Ownership | Farmington, MO
Four state parks in the St. Francois Mountains sit close enough for a Saturday. This is how they differ, which Ford fits each one, and what to check before you head out.
Memorial Day is behind us, school is letting out, and the weekends from here to Labor Day fill up fast. You don't have to drive far from Farmington to find granite boulders, Missouri's highest point, a river that pours through volcanic rock, or 2,000 acres of sand and trail.
Each trip asks something different of a vehicle. A day at the Shut-Ins with three kids and a cooler is not the same as a Saturday in the St. Joe riding area. This guide walks through each park, the Ford that fits it, and the short list our service team would check before you load up.
Quick answer: St. Joe State Park in Park Hills has a riding area of about 2,000 acres where four wheel drive vehicles are allowed only on the old mine tailings, with an ORV permit and a flag mast. Johnson's Shut-Ins, Elephant Rocks and Taum Sauk Mountain are paved road trips that suit any Ford, so pick by passengers, gear and how much trail you want.
St. Joe riding area
About 2,000 acres, ORV permit required
Missouri's highest point
Taum Sauk Mountain, 1,772 feet
Tallest waterfall
Mina Sauk Falls, 132 feet
In this post
What Should You Know Before Riding at St. Joe State Park?
St. Joe State Park covers 8,243 acres on the south side of Park Hills, a short drive up US 67 from our store. St. Joe Minerals shut down its operations in the area in 1972 and donated the land to the state, and the riding area sits on the old lead mine tailings. Missouri Mines State Historic Site is inside the park too, so the history is right there if half the group would rather see the mill buildings than the sand.
The riding rules are specific, and park staff do enforce them. Dune buggies and four wheel drive vehicles are allowed only in the tailings area, not on the wooded trails. Any vehicle in the ORV area needs a permit, which you can buy online for up to three days of riding or pick up at the ORV contact station when you arrive.
- Flag mast: every vehicle other than a motorcycle needs a mast at least 72 inches long with an orange flag of at least 72 square inches.
- Seat belts: motorized vehicles other than motorcycles and ATVs need a seat belt for each occupant.
- Young drivers: operators under 16 and unlicensed operators must have direct supervision by a licensed adult.
- Staging area: the speed limit in the staging area and parking lot is 5 miles per hour.
Helmet, noise and spark arrestor rules apply to certain vehicles as well, and the park posts temporary closures on its status map. Read the full riding rules on the Missouri State Parks site the week you go. The park also has four lakes, two with swimming beaches, so nobody has to ride to have a good day.

How Do Johnson's Shut-Ins, Elephant Rocks and Taum Sauk Compare?
These three are paved road trips, and they make a natural loop. MO 221 runs from US 67 at Farmington through Doe Run to MO 21 at Pilot Knob, which puts you in the Arcadia Valley without fighting St. Louis traffic.
Elephant Rocks State Park
On Highway 21 in Belleview, Elephant Rocks is a field of giant granite boulders formed from rock about 1.5 billion years old. Kids climb all over them. The Braille Trail through the main rock area was designed for people with visual and physical disabilities, so grandparents can come along, and picnic tables sit in the shade.
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
Taum Sauk Mountain rises to 1,772 feet, the highest point in Missouri, and the walk from the parking lot to the summit is short. The bigger payoff is Mina Sauk Falls, which drops 132 feet and is the tallest waterfall in the state. That trail is moderately rugged, and the falls are fullest after a good rain.
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
In Reynolds County, the East Fork of the Black River squeezes through hard volcanic rock and spills over and around it in chutes and pools. The park was wrecked by the Taum Sauk reservoir failure in December 2005 and reopened the river to swimmers in 2009, with a new campground the year after. Hot summer weekends can draw a crowd, so an early start pays off.
Farmington driver tip
Bare granite soaks up summer sun, so plan Elephant Rocks for the morning before the boulders heat up, then head to Taum Sauk or the Shut-Ins after lunch. Pack more water than you think you'll need.
Which Ford Fits Which Ozark Trip?
Any Ford in good shape will get you to Elephant Rocks and back. The choice gets more interesting when you add sand, a trailer or a third row of passengers.
- Ford Bronco: the one for the St. Joe tailings and for open air summer driving. The roof and doors come off, G.O.A.T. Modes adjust the drive system for the surface, and the Sasquatch Package is available for more clearance and bigger tires.
- Ford Bronco Sport: a smaller SUV that still handles gravel and park roads with ease. The Badlands version adds the 2.0L EcoBoost, Advanced 4x4 with a twin clutch rear drive unit, seven G.O.A.T. Modes including Rock Crawl, and a steel skid plate under the engine.
- Ford F-150: the hauler. If your weekend means trailering an ATV or side by side to St. Joe, the truck does the towing while the toy does the riding, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist is available on many trims.
- Ford Expedition: the family shuttle to the Shut-Ins. It seats up to eight, the Split Gate makes loading coolers and chairs easier, and the Tremor version adds 33 inch all terrain tires and an electronic locking rear differential for rougher roads.
Any Ford in good shape will get you to Elephant Rocks and back.
We cover trailer setup in detail in our lake towing post from last May, so we won't repeat it here. For the St. Joe trip, the short version is to check the hitch, the trailer lights and the tie downs before you leave the driveway.
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What Should You Check on Your Ford Before an Ozark Weekend?
Most trip problems start with something small you could have caught in the driveway. Give it ten minutes the night before.
Tires and the spare
Check pressure cold, look for cuts or bulges on the sidewalls, and confirm the spare has air. Gravel park roads are rough on tires that were already marginal.
Fluids and wipers
Check oil, coolant and washer fluid. Late May storms roll through fast in the St. Francois Mountains, and you want wipers that clear the glass.
Warning lights and messages
If a warning light is on, have it looked at before the trip, not after. The Ford app shows vehicle health alerts on many newer models.
Trail and trailer gear
For St. Joe, pack the flag mast, the permit and a tow strap, and know where your recovery points are. For a trailer, test every light with a helper.
After a day in the sand, rinse the underbody and wheel wells and keep an eye on your engine air filter. Fine sand and dust work their way into places you don't see, and a quick wash on Sunday evening keeps it from sitting there all summer.

When Should You Bring Your Ford in Before a Trip?
If the oil life monitor is getting low, the tires are close to worn out, or something has felt off lately, get it in a week or two ahead of a big weekend. That leaves time to order a part if one is needed.
Our service center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed for lunch from noon to 1:00 PM. Book online, in the Ford app, or call 573-430-1693. For routine items like an oil change, tire rotation or battery, Ford Mobile Service may be able to come to your home or job, depending on distance and availability.
A little prep keeps the drive home as easy as the drive down.
Warranty Forever
Every new Ford and most used vehicles sold at Sam Scism Ford come with Warranty Forever at no charge. It covers listed engine, transmission and drive axle parts for as long as you own the vehicle, regardless of miles, as long as you follow the customary maintenance and keep records. See the dealer for details.
How it worksSt. Joe State Park Riding
Can I drive my Ford Bronco in the St. Joe State Park riding area?
Four wheel drive vehicles are allowed in the tailings area of the riding area, not on the wooded trails. You need an ORV permit and a flag mast at least 72 inches tall with an orange flag.
Where do I get an ORV permit for St. Joe State Park?
Missouri State Parks sells permits online for up to three days of riding, and the ORV contact station at the park sells them on arrival. Carry the permit whenever you are in the riding area.
How big is the St. Joe State Park riding area?
The park covers 8,243 acres, and about 2,000 of those are set aside for off road vehicles on the old lead mine tailings.
The Arcadia Valley Parks
What is the highest point in Missouri?
Taum Sauk Mountain, at 1,772 feet. The walk from the parking lot to the summit marker is short, and Mina Sauk Falls is on a separate, rougher trail in the same park.
Is Elephant Rocks a good stop with young kids or older relatives?
It works well for both. The boulders are fun to climb, and the Braille Trail through the main rock area was built for people with visual and physical disabilities.
Can you swim at Johnson's Shut-Ins?
The shut-ins on the East Fork of the Black River reopened for water recreation in 2009 after the 2005 reservoir flood. Check the park's current conditions before you go, since high water can change things fast.
Choosing the Right Ford
Do I need four wheel drive to visit these parks?
Not for Elephant Rocks, Taum Sauk or Johnson's Shut-Ins, which you reach on paved roads. Four wheel drive matters if you plan to ride the St. Joe tailings.
Is the Ford Bronco Sport capable enough for gravel park roads?
A Ford Bronco Sport handles gravel and park roads well, and the Badlands version adds Advanced 4x4 with a twin clutch rear drive unit and a Rock Crawl mode.
Which Ford works for a big family heading to the Shut-Ins?
The Ford Expedition seats up to eight and has the Split Gate for loading coolers and chairs. Our sales team at 573-430-1687 can show you what is on the lot.
Trip Prep and Care
What should I check on my Ford before a weekend trip?
Tire pressure and the spare, oil and coolant, wipers and washer fluid, and any warning lights. If you are trailering, test the trailer lights with a helper.
Should I wash my Ford after riding at St. Joe?
Rinse the underbody, wheel wells and brakes after a day on sand or dusty tailings. Fine grit holds moisture and wears parts if it sits.
Does trail driving affect my engine air filter?
Dusty and sandy driving clogs an air filter faster, and Ford recommends changing it sooner when you drive on dirt roads. Have it checked at your next visit.
Service and Coverage
How far ahead should I book service before a trip?
A week or two gives our team time to order a part if the inspection turns something up. Book online, in the Ford app, or at 573-430-1693.
Can Ford Mobile Service come to me before a weekend?
Ford Mobile Service can handle oil changes, tire rotations, batteries and other routine work at your home or job, depending on distance and availability.
Does Warranty Forever cover my Ford on trail trips?
Warranty Forever covers listed powertrain parts for as long as you own the vehicle, provided you keep up the customary maintenance and records. Ask our team how it applies to your vehicle and how you use it.