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Northwest Ridge

Mt. Belford · 14,197' · Rank #20

Class 2 Standard Route
8
miles RT
4,500
ft gain
Class 2
difficulty
5-8
hours

Trail Map

Trail data coming soon

We're working on adding detailed trail maps and elevation profiles for this route.

Route Details

Distance
8 miles RT
Elevation Gain
4,500'
Difficulty
Class 2
Exposure
Low
Typical Time
5-8 hours

Trailhead

Name
Missouri Gulch Trailhead
Starting Elevation
9,650'
Coordinates
38.9856°N, 106.3606°W

Parking & Access

Parking
Free Lot 100+ spots
Fee
Free
Best Arrival (Weekends)
Before 5:30 AM on summer weekends
Restroom Weak

Large lot at Missouri Gulch TH. Very popular. 2WD accessible via Chaffee County 390. Collegiate Peaks Wilderness.

Route Description

A scenic route through Missouri Gulch with mining history and wildflowers. The northwest ridge rises steadily to Belford's summit. The Belford-Oxford traverse is a popular extension, dropping to the saddle before climbing Oxford.

Gear & Preparation

The Missouri Basin is popular - parking fills early on weekends. The Belford-Oxford combo is a great two-peak day. Missouri Mountain can be added for ambitious hikers.

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Safety Notice: Mountain climbing is inherently dangerous. Always check current conditions, prepare properly, and make your own safety decisions. This site is for informational purposes only.