Download Agreement, Release, and Acknowledgement of Risk:
You (the person requesting this file download) fully understand mountain climbing ("Activity") involves risks and dangers of serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis, and death ("Risks") and you fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages you incur as a result of your participation in this Activity.
You acknowledge that information in the file you have chosen to download may not be accurate and may contain errors. You agree to assume all risks when using this information and agree to release and discharge 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and the author(s) of such information (collectively, the "Released Parties").
You hereby discharge the Released Parties from all damages, actions, claims and liabilities of any nature, specifically including, but not limited to, damages, actions, claims and liabilities arising from or related to the negligence of the Released Parties. You further agree to indemnify, hold harmless and defend 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and each of the other Released Parties from and against any loss, damage, liability and expense, including costs and attorney fees, incurred by 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. or any of the other Released Parties as a result of you using information provided on the 14ers.com or 14ers Inc. websites.
You have read this agreement, fully understand its terms and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.
By clicking "OK" you agree to these terms. If you DO NOT agree, click "Cancel"...
Our group of 9 had the Belford/Oxford combo in our sights today but our plans changed fairly quickly. It had rained all night at the condo in Frisco and it was still drizzling with some light snow around 7:00 AM when we stopped in Leadville for coffee. The coffee shop was nice and the coffee hot but we soon decided to push on.
At about 8:30 AM we were at the Missouri Gulch Trailhead ready to go. The 9 of us were from diverse backgrounds and locations (TX, KS, NM, CO, NY, MN, RI and AR). We had summitted Huron the day before and were ready for the next challenge. Due to the later start and the weather, we quickly decided to focus on Belford and leave Oxford for another trip.
Once we hit the trail and started up, the rain and snow had slacked off and we had great conditions hiking through the trees.
Although we were still a little early in the fall for the true Aspen colors, there were some stretches and spots of neat colors.
Once we got above treeline the snow became much more prevalent and the wind was already pretty tough in stretches as Doug makes his way up the trail. Temps were probably around freezing or below at this point with the wind being the most discouraging factor.
The view up to the summit was pretty cool and provided a good sense of how cold and windy it most likely was. It looked, and as we later learned, was brutal.
The view behind us was equally as awesome.
The stretch just past what you see in the photo is where several of us turned around. The wind was already bad and the trail was becoming tough to distinguish due to the snow. The rocks were snow covered with some ice and slick.
Another great view looking back down Missouri Gulch.
It was about ¾ of the way up this stretch where several us turned around. Our decision was made much easier after meeting and visiting with Matt ("Brandon's Dad"). Carrying a 35# backpack, Matt indicated the conditions on the ridge were "brutal" and advised that heading back was a wise decision.
A couple of photos looking up towards the cloud covered summit with the swirling snow. You can barely see Stu, Greg, John and Gene from our group in the middle as they continue up the ridge.
This was taken about 45 minutes after we had turned around and started back. Note that some blue skies are appearing!
Good shot of Tim (R) and me (L) as we prepare to head back.
Matt (R) and "The Stranger" (L) back at Clear Creek.
Of our group of 9, 5 of us turned around at around 12,700' while the other 4 were determined to push on to the summit. 2 of the 4 turned around probably less than 30 minutes from the top while the other 2 were within 10-15 minutes of the top. In spite of being so close, the weather was just to cold, windy and brutal to continue on. We were all back at the trailhead by around 2:00 PM and headed back to Frisco.
Along the way we ran into three other small groups, all of whom turned around as well, short of the summit. In spite of the fact that none of us summitted, we all had a great time and looked forward to a Belford/Oxford combo on another day.
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
My wife and I turned around in the middle of the 2 groups of 2 from your group who made it close to the top. It was hard to turn around so close to the summit, but conditions were incredibly bad with stinging blowing snow, high winds, and extremely low visibility. I honestly felt that continuing would likely put us in a VERY bad spot. It was nice to talk to the people from your group and Brandon‘s Dad as well!
BEAUTIFUL photos!!! ...I believe those shots should make the cold/windy conditions worth it- congrats!
And ”Rockchalker,” GO KU! (forget Friday‘s game- we‘ll make a come back!). In 2005 I took my cousin who was currently a student at KU up Belford/Oxford. She thought it was an amazing ”training session” for her upcoming rowing season at KU and she of course loved the scenery- gotta love Colorado!
Hey, who turned off the heat? Thanks for the photos and the update. The weatehr link is down so hope it will be better tomorrow (maybe a few phone numbers of local outdoor shops would be a good thing to add to the site). Good sound decision to head back; hope your good group will have the opportunity to do it again.
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.