9/26/2017 Route: Via Mt. Belford Posted On: 9/26/2017, By: mattlotz Info: Beautiful day for a hike. It was a bit windy and cold but not a cloud in the sky. A few spots with snow on the trail, but mostly on the northern sides. The conditions will change tomorrow as they are calling for rain/snow tonight and tomorrow. |
|
9/7/2017 Route: Via Mt. Belford Posted On: 9/7/2017, By: cszakhem Info: Perfect conditions on both mountains. Added some miles but saved time and wear-and-tear on the knees by descending down Elkhead Pass Trail from near the Belford summit. Looked way better than going down all those switchbacks on Belford. |
|
7/16/2017 Route: Via Mt. Belford Posted On: 7/17/2017, By: aislinnmcl Info: Climbed Oxford by way of Belford. Started at 4:30am, 8 hours RT. Got a little turned around in the dark at the stream crossing. When you reach the stream, cross it directly left on a log bridge. Classic Colorado bluebird day. I've never done so many hikes in so much good weather. ** For those who camp, we stayed at Clear Creek Reservoir campground for free. There's also dispersed (free) camping all along 390 en route to the TH. |
|
6/25/2017 Route: Via Mt. Belford Posted On: 6/26/2017, By: ahabel23 Info: Only 1 small patch of snow remains on the route. It's essentially summer conditions. |
|
6/17/2017 Route: Via Mt. Belford Posted On: 6/17/2017, By: alpinesnowdevil Info: Hiked Oxford via Belford traverse and started at Missouri Gulch TH. A few patches of snow that are very easy to hike around or get through, both peaks mostly summer conditions. The ridge between the two almost completely dry on trail. I did not use gaiters or micro spikes and was just fine. Be sure to have waterproof footware if doing Missouri Gulch because the snow patches melt halfway through the day and become very muddy. |
|
6/17/2017 Route: Via Mt. Belford Posted On: 6/18/2017, By: JQDivide Info: Bel/Ox: No Traction or Snowshoes needed. You'll cross 8-10 patches of snow that are either flat enough or you can go around, too short to waste time putting on spikes. Melting fast. Might want bug spray: mosquitoes in the trees. The creek crossing has some unstable logs, just pick the right ones to step on. Bel to Ox virtually no snow. |
|
5/28/2017 Route: Via Mt. Belford Posted On: 5/30/2017, By: supranihilest Info: For conditions on Belford see my conditions report here: https://www.14ers.com/php14ers/peakstatus_entry.php?recnum=8590. From the summit down to the top of the traverse (a short distance) is all snow covered and generally solid provided you hit it early enough in the morning still. Looking down across the traverse conditions become obvious. Much of the trail is visible, and snow cover is for the most part thin. The first section from Belford down to the saddle is not nearly as sketchy as it looks from the top. I'd still recommend microspikes to do it, but you shouldn't need crampons or an ice axe unless you aren't confident in your abilities/footing and need the mental security of knowing you can self-arrest should you slip. From the middle of the saddle up to Oxford is exceptionally easy, even microspikes are likely overkill. Snowshoes are pointless anywhere on the traverse and can be cached on Belford to save the weight. |
|
3/11/2017 Route: Via Mt. Belford Posted On: 3/12/2017, By: Stratosfearsome Info: A cruise from the Bel. Traverse over was solid snow with rock options the whole way. Did not wear Microspikes, but carried them. I choose to jingle. |
|
1/22/2017 Route: Via Mt. Belford Posted On: 1/23/2017, By: bmcqueen Info: See my Belford CR with pictures of the conditions up Oxford. |
|
11/9/2016 Route: Via Mt. Belford Posted On: 11/9/2016, By: jess10611 Info: See report for Belford from today - but short story is Oxford is dry, no traction needed, although I would recommend traction for the Belford descent. |
|
10/29/2016 Route: Via Mt. Belford Posted On: 10/29/2016, By: Owen Puffenberger Info: Viewed from the summit of Mt. Belford, the traverse to Oxofrd appeared to be pretty much snow free. However, I didn't make the trip myself due to cold temps and high winds I was not prepared for. |
|
10/23/2016 Route: Via Mt. Belford Posted On: 10/26/2016, By: mr_Chris Info: There was literally one or two small icy patches in the shadows on the descent off of Belford that were no trouble, no traction needed. Rest of the ridge was almost completely dry. |
|
10/8/2016 Route: Via Mt. Belford Posted On: 10/8/2016, By: Tlorbets Info: Weather was perfect today to conquer Mt. Belford and Oxford today. Left trail head at 7:00 a.m. returned 3:15 p.m. Trail was mostly snow covered and slippery. I needed traction most of the way up, the sun melted snow on trail so I only needed traction 1/2 the time down. Trekking poles sure were a necessity for me! Total mile RT is 12 miles. I used my Garmin GPSmap 64st to track mileage. |
|
7/6/2016 Route: Via Mt. Belford Posted On: 7/7/2016, By: Indy Info: Camped at the cabin campsite. Temperature was perfect throughout the day. The summits of both Belford and Oxford were extremely windy (est. 35-45 mi/hr), higher on Oxford. No hazards along the route, summer conditions. Just be wary of the wind! |
|
6/18/2016 Route: Via Mt. Belford Posted On: 6/18/2016, By: tobiasfunke Info: Summer conditions on Oxford. Leave the snow gear at home as there is no need. |
