Elkhead Pass Hike

Strap on some microspikes and wear plenty of layers because we are hiking into the high country along the Elkhead Pass Trail. Reserved for intrepid and experienced explorers, this trek is no walk in the park! This route travels to an exposed, high-elevation ridge that offers incredible views, but will also present nasty afternoon weather conditions, so make sure to summit before noon. Additionally, make sure you are acclimated to the area’s altitude and know your limits. Turn around if you are feeling symptoms of altitude sickness.

When you are all packed up and ready to go, begin your expedition along the Elkhead Pass Hike from the Missouri Gulch Trailhead. From here, you will be guided south through the aspen-ridden gulch along the running waters of the snowmelt stream. Enjoy the sea of gold before the woodlands transform into a pine forest. Soon enough, you will graduate the timberline into a vibrant alpine tundra. Keep right at the first intersection and take the leftmost trail at the second. This section of the high is extremely steep and technical, so mind your footing and take your time.

Navigate the vertiginous terrain up to Elkhead Pass. As you stand there you will feel like a tiny ant compared to the looming peaks that stretch for as far as the eye can see. Notice Missouri Mountain across the saddle in the west, as well as Mount Belford and Mount Oxford in the east. Revel in the grandeur of the mountainous landscape and, when you are ready, retrace your footing along the path all the way back to the trailhead.