Missouri Lakes Trail

The Missouri Lakes Trail is a must-do the next time you find yourself in the Leadville area. The diversity of the scenery and the beauty of the Colorado wilderness will overwhelm you as you hike. When traveling in the summer months, you will be in the company of dozens of other outdoor enthusiasts, as this impressive trail is a crowd favorite. If you were hoping for a secluded walk, then we urge you to consider an early morning excursion or an off-season trek. In the winter months, trade your hiking boots for snowshoes to enjoy this versatile expedition year-round. Hikers planning to camp overnight are required to self-register at the trailhead. Note the road to the trailhead is subject to seasonal closures.

Who doesn’t love a hike abundant with cascades, alpine lakes, and mountain views, right? If you are anything like us, then you will enjoy this picturesque adventure through Colorado’s high country. Travel through lush meadowlands, alpine tundras, and dense forestlands; this adventure is anything but short of picturesque scenery. However, if you are in the area preparing for a Colorado 14er ascent, then the Missouri Lakes Trail is the perfect way to get acclimated to the area’s high elevation. Don’t get us wrong, this is no easy feat, but the stunning panoramas and stimulating sights will motivate you to persist up to the Missouri Pass.

Embark on your adventure along the Missouri Lakes Trail from the trailhead on Missouri Creek Road. From here, the Missouri Lakes Trail tracks southwest along Missouri Creek. Traveling through the evergreen forests and along the stream, you will be lulled into a state of relaxation by the sounds of the gurgling waters and mesmerizing sights of the small cascades. Soon the path will divert northwest, gaining elevation as you near the Missouri Lakes basin. Follow the woodland path along the creek and through impressive outcroppings up to the alpine tundra.

Revel in the vibrance of the tundra’s vegetation that encircles the blue-hued lakes. Admire the jaw-dropping sight of the alpine lakes surrounded by the tundra and towering pines, hemmed by craggy snow-dusted cliffs. From the Missouri Lakes basin, you will also be granted a commanding view of Savage Peak in the south. Continue tracking the Missouri Lakes Trail past the alpine waters and up to the Missouri Pass and Treasure Vault Lake. From here, you will be rewarded with another perspective of the impressive basin littered with alpine lakes below. Appreciate the sights of Colorado’s mountainous wilderness, and when you are ready, retrace your footing along the path back to the trailhead. ​

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the Missouri Lakes?

The Missouri Lakes are located in the Sawatach Mountain Range in the Holy Cross Wilderness near Minturn, Colorado.

Are dogs allowed on the Missouri Lakes Trail?

Yes, dogs are permitted along the Missouri Lakes Trail if they remain on-leash.

Can you fish in the Missouri Lakes?

Yes, you can fish in the Missouri Lakes assuming you have a valid Colorado fishing license.