Missouri Mountain is a peak in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains in central Colorado. At 14,067 feet (4,287 m) elevation, it is one of the famous fourteeners in Colorado. The mountain offers beautiful scenery and hiking opportunities, though climbing it can be quite challenging.
Here are 33 riddles about Missouri Mountain to test your knowledge and wit. See if you can get the answers right!
Riddles about Missouri Mountain
Riddle 1
What two 14ers sit on either side of Missouri Mountain?
Answer: Mount Belford and Mount Oxford
Riddle 2
What is the easiest route up Missouri Mountain?
Answer: The Northwest Slopes route
Riddle 3
Missouri Mountain is part of which wilderness area?
Answer: The Collegiate Peaks Wilderness
Riddle 4
What river runs past the base of Missouri Mountain?
Answer: The Arkansas River
Riddle 5
True or false: Missouri Mountain is one of Colorado’s 58 fourteeners.
Answer: True
Riddle 6
What county is Missouri Mountain located in?
Answer: Chaffee County
Riddle 7
How long is the standard hiking route up Missouri Mountain?
Answer: 8 miles round trip
Riddle 8
What small town lies near the base of Missouri Mountain?
Answer: Buena Vista
Riddle 9
What river does the trail to Missouri Mountain cross?
Answer: The Middle Fork South Arkansas River
Riddle 10
True or false: Missouri Mountain is considered one of the easier 14ers to climb in Colorado.
Answer: False, it is considered a more challenging 14er.
Riddle 11
What mountain pass must you drive over to access Missouri Mountain?
Answer: Cottonwood Pass
Riddle 12
What mountain range is Missouri Mountain a part of?
Answer: The Sawatch Range
Riddle 13
What is the elevation gain on the standard hiking route up Missouri Mountain?
Answer: Approximately 4,000 feet
Riddle 14
True or false: Missouri Mountain has a glacier?
Answer: False
Riddle 15
What month is the best time to climb Missouri Mountain?
Answer: July to September generally has the best weather and snow conditions.
Riddle 16
What is the summit of Missouri Mountain made up of?
Answer: Bedrock
Riddle 17
What is a common feature found on the ridge towards Mount Belford?
Answer: Lightning rods
Riddle 18
True or false: There is a shelter on the summit of Missouri Mountain.
Answer: False
Riddle 19
What type of rock is found on Missouri Mountain?
Answer: Granite
Riddle 20
What is a common complaint from hikers climbing Missouri Mountain?
Answer: Loose, unstable rock on the route.
Riddle 21
What are some key pieces of gear to bring when climbing Missouri Mountain?
Answer: Sturdy hiking boots, trekking poles, layers, food, water, sun protection, emergency supplies, etc.
Riddle 22
True or false: Dogs are allowed on the trails up Missouri Mountain.
Answer: False, dogs must be leashed in the wilderness area.
Riddle 23
What is one of the biggest dangers hikers face on Missouri Mountain?
Answer: Lightning storms
Riddle 24
What route involves crossing a snowfield to reach the summit of Missouri Mountain?
Answer: The Northwest Slopes route
Riddle 25
True or false: Missouri Mountain has a Class 2 summit hike.
Answer: False, the entire hike is Class 3
Riddle 26
When climbing Missouri Mountain, what landmark is passed near mile 5 of the hike?
Answer: The ruins of an old mining structure/cabin
Riddle 27
What types of wildlife may be spotted around Missouri Mountain?
Answer: Bighorn sheep, pikas, marmots, ptarmigan and more.
Riddle 28
True or false: Missouri Mountain can be climbed year-round.
Answer: False, the best climbing seasons are June to early September.
Riddle 29
What is one hazard present on Missouri Mountain due to old mining activity?
Answer: Abandoned mine shafts
Riddle 30
How many miles roundtrip is the hike from the Missouri Gulch trailhead?
Answer: Approximately 15 miles
Riddle 31
True or false: There are areas restricted from hiking on Missouri Mountain.
Answer: True, some areas are closed for restoration.
Riddle 32
What is the best time of day to start the hike up Missouri Mountain?
Answer: Early morning, around sunrise
Riddle 33
Why is it important to acclimate before climbing Missouri Mountain?
Answer: To prevent altitude sickness, given the 14,000+ foot elevation.
Conclusion
These riddles cover a variety of fun facts and important safety information about Missouri Mountain in Colorado. Whether you are an experienced hiker or just learning about this 14er, testing your knowledge with these brain teasers is an enjoyable way to learn more about the mountain.
Climbing any 14er in Colorado takes proper preparation, gear, and respect for the unpredictable mountain conditions. But the reward of standing on Missouri Mountain’s summit with sweeping 360 degree views of the surrounding wilderness makes it an unforgettable adventure!
