Trip Report: Mount Belford & Mount Oxford (5/22/2026)
[14ers 30/58]
[43rd Total 14er Climb]

I began hiking around 5:30 AM. The trail through the forest was snow-free, and the weather was quite nice. Once I reached the treeline, the winds picked up, but the sun also began popping out. The climb up Belford was chilly, breezy, with some strong gusts. The trail up Belford (Northwest Ridge) was snowy — roughly 6 inches to 2 feet of untouched snow — but I had no issue, thanks to spikes & poles. The ridgeline from Belford to Oxford was also largely untouched, and the snow was a little deeper, but once again, no issue with the proper gear equipped.

The snow coverage became increasingly consistent above treeline, especially on the upper mountain and ridgeline sections. Despite the fresh snow, the underlying trail remained relatively easy to follow throughout the day, especially with clear visibility and stable weather conditions. There were several drifted sections where the snow became deeper and softer, but most of the route remained supportive enough for efficient movement with spikes and poles.

The traverse over to Oxford was one of the highlights of the day. The ridgeline was quiet, beautiful, and completely untouched. The combination of fresh snow, blue skies, and the surrounding Sawatch peaks made the entire basin feel incredibly remote and peaceful. Winds continued throughout the traverse, but there were also long stretches of calm sunlight that made the conditions feel much more comfortable than expected for late May alpine terrain.

I was the only person on the mountain this day and was laying down fresh tracks in the snow for most of the route. Snow conditions remained manageable throughout the day with spikes and poles, though there were several sections of deeper drifted snow along the ridgeline and upper mountain. Winds were strongest above treeline and on Belford’s Northwest Ridge, but conditions remained stable overall with periods of sunshine throughout the morning and early afternoon.

Below treeline, the trail quickly transitioned back into dry spring hiking conditions with very little remaining snow coverage. Overall, this route is still very much in “spring alpine” condition, but completely manageable with proper preparation, traction, layering, and awareness.

Overall, it was an absolutely beautiful day. The Sawatch Range seems to have a different kind of magic in the Springtime, as these snow-covered peaks are extremely beautiful this time of year. Stay alert out there, stay present, and come prepared for some spring alpine conditions.