Saint Louis Canyon Trail Hiking Guide
Most of Starved Rock's famous waterfalls depend on rain and dry up by summer. Saint Louis Canyon is the exception: its falls are fed by a spring, so they run when others are dry and freeze into an icefall when others never form. In a dry winter, the Illinois DNR has noted, it can be the only icefall in the park. The out-and-back to it is short, easy and — importantly in 2026 — open while much of the park's east side is closed.
The Walk
The standard out-and-back is about 2.2 miles with roughly 260 feet of gain on mapping apps; the Illinois DNR lists a longer 3-mile round trip that combines Aurora and St. Louis canyons from the Lodge side. The trail follows the canyon floor between sandstone walls to the waterfall at its head. Start from the St. Louis Canyon parking lot off Route 178, across from Grand Bear Lodge, or from the west side of Starved Rock Lodge.
Why This Canyon in 2026
An $18 million trail, bridge and stair project at Starved Rock began in late 2025 and is expected to run into 2027. The DNR has closed LaSalle, Tonti, Pontiac, Basswood and Lonetree canyons, Sandstone Point, and several sections of the bluff and river trails, with no reopening dates announced. Saint Louis and Aurora canyons, along with Starved Rock itself, French and Wildcat canyons and the western canyons, remain open.
The Icefall
Because the falls are spring-fed, Saint Louis Canyon is the most reliable place at Starved Rock to see frozen falls in winter. Ice climbing is not permitted in this canyon. The canyon floor and approach get icy too; traction devices make a big difference from December through February. The other canyons' falls are rain-dependent and usually dry out by the end of June.
Stay on Marked Trails
The DNR asks visitors to stay on the brown, green or red marked paths. The canyon rims are sandstone and crumble underfoot, and hikers have died at Starved Rock after leaving marked trails or climbing past barriers — including a fatal fall in Illinois Canyon in 2024. Keep children close near the rims and respect all fencing and closure signs.
Practicalities
Illinois does not charge an entrance fee at its state parks, for residents or visitors. Trails are open 7 a.m. to sunset. Leashed dogs are allowed; the DNR asks owners not to let dogs drink from canyon waterfalls, creeks or the Illinois River, so bring water for them. Starved Rock is about 90 minutes southwest of Chicago.
Hiking tips for Saint Louis Canyon Trail
- Come in winter for Starved Rock's most reliable icefall, and bring traction for the canyon floor.
- Check the DNR's Starved Rock closures page — several eastern canyons are closed for the trail project.
- Stay on the brown, green or red marked paths; the sandstone rims are fatal to leave.
- Bring water for your dog — the DNR asks that dogs not drink from the canyon streams.
- Arrive by mid-morning on weekends before Starved Rock's lots fill.
Nearby trails to explore
- Starved Rock Wildcat Canyon Loop
- Matthiessen Dells Canyon Trail
- Waterfall Glen Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Saint Louis Canyon is the Starved Rock hike that works in every season. Use TrailMates to find Chicago hikers to share the drive out to Utica. Download the TrailMates app to connect.