock of wild turkeys that lingered near the road and posed for the camera.

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Lone Elk Park – worth a visit

I live close to this park and frequently stop by usually in late afternoon just to drive the loop. Its not unusual to hear elk bugling, see elk and deer sparring, and observe many other local wildlife species from the comfort of your vehicle. I particularly enjoy the drive when everything is snow covered and the elk seem more animated and active. Below are some of the photos I have taken the past few years.

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Admission to the Lone Elk Park is free, although there is a donation box at the entrance. Pets are not allowed in the park, even inside vehicles. In addition no motorcycles are allowed. Sometimes traffic gets busy, and when the elk or bison decide to set up shop in the middle of the road there isn’t much choice but to wait them out. I usually allow for at least 30 minutes to get in and through if I’m only driving. And keep in find that there is a trail heard for the Chubb Trail nearby as well as the World Bird Sanctuary (always worth a visit). There is plenty to do if you want to make a day of it in the MO-Outdoors.

For more information, check out these links:

https://www.stlouisco.com/Parks-and-Recreation/Park-Pages/Lone-Elk

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