Belford & Oxford Combo
14,202 and 14,158 feet
Two Sawatch Summits in One Long, Hard, Unforgettable Day
Why Belford & Oxford Combo?
The Belford and Oxford combo lets you stand on two 14ers in one day from the Missouri Gulch Trailhead. You first climb 14,202-foot Mount Belford by its steep Northwest Ridge, then follow a connecting ridge 1.5 miles east to 14,158-foot Mount Oxford. There is one catch that every hiker should understand before starting. There is no trail back to the trailhead from Oxford, so you must hike back across the saddle and climb over Belford a second time. That return climb comes late in the day, when your legs are tired. The full route covers about 11 miles with 5,900 feet of elevation gain, which is more gain than any other hike in this guide except Pikes Peak. It is a long, hard day, but it is a fantastic goal for well-trained hikers who have already done a few 14ers.
Getting to the Trailhead
Missouri Gulch Trailhead
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 9,650 feet
- From Denver:
- About 128 miles (2.5 to 3 hours)
Directions
From Denver, take I-70 West to exit 195 at Copper Mountain and follow Colorado Highway 91 south to Leadville. From Leadville, drive about 20 miles south on US 24 and turn right onto Chaffee County Road 390 near Clear Creek Reservoir. If you come from Buena Vista instead, drive 14.5 miles north on US 24 and turn left onto County Road 390. Follow the dirt road for 7.5 miles to the signed Missouri Gulch Trailhead, then turn left and drive down into the large parking area.
Road Access
County Road 390 is a two-wheel-drive dirt road, and 14ers.com rates it as easy. Passenger cars can reach the trailhead in summer, but the road can be washboarded and slow, so allow extra time for the 7.5 miles of dirt. In winter, the road is closed near 9,200 feet, almost 4 miles below the trailhead.
Parking Information
- The trailhead has a dirt parking area with restrooms but no drinking water. The lot fills quickly on summer weekends. When it is full, hikers park along one side of County Road 390, so make sure your vehicle is completely off the road and not blocking traffic. Camping is not allowed at the trailhead itself.
- Capacity: About 30 vehicles, with overflow along County Road 390
- There is no parking fee at this trailhead. Individual hikers do not need a permit, but commercial and organized groups must get a permit from the Leadville Ranger District before their trip.
Pro Tip: You need a very early start for this combo, so parking is rarely the problem. Plan to arrive by 4:00 a.m. so you can be on the trail before 4:30 a.m. Many hikers camp along County Road 390 the night before.
The Route
Mount Oxford via Mount Belford
Class 2
This route follows the Mount Belford standard route to the summit, then descends Belford's east ridge to a saddle at 13,500 feet and climbs Oxford's gentle southwest ridge to the top. You return the same way, which means climbing roughly 600 to 700 feet from the saddle back up to Belford before the long descent into Missouri Gulch. The traverse from Belford to Oxford and back adds about 3 miles and about 1,400 feet of gain to a Belford-only hike.
Cross the bridge over Clear Creek and climb steep switchbacks through the forest. At about 10,800 feet, cross the Missouri Gulch stream on a makeshift log bridge, then continue past old cabin ruins and out of the trees. At the signed junction at 11,600 feet, turn left onto the Mount Belford Trail. In the dark, use a headlamp and watch for the log crossing.
The Mount Belford Trail climbs 2,300 feet up the northwest ridge on many tight switchbacks. Near 13,900 feet, it reaches a flat spot and turns east, and the final climb to the 14,202-foot summit is easier. Check the time and the sky here, because this is your decision point. If you are tired, behind schedule, or seeing clouds build, enjoy Belford and head down.
Descend southeast from Belford's summit on the trail. After about a quarter mile, while you are still above 14,000 feet, turn left and descend Belford's east ridge toward the saddle. Another trail continues toward Elkhead Pass near this turn, so make sure you stay on the trail to Oxford. The path weaves through the rocks down to the saddle at 13,500 feet.
Cross the saddle and climb Oxford's gentle southwest ridge. As you near 14,000 feet, the summit comes back into view. Stay on the trail, climb a final short pitch, and walk across rocky terrain to the top.
You are standing on your second 14er of the day. Look back west to see the ridge you just crossed, with Belford and Missouri Mountain behind it, and south toward Mount Harvard. Eat, drink, and add a layer, but keep the break short. Half of the day's hardest work still lies ahead.
Retrace your steps down to the saddle and climb back up Belford's east ridge. This re-climb is the part of the day that surprises people most. Do not try to shortcut down the gullies on either side of the saddle. Those unmaintained slopes turn into cliff bands and loose slide terrain. Stay on the ridge and climb back to Belford.
Descend the Mount Belford standard route back to the junction, through the gulch, and down the forest switchbacks to the trailhead. The ridge descent is steep and loose, and you will be tired, so slow down and use your trekking poles. Plan on about 3 hours from Belford to the car.
Descent
There is no shortcut back from Mount Oxford. Return across the saddle, climb back over Mount Belford, and descend the Northwest Ridge route into Missouri Gulch and back to the trailhead.
What's Special About Belford & Oxford Combo?
A Trail Nearly Everywhere
The entire combo follows defined trails. 14ers.com rates it Class 2, and route-finding is rated low.
A Built-In Bailout
You reach Belford first, so you can decide on the summit whether to continue. Stopping at Belford still gives you a full, proud 14er day.
Easy Trailhead Access
The Missouri Gulch Trailhead is reachable by passenger cars in summer, and it has restrooms and no fees.
Two Summits in One Trip
You bag two of the Collegiate Peaks in a single day. For hikers building a 14er list, it saves a second long drive to Missouri Gulch.
When to Go
Best Time of Year
July through early September
These months offer the safest conditions for beginners with minimal snow coverage and the most predictable weather patterns. Mid-July to mid-August is peak season with the best trail conditions.
Caution: Attempting this peak in June or late September significantly increases difficulty due to snow conditions. Winter attempts require mountaineering skills.
Time of Day
This is a 9 to 11 hour day for most hikers, and you are above treeline for much of it. Starting very early gives you time to reach Oxford and get back over Belford before afternoon storms build.
Sunrise Bonus: With a pre-dawn start, you may watch sunrise from the northwest ridge as the light spreads across Missouri Gulch and the peaks around it.
Weather Considerations
Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Sawatch Range during July and August. On this combo, the traverse to Oxford and the climb back over Belford keep you on high, exposed ridges for several hours. Set a firm turnaround time before you start. A good rule is to skip Oxford if you are not on Belford's summit by about 9:00 a.m., or if clouds are already building. You must be able to get back over Belford before storms arrive.
Pro Tips
Do Belford First
If you have not climbed a steep 4,500-foot route before, consider hiking Mount Belford alone first. You will learn the trail and how your body handles it before you attempt the full combo.
Budget Energy for the Re-Climb
The climb from the saddle back up to Belford comes late in the day. Save some energy, and eat and drink on Oxford before you start back.
Carry Plenty of Water
There is no reliable water above the gulch. Carry at least 3 liters, plus plenty of salty snacks, for the long day.
Never Shortcut From the Saddle
Tired hikers sometimes try to drop off the Belford-Oxford saddle to avoid climbing Belford again. Those gullies lead into dangerous cliffs and loose rock. Always climb back over Belford.
Related Peaks
Mount Belford
First summit on this combo
Mount Belford at 14,202 feet is a steep 8-mile climb from Missouri Gulch. It makes a great standalone goal before you try the combo.
Learn MoreGrays & Torreys Combo
An easier two-peak day
The Grays and Torreys combo is a Class 1 double summit with 3,600 feet of gain. It is a good first combo before you try Belford and Oxford.
Learn MoreHuron Peak
Nearby peak off County Road 390
Huron Peak at 14,006 feet starts farther up the same road near Winfield. It is a shorter Class 2 day in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness.
Learn MoreAdditional Resources
AllTrails: Mount Oxford and Belford
See the trail map, photos, and recent reviews from other hikers.
14ers.com: Mount Oxford via Mount Belford
Read the detailed route description and trip reports.
Colorado Avalanche Information Center
Check winter conditions and avalanche forecasts if you plan an off-season attempt.
Mountain Weather Forecast
Check the hour-by-hour summit forecast.
Ready to Summit Belford & Oxford Combo?
Prepare for your summit with our 13-week training program.