The Missouri Lakes Loop

The most enchanted loop in the Holy Cross Wilderness

I wanted this story to be like most of my other documentations of adventure. About the happy galore, the unreal sights and the Colorado sunshine.

But this hike was so much more for me than just that, it was about the ladies I was with.

Now let me preface this with saying, only 1 of these women do I continue to be in contact with, and she is damn near the best friend i’ve ever had. But the group dynamic we had on these adventures was something that lights me up even thinking back about. We giggled - we danced, we sang, and we just geeked out about how beautiful things were. No drugs, no booze, just high on the beauty of life and like minded women.

Having a tribe is so important, and i’m sad to report that this girl group ended up falling apart.

I’m constantly on the lookout to revive something like this, because this was a first for me! I was always the girl who hung out with the guys, and these women were loud, outspoken and un apologetic in some regards, they made me feel a sense of home when we were all outside - because they didn’t care on the trail what they looked like, or who was watching, they stood in their own power and showed up to enjoy the outdoors, the way I loved to.

I had done this hike several times in the past, but the key that made it so enjoyable was having the right people there by my side.

I hope you have your lady tribe, i’m on the lookout for mine!

——-

The Missouri Lakes / Fancy Pass loop may as well be the crown jewel of the Holy Cross Wilderness. It offers several alpine mountain lakes, marmots and wildflowers galore, along with vast meadows and valleys with two passes for those of you that love a challenge!

The parking lot you start and end at - will be the same. I recommend you approach the hike from the Fancy Creek / Fancy Pass route, ending the hike passing by Missouri Lakes. Starting from this way will allow you to crush the elevation in the first part of your 9 mile journey, and I promise the reveal on the way dropping into the lakes will be so much more worth it.

Starting your climb, it will be straight up, up - up and up. Following Fancy creek through the trees. Make sure to stop to collect some mushrooms, if you fancy the fungi, but please do your research as not all mushrooms are edible. After a few miles of wooded galore you’ll reach what seems like a breath of fresh air: Fancy Lake. This lake is a stand alone lake, and sits nestled in a ‘hug’ of mountains you could say. This is a turn around point for some, but you’re not turning around, no you’re headed for all of the taking.

Passing the lake, you’ll turn left and head towards Fancy Pass, you’ll climb high above the lake, make sure to look back, you’re above tree-line my friend and you have the world to gaze upon.

Fancy Pass is your ‘peak‘ summit, the highest point of your hike, as far as i’m concerned this is the most brilliant part of the hike, because the meadow that you drop into directly below, features a field of wildflowers and is a treasure unlike any i’ve ever experienced. Speaking of treasure, off in the distance you’ll see Treasure Vault Lake, which is another adventure in and of itself. As you pass through the valley, take in the quiet, if the wind isn’t howling, it’s sure to offer you a sense of peace and tranquility that will touch your soul.

Follow the trail to the next summit, whose name I can’t seem to conjure up. Here you’ll say goodbye to your peaceful valley and head down toward the Missouri Lakes! This is your reward, because it really is an area without words for descriptions. This is where most people will hike to from the opposite direction and then turn around. If you approach and end that way it is a small attainable hike without much gain.

Stay awhile at the lakes, skinny dip and eat your nut butter and banana sandwich! The key secret ingredient to make this hike incredible is sunshine and good people, so plan accordingly.

The way back to the trailhead will include several bridges, waterfalls and happy critters, I have seen a moose on this trail so be sure to keep an eye out!

I could talk all day about this endeavor, but I encourage you to get out and experience it for yourself!

Best time to Hike: Late July