Mt. Belford Trip Report 08/24/2020

Report Type	Mini
Peak(s)	Mt. Belford - 14,202 feet Mt. Oxford - 14,158 feet
Date Posted	08/24/2020
Date Climbed	08/22/2020
Author	fosshage

Totally recommend Elkhead Pass route to Belford/Oxford
The Elkhead Pass route is DEFINITELY worth it while ascending and descending Belford/Oxford. It adds about a mile but is a much easier climb/descent, plus there are spectacular views at the pass not available atop either peak (see photos below). The good news is that I was smart enough to ascend via Elkhead Pass (and camp out the night before, to get an earlier start) and catch spectacular sunrise views. The bad news is that after bagging both peaks I descended the standard Belford route, which was murder on both my quads and my feet (I'll be losing 3 toenails in the upcoming weeks). If I could go back in time and change anything, it would be to both ascend and descend via Elkhead Pass. Also, there is no water available on the standard Belford route but water is available on the Elkhead Pass trail until just below the junction with Missouri Mountain. So if you head this way you could carry less water or reduce the risk of running out. I saw a number of late-starters ascending Belford up that murderous slog in the heat of the day run out of water. Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

Totally recommend Elkhead Pass route to Belford/Oxford

The Elkhead Pass route is DEFINITELY worth it while ascending and descending Belford/Oxford. It adds about a mile but is a much easier climb/descent, plus there are spectacular views at the pass not available atop either peak (see photos below).

The good news is that I was smart enough to ascend via Elkhead Pass (and camp out the night before, to get an earlier start) and catch spectacular sunrise views. The bad news is that after bagging both peaks I descended the standard Belford route, which was murder on both my quads and my feet (I'll be losing 3 toenails in the upcoming weeks). If I could go back in time and change anything, it would be to both ascend and descend via Elkhead Pass.

Also, there is no water available on the standard Belford route but water is available on the Elkhead Pass trail until just below the junction with Missouri Mountain. So if you head this way you could carry less water or reduce the risk of running out. I saw a number of late-starters ascending Belford up that murderous slog in the heat of the day run out of water.

Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

Comments or Questions

BillMiddlebrook	Thanks 8/25/2020 5:19am But this is not a trip report
swesleyc7	Thank you 9/23/2020 6:33pm I see this route isn't on 14ers.com, but is shown, sort of, on Alltrails. Alltrails shows most people descending via Elkhead pass, but most ascend the route standard on this site. The 1st and 2nd miles of the standard route shows about ~900 ft gained and the 3rd mile gains 1,400 ft whereas Elkhead pass route shows ~750 ft gained each split mile, allowing the elevation gained to be nicely parsed out. I'm going to take Elkhead pass up and down per your recommendation.
rolecks	Help MOB 8/15/2023 5:57pm I read someone had success camping a bit past the fork (headed toward Missouri), were there decent spots that way or you would suggest camping right at the fork? Planning to hike in Friday, get B&O on Saturday, and Missouri on Sunday morning (can't handle big miles in 1 day anymore). Appreciate your post and will likely do elkhead both ways as well.
fosshage	Camping spot 8/16/2023 12:20pm I don't remember seeing much flat ground above the fork, though it's possible. If there is any it would probably be in small spaces. But above the fork there wasn't any water, at least during my trip. If I go back I'd camp just below the fork, only about 1/2 mile down, where there is plenty of flat ground right next to the stream. That space was occupied when I was there so I camped about 0.25 mile below that where there was a single flat spot where the trail crosses the stream. It was just me so that spot was good enough for my small tent. Google maps location of "plenty of flat ground", and I think you can see tents in the satellite view: https://goo.gl/maps/CHS6NZHf6zbkE5o16 Google maps location of my tiny campsite where the trail crosses the stream: https://goo.gl/maps/BimjtwvNSytC1aZG6

Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.

Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.

14ers.com

Social

Mobile App