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Mt. Belford + Mt. Oxford = Up + Down + Up + Down + Up + Down
Precaution #1
Start early! Be off summits by noon and back in the valley by early afternoon.
I KNOW this rule and normally adhere strictly. However, this day was perfect and we took advantage of it. We took lots of pictures (and breaks) and spent quality time on the summits. This was by far the most elevation gain that I've ever done and I'm still feeling it a few days later.
Mt. Belford + Mt. Oxford = Up + Down + Up + Down + Up + Down
Basic 14er Math 101
The only part that was relatively hard about this hike was the "Mt. Belford + Mt. Oxford = Up + Down + Up + Down + Up + Down" part. The section back to Belford after Oxford was steep and I was certainly starting to get tired. I wasn't grumbling to myself though and I still managed to enjoy the section back to the top. Once on the saddle between the mountains though, the wind was gusting around 40 mph and I felt like I was drowning in air. It was truly breath taking and the weirdest sensation. 8)
Difficulty: Class 2
Summit Elevation: 14,197 feet (Mt. Belford)
5:30 AM Awake
6:40 AM Start Hiking
11:30 AM Summit Mt. Belford
12:00 PM Start Hiking
1:30 PM Summit Mt. Oxford
3:00 PM Back on Belfort
3:30 Start Descending
6:30 PM Back at Trailhead
Date Ascended: 6/19/10
Roundtrip: 12 hours
Temperature: 38 start temp ... 50's at the top + 40 mph wind gusts .... 60's at the bottom
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
The BelfOx combo is tough. I remember hating life coming back up to Belford. I took the easier, but longer route down via Elkhead; the views are worth the extra mileage.
My buddy and I were on Belford and Oxford the same day. We stopped and chatted with you briefly on the way up and then on the pitch back up to Belford from Oxford. What a grueling combo, but an awesome day nonetheless!
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