Places to Go: Painted Rock CA

Painted Rock Conservation Area

The outdoors for all

Once a retreat for the wealthy and influential of Missouri’s capital, Painted Rock Conservation Area (CA) now offers outdoor adventure to all Missourians.

Located on nearly 1,500 acres in Osage County, Painted Rock CA hosted elected and appointed government officials, doctors, attorneys, and business leaders during the late-19th and early 20th centuries, according to MDC Forester Aaron Holsapple.

“Back in the pre-Depression Era, and even before the Conservation Commission was created, it was known as a country club for dignitaries from Jefferson City,” Holsapple said. “They would take their families, and they would stay for the weekend. They would hunt and fish and just have a good time over there.”

That good time can now be had by all. Painted Rock CA’s 1.6-mile loop trail offers hikers expansive views of the Osage River valley, including both easy and challenging options, he said.

“It’s a strenuous hike if you take the entire loop, but the nice thing about it, if you just go straight out to the overlook and come straight back, it’s flat, so just about anybody could do that,” he said.

The area’s 5-acre lake and access to the Osage River also make it a family fishing destination, he said.