Mt. Belford

Route: Northwest Ridge
Posted On: 12/18/2011, By: StikMan
Info: Missouri Gulch trail below tree line is easy to follow - snow on the trail was never more than ankle deep until the creek crossing. In the trees past the creek crossing the snow begins to deepen. We didn't have snowshoes but the party in front of us did and dusted us from there to the start of the ridge - we were in microspikes the whole time. We did a decent amount of post holing between the old cabin and the start of the ridge. The ridge itself had enough snow to make the trail slippery, but not enough to cover or hold the scree and talus in place. No avy danger on the Belford trail - slopes look to hold more snow as you continue to Missouri. The trail to Oxford looked pretty clear, but we didn't head over. 

Route: Northwest Ridge
Posted On: 11/12/2011, By: AW007
Info: There is only about six inches of snow at the Missouri Gulch Trailhead, making it easily drivable in any vehicle. The route itself is in good shape, and could definitely be climbed in nothing more than a good pair of waterproof hiking boots and some sort of gaiter system. Our group carried snowshoes, but there is a good boot-pack from TH to summit, so they never became necessary. The weather for the first 2/3 of the hike was wonderful, but towards the summit the wind was blasting - be prepared for that and throw in an extra layer. 

Route: Northwest Ridge
Posted On: 9/24/2011, By: tjerasdave
Info: Trail muddy between bel and ox but manageable. 

Route: Northwest Ridge
Posted On: 8/29/2011, By: RockyMountainMustang
Info: Trail up to Belford is clear and in great shape.

NOTE: Missouri Gulch TH is REALLY hard to see at night, the sign is tucked away in the aspens on the left side of the road coming in from 24. If you drove past the Vicksburg Museum sign, you just went past it, so make a u-turn and the TH will be on the right, after the wooden fence. Otherwise, the turn off looks no different from a campsite.

Pic 1 = easy to see by day, impossible to see at night TH sign. 

Route: Northwest Ridge
Posted On: 8/3/2011, By: mrschaible
Info: Route is clear and dry to summit! Flowers are in full bloom! 

Route: Northwest Ridge
Posted On: 7/4/2011, By: Colorado4years
Info: Great hike of Belford. No snow on the trail and beautiful weather. Unfortunately an afternoon windy storm came through for about 15 minutes and caused us to turn around before trying Oxford, but other than that, perfect conditions for a great hike. 

Route: Northwest Ridge
Posted On: 6/28/2011, By: iquack08
Info: Did Belford and Oxford. There were small patches of snow to both summits. I did posthole a little bit when I returned from Oxford. Nothing to be concern with. Only boots are necessary for this hike. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.