Missouri Mtn - Clohseys Lake

Managing agency

San Juan NF — Columbine RD (East)

Missouri Mountain via Clohseys Lake is a 3.1-mile out-and-back trail located in Colorado near the San Juan National Forest's Columbine Ranger District (East). The route gains 2,743 feet of elevation, making it a moderately strenuous day hike suitable for experienced hikers seeking significant elevation gain over a relatively short distance. This equates to roughly 900 feet of elevation gain per mile, providing a steep and challenging ascent. The trail is managed by the US Forest Service under the San Juan National Forest. The out-and-back format means hikers follow the same route both directions, covering approximately 6.2 miles total when accounting for the return trip. The destination of Clohseys Lake offers a scenic turnaround point in the high country. The trail's proximity to Colorado's dramatic alpine terrain makes it appealing for hikers looking to gain elevation efficiently and access mountain lake views. Early season snowmelt typically clears this elevation range by mid-summer, making late June through September the optimal hiking window for most years.