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- Missouri Mountain
14,067 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado
Missouri Mountain
Missouri Mountain is a 14,067 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Northwest Ridge: 10 mi, 4,468 ft of gain, Class 2.
Missouri Mountain at a glance
- Elevation14,067 ft4,287 m
- RouteNorthwest RidgeClass 2
- Distance10 mi4,468 ft gain
- Time5 – 6 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeSawatch RangeColorado
Climbing the Northwest Ridge
From Buena Vista, Colorado, take Highway 24 south and turn onto the Missouri Gulch Road. High clearance helpful for the rough road to the trailhead. The approach follows Missouri Gulch with a steep headwall leading to excellent ridge walking on the upper mountain. Class 2 terrain with some loose rock near the summit. Often combined with other nearby Sawatch peaks like Belford and Oxford for ambitious parties. Watch for afternoon thunderstorms. The views from the summit ridge are spectacular. Start early if attempting multiple peaks. Less crowded than some nearby 14ers.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hiking Boots
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Loose rock
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Storms
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- High winds
- Low visibility
Missouri Mountain on Yak
Climbers have shared 19 climbs of Missouri Mountain on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Missouri Mountain
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Colorado CentennialsPeaks near Missouri Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Missouri Mountain?
Missouri Mountain is 14,067 feet (4,287 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.
How does Missouri Mountain rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,067 feet, Missouri Mountain is the 38th highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Missouri Mountain?
The Northwest Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 10 miles with 4,468 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Missouri Mountain?
Most people take 5 – 6 hours round trip on the Northwest Ridge, covering 10 miles with 4,468 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Missouri Mountain?
The Northwest Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 10 miles with 4,468 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Will you get altitude sickness on Missouri Mountain?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Missouri Mountain reaches 14,067 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start hiking Missouri Mountain?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.
When is the best time to hike Missouri Mountain?
The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Missouri Mountain?
The Northwest Ridge starts at about 9,660 feet, roughly 4,407 feet below the summit.
What routes go up Missouri Mountain?
The standard route is the Northwest Ridge. Other routes include the Combo: Missouri, Belford and Oxford Mountains and the West Ridge.
Climb Missouri Mountain with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list