Missouri Mountain, with an elevation of 14,067 feet, is the 36th highest peak in the state of Colorado. This Fourteener, which is usually
climbed from the Missouri Gulch, is considered a more difficult climb that neighboring Mounts Belford and Oxford, due to steep, loose dirt
and scree. It's possible to climb all three peaks in the same hike, but that makes for a full day (and perhaps then some).
To reach the Missouri Gulch trailhead, head south 20 miles along US 24 from Leadville to CR 390. Take 390 west for 7.7 miles, until you
reach a large parking lot and the Vicksburg trailhead. After passing an old log cabin after a mile you'll rise above the treeline and
enter the Missouri Gulch. A bit further after that, take a right at the Belford/Missouri fork in the trail (the right fork is signed for
Missouri). When the trail turns east towards Elkhead Pass, look for a cairn which will indicate where to exit the trail and work your way
up the grassy slope to the right (it should be a fairly easy climb; otherwise, you exited the Missouri Gulch trail too early or too
late). The Missouri Gulch/Northwest Ridge route is mostly easy hiking, but you'll cross some loose scree and exposure near the summit,
along the ridge.
The descent (which is the same as your ascent) is down a steep scree field described as "fun" (decide for yourself).
Sources: peakware.com, summitpost.org, Dawson's Guide to Colorado's Fourteeners, Volume I: The Northern Peaks
