Mount Missouri (Fourteener)

At 14,067 feet, Missouri Mountain is the 36th highest peak in Colorado.  Named sometime during themining rush, the exact date of naming for this mountain remains unknown. It is located in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness [http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/psicc/recarea/?recid=80755]. The Collegiate Peaks Wilderness was established in 1980 to preserve its quality, character, and integrity.  It is intended as a place where the imprint of humans is substantially unnoticed; where natural processes are the primary influences and human activity is limited to primitive recreation and minimum tools.  This will allow us, and future generations, to experience the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness in its natural condition.   Missouri Gulch Route (Missouri only) 5.4 miles (one way) 10.8 miles (roundtrip), 4,500 feet From Leadville, travel south on US 24 to Clear Creek Reservoir Rd (Chaffee Co Rd 390).  Travel west on County Road  390 for 8 miles to the Missouri Gulch [http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/psicc/recreation/climbing/recarea/?recid=12496&actid=38]Trailhead on the south side of the road near the ghost town of Vicksburg. Park here and cross a footbridge to the south side of the parking lot. From the trailhead, follow the Missouri Gulch Trail for two miles. The first two miles are very steep and many people choose to camp overnight near the old cabin just below treeline at 11,300 feet. Once in the Missouri Gulch Basin, you will pass the turnoff for Mt. Belford [http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/psicc/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=81975&actid=50]and Oxford [http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/psicc/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=81976&actid=50]. When the trail turns east towards Elkhead Pass, leave the trail and climb west up the grass slopes to a 13,700 foot saddle on Missouri’s northwest ridge. Continue up Missouri’s northwest ridge, and over a false summit (Point 13,930) to the summit. NOTE: These mountains are home to several rare and sensitive plant species. Please protect their habitat by following the designated route. More information can be found on the Mt. Missouri [http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd521147.pdf]information sheet.