My son and I set out at 6:00 from Missouri Gulch TH heading for Belfords Northwest Ridge. The hike up through the trees has several steep switchbacks before entering an opening where the trail crosses the creak and then leads up to the old shack. The trail starts steep with the switchbacks and rarely relinquished.
The entire hike was very rocky with few areas of respite save for a short distance after the shack from around 11,000 to the true beginning of the incline at the base of the ridge around 11,500. (Note: Pay close attention just before and after the shack ruins as the trail is not as clear through this area.) We covered the first 2 miles in 1.5 hours so we were feeling good. There are several patches of snow along the trail here but no need for any protection or flotation. In fact we covered the entire climb with mid ankle hiking boots only.
Once the ascent along the ridge begins, the climb becomes steep and never gives up until you reach 14,000’. It is a grind but the trail is easy to follow.
There is a long patch of snow from this point to the summit.
The summit is completely clear of snow. It took us 4.5 hours to summit and then 3.5 hours to descend back to the trailhead.
If I were to do this hike again, I would have used my mountaineering style ‘Zamberlan’ boots for better support along the steep rocky incline. My calves and feet have never been so sore!
