Missouri Basin: Floating on a Dream
Details
Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Total Distance: ~32-40+ miles (depending on side trips)
Total Gain/Loss: ~11,000-13,000+ ft cumulative
Let’s step into the rhythm of the wild and float through some of Colorado’s most pristine landscapes. This expert-level adventure is all about movement and presence—no rush, nothing super technical, just the flow.
We’re diving deep into the Missouri Basin, bagging some of the highest peaks in the area, including Belford, Oxford, and Emerald as our crown jewels. And there’s room for extra adventure if your legs are feeling strong—because this trip is about more than summits - it’s about the freedom to follow the flow. With a laid-back wilderness camp, you’ll have the option to visit Silver King Lake, take one last wild push, or just chill.
Required actions before trip:
1 - Fill out waiver: https://forms.gle/71SPiqc4iyqDmD8Y7
2 - Complete a qualifying hike, including any +1. Check the calendar regularly for upcoming opportunities - we post qualifying hikes once a month in April, May, June, get it while it's hot.
3- Attend a pre-planning Google Hangout meeting one-two weeks before the trip.
4. Previous 14er experience and an interest in long hard days.
Group size 8 people.
You will be put on the waitlist before being approved. Those meeting the first two below-required actions will be moved off the waitlist in the order in which they RSVP'd.
Key Segments:
Day 1 – Approach via Pine Creek (Wapaca – Linehart TH)
- Distance: 10.5 mi
- Gain: +2,561 ft / Loss: –1,630 ft
- Camp: Upper Missouri Basin
Day 2 – Elkhead Pass + Peak Options
- to Elkhead Pass: 1.75 mi / +1,160 ft
- to Mt. Belford: 1 mi / +1,000 ft
- to Mt. Oxford and back to Elkhead Pass: 3.5 mi / +1,500 ft
- Emerald & Iowa (Optional): 4.9 mi loop / +1,627 ft / –2,778 ft (For those who want to stretch their wings and bag a Centennial)
Day 3 – Exit Options
- Standard Return: 10.5 mi (same as Day 1, net downhill—drift back out on that mountain breeze)
- Alternate Loop Exit: TBD—includes a bonus 13er, with a little more elevation if you’re up for it.
Side Trip - Silver King Lake (5 mi RT from camp) – because why not float through alpine beauty while you can? We could hit this spot after bagging peaks, after hiking in on Day 1, or before heading out on Day 3.
This trip is like floating on a dream—big gains, big views, with nothing too technical. Whether you’re summiting peaks, soaking in lakes, or just breathing in the silence, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve moved through the landscape, not conquered it.
Equipment/Resources/Etc:
- Everything you need to camp AND "day hike" the peaks. You may want to include micro spikes and/or ice axe (depending on conditions).
- Routes: we'll be camping on the south side of Elkhead Pass so our routes vary from 14ers.com until that point.
Missouri Basin: Floating on a Dream