Missouri Mountain West Ridge Trail

Demanding preparation, stamina, and determination, the Missouri Mountain West Ridge Trail is not for the faint of heart. Reserved for experienced hikers, this trek will guide explorers up the exposed, vertiginous, and technical terrain to the summit of a dramatic 14er. Make sure you are acclimated to the area’s altitude and pack plenty of water for this exhausting trek. Microspikes are highly recommended, as the steep rocky scree can be difficult to traverse, especially when covered in snow. Note: the road to the trailhead is incredibly rough and rugged, so a 4×4 vehicle with high ground clearance is necessary.

Begin your adventure along the Missouri Mountain West Ridge Trail from the trailhead near Clohesy Lake. From here, track the FSR381 Clohesy Lake Road south before hooking onto the Missouri Mountain West Ridge Trail. From here, the path will guide you southeast along a stream and through the sparse tree shade before quickly topping the timberline. Now climbing through the alpine tundra, you will be rewarded with epic mountain views. Let the vistas motivate you as you ascend the vertical terrain, scrambling when required.

Eventually, you will encounter an intersection before reaching the summit and keep right to hike along the exposed ridge. From the peak, you will be granted breathtaking views of the neighboring snow-dusted peaks that flank the verdant woodlands below. To get back to the trailhead, simply retrace your footing along the route.