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Mountain biking trails

United States

Missouri

St. Charles County

Matson – Defiance loop from Howell Island Conservation Area

Routes

Mountain biking trails

United States

Missouri

St. Charles County

Matson – Defiance loop from Howell Island Conservation Area

Hard

4.9

(1958)

7,633

riders

Matson – Defiance loop from Howell Island Conservation Area

03:32

45.0km

440m

Mountain biking

Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: May 26, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Weldon Spring Conservation Area

Katy Trail State Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1.89 km

Weldon Spring Conservation Area

Highlight • Forest

From tough singletrack to smooth double-track, the Weldon Spring Conservation Area has a variety of trails that are great for riding. Be aware: just because a trail has the word "Road" in the name doesn't mean that it's the easiest route!

Tip by

4.52 km

Lost Valley Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This is what I was looking for. Narrow singletrack that runs along the terrain. Often off camber with lots of gravel sized rocks mixed in with clay and organic soils. The surface has great grip even when it’s damp. When the organic percentage rises it gives more and slips under climbing loads. The climbs aren’t too steep and there was always enough roots and rocks to keep you interested. Many stream crossings at the draws that were well prepared. Even the switchback were awesome with native stones packed in the clay to give you confidence you won’t wash out a wheel. Awesome. Be aware as of 2 May 2025 between the 5.5 and 7 mile markers there were many trees crossing the trail knocked over from a terrific wind or 🌪️. This is the area closest to the Army site.

Tip by

14.5 km

Beaver Time

Highlight • Trail

Maybe the toughest single section of trail. There are two really excellent natural features to contend with and worth repeat attempts. Numerous lines. Careful of low siding if you stumble, could be very dangerous. S3

Tip by

27.8 km

Matson Hill Park Trails

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This 475 acre park is heavily forested and has a little over 7 miles of singletrack trails that roll through a large hollow. ;The old growth forest and steep terrain keep the area shady and dark along these challenging trails which can be ridden in either direction.

Tip by

35.8 km

Matson

Highlight • Settlement

Matson is a small town situated right along the trail. Within the town, you can discover an antique shop and a sizable parking lot. This spot is popular for people to either start or finish their journey along the trail due to its easy accessibility.

Tip by

38.6 km

Defiance

Highlight • Settlement

Defiance is a small town situated along Highway 94 and the Katy Trail. Serving as a gateway to the Missouri wine country, whether you're beginning, ending, or simply taking a break along the trail, you'll discover charming bars, cafes, and a handful of shops in this quaint town.

Tip by

45.0 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

22.4 km

15.7 km

6.16 km

638 m

150 m

Surfaces

14.3 km

13.8 km

11.7 km

3.93 km

1.10 km

150 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (230 m)

Lowest point (140 m)

Weather

Today

Sunday 28 June

35°C

22°C

23 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Matson – Defiance loop from Howell Island Conservation Area

Weldon Spring Conservation Area

Lost Valley Trail

Beaver Time

Matson Hill Park Trails

Matson

Defiance

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