Missouri Mountain Trip Report 07/22/2013

Report Type	Mini
Peak(s)	Missouri Mountain - 14,071 feet
Date Posted	07/22/2013
Modified	07/23/2013
Date Climbed	07/21/2013
Author	aweskamp

MIZ!
Being current undergrads at the University of Missouri, Missouri Mountain (aka Mizzou) seemed to be an obvious choice for me and my buddy who has never hiked a 14er. The TR's indicated that the route was not too technical so I assumed it would be an uneventful hike; however, I underestimated the exposure, and amount of scree leading up to the ridge. My friend had trouble ascending the NW slope because of it, but was rewarded with great views when he reached the saddle. He decided that would do it for him so I bagged the summit by myself. There was no one on the ridge and only one other hiker on the summit; the solitude was refreshing. All in all, it was a great day of hiking with the same stunning views I've become accustomed to at 14K feet. This route is a lot of fun for hikers with some experience in 14er climbing, but note that I would NOT recommend this for a first-timer, especially one from the flatlands. Report: Left Littleton at 0245 Arrived at Missouri Gulch TH at 0600 Summited Mizzou at 1100 Back to TH at 1530 It took longer than expected to ascend and descend the NW slope due to my friend's nerves... again, probably not the best hike for first-timers. Elevation gain: 4500 feet RT distance: 10.50 miles Notes: Like many TR's indicate, the difficult Class 2 section on the ridge should be taken with care. The brief, steep descent didn't bother me as much as the scree section that followed. Careful hiking with deliberate steps should get one uneventfully through the crux. The ''memorable switchbacks'' at the start of the hike were not as difficult as I anticipated, but still a much better morning jolt than a cup of coffee. I broke down and bought ACE knee braces ahead of this hike. They worked to perfection! Usually my knees would be in noticeable discomfort during and after the climbs, but I felt basically nothing during the hike and they feel great even as I write this now. I highly recommend them for any hikers not wanting total knee replacements before the age of 50. Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

MIZ!

Being current undergrads at the University of Missouri, Missouri Mountain (aka Mizzou) seemed to be an obvious choice for me and my buddy who has never hiked a 14er. The TR's indicated that the route was not too technical so I assumed it would be an uneventful hike; however, I underestimated the exposure, and amount of scree leading up to the ridge. My friend had trouble ascending the NW slope because of it, but was rewarded with great views when he reached the saddle. He decided that would do it for him so I bagged the summit by myself. There was no one on the ridge and only one other hiker on the summit; the solitude was refreshing. All in all, it was a great day of hiking with the same stunning views I've become accustomed to at 14K feet. This route is a lot of fun for hikers with some experience in 14er climbing, but note that I would NOT recommend this for a first-timer, especially one from the flatlands.

Report:
Left Littleton at 0245
Arrived at Missouri Gulch TH at 0600
Summited Mizzou at 1100
Back to TH at 1530
It took longer than expected to ascend and descend the NW slope due to my friend's nerves... again, probably not the best hike for first-timers.

Elevation gain: 4500 feet
RT distance: 10.50 miles

Notes:
Like many TR's indicate, the difficult Class 2 section on the ridge should be taken with care. The brief, steep descent didn't bother me as much as the scree section that followed. Careful hiking with deliberate steps should get one uneventfully through the crux.

The ''memorable switchbacks'' at the start of the hike were not as difficult as I anticipated, but still a much better morning jolt than a cup of coffee.

I broke down and bought ACE knee braces ahead of this hike. They worked to perfection! Usually my knees would be in noticeable discomfort during and after the climbs, but I felt basically nothing during the hike and they feel great even as I write this now. I highly recommend them for any hikers not wanting total knee replacements before the age of 50.

Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

Comments or Questions

Hawksnick	Nice Work! 7/23/2013 3:26am Our group of three ran into you on our descent, just a few feet below the summit ridge. Regarding the steep, loose section on the ridge (image #21 above), I personally found it easier to just climb the rock on the ridge proper. It's probably class 3, but very solid rock, so a fun bit of scrambling.
aweskamp	Thanks! 7/23/2013 2:41pm Thanks for the heads up; I'll look for that next time. I'd take difficult, solid rock over scree any day! It's a lot more enjoyable anyway.
jrader	Great Job! 7/23/2013 4:31pm I did the same thing as you did...taking first-timers, flatlanders. Once they got over their nerves and I showed them how to make it through the crux with careful steps, they were able to make the summit. It was in June, so we crossed through snow fields that made some areas easier and we climbed the rock on the ridge. Now, my friends want to climb more 14ers...what have I started.
Xan_Ello	ZOU! 7/23/2013 6:18pm Great to see other Tigers out on the 14ers! Congrats on the success and good luck on future climbs!
Theodore	WHO! 7/23/2013 7:09pm Congrats on summit #1, enjoy the SEC. Rock Chalk! :D
aweskamp	Thanks all! 7/24/2013 1:49pm jrader: yeah, even though he didn't make it to the summit and got the nerves, he still wants to do more 14ers. I suggested Bierstadt or Sherman... Xan_Ello: Thanks! It's always fun seeing fellow tigers out there. We have quite a presence in Colorado! Theodore: this actually wasn't my first rodeo, but rather my friend's 14er hike. I think the SEC is enjoying us... that might be a better way to put it!

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