Missouri Mountain

After crossing a bridge near the trailhead, the trail quickly reaches steep switchbacks through dense pine forests. At around 10,750 you reach the first of two creek crossings. Once reaching 11,000, the trail passes an old cabin with level ground, a good place to take a break. Continuing on, you reach treeline at around 11,300 and a trail junction to Mt. Belford on the left. Stay to the right as you head into Missouri Gulch.Near 13,000 you reach a second trail junction, this one heading left to Elkhead Pass. Stay to the right, heading to Missouri Mountains northwest slopes. You enter a talus field with steep switchbacks as you climb to the ridge around 13,700.Gaining the ridge you are rewarded with beautiful views. Follow the ridge east toward the summit with easier hiking for a while. At around 14,000 you'll come to a notch that drops 25-30 that you must down-climb (Class 2+) on sandy rock with moderate exposure. This sounds worse than it is. Once at the bottom, the way forward pitches severely on a sandy surface. Handholds can be found by climbing high and using the solid rock as an anchor. This section is about 30 long and once past it, there's a little more steep but easy trail is left to reach the summit.