Missouri Mountain, as seen from Missouri Gulch.
Note: This is the next in a series of trip reports focusing on route descriptions rather than storytelling. Photos and beta only!
Colorado’s Collegiate Peaks Wilderness contains some of the state’s prime alpine scenery while at the same time delivering accessible adventure to anyone with a good set of lungs, a strong set of legs and a stout heart. The mountains here are not known for their technical challenges, but they do have a reputation for having lengthy routes and beefy elevation profiles. The mountains of the Sawatch Range, of which the Collegiates are a part, aren’t walk in the park.
One of my favorite areas of the Collegiates is Missouri Gulch. Three 14ers and more than a few 13ers are accessible from the gulch. Of the ones I’ve done, Missouri Mountain (14,067 feet) is a favorite.
The gulch leads to a large U-shaped basin. On its western flank is a ridge with three unnamed 13,000-foot points. To the east is Mount Belford (14,197 feet) and Peck’s Peak (13,270 feet). The closed end of the amphitheater is a tapered ridge whose high point is the summit of Missouri Mountain.
Missouri Mountain is a hike, with one brief scrambling section near the summit. The route starts steep, mellows for awhile in the basin, then steepens again as you gain the peak’s northwest ridge. Once that ridge is tackled, the summit ridge is a pleasant hike to the top, with that one crux area to negotiate. From the top, you get an excellent view of the entire basin as well as a panorama of the rest of the Collegiates. It’s pretty mind-blowing. Anyway, let’s get to the route description.
The switchbacks going up Missouri Gulch.
From the trailhead, hike across a bridge and about a quarter-mile, where you will reach a series of steep switchbacks. The incline relents slightly as you continue hiking through the woods. Near 10,800 feet you will reach two creek crossings. Near 11,000 feet you will reach a more level area where the remains of an old trapper’s cabin sit. This is a good spot to take a breather or, if you’re backpacking, to set up camp. The creek that runs through the area is a good place to filter water if needed.
In Missouri Gulch Basin, just above treeline, looking back.
Leaving the trees at 11,300 feet, the trail continues uphill through a large patch of willows. Here you will reach a split in the trail; going left will take you up to Mount Belford, while heading right keeps you on track to Missouri Mountain.
Your first trail junction. Left to Mount Belford, right to Missouri Mountain. Go right.
Continue up a hill just below 13,000 feet where you’ll reach another fork in the trail. Left takes you to Elkhead Pass (this can also take you to Belford’s summit), right takes you to Missouri Mountain’s northwest slopes.
Easier hiking in the basin.
Your second trail junction. Left takes you to Elkhead Pass, right goes to Missouri’s northwest ridge. Go right.
The trail will lead you to a series of steep and at times rocky switchbacks. A few sections of this part of the route have moderate exposure.
Starting up the ridge. The hiking gets steeper here.
More from lower on the ridge.
Higher on the ridge, looking toward Mount Belford.
Around 13,700 feet you will gain Missouri’s ridge, and the hiking will ease. Continue following the trail east toward the summit. There will be moderate exposure to your left.
On the summit ridge. The hiking eases here, but another obstacle remains.
More from along the summit ridge. Near here is a notch that will require some brief scrambling.
Just shy of 14,000 feet you’ll reach a notch that drops about 30 feet. This requires a more careful descent on rocky and sandy ground, but is not quite Class 3.
Close to the summit now.
Once down the notch, continue up the trail for a last bit of steeper hiking to Missouri’s summit.
Summit view of Missouri Gulch Basin.
Mount Harvard is visible to the left.
View of Mount Belford from Missouri’s summit.
The route is Class 2, with the notch Class 2+, and third-class (moderate) exposure. Route length is 10.5 miles round-trip with 4,500 feet of elevation gain.
Interested in reading the original trip report? You can see it here.
Bob Doucette
proactiveoutside 
Great post 😁
Thanks much!
Looks like a big hike with some great scenery. Very lucky to go on it ill have to remember this
It’s a good one. Highly recommend it
Thanks 👍
What a gorgeous area to hike through. Thank you for sharing your photos up the mountain. area.
You’ve got to earn your views in that area, but they are worth the effort!