Missouri Mountain Trail

Route Description for Missouri Mountain Trail

The Missouri Mountain Hike is incredible, but it is not for the faint of heart! This trek will undoubtedly get your blood pumping with extreme elevation gain, scrambling, and exposed terrain. Don’t let us discourage you, though; the challenging epic scenery and alpine views prove well worth the effort! Make sure you are acclimated to the area’s elevation and try to summit before noon to mitigate the chances of getting caught in an afternoon storm. We also suggest microspikes and trekking poles when venturing in the fall or winter months!

Begin your journey up to the Colorado fourteener from the trailhead off Country Road 360. From the trailhead, the Missouri Mountain Hike follows the Missouri Gulch Trail south. Immediately after departing the trailhead, the path will begin to climb, guiding hikers through a set of switchbacks. Follow the trail, enjoy the sparse tree shade and the sights of the encompassing craggy walls. Eventually, the route will pass several dispersed campsites before arriving at a junction; keep right here. Intersecting with an alpine stream, the path will guide adventurers west up a rocky scree to the ridgeline.

Once you summit the ridgeline, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the mountains that stretch for as far as the eye can see. Hook onto the Missouri Mountain West Ridge Trail here, and hike southeast up to the peak. From here, revel in the grandeur of the neighboring Collegiate Peaks, and don’t forget to take photos! When you are done enjoying the scenery, simply retrace your footing along the path back to the trailhead.