Mt. Belford Trip Report 07/21/2019

Report Type	Mini
Peak(s)	Mt. Belford - 14,202 feet
Date Posted	07/21/2019
Date Climbed	07/19/2019
Author	overthe59hill

Mt. Belford Hike
I arrived at the Mt. Belford trailhead parking lot at 6:18 am and was car #22 in a lot that holds maybe 25. The weather was looking fantastic for maybe my most challenging 14er so far. It was a very long day; much longer than I expected. ROUTE: Northwest Ridge, 8.0 miles round trip. 4,500' elevation gain. BEGIN HIKE: 6:48 am SUMMIT TIME: 2:00 pm RETURN TO CAR: 6:20 pm Crossing the first bridge at the beginning of the hike Avalanche debris and maybe thousands of columbines in this fun stretch There were columbines all over the valley floor The second bridge. I was more graceful coming back than going over the first time. The old cabin ruins Not even close yet. A big marmot watched us pass by Why we do what we do My dog Tippi's first 14er, notice she claims this one! The summit marker and my beloved poles Looking down on the trail from Belford's summit Looking at Mt. Oxford, where many stronger hikers continue for another summit. This was my 12th 14er. I have contemplated whether to continue this or find another hobby. I am going on 64 years old. I know I am not the oldest by far, but this was an incredible challenge. I am proud I kept going. I commend the Gardener! What gorgeous wildflowers! Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

Mt. Belford Hike

I arrived at the Mt. Belford trailhead parking lot at 6:18 am and was car #22 in a lot that holds maybe 25. The weather was looking fantastic for maybe my most challenging 14er so far. It was a very long day; much longer than I expected.

ROUTE: Northwest Ridge, 8.0 miles round trip. 4,500' elevation gain.

BEGIN HIKE: 6:48 am

SUMMIT TIME: 2:00 pm

RETURN TO CAR: 6:20 pm

19545_01 — Crossing the first bridge at the beginning of the hike

19545_02 — Avalanche debris and maybe thousands of columbines in this fun stretch

19545_05 — There were columbines all over the valley floor

19545_03 — The second bridge. I was more graceful coming back than going over the first time.

19545_07 — A big marmot watched us pass by

19545_09 — My dog Tippi's first 14er, notice she claims this one!

19545_11 — The summit marker and my beloved poles

19545_10 — Looking down on the trail from Belford's summit

19545_12 — Looking at Mt. Oxford, where many stronger hikers continue for another summit.

This was my 12th 14er. I have contemplated whether to continue this or find another hobby. I am going on 64 years old. I know I am not the oldest by far, but this was an incredible challenge. I am proud I kept going. I commend the Gardener! What gorgeous wildflowers!

Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

Comments or Questions

disentangled	be proud of your accomplishment!! 7/22/2019 7:46am you are a true inspiration.
overthe59hill	Accomplishment 7/22/2019 8:03am Thank you, Shelly! I still have my eyes on a few more.

Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.

Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.

14ers.com

Social

Mobile App