Mount Belford

Mount Belford

🏔️ Overview

Mount Belford is a high, broad-shouldered fourteener in the Collegiate Peaks of Colorado’s Sawatch Range. Rising above Missouri Gulch within the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, the mountain offers one of the most popular high-altitude hiking objectives near Buena Vista and Leadville.

Although Mount Belford’s standard route does not require technical climbing, the ascent is far from easy. Hikers gain approximately 4,500 feet over a relentlessly steep trail, including a demanding series of switchbacks up the mountain’s northwest ridge. The reward is an expansive summit panorama encompassing Mount Oxford, Missouri Mountain, Mount Harvard, the Elk Mountains, and much of the central Sawatch Range.

Mount Belford is frequently climbed together with neighboring Mount Oxford. The two summits are connected by a high saddle, allowing strong hikers to complete both fourteeners during a single trip. Missouri Mountain is also accessible from Missouri Gulch, making the area one of Colorado’s best-known destinations for peak baggers.

⚡ Fast Facts

Fact	Details
Continent	North America
Country	United States
State/Province	Colorado
County/Region	Chaffee County
Mountain Range	Collegiate Peaks, Sawatch Range, Southern Rocky Mountains
Parent Peak	Mount Harvard
Elevation	14,202 feet / 4,329 meters using modern NAVD88-based mapping
Prominence	Approximately 1,329 feet / 405 meters
Isolation	Approximately 3.27 miles / 5.26 kilometers
Nearest Higher Neighbor (NHN)	Mount Harvard
Coordinates	38.960697° N, 106.360637° W
Easiest Route	Northwest Ridge
Route Difficulty	Class 2
Standard Trailhead	Missouri Gulch Trailhead
Standard Route Distance	Approximately 8 miles / 12.9 kilometers round trip
Standard Elevation Gain	Approximately 4,500 feet / 1,372 meters

📍 Location

Mount Belford is located in central Colorado, approximately 15 miles northwest of Buena Vista. It stands within the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, a protected area extending across portions of the San Isabel, Gunnison, and White River national forests.

The mountain belongs to the Collegiate Peaks, a prominent section of the Sawatch Range containing several of Colorado’s highest summits. The name “Collegiate Peaks” comes from nearby mountains named after universities, including Mount Harvard, Mount Oxford, Mount Yale, Mount Princeton, and Mount Columbia. Mount Belford is an exception to this academic naming pattern.

The most common approach begins at the Missouri Gulch Trailhead along Chaffee County Road 390, also known as Clear Creek Road. The trailhead lies near the historic settlement of Vicksburg and is reached from U.S. Highway 24 between Buena Vista and Leadville.

Missouri Gulch provides access to three fourteeners:

Mount Belford
Mount Oxford
Missouri Mountain

The trailhead is extremely popular during summer weekends. Parking can fill early, especially when the weather forecast is favorable.

📏 Elevation & Prominence

Mount Belford’s elevation varies among published sources because different maps use different surveying techniques and vertical datums.

Older U.S. Geological Survey maps and current Forest Service materials commonly list the summit at 14,197 feet. Modern LiDAR-refined measurements expressed in the NAVD88 vertical datum place it at approximately 14,202 feet.

A 2024 geodetic study reevaluating Colorado’s fourteeners reported an elevation of approximately 14,199.6 feet using a model representing the future North American-Pacific Geopotential Datum of 2022. These figures describe the same physical summit; the differences arise primarily from changes in vertical reference systems and improved measurement methods.

For practical hiking purposes, Mount Belford is generally listed at 14,202 feet, although 14,197 feet and 14,200 feet may also appear on maps, signs, and guidebooks.

Modern topographic data gives the mountain approximately 1,329 feet of prominence. Some older lists place the figure closer to 1,337 feet. Its isolation is approximately 3.27 miles, with Mount Harvard serving as both its parent peak and nearest higher neighbor.

🪨 Geology

Mount Belford rises within a region dominated by ancient crystalline rocks forming the core of the Sawatch Range. Geological mapping of the Mount Harvard quadrangle identifies extensive Precambrian igneous and metamorphic formations, including granitic rocks, gneiss, schist, and related crystalline units.

Many of these rocks originated more than one billion years ago, long before the modern Rocky Mountains existed. They were buried, altered by intense heat and pressure, intruded by molten rock, and eventually exposed through repeated episodes of uplift and erosion.

The foundations of the Sawatch Range were raised during several periods of mountain building. Major uplift associated with the formation of the modern Rocky Mountains began during the Laramide Orogeny, roughly 70 to 40 million years ago. Continued regional uplift and erosion gradually produced the high relief visible today.

Glaciers later reshaped the landscape during the Pleistocene ice ages. Ice moving through Missouri Gulch widened the valley, steepened surrounding slopes, transported enormous quantities of rock, and left behind deposits of glacial debris. The broad basin, steep headwalls, talus fields, and U-shaped valley surrounding Mount Belford all reflect this glacial history.

Today, freeze-thaw weathering continues to break exposed bedrock into loose talus. Water enters cracks during the day, freezes as temperatures fall, and expands against the surrounding rock. Repetition of this process gradually produces the angular stones covering the mountain’s upper slopes.

🌿 Flora & Fauna

The route up Mount Belford passes through several ecological zones within a relatively short horizontal distance.

Forests and Subalpine Meadows

The lower Missouri Gulch Trail begins in a forested environment containing lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir, and scattered aspen. Moist areas near the creek support willows, grasses, sedges, and seasonal wildflowers.

As the trail approaches treeline, the forest becomes increasingly open. Wind-twisted trees and low-growing krummholz mark the transition between the protected subalpine forest and the exposed alpine environment.

Elk and mule deer may inhabit the lower valleys and forested slopes. Black bears are also present in the broader region, although encounters along the busy summit trail are uncommon.

Alpine Tundra

Above treeline, Mount Belford supports alpine tundra adapted to cold temperatures, strong winds, intense sunlight, and an extremely short growing season. Alpine avens, moss campion, sky pilot, alpine phlox, sedges, grasses, and other low-growing plants may appear between rocks during summer.

Many alpine plants grow close to the ground, reducing their exposure to wind and preserving warmth. Some possess hairy leaves, waxy surfaces, deep roots, or cushion-like growth forms that help them survive the severe environment.

American pikas live among talus fields, where they collect vegetation for winter food. Yellow-bellied marmots are often seen sunning themselves on rocks or feeding near alpine meadows. White-tailed ptarmigan may be difficult to spot because their plumage blends closely with the surrounding terrain.

Alpine vegetation grows slowly and may require decades or even centuries to recover from repeated trampling. Staying on the established trail is one of the most important ways hikers can protect the mountain.

🥾 Hiking & Climbing Routes

Northwest Ridge

The Northwest Ridge is Mount Belford’s standard and most direct route.

Difficulty: Class 2
Distance: Approximately 8 miles round trip
Elevation gain: Approximately 4,500 feet
Trailhead elevation: About 9,650 feet
Exposure: Generally low
Route-finding: Usually straightforward in clear summer conditions

The hike begins at the Missouri Gulch Trailhead and crosses Clear Creek before entering the forest. A steep series of switchbacks gains elevation rapidly above the valley.

The trail continues south through Missouri Gulch, crossing the creek and passing the remains of an old cabin. Hikers emerge above treeline at approximately 11,300 feet and continue toward the mountain.

At roughly 11,600 feet, the Mount Belford Trail branches left from the trail leading toward Elkhead Pass. The route then approaches the northwest ridge, where the steepest portion of the climb begins.

From the base of the ridge, hikers must gain approximately 2,300 feet before reaching the summit. Numerous switchbacks make the slope manageable, but the grade remains persistent. Loose dirt and rock can make the descent especially tiring.

Near 13,900 feet, the ridge becomes broader and the gradient temporarily eases. The final approach crosses rocky alpine terrain to Mount Belford’s rounded summit.

Southwest Slopes via Elkhead Pass

The Southwest Slopes route offers a longer alternative through upper Missouri Gulch and Elkhead Pass.

Difficulty: Class 2
Distance: Approximately 11 miles round trip
Elevation gain: Approximately 4,500 feet
Exposure: Low
Route-finding: Generally straightforward in summer

Instead of turning left toward the northwest ridge, hikers remain on the Missouri Gulch Trail and continue toward Elkhead Pass. From the pass, a less heavily traveled trail climbs east toward Mount Belford’s southern ridge.

This route is several miles longer than the Northwest Ridge but has a less abrupt climbing profile. Some hikers use it as a descent route, creating a partial loop through Elkhead Pass.

Mount Belford and Mount Oxford

Mount Oxford is commonly combined with Mount Belford because the normal route to Oxford passes directly over Belford.

From Mount Belford’s summit, hikers descend east toward the Belford–Oxford saddle before climbing to Mount Oxford. The connecting route remains Class 2, but it involves a significant loss and regain of elevation.

A Belford–Oxford combination generally totals approximately:

11 miles round trip
5,800 to 5,900 feet of elevation gain
Two crossings of Mount Belford’s summit, unless descending by an alternative route

The return climb from the saddle to Mount Belford can be surprisingly strenuous. Hikers should not continue toward Oxford when thunderstorms are developing, energy is running low, or turnaround time has passed.

Northwest Gully

Mount Belford’s Northwest Gully is primarily a snow-climbing route. It is shorter than the standard ridge but presents greater hazards, including steep snow, rockfall, and more serious consequences from a fall.

This route should only be attempted by climbers with the appropriate equipment, snow-climbing experience, avalanche knowledge, and an understanding of current conditions.

🏔️ Field Guide Tip: The standard route may be non-technical, but its steepness and elevation gain make Mount Belford a demanding day. Begin well before sunrise, establish a firm turnaround time, and do not add Mount Oxford unless the entire group still has sufficient time, energy, water, and favorable weather.

🌤️ Best Time to Visit

The main hiking season for Mount Belford usually extends from late June through September, although snow conditions vary considerably from year to year.

July and August

July and August generally provide the warmest conditions and the greatest likelihood of a mostly snow-free trail. These months are also associated with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.

Lightning is a serious danger because much of the route lies above treeline. Hikers should plan to reach the summit early and begin descending before clouds build over the surrounding ridges.

September

September can bring cooler temperatures, clearer skies, fewer insects, and smaller crowds. Autumn colors may appear in the lower valleys, particularly around Vicksburg and Clear Creek.

Early-season snowstorms are possible, however, and shaded portions of the trail may become icy.

Late Spring and Early Summer

Snow commonly remains in Missouri Gulch and across the upper mountain during May and June. Firm morning snow may soften rapidly in sunlight, creating difficult travel and increasing avalanche or postholing hazards.

Winter

Winter ascents require substantially more experience than summer hikes. County Road 390 may become difficult or impossible to drive, increasing the approach distance. Climbers must also evaluate avalanche conditions, wind loading, extreme cold, and limited daylight.

Regardless of season, visitors should check current Forest Service alerts, road conditions, trail reports, and mountain weather before leaving home.

🧭 Nearby Mountains & Attractions

Mount Oxford

Mount Oxford stands east of Mount Belford and is connected to it by a high saddle. Because Oxford’s standard route crosses Belford, the two mountains are among Colorado’s most frequently combined fourteeners.

Missouri Mountain

Missouri Mountain rises west of Mount Belford on the opposite side of Missouri Gulch. Its standard route branches from the same trail system near the approach to Elkhead Pass.

Climbing Belford, Oxford, and Missouri in one day is possible, but the combination is an exceptionally strenuous undertaking suitable only for highly conditioned and acclimatized hikers.

Mount Harvard

Mount Harvard is Mount Belford’s parent peak and nearest higher neighbor. It is the highest summit in the Collegiate Peaks and one of the tallest mountains in Colorado.

Elkhead Pass

Elkhead Pass separates the Mount Belford–Mount Oxford ridge from Missouri Mountain. The pass provides a scenic route between Missouri Gulch and Pine Creek and can be incorporated into longer hiking or backpacking itineraries.

Vicksburg

The historic settlement of Vicksburg lies near the Missouri Gulch Trailhead. Preserved cabins and other structures recall the mining activity that brought settlers into Clear Creek Canyon during the late nineteenth century.

Visitors should respect private property and avoid entering buildings or crossing posted land.

Clear Creek Reservoir

Clear Creek Reservoir is located near the eastern entrance to County Road 390. The reservoir provides fishing, paddling, camping, and scenic views toward the surrounding mountains.

Buena Vista and Leadville

Buena Vista and Leadville are the principal communities used as bases for climbing Mount Belford. Both offer lodging, restaurants, outdoor stores, and access to numerous Sawatch Range trailheads.

💡 Fun Facts

Mount Belford is commonly ranked as the 19th-highest summit among Colorado’s customary fourteeners.
The mountain was named for James Burns Belford, who served as a Colorado territorial supreme court justice and later represented Colorado in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Unlike Mount Harvard and Mount Oxford, Mount Belford was not named after a university.
The Missouri Gulch Trailhead provides access to three separate fourteeners: Mount Belford, Mount Oxford, and Missouri Mountain.
Mount Belford and Mount Oxford are separated by only about 1.2 miles, but the connecting saddle requires hikers to lose and regain considerable elevation.
The standard route gains approximately 2,300 feet after leaving the main Missouri Gulch Trail.
Mount Harvard is both Mount Belford’s parent peak and its nearest higher neighbor.
Three commonly encountered summit elevations—14,197, 14,200, and 14,202 feet—result from different surveys, rounding methods, and vertical datums rather than physical changes to the mountain.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How high is Mount Belford?

Mount Belford is commonly listed at 14,202 feet, or 4,329 meters, using modern NAVD88-based elevation data. Older maps list 14,197 feet, while a 2024 geodetic reevaluation reported approximately 14,199.6 feet using a newer datum model.

How difficult is Mount Belford?

The standard Northwest Ridge is rated Class 2. It does not normally require ropes or technical climbing equipment in dry summer conditions, but the route is extremely strenuous because it gains approximately 4,500 feet over about four miles.

Is Mount Belford suitable for beginners?

It can be an appropriate early fourteener for hikers who are physically fit, acclimatized, properly equipped, and familiar with mountain weather. Its steep, sustained ascent makes it a poor choice for an unprepared first mountain hike.

How long does it take to climb Mount Belford?

Most hikers should reserve a full day. Completion time varies considerably according to fitness, acclimatization, trail conditions, weather, rest breaks, and whether Mount Oxford is included.

Can Mount Belford and Mount Oxford be climbed together?

Yes. Mount Oxford is commonly reached by descending from Mount Belford to the connecting saddle and climbing Oxford’s western ridge. The combined trip is approximately 11 miles with close to 5,900 feet of total elevation gain.

Where does the Mount Belford hike begin?

The standard route begins at the Missouri Gulch Trailhead along Chaffee County Road 390 west of U.S. Highway 24.

Is the route exposed?

The standard Northwest Ridge has relatively little technical exposure, but hikers remain above treeline for an extended period. Lightning, strong winds, cold temperatures, altitude illness, and sudden storms are more significant hazards than falling from the trail.

Is there water along the route?

Missouri Gulch contains streams, but untreated mountain water may carry pathogens. Hikers should carry sufficient water or use a reliable filter or purification method. Water becomes scarce after beginning the northwest ridge.

Why do sources give different elevations for Mount Belford?

Older topographic maps, modern LiDAR measurements, and newer geodetic reference systems calculate elevation differently. The resulting figures vary by several feet, but all confirm that Mount Belford remains comfortably above 14,000 feet.

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