The Secret Valley of Amidon Bouldering

From the shut-ins, continue along the loop trail until it splits. The right trail will take you on top of the hill and past several boulders before returning to the beginning of the trail. The left branch follows the river to some of the densest bouldering in Amidon. There are lots of boulders on the far side of the river as well but will require you find a safe place to cross.

During summer months and times of low water, crossing the river to access River Left is trivial. During the winter and/or rainy periods, however, accessing River Left from the main parking lot is extremely difficult and may be dangerous. For that reason, it is suggested that people climbing at River Left park in Parking Lot #3 instead and walk upstream rather than walking downstream from Lot #1.  Lot #3 is located at 37.558043, -90.150107. If coming from St Louis, stay on Highway J and do not turn onto Hwy W. Instead, take Hwy J until reaching Highway HH. Take HH for approximately two miles and then turn right onto County Road 928.If your GPS directions do not direct you to Road 928, they are incorrect (Google Maps currently directs people to cross several impassable streams.)