Recreation Region: Eagle - Holy Cross Ranger District

Missouri Lakes TH #2033

The Missouri Lakes trail is 4.4 miles long. It begins at Missouri Creek Road #704 and ends at Cross Creek Trail and Fancy Pass Trail #2006: The first mile of the trail passes diversion dams and water pipelines. Just past mile 1, the trail crosses the creek at the mouth of a miniature canyon, creating a breath taking view. The trail winds through stands of conifers and crosses the creek several more times before emerging into a large lush meadow. The trail climbs a short, steep distance to the basin that holds the Missouri Lakes. At about 2.7 miles you will see a side trail left that leads to the first of the lakes, a short climb of 100 feet gain in 0.3 miles. Savage Peak dominates the view to the south above this first lake. The main trail traverses the basin past several other lakes before reaching the last lake at about 3.5 miles. To get a bird’s eye view of the lakes, continue up switchbacks to the 11,986-foot Missouri Pass and back down the other side to join the Fancy Pass and Cross Creek trails at 4.4 miles.

General Information

Each party staying overnight in the Holy Cross Wilderness is required to self-register at the trailhead and to carry a copy of the registration with them during their visit. There is no fee charged and no limit to the number of permits issued.

Fires are prohibited within the Fancy Creek and Missouri Creek watersheds. See all Holy Cross Wilderness regulations.

Getting There

Elevation

11986

Directions

Travel west on I-70 to Exit #171 for Minturn, Leadville, and Hwy 24. Exit here and turn right onto Hwy 24. Proceed south for 13 miles to Homestake Road #703. Turn right and proceed past the Gold Park Campground to mile 8.5. Turn right onto Missouri Creek Road #704. Turn right and continue 3 miles on this dirt road to a T at 10,200 ft. Turn left and trailhead will be on the right.