Missouri Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Missouri Mountain |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 14,074 ft (4,290 m) |
| Prominence | 847 ft (258 m) |
| Isolation | 1.31 mi (2.11 km) |
| Listing | Colorado Fourteener 36th |
| Geography | |
 Missouri Mountain
Location in Colorado
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| Location | Chaffee County, Colorado, U.S. |
| Parent range | Sawatch Range, Collegiate Peaks |
| Topo map | USGS 7.5' topographic map Winfield, Colorado |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Hike |
Missouri Mountain is a very tall mountain in the United States. It stands high in the Collegiate Peaks area, which is part of the larger Sawatch Range. This range is a big part of the famous Rocky Mountains in North America.
This mountain is special because it's one of Colorado's "fourteeners." A fourteener is a mountain whose top, or summit, is over 14,000 feet (about 4,267 meters) above sea level. Missouri Mountain reaches an amazing 14,074 feet (4,289 meters) high!
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About Missouri Mountain
Missouri Mountain is located in Chaffee County, Colorado. It's about 24.5 kilometers (or 15 miles) northwest of a town called Buena Vista. The mountain is also part of a protected area known as the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. This wilderness is inside the San Isabel National Forest.
What is a Fourteener?
In Colorado, mountains taller than 14,000 feet are called "fourteeners." There are 58 such peaks in Colorado, and they are very popular for hikers and climbers. Missouri Mountain is ranked as the 36th tallest among these impressive peaks.
Climbing a fourteener is a big challenge. It often means long hikes, sometimes over rough terrain. But reaching the top offers incredible views and a great sense of accomplishment.
Where is it Located?
Missouri Mountain is nestled within two important mountain groups: the Sawatch Range and the Collegiate Peaks.
The Sawatch Range
The Sawatch Range is one of the largest mountain ranges in Colorado. It runs north to south and includes many of the state's highest mountains. The range is known for its tall, rounded peaks and wide valleys. It's a beautiful area with lots of forests and wildlife.
The Collegiate Peaks
The Collegiate Peaks are a group of mountains within the Sawatch Range. Many of these peaks are named after famous universities. For example, nearby mountains include Mount Harvard, Mount Yale, and Mount Princeton. Missouri Mountain is close to Mount Belford, separated by a high pass called Elkhead Pass. Elkhead Pass is also very high, at 13,220 feet (4,030 meters).
Exploring the Mountain
The easiest way to reach the top of Missouri Mountain is by hiking. While it's a challenging hike, it doesn't usually require special climbing gear like ropes. Hikers often start from a trailhead and follow a path up the mountain. The journey offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness and other tall peaks. It's important for hikers to be prepared for changing weather and high altitudes when exploring mountains like Missouri Mountain.
