Leadville Ranger District
Activities: Hiking
Attractions: Missouri Mountain elevation 14,067 feet is the 36th highest of the 53 14,000-foot peaks in the state. Excellent dispersed camping and opportunities for fishing exist, especially along Routes 2 and 3.
THREE ROUTES
Route 1
Length Route 1: 4 Miles (6.5 km)
Trail Begins: Missouri Gulch Trailhead lot near Vicksburg. Hike up trail to glacial basin above treeline, at approximate elevation of 12,600', fork SW from trail across basin to summit ridge W 1/2 mile from peak. Hike ridge E to peak, 14,046'. Elevation 9,650'.
Trail Ends: Summit of Missouri Mountain Elevation 14,067'.
Access: From Leadville travel south on US Hwy 24 to Granite, continue 1-1/2 miles S to Clear Creek Road, Forest Road 120, 8 miles to Vicksburg, park in Missouri Gulch parking lot.
Use: Moderate
Route 2
Length Route 2: 5 Miles (8 km)
Trail Begins: Rockdale, Lake Fork of Clear Cr. 4WD can continue 3 miles to road closure at Cloyses Lake, otherwise walk, path forks East at road closure, climbs steeply to glacial basin approximately 12,000' elevation. Fork NE, climb to summit ridge, attain ridge at approximately 13,000' elevation. Hike along ridge to summit, 14,067 feet Elevation: 9,950 feet.
Trail Ends: Summit of Missouri Mountain Elevation: 14,067 feet. Access: From Leadville travel south on US Hwy 24 to Granite, continue 1-1/2 miles S to Clear Creek Road, Forest Road 120, travel W 10 miles to Rockdale
Use: Slight
Route 3
Length Route 3: 11.5 Miles (18.4 km)
Trail Begins: Pine Creek trailhead three miles W of US Hwy 24 on Pine Creek Trail, past Colorado Trail, past Little John's Cabins to Missouri Basin Trail to Missouri Basin. Fork W off trail to saddle between Iowa Peak and Missouri Mtn. Climb ridge N to summit, 14,067'. Elevation: 9,500' approx.
Trail Ends: Summit of Missouri Mountain Elevation: 14,067 feet.
Access: From Leadville travel S on US Hwy 24 to Gold Camp Trailer Park. Continue up dirt road to road closure/trailhead (Forest Road 123).
Use Heavy
Note: No well defined or marked trail exists on all three routes above treeline to summit.
Difficulty: More to very difficult
USGS Map(s): Mt. Harvard 1.62500
CLIMBING THE PEAK
Technical ability or special mountain climbing experience is not necessary to climb these routes up Missouri Mountain. The ridge west from Elkhead Pass should be avoided by all but experienced mountaineers. Good physical condition is important, however, the ascent and return requires most of a day of strenuous hiking. At this elevation where the air is thin, you will require extra energy. Take a few minutes to pack out what you pack in and whatever other litter you may encounter.
SPECIAL PRECAUTION
The cardinal rule of experienced hikers is to turn back if in doubt. You can always make another trip if weather conditions are bad, you started too late, or if someone tires rapidly. Start your trip early since showers or thunderstorms often occur in the afternoon. These storms build quickly and may bring freezing rain, sleet or snow. Avoid exposed areas, outcrops, lone tall trees and other natural lightening roads. There are no safe shelters on the peak. Temperatures are seldom above 50 degrees F and often drop below freezing. Wear proper clothing with special attention to boots and a lightweight, warm, and waterproof jacket. As a minimum you should carry a day pack with lunch, quick energy foods, water, sunglasses, sunburn lotion and a small first aid kit.
Winter climbing can be dangerous due to a large number of avalanche zones in the area. Snowfields and gullies can be treacherous without proper equipment. The gradient can be deceptive, and you can quickly lose control sliding down.
Be sure to advise relatives or friends of your trip or route and schedule. Stay with your party or group.
Caution should be taken to loose rock scree slopes near summit.
No marked routes exist above treeline to summit.
CAMPING
Dispersed campsites are located about various points along the routes. Please use one of these already existing sites rather than making your own. Practice wilderness ethics and tread lightly.
WATER
Several springs and various creeks exist along all routes. This water should not be considered safe for drinking without purification.
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