From the parking area, start by following the Missouri Gulch Trail. Cross the bridge spanning Clear Creek and enter into the forest. After just over 1/4 mile, ascend a series of steep switchbacks. Near 10,400', above the switchbacks, continue southward along Missouri Gulch. At 10,800', turn left and cross the gulch stream to the east side via a makeshift log bridge -
1 and
2. Turn right and hike south through an open area (
3) before re-entering the trees to reach the remnants of an old shack
-
4. Shortly after, exit the forest near 11,300' and follow the trail south in the gulch, gradually approaching Mt. Belford -
5.
At 11,600', arrive at a trail junction
. The Elkhead Pass (Missouri Gulch) Trail continues to the right, while the Mt. Belford Trail branches off to the left -
6. Turn left and continue southeast toward Belford's northwest ridge -
7. Cross a small stream as you approach the base of the ridge -
8. Brace yourself! The ridge requires 2,300' of elevation gain, but the trail is well-maintained and includes numerous switchbacks to ease the ascent. Navigate through an initial rocky section (
9) before steadily grinding up the ridge -
10,
11,
12, and
13. Zigzag your way up to roughly 13,800', where the trail shifts right toward a prominent point -
14. Continue to a flat spot
at 13,900'. From there, turn left and continue east -
15 and
16. As you near 14,100', the terrain becomes easier, leading you to the summit block -
17,
18, and
19.
GPX Track File
