Missouri's north face has several good couloirs that provide excellent snow climbs and ski/board descents -
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2. From the parking area, start down the Missouri Gulch Trail, cross the bridge that spans Clear Creek and continue into the forest. Hike over 1/4 mile and climb a bunch of switchbacks up through the forest. Leave the switchbacks at 10,400' and continue south along Missouri Gulch. At 10,800', turn left and cross to the east side of Missouri Gulch on a make shift log bridge. Hike south along the gulch for 1/3 mile until you reach the remnants of an old shack, near 11,200'. Leave the trees and continue up Missouri Gulch to see Mt. Belford and Missouri Mountain -
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Pass the turn-off area for Mt. Belford and continue south up the gulch. Once you get above 12,000', Missouri's north face becomes more obvious as you approach the end of the basin -
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6. The north face can look a bit confusing because the summit is difficult to distinguish from this area. Before climbing to the north face, study it to identify your intended route -
7. Most climbers ascend either the main/direct couloir or the easier "C" Couloir, to the right.
At 12,800', turn right and climb a short slope that leads to a bowl below the north face -
8. Enter the gentle bowl and hike over to the base of the north face couloirs -
9. The remainder of this route description will use the main/direct couloir -
10. Climb steepening terrain to reach the entrance of the main couloir near 13,400' -
11. Begin climbing -
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13. Near 13,600', reach a right turn that is usually the most dangerous part of the climb because you're in or along the main fall line -
14. After the turn, the remainder of the couloir comes into view -
15. Climb 350+ feet southwest on slightly easier terrain -
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17. Once you hit the summit ridge, turn left and walk to the top -
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