Road Trips from Clayton, MO
Clayton, MO, is your launchpad for trips around the state, whether you're looking for a quick local hop or a longer adventure. The options range from very short, flat drives under an hour to much longer excursions over 200 miles. Several routes offer access to Gateway Arch National Park, making it easy to incorporate a major landmark into your plans. You can choose between mostly highway or surface road profiles, depending on your preference for driving experience.
Total Routes
4
Shortest
4.5h
With Parks Nearby
4
Weekend trip
Lee's Summit, MO
4h 38m239 mi one way
Clocking in at 239 miles and 4.6 hours, this route uses mostly surface roads. It has a strong drive score of 8 and includes proximity to Gateway Arch National Park, suitable for a longer journey.
Joplin, MO
5h 17m279.5 mi one way
This is one of the longest drives, covering 279.5 miles over 5.3 hours. The route is primarily surface roads with a drive score of 8 and offers access to Gateway Arch National Park, George Washington Carver National Monument, and Wilson's Creek National Battlefield.
Kansas City, MO
4h 40m242 mi one way
A substantial 242-mile drive taking 4.7 hours on mostly surface roads. It boasts a drive score of 8 and includes Gateway Arch National Park in its nearby attractions, making it a significant trip.
East Independence, MO
4h 32m232.3 mi one way
This route covers 232.3 miles and takes 4.5 hours on mostly surface roads. With a drive score of 8, it offers a longer trip and includes proximity to Gateway Arch National Park.
Browse by Mood
When to Go
Spring
The flat terrain and nearby parks like Gateway Arch National Park are accessible year-round, making spring a good time for shorter drives.
Summer
Longer drives are feasible in the summer, with multiple routes offering access to parks and national monuments.
Fall
The surface road routes provide varied scenery, and parks like Gateway Arch National Park remain appealing.
Winter
Shorter, direct routes like the one to St. Louis are practical in winter, with Gateway Arch National Park accessible.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Clayton, MO city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.