Robinson Bluff is a privately owned outdoor retreat near the old mining town of Tiff in eastern Washington County, Missouri. When originally developed in 2017, the idea was to “set up a climbing destination based on concepts like Horseshoe Canyon Ranch and Muir Valley,” said co-owner Bill Weishaar.

The bluff follows the sinuating curves of the Big River for more than 3,600 feet. Overlooking treelines and farmland, the dolomite limestone features moderate face climbing, spicy overhangs, and obvious cracks. Several of Robinson Bluff’s 300 bolted routes (5.3 to 5.13) soar more than 100 feet high. The vast majority are single-pitch sport routes, though a few of the towers contain the rare Missouri multi-pitch.

The Big River connects Robinson Bluff to St. Francois and Washington state parks. Paddle between the three and enjoy a multisport day on the water, in the woods, and up the wall. Make it an entire weekend by overnighting at one of Robinson Bluff’s 35 primitive campsites ($10, up to six people) or rental cabins. Use their new restroom/shower house, which opened last year.

Recently, Robinson Bluff has also added 6 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails that include three flow/jump lines, eight single-track downhills, and a cross-country loop. Two new disc golf courses round out the recreation opportunities, all of which are open to the public seven days a week for a $10 day-use fee.

Robinson Bluff offers moderate face climbing and a peak elevation of nearly 800 feet. (Robinson Bluff)

Getting to Robinson Bluff

Coordinates: 38.01175°N, -90.629 °W

Address: 10750 Bo Hollow Road, Cadet, MO 63630

Directions: To reach Robinson Bluff from DeSoto, take Hwy 21 south for 13 miles. Pass Washington State Park on your right and E&T’s service station on your left. Turn left onto Hwy CC. After 2.9 miles, turn right onto Hwy E. After 1.9 miles, turn left onto Tiff Road. After 3.6 miles on Tiff, turn left onto Politte Road. Once on the gravel road, drive a short distance and turn left onto Bo Hollow Road before the road changes to Dickinson Road (a paved road). At this point, you’re almost at Robinson Bluff. After a mile, turn right into the Robinson Bluff parking lot on your right.

Amenities: Robinson Bluff has parking, campsites, RV sites (no electric/water/sewer), rental cabins, restroom/shower house with potable water and electricity.

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Rock Climbing at Robinson Bluff

Climbs: 300

Elevation: 797 feet

Types: Sport, bouldering, single- and multi-pitch

Rating: Intermediate

Approach: From the Robinson Bluff parking lot, proceed to the kiosk to pay and complete a waiver. Then take the grand staircase to the main trail. Routes line the 3,615 feet of bluff line north and south of the stairs.

Fees: $10 to climb, $10 to camp

Learn more at robinsonbluff.com.

Authors: Corrie Henrix Gambill is a contributor to Terrain Magazine. Brad Kovach is the founder and publisher of Terrain Magazine.

Top image: Courtesy Robinson Bluff.