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- Mount Belford
14,203 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado
Mount Belford
Mount Belford is a 14,203 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Northwest Ridge: 7 mi, 4,498 ft of gain, Class 2.
Mount Belford at a glance
- Elevation14,203 ft4,329 m
- RouteNorthwest RidgeClass 2
- Distance7 mi4,498 ft gain
- Time7 – 8 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeSawatch RangeColorado
Climbing the Northwest Ridge
From Buena Vista, Colorado, take Highway 24 north to the Missouri Gulch trailhead. The approach follows Missouri Gulch with a direct climb up the west slopes. Often linked with Mount Oxford via the connecting ridge for a two-peak day. The exposed saddle between peaks can be very windy. Start early to complete both peaks before afternoon thunderstorms which are common. Class 2 terrain with good trail conditions on the approach. Popular route with steady grades. The summit offers excellent views of the Sawatch Range and beyond.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hiking Boots
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Storms
- Loose rock
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- High winds
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Low visibility
Mount Belford on Yak
Climbers have shared 40 climbs of Mount Belford on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Mount Belford
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Colorado CentennialsPeaks near Mount Belford
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Belford?
Mount Belford is 14,203 feet (4,329 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.
How does Mount Belford rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,203 feet, Mount Belford is the 20th highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Mount Belford?
The Northwest Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 7 miles with 4,498 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Belford?
Most people take 7 – 8 hours round trip on the Northwest Ridge, covering 7 miles with 4,498 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Mount Belford?
The Northwest Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 7 miles with 4,498 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Will you get altitude sickness on Mount Belford?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Belford reaches 14,203 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start hiking Mount Belford?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.
When is the best time to hike Mount Belford?
The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Mount Belford?
The Northwest Ridge starts at about 9,650 feet, roughly 4,553 feet below the summit.
What routes go up Mount Belford?
The standard route is the Northwest Ridge. Other routes include the Combo: Missouri, Belford and Oxford Mountains.
Climb Mount Belford with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list