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- Mount Oxford
14,160 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado
Mount Oxford
Mount Oxford is a 14,160 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Via Mt. Belford: 11 mi, 5,900 ft of gain, Class 2.
Mount Oxford at a glance
- Elevation14,160 ft4,315 m
- RouteVia Mt. BelfordClass 2
- Distance11 mi5,900 ft gain
- Time8 – 11 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeSawatch RangeColorado
Climbing the Via Mt. Belford
From Buena Vista, Colorado, take Highway 24 north to the Missouri Gulch trailhead. Mount Oxford is usually done as an extension from Mount Belford, traversing the exposed connecting ridge. The saddle between peaks can be very windy and weather moves quickly. Class 2 terrain throughout but the traverse adds significant distance and elevation. Not recommended as a standalone objective due to the approach logistics. Storm awareness is critical on the exposed ridge. Often the second peak in a long Belford-Oxford day. Start early to finish before afternoon weather.
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
- Storms
- Steep exposure
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- High winds
- Loose rock
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Low visibility
Mount Oxford on Yak
Climbers have shared 27 climbs of Mount Oxford on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Mount Oxford
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Colorado CentennialsPeaks near Mount Oxford
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Oxford?
Mount Oxford is 14,160 feet (4,315 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.
How does Mount Oxford rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,160 feet, Mount Oxford is the 27th highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Mount Oxford?
The Via Mt. Belford is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 11 miles with 5,900 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Oxford?
Most people take 8 – 11 hours round trip on the Via Mt. Belford, covering 11 miles with 5,900 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Mount Oxford?
The Via Mt. Belford needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 11 miles with 5,900 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 Oxford?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Oxford reaches 14,160 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 Oxford?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 8 – 11 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to hike Mount Oxford?
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 Oxford?
The Via Mt. Belford starts at about 9,650 feet, roughly 4,510 feet below the summit.
What routes go up Mount Oxford?
The standard route is the Via Mt. Belford. Other routes include the Combo: Mount Oxford and Belford and the Combo: Missouri, Belford and Oxford Mountains.
Climb Mount Oxford 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