Mount Belford

Mount Belford is part of the 14er group Belford/Oxford/Missouri in the Collegiate Peak wilderness. Of the three, Belford is considered the easiest, although they are often done together.

The well maintained trail begins from the Missouri Gulch Trailhead and shortly after you begin you’ll ascend a series of steep switchbacks. At ~1.2 miles from the trailhead you’ll encounter a log bridge crossing the creek, be careful early in the season when the creek is high.

At 2 miles there is a junction with the Missouri Mountain/Elkhead pass trail. Continue to the left and approach the northwest ridge. This is where it begins to get rockier, however the trail is generally in good shape and easy to follow. Coniute on the steep ridge, gaining 2,300 feet oin the process until you come to the summit.

Class: 2. Mount Belford is considered class 2, due to a few rocky areas near the summit but much of it is on a very well maintained trail.

Trailhead/Parking: The trailhead is open seasonally (conditions dependent) so contact the forest service for current conditions. It is also on a maintained dirt road suitable for any standard vehicle.