Mount Belford
14,202 feet
A steep, rewarding climb out of one of the prettiest gulches in the Sawatch Range
Why Mount Belford?
Mount Belford is a 14,202-foot summit in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, and it is one of three 14ers that rise above Missouri Gulch. The standard Northwest Ridge route starts at the Missouri Gulch Trailhead off County Road 390 and gains 4,500 feet in only 4 miles. That makes it one of the steepest standard routes in this guide. 14ers.com rates the route Class 2, but you follow a defined trail the entire way, and the Class 2 rating reflects the steep, rocky, and sometimes loose footing on the ridge. The reward is huge. You hike through forest, past old cabin ruins, and into a wide alpine gulch before a long staircase of switchbacks leads you to a summit with views across the heart of the Collegiate Peaks. Belford is not the right choice for your very first 14er, but it is an excellent goal once you have one or two easier summits behind you.
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: Missouri Gulch serves three 14ers, so the lot is busy on summer weekends. Arrive by 5:00 a.m. on weekends for the best chance at a spot in the main lot. On weekdays, you have a little more flexibility.
The Route
Mount Belford via Northwest Ridge
Class 2
This is an out-and-back route on a well-maintained trail. You will climb steep switchbacks through the forest, cross the Missouri Gulch stream on a log bridge, and hike up the open gulch to a signed junction at 11,600 feet. From there, the Mount Belford Trail climbs 2,300 feet up the northwest ridge on many tight switchbacks before it eases near the summit. The full route covers about 8 miles with 4,500 feet of gain.
From the parking area, cross the sturdy bridge over Clear Creek and enter the forest. After about a quarter mile, the trail climbs a series of steep switchbacks. This section wakes up your legs fast, so start slowly and settle into a steady rhythm. Near 10,400 feet, the switchbacks end and the trail heads south along Missouri Gulch. At about 10,800 feet, turn left and cross the stream to the east side on a makeshift log bridge. Take your time on the logs, especially if they are wet or frosty.
After the crossing, hike south through an open area and back into the trees to reach the remains of an old cabin near 11,250 feet. Shortly after the cabin, you leave the forest and the gulch opens up in front of you, with the steep northwest ridge of Mount Belford rising ahead. At 11,600 feet, you reach a signed junction. The Missouri Gulch Trail continues to the right toward Elkhead Pass. Turn left onto the Mount Belford Trail.
Cross a small stream at the base of the ridge and prepare for the crux of the day. The trail gains 2,300 feet on the ridge, and it feels relentless. The good news is that the trail is well-maintained, with many switchbacks to ease the grade. You will pass an initial rocky section and then grind up the ridge one switchback at a time. Near 13,800 feet, the trail bends right toward a prominent point and reaches a flat spot at about 13,900 feet. Take short breaks, eat something, and remind yourself that the steepest climbing is almost over.
From the flat spot, turn left and hike east. As you approach 14,100 feet, the terrain becomes easier and leads you to the rocky summit block. Watch your footing on loose rock, and let faster hikers pass when there is room.
The summit of Mount Belford puts you in the middle of the Collegiate Peaks. Missouri Mountain rises across the gulch, and Mount Oxford sits 1.5 miles to the east along a connecting ridge. Mount Harvard and the rest of the Sawatch Range stretch out to the south. Celebrate this one, because you just climbed 4,500 feet in 4 miles. If you feel strong and the sky is clear, Mount Oxford is the natural next step, but read the Belford and Oxford combo guide before you decide.
Descent
Retrace your route down the northwest ridge, through the gulch, and back through the forest to the trailhead. The descent is steep and hard on the knees, and the loose gravel on the switchbacks can be slippery. Trekking poles help a lot here. Plan on about 3 hours for the descent.
What's Special About Mount Belford?
A Trail the Whole Way
Even though 14ers.com rates the route Class 2, you follow a defined, well-maintained trail from the parking lot to the summit. There is low exposure and no technical climbing.
Easy Route-Finding
14ers.com rates route-finding on this climb as low. A signed junction at 11,600 feet marks the only important turn, and the ridge trail is obvious.
Easy Trailhead Access
County Road 390 is a two-wheel-drive dirt road that passenger cars can drive in summer. The trailhead has restrooms and no fees.
Big Scenery
The forest climb, old cabin ruins, and open alpine gulch make this one of the most scenic approaches in the Sawatch Range.
A Perfect Next Goal
Belford is a great test of the fitness you build in this training plan. If you have already summited an easier 14er like Quandary Peak or Mount Elbert, Belford is a rewarding next challenge.
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
The steep ridge is slow going for most hikers, and it is completely exposed to the weather. Starting early gives you time to climb at a comfortable pace and still be off the summit well before noon, when afternoon thunderstorms usually build.
Sunrise Bonus: If you start before dawn, you will likely leave the trees as the first light hits Missouri Mountain and the walls of the gulch. It is a beautiful way to begin the big climb.
Weather Considerations
The Sawatch Range sees frequent afternoon thunderstorms in July and August. The northwest ridge has no shelter, and descending it quickly is difficult because the trail is steep and loose. Plan to be off the summit by late morning. If clouds build early, turn around. The mountain will still be there next weekend.
Pro Tips
Pace the Ridge
The 2,300-foot climb up the ridge is where most hikers struggle. Use a slow, steady pace you can hold for an hour or more, and take short breaks rather than long ones.
Bring Trekking Poles
Poles help on the steep climb and are even more helpful on the descent, when loose gravel and tired legs make slips more likely.
Know the Wilderness Rules
The route enters the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. Dogs must be on a leash, groups are limited to 15 people, and camping is not allowed within 100 feet of lakes, streams, or trails.
Have a Backup Parking Plan
If the main lot is full, you can park along one side of County Road 390. Pull completely off the road and never block traffic or other vehicles.
Related Peaks
Belford & Oxford Combo
Add a second summit from the same trailhead
Strong hikers can continue from Belford to 14,158-foot Mount Oxford. The combo is about 11 miles with 5,900 feet of gain, including a climb back over Belford on the way home.
Learn MoreHuron Peak
Nearby peak off County Road 390
Huron Peak at 14,006 feet starts farther up the same road near Winfield. It offers a quieter Class 2 climb in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness.
Learn MoreMount Elbert
Similar elevation gain on a Class 1 trail
Mount Elbert at 14,438 feet has about the same elevation gain spread over more distance. It is a good training peak before Belford.
Learn MoreAdditional Resources
AllTrails: Mount Belford
See the trail map, photos, and recent reviews from other hikers.
14ers.com: Mount Belford Northwest Ridge
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 Mount Belford?
Prepare for your summit with our 13-week training program.