12/30/2023 Route: West Ridge Posted On: 12/31/2023, By: randallson Info: We parked at Missouri Gulch trailhead. We could have driven further but was worried about finding a place to pack and turn around. It was a quick boot to Rockdale. The two river crossings were frozen solid. We broke trail along progressively deeper snow from the river crossings to the gate at the end of the road. We then ran into another climber that descended Missouri west ridge. It was relatively simple route finding above the lake to treeline with a few spots of mixed snow and rock. We kept snowshoes on until reaching the ridge crest near 12,900', but they probably could be dropped a bit sooner than that. The west ridge was free of any appreciable snow. It was mixed snow and rock along the northwest ridge. The drop down section just below the summit had a fair amount of snow. Since there were already footsteps from previous climbers, microspikes and axe was sufficient but crampons would have felt more secure. On the return, we stayed more ridge proper and found that to be easier. |
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12/30/2023 Route: North Ridge Posted On: 12/31/2023, By: Anima Info: Someone already posted a conditions report for Missouri's west ridge, I'd just like to add that a variation to the standard Northwest Ridge is still possible and avalanche safe. (I would NOT go this way after the next significant loading event.) About 3/4 of a mile from the Belford split off, leave the standard summer trail and head west up a steep and obvious wind scoured rib. There were old tracks up this way, so other people have been using it. Follow the ridge south to the standard Northwest ridge trail and take it to the summit. We stayed ridge direct. From the summit, we went over to Iowa and dropped around to Elkhead pass before climbing Belford and Oxford. |
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11/7/2023 Route: Northwest Ridge Posted On: 11/8/2023, By: beervendor Info: Missouri Gulch kicked my ass so I only made it to the Missouri-Belford junction and can't speak to summit conditions. The trail to that point (almost 12k) was well packed up to the log bridge stream crossing. I'd highly recommend spikes and/or poles but not strictly necessary to that point. After leaving the trees, I was occasionally breaking thru drifts of 1-2ft. Lots of route-guessing thru the snow so be careful whose tracks you follow and watch your GPS. A beautiful fall day on an incredible piece of Colorado but not meant to be my first winter(ish) summit. |
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10/22/2023 Route: Northwest Ridge Posted On: 10/23/2023, By: bschultes Info: Some light ice on the trail up to the ridge, then some snow/ice on the ridge. Microspikes were helpful, but probably not required. avoid the cornices starting to form on the east side of the ridge. |
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10/14/2023 Route: Northwest Ridge Posted On: 10/14/2023, By: daway8 Info: Quick sidenote: Jason from Kansas - it was great meeting you and sharing some distinctive summit traditions! Forgot to exchange contact info - feel free to pm me on this site if you want to hook up next time you're out this way! Wet feet guy (sorry, forgot to write down your name) - sorry I couldn't offer more than hand warmers and some advice - hope you ended the day without too much angst. Route beta: trailhead was totally dry but soon saw dustings of snow and gradually more. Stream crossings in the early morning were sometimes treacherous due to major ice. Snow very inconsistent, sometimes just a dusting, then a few inches then dry then 4-5 inches then dry again. At 13,500ft suddenly got knee deep then the ridge was at times blown dry out other times a few inches deep. |
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10/8/2023 Route: Northwest Ridge Posted On: 10/9/2023, By: bengeier Info: Started encountering snow around 12,000 feet. I was very glad to have my microspikes for the hike from the junction with Elkhead Pass to Point 13,784. Snow on this portion was anywhere from an inch to a foot deep. It was frozen and icy on my way up and slushy on my way down. The summit ridge had snow on it, but it would be manageable without spikes. I also hiked down the West Ridge to climb Iowa and Emerald Peaks. The saddle between Missouri Mountain and Iowa Peak had some snow that could be avoided. Spikes were not necessary here, but provided some peace of mind. |
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9/30/2023 Route: Northwest Ridge Posted On: 9/30/2023, By: Troyister Info: No snow or ice to contend with. Aspen are brilliant yellow now. Parking Lot was full at 5:25 AM when I arrived. Road is washboard here and there but any vehicle can get to the Missouri Gulch Trailhead as of today with no issues. Wind on the ridge was strong and cold. |
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9/24/2023 Route: Northwest Ridge Posted On: 9/25/2023, By: raphaelroxas Info: Very little frozen snow/ice on the summit ridge (50 ft of trail just after gaining the ridge), did not use microspikes but did use poles. Otherwise route is completely clear/summer trail conditions. Photo is of the summit ridge at the exposed section just before the summit, no snow/ice there. |
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9/23/2023 Route: Northwest Ridge Posted On: 9/25/2023, By: loriburroughs81 Info: Trail was very nice, only a little bit of snow on the ridge right when you start hiking on the back side. Thought I brought them, I did not use spikes, but recommend if you need a little more traction. Definitely use poles for balance. Wind gusts were 45mph and possibly above on just the ridge to the summit. Recommend checking weather for wind when considering this route. Thought I saw the gusts were predicted, I still went for it. Pretty easy route excluding the wind. The Class 2 move is not too bad, but there is a lot of loose dirt/rock so advise to be careful when dropping down. Had 2 pups with me that did this flawlessly. Safe hiking everyone! |
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9/9/2023 Route: Northwest Ridge Posted On: 9/11/2023, By: dweis Info: This was a good hike, typical 14er through trees, then meadows, couple easy creak crossings. I was surprised though there were several 20+ yards of what I would call class 3 due to exposure on traverses that slanted downhill by 20-30 degrees covered in loose gravel. I did not have good traction and was really sweating these sections since a slip would result in a considerable downhill tumble. Bring proper footwear with good lugs and/or yaktrax. Also, I believe this route is closer to 11 miles long. |
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9/8/2023 Route: Northwest Ridge Posted On: 9/11/2023, By: joannalee07 Info: Absolutely loved this hike! Plenty of access to water on the route still. Full trip report here: https://www.coloradomountainpack.com/post/missouri-mountain |
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8/13/2023 Route: Northwest Ridge Posted On: 8/13/2023, By: sean23 Info: Trail in full summer conditions. No snow, and the creeks are low enough to cross easily. Routefinding is mostly straightforward through the talus field. Just make sure to traverse rather than switchback |
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8/12/2023 Route: Gerry Roach R9 Route to the Saddle with Iowa Peak Posted On: 8/17/2023, By: Benito_Esposti Info: Decided to try out Gerry Roach's R9 route that comes off of the east side of elkhead pass and climbs the saddle between Missouri and iowa Peak. Trail up to elkhead pass is in good condition. There are numerous places to fill up water along the route. Last one is a little after the split between Missouri and Belford. Once near the bottom of elkhead pass (where the class 4 ridge up Missouri begins) you go off elkhead on the southeast side. After descending to 12,800, turn right and hug the steep slope along Missouri's east side. There is not much of a trail and I would not recommend this route because there are many sections where you have to cross over flora. Once you are below the lowest point of the saddle you can begin your ascent up an extremely loose, steep slope the the saddle. Once you reach the top you can turn left to Iowa Peak or right to the summit of Missouri. Attached is a picture of the route we took. It was very fun, but the lack of trail made it not worth it ethically for the nature. |
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7/26/2023 Route: West Ridge Posted On: 8/1/2023, By: doeeth Info: I set up camp near Clohesy Lake. This basin is gorgeous. The creek crossings are cold, right by the start of the trail, but water level is not too high. I tried to scope out the route up Huron peak on the East, but I could not identify the trail starting in the avvy chute on the North end of the lake. I found the chute, but it looked like there was no trail, just tons of willows overgrown among the entire chute. The West ridge trail is pretty nice, goes on for awhile, lots of wildflowers, but a fair amount of loose dirt. |
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7/22/2023 Route: Northwest Ridge Posted On: 7/27/2023, By: Watlas Info: Route is actually 11+ miles, tracked it w gps |
