6/10/2011 Route: Northwest Ridge Posted On: 6/13/2011, By: rquayle Info: We climbed Belford from the Missori Gulch trailhead/standard route. The road to the trailhead is clear and passable by passenger car. There was no snow at the trailhead @ 10,000 feet. We found snow starting @ around 11,500‘ to 12,500‘ - typical snow patches covering the trail, some up to 3 or 4 feet deep. It was annoying with the postholing, but tolerable. The snow covered the trail for some distance at times, and it was a bit difficult to stay on/near the trail (we saw only 3 people on the mountain that day, so not too many new tracks through the snow). We brought snowshoes and kahtoola microspikes, but did not use either as the snow never lasted for long. There was no snow and the route was clear from 12,500‘ to the summit. We were too tired to make the trek over to Oxford, but the route looked good. If you are thinking about climbing Belford/Oxford there is no need to wait. |
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6/5/2011 Route: Northwest Ridge Posted On: 6/5/2011, By: ursidae Info: Snow free to stream crossing. Patches of snow up to the cabin, gaiters recommended. Then a couple of longer sections of snow all the way to the base of Belford. Firm in the morning, made a few postholes on the way out. Snowshoes would likely be overkill, we did not bring any and did not miss them. Belford ascent has a few very short patches of snow but is mostly dry. Oxford has short section of snow when leaving Belford but otherwise dry. Everything is melting fast, by next weekend there may not be much snow left on the trailhead-Belford-Oxford trail. Missouri and Elkhorn pass are still under plenty of snow. |
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6/1/2011 Route: Northwest Ridge Posted On: 6/2/2011, By: vistaphil Info: Snow through the trees on the ascent to Missouri Gulch OK if you leave early, as long as mornings are cold. I used mini spikes all the way to the top with just a little postholing down in the trees. Belford trail is pretty clear of snow down low once you start up through the rocks. It‘s easy to follow, especially on the way down. Had to use snowshoes in the trees on the way down and still slipped around in the afternoon slush. |
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4/6/2011 Route: Northwest Ridge Posted On: 4/6/2011, By: Artvandalay Info: Made to the top of Belford and bailed without Oxford. Chafee County road 390 is clear until Clear Creek Ranch. Actually about .5 miles after Clear Creek Ranch. I got my car stuck in a nasty section but had I made it past that section I could have easily gone another mile or more. The snow has hard packed in the morning but much softer in the afternoon on the descent. There is a lot of snow here. About 1 mile after the initial switchbacks it becomes difficult to identify a trail. Not too big of a deal on this hike because all roads lead to Missouri Gulch but some roads will cause you to posthole to your waist even with snowshoes on. The Belford shoulder is 80% clear of snow on the trail. Some switchbacks up the shoulder disappear partially and then reappear later on up the mountain. |
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12/11/2010 Route: Northwest Ridge Posted On: 12/15/2010, By: scheelt Info: Approximately 6" of fresh snow below treeline, not enough of to cover rocks and stumps sufficient for skiing. Trail is packed and esay to follow to treeline. Above treeline snow is windblown and drifted. The trail is drifted with only narrow sections visible along the edges. Off the trail the snow is patchy and there is not enough to ski. |
