Among the few developed communities, Route 87 travels east of High Point where the closest representation to a major intersection is a blinker-light intersection with Route C. The highway continues to meander through the rural agricultural hills of Central Missouri, until it approaches a partial cloverleaf interchange with US 50, the northwest quadrant of which includes a decorative welcome sign for California.

The route doesn't officially enter California until between the intersections with Kevin Street and Quail Hollow Road.

North of Walnut Street, the route curves northeast as it leaves the city limits and becomes Jamestown Road, resuming its run through the rural hills of Moniteau County.

Shortly after the intersection with Route D, it turns northwest again, gradually curving toward the north after leaving that community and running through rural Cooper County.

Sparse development can be seen along the way, and further northwest the road serves as the western terminus of Route 98, joining part of the Lewis and Clark Trail.

Over two blocks later, the highway is joined by US 40, Route 5, and the Santa Fe Trail, which is where BL I-70 makes a left turn.

Route 87 and the Santa Fe Trail run in relative proximity to the north bank of the Missouri River crossing the Katy Trail State Park until just before the intersection with Howard County Road 339 (CR 339), and moves further away at the intersection with Route Z, which continues the previous trajectory towards Petersburg.

Well after leaving what passes for "downtown Boonesboro," it makes a long right curve as it approaches the east end of Route 187, which leads to the Boone's Lick State Historic Site.