July 20, 2016 - I have been backpacking, day-hiking, running, and fishing the streams and lakes on this route since the late 1970's. The Missouri Lakes district in the Holy Cross Wilderness is much more than an old friend. Despite the vastly increased popularity of the area due to easier access, word of mouth, and Internet promotion, I can always come here to find solace and catch a healthy bunch of native trout for the day's feast. Once upon a time it was difficult to get here with out a 4 X 4; today any automobile can reach the trailhead without grinding its undercarriage and the Forest Service has installed men's and women's solar outhouses at the trailhead to minimize impact on the trails. Unavoidable change, I guess. Despite the growth of logistics the trail remains much the same as it always was, but not without the valuable contribution of volunteer work crews to preserve the character that keeps bringing people back again and again. One of my very favorite places on this orb, I was delighted to be able to return.

From the parking area by the Homestake Water project pipes, which supply the cities of Colorado Springs and Aurora with good mountain water, both trailheads begin, giving one the option between a clockwise or counter-clockwise loop. I always go clockwise; I just enjoy the hike up Missouri Creek where I have taken far more than my share of brook and cut throat trout over many years. Climbing through conifer forests that have not been impacted very much by the pine bark beetle the trail meanders gradually up into the basin where the lakes can be found for about three miles. The trail winds past three alpine lakes below the peaks and crags upward toward the snowy col. The pictures on this page (PAGE 1) are from the parking lot to the top of Missouri Pass at the halfway mark.

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